Kid Friendly Activities to Do in or Near Yosemite

Let’s be honest… there’s never a wrong time to take a family trip to Yosemite National Park. Depending on the time of year, the only thing that will change is the sights. How about spring? Wildflowers are blooming and the waterfalls are at their peak. What's winter got to offer? How about ice skating at one of the most famous rinks in the country? Being the southern gateway, Madera County indeed rolls out the red carpet for families. Here’s a sampling of the fun awaits you on your next incredible family getaway.

No matter the time of year you visit, the Junior Ranger Program is a must for ALL kids ages 7-13. As part of the program, they'll go on a one-hour Junior Ranger Walk, and if they complete the activity book, they’ll be rewarded with the official Junior Ranger Badge. For younger ones, the Little Cubs programs offer age-appropriate activities for kids ages 3-6.

The Yosemite History Center in Wawona will give you and your children a glimpse into the lives of Yosemite’s early settlers. Don’t miss out on seeing the covered bridge. Built in 1857, all travelers had to pass through to get in and out of Yosemite. Other highlights include a blacksmith shop, the Wells Fargo Office (a historic building used as a motor and stage terminal), homestead cabins, the newly opened Chinese Laundry building, and countless other exciting landmark structures. 

Situated along Highway 99 between Chowchilla and Madera, the Fossil Discovery Center is the perfect pit stop in or out of Yosemite National Park. The “gold mine” of fossils was accidentally found in 1993 due to the expansion project of the Fairmead landfill. Except for the La Brea Tar Pits, it has become the most extensive excavation in California’s history. Some of the more unique items are bones showing teeth marks from dire wolves, skulls of short-faced bears, and even a replica of a 14-foot Western camel. Yes, we said camel! Believe it or not, California was home to eight species of camel, which had gone extinct about 11,000 years ago. The prized centerpiece is the complete Columbian Mammoth skeleton. Columbian Mammoths are larger cousins of the more well-known Woolly Mammoths. Just 11,500 years ago, these giants were plentiful in the San Joaquin Valley. While kids stare in awe at the giant, they also have a blast in the mock fossil dig, where they can unearth fossils from 22 species that were common here.

Yosemite is known for its clear streams, massive granite cliffs, and majestic waterfalls. While some of these take a bit of effort to see in person, Yosemite is, in fact, home to an assortment of safe and short kid-friendly hikes that expose kids to nature AND beautiful waterfalls. Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Falls, and, yes, even Vernal Falls (great views from the footbridge) all fit the bill. Another way to ensure you see the most possible is with a guided tour.

The enormous, pristine natural setting featuring gushing falls, one-of-a-kind activities & quaint towns sprinkled across the Sierra Nevada Range make Yosemite and Madera County the ideal family vacation destination. Time is precious, especially with your kids, so make every moment count!

Ice skating at Curry Village is a great option if you visit in the winter. Instill a lifelong love of skating in your kids and maybe even rekindle your inner child. Top that off with some of the most fantastic scenery you’ll see anywhere on a rink of ice. You’ll be in heaven!

Image courtesy Yosemite Hospitality

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