I asked the kids where they wanted to go this summer and I was surprised to hear my 8 year old say "The mountain with the faces on it". We had been talking about visiting the Grand Canyon for a few years, this has been pushed back due to a couple trips back home to Michigan. Nope, no Grand Canyon this year... I am okay with this though, Mt Rushmore is just as good in my books. A couple weeks later, I am speaking with my sister about our plans. I was still unsure of the dates and details. She mentioned her husband would be off for shutdown late June/early July. Well, we landed on our dates in a matter of minutes. Sister and brother-in-law driving out from Detroit, while the kids and I drive down from Edmonton. The kids need a pool, I like full hook ups, a fire ring and a couple trees. We do some off the grid camping, I just like the big trips to be stress free. So we all agreed on a KOA. We have the TT, including all the gear we would normally have. My sister and brother-in-law have rented a cabin. Meals will be together, taking turns cooking on our site. We will be there for a week, the itinerary is set, one "down" day out of 5. I have a list of alternatives should we get rained out of a venue or if we are just not in the mood for what we have planned. I could't bear the thought of driving past Yellowstone on our way home. So I planned a second week there. West Entrance KOA. Once again, it has everything we want. I am just now planning our day trips. There is so much to see, I have to try to keep the kids satisfied. There are the few landmarks we must see, we have not landed on a final list or schedule yet. I do owe my oldest a root beer for catching a mistake I made. I booked Yellowstone for June instead of July! I called to change the dates today, Steve @ KOA mentioned this happens a few times each year. We will be visiting Old Faithful, walking the area and having lunch at the Inn. We have another day planned on the North Loop. The Upper/Lower Falls, Artists Point, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Any suggestions for sites and activities with a 9, 11 & 14 year old?I am really looking forward to this trip. I have so much to do to the trailer to feel prepared, my list is getting longer each week. It should begin to warm up next week, so the work can begin. I have some repairs to make, some upgrades/mods finish as well. Between my work and travel schedule, the window for this work is smaller than I would prefer. In the end, I know it will all be worth it. I am really looking forward to this trip!

It depends what your kids like to do, and what you want to encourage them to do. There are lots of shorter hikes/walks around various geyser basins, to see mud pots and waterfalls, nature trails of various sorts, etc. How many days are you planning for Yellowstone? 2 full days there, you'll be skipping a lot of stuff, which is ok if that's what you can do, but not preferable if you can swing more time. One thing I might suggest is have the kids look for wildlife while you are driving around the park (and there is a lot of driving) - make it a contest if that will help. If the kids aren't that much into it, spend the daylight hours "doing" the park and come back to the CG for some pool time (enclosed pool at the KOA there) and supper. As for meals in the park, picnics can be fun, and picnic grounds are abundant. There are also plenty of casual places to eat in the park - the Yellowstone General Stores have ice cream & burgers, there are delis in some of the hotels & lodges, etc. Activities in the park can be pricey, but horseback riding is available, boat rentals &fishing expeditions at Lake, etc. - all at a cost. One activity that isn't cheap but which the whole family may enjoy is the cookout/stagecoach or horseback ride at Roosevelt Lodge. Reservations well in advance are a must. All of these things can be booked through Xanterra - check their website.

If you are willing to take a little different route, go into Yellowstone from the East entrance. You would take I-90 from Rapid City SD directly to Buffalo, Wyoming. It is a straight shot fro Rapid. Buffalo has a KOA and a couple other nice campgrounds with full hookups. Buffalo also has a nice little museum about tha areas history and a very nice public pool. From Buffalo you would take US Hwy 16 over the Bighorn Mountains which has several campgrounds that don't have hookups but are well kept. This will put you into Tensleep, Wyoming. From there you can head towards Cody, Wyoming which is just outside of the East entrance of Yellowstone. Cody has a KOA. In Cody ther is the Buffalo Bill Museum that is a very nice museum. You would need pretty much a full day to go throug that museum, but it is worth it and I think the kids would love it. From there you could head into the park. From Rapid City to Cody you would probably want two full days. You could do it in 1 but that is driving straight through. If you need more info or questions private message me. I have lived in that area all my life so I can give you more.

