I’ve always done Yosemite National Park in full-on adventure mode.
My usual Yosemite trip starts with waking up before the sun, getting out of the hotel by 6:30 a.m., and aiming to be inside the park by around 7:30 a.m. Once I’m in, I’m usually tackling a big hike until lunchtime, following it up with a hefty XL pizza at Curry Village before calling it a day and getting the heck out of the park.
Whenever I’ve traveled with friends on the same wavelength as me, it’s always worked out.
But I will say, that type of trip is definitely not family-friendly.
If you’re traveling with kids and/or grandparents, that is probably the worst possible Yosemite itinerary I could suggest to you.
Getting an entire family out of the hotel before sunrise? Convincing kids to hike for hours? Keeping grandparents happy while everyone has different energy and mobility levels? And then expecting everyone to do it again the next day? Yeah freakin’ right.
I recently had to help plan a Yosemite trip for a friend traveling with his family, so we approached the park completely differently. Instead of trying to squeeze in the biggest hikes and as many sights as possible, we built the trip around easy walks, family-friendly activities, downtime and having backup options when Plan A inevitably doesn’t work out.
And you know what? He said it worked out fantastically.
That’s what this Yosemite guide is based on.
I’m not promising you’ll fit everything listed here into a two-day trip. You probably won’t, but that’s okay! Think of this as your Yosemite National Park family-friendly menu, with Plan A’s, Plan B’s and even Plan C’s so you can pivot depending on everyone’s energy/mood and the timing of everything when you actually do the trip.
You’ll still see some of the classic Yosemite sights, but you won’t have to structure your entire trip around hiking from sunrise to sunset.
Because when you’re traveling with multiple generations, the goal isn’t to see absolutely everything; it’s to make sure everyone going can actually participate and has a good time in the end.
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Table of Contents
When To Visit Yosemite: What You Need To Know
Yosemite’s high season runs from May through September, with June through August being the busiest stretch, particularly around weekends and holidays. Summer also brings warmer weather and easier access to many areas of the park, but it comes with a trade-off: more people, more cars and much more competition for crucial amenities like parking.
And there’s an important change as of this year: Yosemite no longer requires a timed-entry vehicle reservation. That sounds great for late planners, until you realize that no reservation = more in-park traffic.
NPS still warns that spring through fall can bring extremely limited parking and congestion, particularly on weekends and holidays. For Yosemite Valley, the park recommends arriving before 8 a.m. because parking is usually full after that, with Saturdays and holiday weekends being especially problematic.
And as someone traveling with kids and grandparents, this is where you REALLY need to do some pre-planning.
If you’re a family that can realistically get everyone dressed, fed and in the car before 7 a.m., great. But if your vacation mornings involve a toddler who wakes up late and needs breakfast or grandparents who would prefer to start the day after lunch, don’t make your weekend day the Yosemite Valley day.
Instead, build your trip around a weekday Valley visit and use the weekend for activities outside Yosemite Valley.
👉 Pro Tip: If you have one weekday and one weekend day available (i.e. a Friday/Saturday or a Sunday/Monday), make the weekday your big Yosemite Valley day. You’ll have a much better chance of getting in, finding parking and actually enjoying the Valley instead of spending your morning in a line of cars. And if you don’t get the chance to cross off everything on your Yosemite must-do’s list, that’s OK! This guide gives you plenty of alternatives so you can pivot without feeling too much FOMO.
Where To Stay For Your Family-Friendly Yosemite Trip
For this particular itinerary, I wouldn’t necessarily stay inside Yosemite National Park. (Unless you are lucky enough to snag a campsite or bougie enough to afford a few nights at The Ahwahnee.)
Staying outside the park on the southern side can make this trip much easier because this weekend itinerary is built around areas like Mariposa Grove, Fish Camp and Oakhurst rather than spending every day driving 1-2 hours into Yosemite Valley.
Sierra Sky Ranch
Sierra Sky Ranch is one of my favorite hotel recommendations for this itinerary if you want something that still feels like a proper hotel but has a ton more personality compared to your Travelodges and Best Westerns.
The historic ranch sits on 30 acres in Oakhurst, about 12 miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance, so you’re in a convenient position for the southern Yosemite itinerary.
