June 1, 2020
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after
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National Parks are ideal destinations for family vacations full of exploration, recreation and downtime relaxing in nature. While most every national park has great family offerings, a few parks really stand out.
Here are our favorite family friendly national parks, with the best accommodation for families, fun activities for all ages and more.
Known for the incredible natural wonder Old Faithful Geyser and extraordinary wildlife, Yellowstone National Park is a great destination for kids. Head to Lamar Valley, known as “America’s Serengeti”, for the best wildlife spotting, including wolves, bison herds and more. But please, respect the wildlife and remain in your car if animals are near.
A trip to Yellowstone is not complete without seeing Old Faithful. Be sure to time your visit to the site with an eruption, which occurs roughly every 60 to 100 minutes. Times are provided by the park.
If you want an easy, stroller-friendly walk, head to the West Thumb Geyser Basin. From the walkway, which has railing, the kids will be able to safely take in views of Yellowstone Lake, bright blue Abyss Pool, geysers and hotsprings.
Travel tips: The localities of West Yellowstone, Gardiner and Cody often have cheaper and more varied lodging than you may be able to find in the park. While spring is beautiful in Yellowstone, it may be a difficult time to visit, due to road closures for spring plowing.
Home to massive sequoia trees and impressive glaciers, Yosemite will not disappoint for your next family trip. While there are plenty of rugged, backcountry hikes, Yosemite also has varied activities and easy, paved trails — perfect for families with children and elderly family members.
Yosemite offers 12 miles of paved bike trails and plenty of relatively flat hiking. There are easy trails to two impressive waterfalls — Bridalveil Falls and Lower Yosemite Falls. The trail to Lower Yosemite Falls is a mile-long loop, with an incredibly rewarding view of the falls.
The Merced River, which runs through Yosemite, offers seemingly limitless opportunities for the littles to splash around or swim. The whole family would enjoy horseback riding. You can book a two-hour ride with flat, meadow and forest views.
Travel tips: The lines to enter Yosemite park can be hours long during the peak summer season. Be sure to get up early to make the line at the gate go smoother if you’re not booking lodging inside the park.
Known for views of limestone peaks and unique geological formations, Zion won’t disappoint for your next family vacation. The Virgin River is a great place for the kids to swim and cool off.
The Narrows, a gorge that is the narrowest section of the impressive Zion Canyon, is a trail that mostly takes you through shallow sections of Virgin River — plenty of fun wading for the kids. You can choose how far you hike in the river.
Zion also offers many flat and easy hiking trails, ideal for strollers, including the Pa’rus Trail, Lower Emerald Pools trail, and the Riverside Walk along The Narrows. The paved Pa’rus trail, Paiute for “bubbling water,” follows the Virgin River and offers great views of the Watchman formation. The more rugged, but still manageable, paved Lower Emerald Pool trail leads to a gorgeous waterfall.
Travel tips: Follow all signs regarding access and wildlife. Zion is home to many fragile ecosystems. Also, while the Narrows is shallow, flash flooding is a possibility, so be sure to check the forecast before going. The rule applies to hiking through any canyon.
Towering forests and cliffs line the Atlantic at Acadia National Park, providing dramatic mountain and sea views. The park is home to hundreds of miles of hiking trails and be sure to make room to bring your bikes. Acadia also offers 45 miles of biking on car-free carriage roads.
Kids will enjoy exploring the tidepools at Wonderland Trail or learning to identify shore birds within the cove on Ship Harbor Trail. If you want a lunch break complete with mountain views, stop in for afternoon tea at the Jordan Pond House restaurant in the park.
Travel tips: Be sure to make time to explore nearby Bar Harbor, known for its coastal charm, views and food.
Did you know that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free to enter? That makes this gorgeous, green and mountainous wonderland a great bargain for families. However, there is a small parking fee — $15 for a week or you can buy an annual pass for $40.
Kids will enjoy wildlife viewing in the park, which is known for its elk, black bear and deer sightings at Cades Cove, Cataloochee Valley, and other locations. If you enjoy living history, visit the Mountain Farm Museum, where you can tour log cabins and other dwellings to learn what life was like in Appalachian communities more than a century ago.
Of course, there are plenty of gorgeous hikes of varying difficulty throughout the park. Choose from several easy trails leading to waterfalls, including Cataract Falls, Laurel Falls, Grotto Falls and Deep Creek Waterfalls.
Travel tips: Arrive early to avoid long waits! And be sure to review bear safety rules before making the trip.
Certain Allianz Travel Insurance plans, such as OneTrip Prime and OneTrip Premier, offer protection for the whole family, which is great for multigenerational trips. Under these plans, kids 17 and under are covered for free when traveling with a parent or grandparent (not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents.)
You never know when the unexpected will happen while traveling. An Allianz Travel Insurance plan with trip cancellation benefits can reimburse certain non-refundable expenses if your trip is cancelled or interrupted midway, due to a reason included in your policy.
Let’s say you were diagnosed with the flu the day before your flight and drive to Yosemite – and your doctor advises you not to travel. An Allianz Travel insurance plan may make the difference between losing the money you spent on your travel plans, or postponing your trip for a better day. Many plans also offer emergency medical benefits and baggage protection.
Get a quote today to find out how we can help you travel with peace of mind.
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Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.
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