If you haven't booked Black Hills yet, you might check out Rafter J. We stayed there two years ago and my kids loved it. It's a large campground with all the kiddo amenities. A trip to Blackhills could also be complemented by a side trip to the Badlands National Park. Custer State Park was ok but the Wind Cave tour was really enjoyed by my kids. We also enjoyed a picnic at Sylvan Lake (backdrop from a scene from one of the National Treasure movies). You can catch that on the Needles Highway drive which was really cool.As for Yellowstone, just remember it is a very big place. From Cody to the Grand loop is almost 80 miles and nearly 120 miles to Old Faithful. West Yellowstone is better situated, IMHO, to most of the things you may want to see. To make a grand generalization, the West side of Grand Loop Road is where you can catch most of the geothermal sites and the East/NorthEast would be great for wildlife. NW corner has Mammoth which is a primary spot, SW has Old Faithful, tons of places to stop and see mud pots, geysers and hot springs between the two, plus Firehole River where many people like to swim. The NE drive out the Lamar Valley is beautiful with the Bison, antelope etc. Chance to see Grizzlies or Black Bears and if your lucky the wolves will be out. To be fair though, the wildlife is all over but there is a reason the Lamar Valley has been called the Serengeti of North America. Continue further NE out of the park to drive the Beartooth highway which is rated one of the top drives in US. East side has the falls and the Grand Canyon which are a must see and don't be surprised if the Bison bring traffic to a stand still.The Grand Loop is not a highway so plan your activiies that allow for slower speed two lane roads and some sloths... err I mean a RV or tour bus. There will be the occasional wildlife traffic jam which could be a Bison walking down the road or standing in the road and refusing to move, or just people stopping to see wildlife and there will be places where you may decide to just pull over and see something you hadn't planned. Park food is pricey and definitely not on Zagats ratings radar. We packed lunches and some dinners. Best dinners were sausages and hot dogs grilled on a small portable propane grill while hanging out by one of the many rivers. West Yellowstone has all the amenities you should need and it also has a wildlife preserve where you can see bears and wolves up close along with other wildlife. It was a big hit with my kids. Hope you have a great trip!

To us Mount Rushmore was a few hour visit. Very touristy. Mostly a place to peddle junk and sell overpriced food.

It's a big challenge to keep kids happy these days and I'm afraid the planned trip may not do it. Unless you plan to do some hiking most of Yellowstone is viewed from the vehicle. You can walk over to the viewing area benches for 45 minutes until Old Faithful erupts and that is it. IMHO Yellowstone is better realized and understood by taking the two bus tours BUT that would not be of interest to kids even tho yours are special.Mt. Rushmore is worth about an hour of time.The western parks are wonderful but more wonderful for grownups.

Mt Rushmore & Yellowstone | Good Sam Community

kknowlton
Explorer II
Mar 31, 2014
It depends what your kids like to do, and what you want to encourage them to do. There are lots of shorter hikes/walks around various geyser basins, to see mud pots and waterfalls, nature trails of various sorts, etc. How many days are you planning for Yellowstone? 2 full days there, you'll be skipping a lot of stuff, which is ok if that's what you can do, but not preferable if you can swing more time. One thing I might suggest is have the kids look for wildlife while you are driving around the park (and there is a lot of driving) - make it a contest if that will help. If the kids aren't that much into it, spend the daylight hours "doing" the park and come back to the CG for some pool time (enclosed pool at the KOA there) and supper.

As for meals in the park, picnics can be fun, and picnic grounds are abundant. There are also plenty of casual places to eat in the park - the Yellowstone General Stores have ice cream & burgers, there are delis in some of the hotels & lodges, etc.

Activities in the park can be pricey, but horseback riding is available, boat rentals &fishing expeditions at Lake, etc. - all at a cost. One activity that isn't cheap but which the whole family may enjoy is the cookout/stagecoach or horseback ride at Roosevelt Lodge. Reservations well in advance are a must. All of these things can be booked through Xanterra - check their website.
Bighorns
Explorer
Mar 31, 2014
If you are willing to take a little different route, go into Yellowstone from the East entrance. You would take I-90 from Rapid City SD directly to Buffalo, Wyoming. It is a straight shot fro Rapid. Buffalo has a KOA and a couple other nice campgrounds with full hookups. Buffalo also has a nice little museum about tha areas history and a very nice public pool. From Buffalo you would take US Hwy 16 over the Bighorn Mountains which has several campgrounds that don't have hookups but are well kept. This will put you into Tensleep, Wyoming. From there you can head towards Cody, Wyoming which is just outside of the East entrance of Yellowstone. Cody has a KOA. In Cody ther is the Buffalo Bill Museum that is a very nice museum. You would need pretty much a full day to go throug that museum, but it is worth it and I think the kids would love it. From there you could head into the park. From Rapid City to Cody you would probably want two full days. You could do it in 1 but that is driving straight through. If you need more info or questions private message me. I have lived in that area all my life so I can give you more.
campindave
Explorer
Mar 31, 2014
If you haven't booked Black Hills yet, you might check out Rafter J. We stayed there two years ago and my kids loved it. It's a large campground with all the kiddo amenities. A trip to Blackhills could also be complemented by a side trip to the Badlands National Park. Custer State Park was ok but the Wind Cave tour was really enjoyed by my kids. We also enjoyed a picnic at Sylvan Lake (backdrop from a scene from one of the National Treasure movies). You can catch that on the Needles Highway drive which was really cool.

