Activities for Kids in Yosemite

Bear Watching in Yosemite

Camping as a child, I remember a lot of our fun came from activities that were unplanned and made up as we went. The wide open unbridled spaces seem to invite a sense of intrigue and imagination among the children.  For the most part, if safe and supervised, let them play.  They will create their own fun.  But to create a setting for this fun or to add to their experience, here are some excellent activities for kids to enjoy while visiting Yosemite.

• Hiking - There are a lot of short hiking trails, especially in the valley that kids will love, many of these trails are stroller friendly.  There is also a lot of good material out there to help plan for some excellent hikes: Best Easy Day Hikes Yosemite National Park 
• Fishing -  Kids love to fish.  Make sure that when fishing you are following all the necessary guidelines.  Yosemite Trout Fishing Guide (In Full Color) 
• Yosemite Museum - There are several museums in the Yosemite area.  The more kid friendly ones are the family oriented Nature Center at Happy Isles and the LeConte Memorial Lodge which features a kids corner.
• Picnic - Food is good.  Outside is good. Kids are usually good while eating.
• Bear Watching - Make sure you follow the rules and be prepared, but looking for and finding a bear can be very exciting for the kids in Yosemite.  You might feel a bit more comfortable if you do it from your car.
• Swim - There are some really cool swimming holes in Yosemite. Swimming is permitted in all bodies of water other than Hetch Hetchy and above waterfalls.



Yosemite Swimming Hole

• Cook camp fire food - Food is good.  Fire is good.  Kids love both.  Square Pie Iron with Steel and Wood Handles are very useful and easy to use.