We are going to Yellowstone this summer taking our 8 YO DGD with us. Her parents are going too. I have an extra AT&T GoPhone that I was thinking about putting some minutes on for her to have in case we get separated, but after reading about cell service there I'm wondering if a Walkie talkie might be better, or should I do both? I'm worrying over her a lot more than I ever did with my kids!

Please don't take this the wrong way...but, I would never let myself get, "separated," from an 8 year old.

"In case you get separated" covers a LOT of distance, but practically speaking, would it not be reasonable that there is a maximum possible distance here? Surely 25 miles is the limit, no? Cell phone service inside the park is very spotty to non-existent. I think you will find that a $25 pair of walkie-talkies, with a maximum range of 25 miles (and a more likely range under the sort of conditions likely in Yellowstone of perhaps 5 miles) but coverage EVERYWHERE will be more useful. What's more, should such a separation occur, the walkie talkie will be able to connect directly with any/every searcher in range with minimal fuss.But honestly, I doubt you will need either. The odds of "getting separated" are pretty small.And when you get done with the trip, the DGD will have a great toy for playing with other kids back home. Or you and your SO can use it for communicating while trying to back the RV into that tight spot late at night when it is pitch black and there are neighbors unlikely to be sympathetic at the shouting while they are trying to sleep.

downtheroad wrote:Please don't take this the wrong way...but, I would never let myself get, "separated," from an 8 year old.Me either. But I think what we are really dealing with here is the simple fear that such a thing could happen.We all know it is highly improbable. But always possible with any 8 year old. IMHO, the OP is looking for a Plan B.Also IMHO, any 8 year old capable of staying cool enough to radio for help is also capable of paying attention to not wandering off. But that's just my opinion, and what do I really know?

Walkie Talkie... cell phone service is unreliable in the park at many of the attractions.

I believe in preparing for anything that is possible, and would go with walkie talkies and a lot of good training. My kids knew how to operate my radios at that age. But, as a 50 some year operator and a former two way radio technician, I can guarantee you that you will not get anywhere near 25 miles of communication, unless you are going from one mountain top to another. Your maximum usable range will be more like 1 mile or less, depending on how much interference you have at the time. Still, that's better than nothing.Guy

Cell phone or Walkie Talkie for 8 YO DGD | Good Sam Community

down_home
Explorer II
Mar 12, 2015
Bass Pro did have somewhat "professional" models that were sturdier in a rubber case for about a hundred apiece. GMRS and there won't likely be a hundred other tourist using the channels. Signal is a little clearer and range greater but not that much, than FMRS. Too bad we can't use VHF like they do in Canada and on the water.
YC_1
Nomad
Mar 11, 2015
Hug a tree training

We taught our autistic grandson the same concept when at Disney parks. Teaching him to recognize any cast member with a badge he was taught to ask any one of them for help. It paid off one day when we got separated. No panic. We found him with crayons and a Cast Member right at his side. His grandparents were lost, not him.
intheburbs
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
Forget about the cell phone.

When we were in Yellowstone a few years ago, the ONLY place in the entire park that I had cell service was Old Faithful Inn. There's a cell tower on the hill across from the hotel.

Get some FRS radios with rechargeable batteries. I'd say $50-$70 a pair is a good price. Go on Amazon and read the reviews to get a good pair. I've gone through several brands, and Motorola has been the best so far.

My kids were 11 and 13 when we were there. Never felt any concerns about getting separated, and we did a LOT of hiking.
Mountain_Mama
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
OP here...What is a reasonable price for decent Walkie talkies (pair)?
kalynzoo
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
Cell service in Yellowstone and the surrounding area is "iffy" at best. A walki-talki is always fun at that age, and can be used when going to the playground, the campground store to get the morning paper (my kids used to love doing that) or just bike riding about the campground. I loud whistle is a better emergency signaling device, can be clipped on clothing, and carried everywhere.
Matt_Colie
Explorer II
Mar 11, 2015
I am in complete agreement with the later answers. A whistle and a radio and a plan - all Three.
I would add (of course being a waterman) The you all do a practice drill every morning. The time you don't want to learn how safety gear works is when you NEED IT. Cell coverage in Yellowstone is problematic at best. A whistle does not need batteries.
If you get a set of FMRS radios, get the kind with rechargable batteries and charge them every night and leave them on all day. Check them every morning over a significant distance. The kid will think it is fun and you will know that they are safe and that she know that she can call to you any time.
It is unfortunate the that Garmin Rinos are expensive. I would have a pair.

Matt
Johno02
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
Even though cell service is limited, A cell phone with GPS tracking enabled is also a very good idea.
Johno02
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
Also, make sure that everyone (yourselves included) carries identification, preferred photo, AT ALL TIMES! Radios are good, but the whistle is one of the best plans.
mican1
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
I too would vote for the radio; whistle is also a good idea. Also, take a photo (with your phone if you have that capability) each morning. That way you can share exactly what the little one was wearing.
YC_1
Nomad
Mar 11, 2015
A whistle and teach her to "hug a tree". Stop, find a friendly tree, hug it and stay put.

Radios are a good idea but I would still add the whistle and hug a tree. Forty years in the two way radio business and I can assure you the range will be as suggested at under a mile or even less in heavily wooded areas. Of course, jump in a helicopter and the range becomes line of sight and can go a great deal.