We stayed here a few years back and loved EVERYTHING about it: the outdoor communal lounging areas, the cozy lodge vibes of the rooms, the fluffy beds, and the onsite restaurant serving up one of the meanest burgers in the area.
AutoCamp Yosemite
If you want something more memorable, AutoCamp Yosemite is a fun one.
Opt for a stay in one of their 31-foot Airstream or one of the property’s cabins for something a little more rugged compared to your average hotel room. You’ll get access to a clubhouse, pool, fire pits, outdoor lawn games, and other amenities.
This is my pick for families who want the accommodation to feel as part of the vacation as the actual vacation itself! Kids get the novelty of sleeping in an Airstream, while adults still get a private bathroom, kitchenette and a much more comfortable setup than actual camping.
Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping
For the family that wants to go all-in on glamping, Wildhaven Yosemite in Mariposa has large canvas tents with real beds, electricity, heaters and private decks, along with cabins if sleeping in a tent isn’t everyone’s idea of luxury. The property is about 45 minutes from the park entrance and just a mile from Mariposa.
This is probably my favorite option if everyone in the family is ready for a taste of camping (but don’t actually want to give up any creature comforts… other than solid walls). The extra-large, safari-style tents are heated and comfortable enough for adults, but kids still get the novelty of camping without actually having to sleep on the ground.
Plus, you’ll also find a heated year-round pool, fire pits for campfire storytime and s’mores making, hiking trails, and live music on the property.
Your 2-Day Yosemite Family Trip: With Built-In Flexibility!
The easiest way to think about this trip is like this:
On your weekday: Visit Yosemite Valley
Waterfalls, meadows, bikes, river beaches and the classic Yosemite views.
On your weekend: Explore outside the valley
Animals, giant sequoias, a historic train, and s’mores under the stars.
You can absolutely swap these around depending on your schedule. If you have two weekdays, even better—doing both days during the week will help you avoid crowds.
DAY 1: Yosemite Valley Icons
This is your big Yosemite day. Best done on a weekday!
The goal for your day in the park should NOT be to see or do as much as you can; it’s to get into the Valley without any major traffic hiccups, find parking just once (or twice if you must), and then spend the rest of the day walking, biking and enjoying the sights using the national park’s free shuttle.
I really recommend not moving your car around all day (unless you know for sure it’ll be a light day of park visitation).
We know firsthand how competitive parking within the park can be during the high season… the National Park Service even recommends parking once and then using your resources (free shuttles or your own two feet) to get around because once Valley parking fills, finding another spot can be extremely difficult.
Soak in the iconic sights at Tunnel View
If you’re coming from the Oakhurst or Fish Camp area, make Tunnel View your first stop. This is about as easy as a Yosemite attraction gets: you’ll pull into the parking lot, walk a few steps to the overlook, and BAM! You’ll be staring upon a real-life Yosemite Valley postcard. YES, the view really DOES look like the photo above… NO, it’s not AI!
Made famous by photographer Ansel Adams, Tunnel View features a sweeping view of El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall, all from a single vantage point. It’s also an easy place to get some family photos where everyone is actually freshly awake for the day.
You’ll find the overlook just outside the Wawona Tunnel along Highway 41. Just keep in mind that Tunnel View is extremely popular during summer, so parking can fill up quickly. If you’re already heading into Yosemite early, this is a great place to stop before continuing down into the Valley.
The scenery also changes dramatically throughout the year. Spring brings roaring waterfalls, while winter can blanket the granite cliffs in snow and mist. There’s really no bad time to pull over so you 100% should do it whenever you can.
Cook’s Meadow
If you’re traveling with grandparents, young kids, a stroller or a wheelchair, Cook’s Meadow is one of the first things I’d do once you’re actually in Yosemite Valley.
The one-mile loop is flat and offers views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Sentinel Rock without requiring you to climb anything. There’s a boardwalk through part of the meadow, and the trail is wheelchair accessible (outside of the winter/snow season). Strollers and bicycles are also allowed!
Since it’s nothing more than a leisurely 30-minute stroll through the valley, this is exactly the kind of Yosemite walk that works for a multigenerational group because everyone can actually participate. And because you’re not burning everyone out first thing in the morning, you can actually enjoy the rest of your day.
Ride bikes around Yosemite Valley
After Cook’s Meadow, grab bikes and explore the Valley.
