11 tips for a safe and fun national park family vacation

Before piling into the car and starting your adventure, research the park you'll be visiting. Familiarize yourself with the park's layout, popular features, and available amenities. Create an itinerary that suits your family's interests and abilities. Working out travel routes ahead of time can minimize unnecessary stress on the road.

Bad weather, road closures, and unforeseen hazards can alter or completely change the best laid plans.

Many parks offer downloadable maps and visitor guides on their official websites. These maps are invaluable for navigating a park's trails and roads. Keep digital copies of everything you’ll need on your smartphone — including reservation information — as cell reception can be unreliable in remote areas.

Safety should be your top priority when exploring national parks. Before starting any hike or activity, learn about safety guidelines specific to the park you're visiting and review these general safety tips, such as staying on designated paths and avoiding dangerous behavior. Carry basic first-aid supplies, sunscreen, bug spray, food, and water.

National parks are home to a diverse array of wildlife, plants, and insects, so it’s important to follow the national park guidelines for safely observing from a distance, such as:

• Never feed, approach, or provoke a wild animal
• Maintain the minimum viewing distance prescribed by the park
• Drive safely and keep an eye out for any animal crossing the road

Giving animals space isn’t just a better way to view them – it’s the law.

Weather conditions in national parks can be unpredictable, so always check the forecast before and throughout your trip to get a general idea of what to expect. Pack appropriate clothing and gear so you’re ready for sudden weather changes. Extreme heat, thunderstorms, and even flooding can occur, depending on the time of year and location.

While many national parks have visitor centers or snack machines, it's a good idea to carry enough food to sustain your family throughout your visit. Pack a cooler with a variety of handy snacks, hearty sandwiches, and plenty of water. Having extra food can be a lifesaver if you get caught in an unexpected situation or find yourself with tired, hungry children.

National parks have specific rules and regulations in place to protect the environment and ensure the safety of visitors. These rules may include restrictions on campfires, off-trail hiking, wildlife interaction, and more. Always follow park rules and set a good example for your children by respecting nature.

Many parks allow you to visit with your four-legged friends, but each park may have different rules and regulations.

When you’re taking the family on a national park trip, it's best to stay together. Assign a designated meeting point in case you become separated and teach your kids what to do if they get lost. Stay on marked trails and keep an eye on each other to prevent anyone from wandering off.

National parks are popular destinations and you'll encounter many other visitors during your trip. Show respect for fellow explorers by keeping noise levels down, being friendly, yielding the right of way on trails, and being mindful of your impact on the environment. Leave no trace of your visit by properly disposing of trash and following the "pack it in - pack it out" principle.

By planning ahead and prioritizing safety and respect for nature, you’ll create lasting memories your family will talk about for years to come.