Which family activities are included in this plan?

This plan includes close-up wildlife viewing at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center and Hayden Valley, exploring geothermal features like Old Faithful and Fountain Paint Pot, easy and moderate hikes such as Lone Star Geyser Trail and Brink of the Lower Falls, and the Junior Ranger program at Canyon Visitor Education Center.

Does this itinerary include in-park lodging?

Yes, this itinerary includes two nights at the Old Faithful Inn, placing you right within Yellowstone's thermal area to maximize your time viewing geysers and hot springs.

What kind of dining options are planned?

The plan favors casual, family-friendly meals like pizza at Wild West Pizzeria in West Yellowstone and on-site dining at Old Faithful Inn, plus packed lunches for flexibility and to avoid crowds during driving days and park visits.

How should I prepare for the drive days?

The itinerary includes long drive days, particularly on arrival from Minneapolis and return. Plan for multiple fuel, restroom, and stretch stops, and consider picking up packed lunches and snacks to stay on schedule.

When should I book lodging in Yellowstone National Park?

Old Faithful-area in-park lodge rooms are highly popular and sell out months in advance. It's recommended to book your in-park nights as early as possible and confirm cancellation terms when you do.

Steam rising off a Yellowstone hot spring with orange bacterial mats around the rim

Sample itinerary · 5 days

5-Day Yellowstone Itinerary with Kids

Geyser mornings before the lots fill, wildlife hours at dusk.

Going to: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Length: 5 days
Travelers: Families
Trip total: $1,355–$2,032

$1,355–$2,032

The total covers lodging, getting around and tickets and tours for the whole party, plus food, gas and parking estimated in the breakdown below.

Things to do

Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center (Day 1)
Fountain Paint Pot · Lower Geyser Basin (Day 2)
Old Faithful Visitor Education Center (Day 2)
Old Faithful Geyser (Day 2)
Afternoon rest · lobby or room at Old Faithful Inn (Day 2)
Canyon Visitor Education Center (Day 3)
Artist Point (Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone) (Day 3)
Brink of the Lower Falls (moderate hike) (Day 3)
Hayden Valley wildlife watching pullouts (Day 3)
Evening lodge time · your in-park lodge (Day 3)
Lone Star Geyser Trail (Day 4)
West Thumb Geyser Basin boardwalk (Day 4)
Yellowstone Lake overlook (Grant Village area) (Day 4)
Evening · West Yellowstone stroll and early night (Day 4)
Rest stop · Georgetown Lake overlook (brief stretch) (Day 5)
Coffee & leg-stretch · Starbucks · Billings Heights (Day 5)

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Why this plan works

A long drive day to arrive in West Yellowstone and get an introductory wildlife orientation before your first full park day.

Open this day in Google Maps

5:00 AM
Drive · Minneapolis → West Yellowstone
5:00 AM
Driving gives you a rental car for the whole trip and places you in town tonight for an early park entry tomorrow.
Early departure from Minneapolis; expect a long driving day (several fuel and restroom stops). Grab breakfast on the way (stop noted below) and follow posted speeds; carry snacks and water.
9:30 AM
Grab breakfast · roadside stop (en route)
9:30 AM
Breakfast on the road keeps your schedule tight for the long drive.
Quick breakfast stop at a highway café or bakery en route; stick to simple, familiar options for the kids and fuel for the drive.
1:00 PM
Pick up packed lunch · Westbound deli
1:00 PM
You requested packed lunches on driving days; this keeps lunch quick and portable.
Stop at a local deli or grocery to pick up packed sandwiches and snacks for flexible eating on arrival and tomorrow's park day.
4:30 PM
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
4:30 PM
Hands-on wildlife viewing and interpretive talks prepare kids for park wildlife etiquette and viewing next days.
Book ahead · Timed-entry tickets usually release a month or two ahead; confirm with the venue
Up-close viewing of rescued grizzly bears and wolves, interpretive talks and kid-friendly exhibits perfect for an introductory wildlife orientation.
7:00 PM
Holiday Inn West Yellowstone by IHG
7:00 PM
A family-friendly chain near the West Entrance that gives two rooms for your family and short morning drive into the park.
Book ahead · Rooms usually open ~12 months out; book 2–3 months ahead for choice
Chain hotel in town center with family rooms and on-site parking; conveniently located for an early West Entrance drive tomorrow.
7:45 PM
Dinner · Wild West Pizzeria
7:45 PM
Casual, kid-friendly dinner close to your hotel so you can settle in early for tomorrow's park start.
Casual pizza and pasta suitable for kids and adults, short walk from town center hotels and easy on a travel evening.

If you fall behind

What to cut if you fall behind: Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center

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Bookings & costs

$1,355–$2,032

0 of 4 bookable items booked

Food not included: about $550, listed below

0 of 4 bookable items booked

Locked in

paid or reserved

Still to book

$1,690

est. $1,355–$2,032 · 4 items

Gas & parking

est. $0

Booked prices are exact. Everything else is an estimate.

Know before you go

Practical notes for this trip — the things worth sorting before you leave.

Booking windows & timing

Old Faithful-area in-park lodge rooms sell out months ahead; lock your in-park nights as early as possible and confirm cancellation terms.
Time-sensitive
Junior Ranger activities and visitor-center programs often run on set schedules—check the Canyon Visitor Education Center calendar the week before travel.
Time-sensitive

Getting around & driving

Plan for slow, wildlife-driven traffic on the Grand Loop—allow extra time and keep everyone in the car when animals are roadside.

Set up before you go

Download an offline park map and the NPS Yellowstone app and save park entrance locations before you lose cell signal.

Weather & packing

June weather swings: bring layered waterproof outerwear, warm layers for dawn wildlife watches, and sun protection for midday boardwalks.

Health & safety

Carry bear spray in an accessible spot and know how to use it; store food in locked park lockers or your car per park rules.

Money

Cell and card acceptance vary—carry a small amount of cash for town hole-in-the-wall spots in West Yellowstone and fuel stops.

Crowds & timing

Start geyser and boardwalk visits early to beat mid-morning crowds and midday heat at Old Faithful and Fountain Paint Pot.

Want this trip on your dates?

Make this yours — free, no account, no card.

Plan a trip like this

Questions about this plan

Which family activities are included in this plan?: This plan includes close-up wildlife viewing at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center and Hayden Valley, exploring geothermal features like Old Faithful and Fountain Paint Pot, easy and moderate hikes such as Lone Star Geyser Trail and Brink of the Lower Falls, and the Junior Ranger program at Canyon Visitor Education Center.
Does this itinerary include in-park lodging?: Yes, this itinerary includes two nights at the Old Faithful Inn, placing you right within Yellowstone's thermal area to maximize your time viewing geysers and hot springs.
What kind of dining options are planned?: The plan favors casual, family-friendly meals like pizza at Wild West Pizzeria in West Yellowstone and on-site dining at Old Faithful Inn, plus packed lunches for flexibility and to avoid crowds during driving days and park visits.
How should I prepare for the drive days?: The itinerary includes long drive days, particularly on arrival from Minneapolis and return. Plan for multiple fuel, restroom, and stretch stops, and consider picking up packed lunches and snacks to stay on schedule.
When should I book lodging in Yellowstone National Park?: Old Faithful-area in-park lodge rooms are highly popular and sell out months in advance. It's recommended to book your in-park nights as early as possible and confirm cancellation terms when you do.