There are more than 12 miles of paved bike paths, and bikes can be rented around Yosemite Valley, including at Curry Village. Depending on availability, you can get regular bikes as well as tag-alongs and trailers for younger kids.
You can ride along the Merced River, through the meadows and toward some of the major sights like Mirror Lake, stopping whenever someone needs a snack or a break.
Lower Yosemite Fall
Next, take the free park shuttle toward Lower Yosemite Fall.
The waterfall is one of Yosemite’s major icons, and the best part about this waterfall is that you don’t need to hike to the top of a mountain to see it.
Part of North America’s tallest waterfall, Lower Yosemite Fall is the final 320-foot (98-meter) section of the fall (it starts with Upper Yosemite Fall!). Deafening in spring and early summer, when the waterfall peaks in volume, you can expect to get sprayed with water when standing on the footbridge near its base. Pack a waterproof jacket if you’re visiting during this season because the water can be super chilly!
The Lower Yosemite Fall area has a paved loop, with the eastern portion accessible to wheelchairs.
Lunch at The Ahwahnee (Or Curry Village)
If you want to make lunch a little more special, try to eat at The Ahwahnee. It’s not terribly hard to snag reservations (you usually need to make them at least a week in advance).
The Ahwahnee is a historic hotel that also happens to have a grand dining room that’s such a joy to experience in person. This is a great place to dine if you’re celebrating something special like a birthday, anniversary, Father’s Day/Mother’s Day, etc.
The Ahwahnee Dining Room offers a la carte menus and service for breakfast, lunch, and a prix fixe dinner with a choice of five- or seven-course menus.
If reservations don’t work out or everyone is starving and just can’t wait a moment longer, head to Curry Village for some old-fashioned pizza! Surprisingly, the pizza there is quite good (so much so that we’ve had it at least three times in my life–always after the Half Dome Hike).
Water play time along the river
This is the part of the itinerary I’d intentionally include just for the kiddos because while they might not be able to appreciate world-famous granite cliff views, they sure can appreciate a little water play time!.
The Merced River runs through Yosemite Valley, and swimming is generally permitted in the park’s bodies of water, including the Merced.
That said, conditions can be dangerous during certain seasons. NPS specifically warns about cold water, strong currents and submerged hazards, and recommends entering and exiting the river only from sandy beaches.
I’ll give you two options here (especially useful if you insist on driving yourself throughout the park). Keep them both on your list; if you can’t snag parking at one, try the other.
Sentinel Beach
Try Sentinel Beach first if you can find parking.
It’s a popular picnic and river-access area along Southside Drive, with picnic tables, restrooms, and get a great view of the El Capitan rock face! This is a great place to spread out a blanket, eat a snack and let the kids cool off in the river when conditions are appropriate.
The catch is the parking. This is not a giant parking lot where you can assume you’ll roll up and find a space, especially during the busy season. So if you see a spot, take it.
Cathedral Beach
If Sentinel Beach is full, try Cathedral Beach instead (just a 4-minute drive away from each other).
Cathedral Beach is another popular riverfront picnic area along Southside Drive, with tables, restrooms and access to the Merced River.
Again, parking is the wildcard. These are popular areas, and you’re competing with other families who had exactly the same idea.
👉 Pro Tip: Don’t waste 30 minutes circling around looking for a parking spot at one beach. If Sentinel Beach is full, move on to Cathedral Beach. If both are packed, skip the river for now and come back later in the day when a majority of the day-trippers have left the park. You have plenty of Yosemite left to see.
DAY 2: Giant Sequoias, Animals & Historic Train Rides
On your weekend day, I would deliberately keep out of Yosemite Valley.
You can still have a completely packed-with-fun day without dealing with the Yosemite’s weekend traffic and parking headaches. In fact, with the activities I’ve included in today’s itinerary, this may even end up being the day your kids enjoy more!
Coffee With the Critters
After a day of granite cliffs, giant trees and scenic overlooks that the adults will probably appreciate more than the kids, give everyone a little animal action at Coffee With Critters in Mariposa.
This working homestead and rescued-animal experience is a fun change of pace after all the mountain views!
Start by grabbing a coffee, fruit or scone at the Kitty Hotel homestead before heading out on the farm tour. You’ll visit the animal enclosures armed with carrots and other treats while the animals come over to say hello.