As for Yellowstone, just remember it is a very big place. From Cody to the Grand loop is almost 80 miles and nearly 120 miles to Old Faithful. West Yellowstone is better situated, IMHO, to most of the things you may want to see. To make a grand generalization, the West side of Grand Loop Road is where you can catch most of the geothermal sites and the East/NorthEast would be great for wildlife. NW corner has Mammoth which is a primary spot, SW has Old Faithful, tons of places to stop and see mud pots, geysers and hot springs between the two, plus Firehole River where many people like to swim. The NE drive out the Lamar Valley is beautiful with the Bison, antelope etc. Chance to see Grizzlies or Black Bears and if your lucky the wolves will be out. To be fair though, the wildlife is all over but there is a reason the Lamar Valley has been called the Serengeti of North America. Continue further NE out of the park to drive the Beartooth highway which is rated one of the top drives in US. East side has the falls and the Grand Canyon which are a must see and don't be surprised if the Bison bring traffic to a stand still.

The Grand Loop is not a highway so plan your activiies that allow for slower speed two lane roads and some sloths... err I mean a RV or tour bus. There will be the occasional wildlife traffic jam which could be a Bison walking down the road or standing in the road and refusing to move, or just people stopping to see wildlife and there will be places where you may decide to just pull over and see something you hadn't planned. Park food is pricey and definitely not on Zagats ratings radar. We packed lunches and some dinners. Best dinners were sausages and hot dogs grilled on a small portable propane grill while hanging out by one of the many rivers. West Yellowstone has all the amenities you should need and it also has a wildlife preserve where you can see bears and wolves up close along with other wildlife. It was a big hit with my kids. Hope you have a great trip!
ed6713
Explorer
Mar 31, 2014
To us Mount Rushmore was a few hour visit. Very touristy. Mostly a place to peddle junk and sell overpriced food.
Dick_B
Explorer
Mar 31, 2014
It's a big challenge to keep kids happy these days and I'm afraid the planned trip may not do it.
Unless you plan to do some hiking most of Yellowstone is viewed from the vehicle. You can walk over to the viewing area benches for 45 minutes until Old Faithful erupts and that is it. IMHO Yellowstone is better realized and understood by taking the two bus tours BUT that would not be of interest to kids even tho yours are special.
Mt. Rushmore is worth about an hour of time.
The western parks are wonderful but more wonderful for grownups.
danager
Explorer
Apr 01, 2014
Thanks for the feedback!

Dick_B, you landed on my concern - keeping the kids engaged and happy. They need so much stimuli! I will say, we are into hiking, whether you measure it in distance or time... We will be in Yellowstone for 4 days, I only plan a couple trips into the park. I am content with sitting by a fire or splashing around in a river/lake/pool. I have done a few trips like this, I have learned a few things over the years. Plan a lot of stuff in advance - the things we will do and some alternatives, let each kids pick their one thing, make some time for individual interests, be willing to change plans with a moment's notice. I also implemented both technology free times or zones and down time/lazy days. I have come to the realization that every post card already has a better photo than I can take. I take some "fun" ones with the kids, not too worried about the perfect shot anymore.

Mt Rushmore is more planned with more detail. We are only visiting the Mt one afternoon, will stay late if they have fireworks this year. We have a chuck wagon supper and show, gem/gold mining, horse tour, Wall Drugs, maybe Sturgis or the indoor water park.
dewey02
Explorer II
Apr 01, 2014
Dick_B wrote:
It's a big challenge to keep kids happy these days and I'm afraid the planned trip may not do it.
Unless you plan to do some hiking most of Yellowstone is viewed from the vehicle. You can walk over to the viewing area benches for 45 minutes until Old Faithful erupts and that is it. IMHO Yellowstone is better realized and understood by taking the two bus tours BUT that would not be of interest to kids even tho yours are special.
Mt. Rushmore is worth about an hour of time.
The western parks are wonderful but more wonderful for grownups.

It will be truly sad if you make this trip and consider that Yellowstone is only seeing the geyser (45 minutes of your time) and Mt. Rushmore is worth only an hour. How about the history involved? Do your children understand who Theodore Roosevelt was? How much of the natural resource legacy we have is due to his efforts?
Part of the experience of camping is learning to slow down and enjoy being in the moment. The same is true for riding a train. We have done both of these with our kids and they took a while to get into the slower pace, but they did.
I believe that enjoying our Nation's natural, historical and cultural treasures is something that our children should be exposed to, and taught how to enjoy and appreciate.
The National Parks are not Disneyland, and our children should not expect them to be.
Carrluvr
Explorer
Apr 03, 2014
Mount Rushmore was absolutely great. We drove from NY out and when we got there there is a KOA on the backside of the Monument road. I highly recommend it they have everything. After a morning at Rushmore we went to Sylvian lake( The lake they filmed National Treasure at). It's absolutley gorgeous more rocks than you can climb in a day. If you have kayaks you can use them in the lake great place.
ependydad
Explorer
Apr 03, 2014
I don't have a lick of input other than to say I'm jealous. :)
B_Sjulestad
Explorer II
Apr 04, 2014

Rafter J Bar Ranch is a great central location. They have swimming pool, trail rides, hiking trail, bike trails and lots of room between spaces.