Planning a trip to Yosemite with kids? Get ready for fresh air, jaw-dropping views, and unforgettable memories. With easy trails, interactive nature experiences, and plenty of opportunities for fun (and snacks!), Yosemite is a dream destination for families. Staying at Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal—just minutes from the park’s Arch Rock Entrance—makes it even better. With spacious rooms, pools, and the YARTS public transit stop right outside, you can skip the hassle and focus on the adventure.
Here’s how to spend three kid-friendly days exploring Yosemite National Park, with Yosemite View Lodge as your home base.
Day 1: Arrival & Riverside Exploring
After your traveling, and checking into Yosemite View Lodge, ease into your trip with some relaxed exploring at the property. The Wild & Scenic Merced River runs directly behind the property and after a drive, it’s the perfect place to let little legs stretch and unwind.
Once you’ve checked in and gotten settled, let the kids cool off in one of the outdoor pools and then settle in for a casual dinner in your room (most have kitchenettes).
After dark, step outside for stargazing—Yosemite’s night skies are incredible, and it’s a fun, low-key way to end the day.
Pro Tip: Pack a few family games or coloring books for a mellow evening wind-down.
Day 2: Water Play and Wildlife
Morning: Start the day with a short YARTS ride back into the park and explore Mirror Lake (an easy 2 miles round trip). The mostly flat path is stroller-friendly and offers a lovely spot for the kids to splash around and spot frogs, fish, and birds.
Midday: Enjoy a family picnic in the meadows near Sentinel Bridge. Keep an eye out for deer and marmots. For an indoor break, visit the Yosemite Museum—a quiet, air-conditioned spot with cultural exhibits and rotating displays that can keep curious young minds engaged.
Afternoon: Head to Happy Isles Nature Center, another must for kids. The short nature trail includes interactive exhibits, educational displays, and an easy hike along the Merced River.
Evening: Grab a pizza at the lodge’s on-site restaurant, Parkside Pizza, and head to one of the riverside fire pits to eat your dinner and roast s’mores.
Pro Tip: YARTS makes it easier for families to travel throughout the park without having to worry about parking. Kids under 5 ride free, and the views from the bus windows are worth it alone!
Day 3: Glacier Point or Mariposa Grove Adventure
Option 1: If your kids are early risers (and the road is open) and you’re up for a scenic ride, take the YARTS bus or drive to Glacier Point. It’s one of Yosemite’s most stunning viewpoints, offering expansive views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley. The short trail to the lookout is paved and stroller-accessible.
Option 2: If you’re looking for big scenery without a big hike, Tunnel View is perfect. Just a short drive from Yosemite View Lodge, this overlook offers one of the most iconic vistas in the entire park—El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome all in one sweeping view. There’s no hiking required, making it ideal for families with young kids or babies in tow. Bring binoculars, snacks, and your camera—this is the photo op you don’t want to miss.
Departure: Before heading home, stop by the lodge’s gift shop to let your kids pick out a Yosemite keepsake they will remember forever.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Yosemite with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating—it just takes a bit of prep and the right basecamp. With convenient access to YARTS public transit, cozy and kid-friendly lodging at Yosemite View Lodge, and plenty of easy-going trails and interactive spots for young explorers, your family is set for a memorable adventure.
Build in downtime, pack lots of snacks, and don’t stress if you don’t check every box. The magic of Yosemite often lies in the simple moments—throwing rocks in the river, spotting a blue jay, or just staring up at the stars.