The horses and goats love carrots and grapes, while the pigs are happy to eat just about anything. If you’re lucky, you might even get a pig to roll over for a belly scratch.
The chicken enclosure is another highlight, especially for little kids. Baby chicks can sometimes be held if the mother hen allows it, and you may spot hens sitting on eggs or keeping watch over their chicks.
Many of the animals here are rescued, and the tour fees go directly toward their food, shelter and care.
Book this ahead of time: Coffee With the Critters is a reservation-based experience, so you’ll want to visit their website and book your tour ahead of time.
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
If your kids need a break from looking at mountains, take them to see something that’s hard to comprehend until you’re standing next to it: giant sequoias. Located near Yosemite’s South Entrance, Mariposa Grove is home to roughly 500 mature giant sequoias, including some of the largest and oldest trees in the park. The oldest giant sequoia here may be more than 3,000 years old!
Start with the Big Trees Loop Trail, an easy, flat 0.3-mile walk that’s wheelchair accessible and takes you past the Fallen Monarch, a massive fallen sequoia that was famously photographed in 1899 with mounted U.S. Cavalry officers sitting on top of it.
For families who want to walk a little farther, the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail is a moderate 2-mile loop that takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Along the way, you’ll see some of the grove’s most famous trees, including the enormous Grizzly Giant, estimated to be around 2,700 years old, as well as the Bachelor and Three Graces, a photogenic cluster of sequoias that makes for a great family photo.
Make it a picnic: Pack a lunch and find a spot to sit and eat before or after your walk. You can let the kids run around a little, take family photos next to the ridiculous humongo trees, and simply enjoy your presence within the forest.
Getting around: When the shuttle is operating, it runs between the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza and the grove, making the experience much easier for families who don’t want to add extra walking. If shuttles aren’t running, you can walk the roughly 2 miles from the parking area to the grove’s Arrival Area.
Ride the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
After the sequoias, head down to the Fish Camp area for something the whole family will love… the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad!
Give everyone a break from walking with a one-hour train ride through the Sierra National Forest aboard the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. The narrated ride takes you back to the area’s logging days, when powerful locomotives hauled massive loads of timber through the mountains.
Your conductor shares stories about the railroad and logging history, while pointing out the trees, flora and scenery along the way. And you might even luck out with live jazz musicians serenading you along the way.
The best part for multigenerational families? All train rides are wheelchair accessible, and you can even add lunch to the experience and enjoy a meal surrounded by the forest. Before you leave, let the kids try their hand at some gold panning too!
Want to make it an even cooler part of the day? Look into some of their themed evening rides. The Moonlight Special combines an outdoor steak or chicken BBQ dinner, live music and a nighttime train ride, while the Moonlight Melodrama adds a live theater performance along the way, expertly performed by the Golden Chain Theatre (a fun upgrade if you’ve got older kids who’ll understand the acting).
👉 Pro Tip: I suggest comparing prices before booking. When my friend took this trip, the tickets were actually $7 cheaper on GetYourGuide compared to booking on Sugar Pine Railroad’s actual site! Booking on GYG saved him a total of $28 USD for his party of 4.
Dinner in Oakhurst
After the train ride, head into Oakhurst for dinner and call it an early night. You’ve got a few solid options depending on what the family is craving: Hammy’s Smash Burgers for an easy, kid-friendly burger stop, Smokehouse 41 for BBQ, or Plazuelas if you want a proper sit-down Mexican meal.
If you’re staying close by, head back to Oakhurst for Mountain Oaks Cafe the next morning. It’s a great spot for breakfast or brunch before you head out for another day of exploring (or head home).
End the Day With S’mores & Stargazing
Head back to your accommodations for what may end up being everyone’s favorite part of the trip: s’mores and stargazing.
If your lodging has a fire pit, great — but if not, you can bring the s’mores experience indoors with a tabletop electric s’mores maker. Since it’s flameless, it’s easy to use anywhere. The set includes roasting forks and trays, so the whole family can join in without smelling like a campfire afterward.
And don’t stop at marshmallows! Add strawberries for chocolate-covered strawberries, or use it as a little dessert station for dipping fruit, pretzels, candies and more. The bonus? You can reuse it for family fondue nights and desserts at home long after your Yosemite trip is over.
MORE YOSEMITE TRIP PLANNING TIPS:
