Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ยป Find the mystery animal or take the first steps toward the Junior Ranger badge at
the official Grand Teton site
www.nps.gov/grte/forkids/index.htm
Kids should have comfortable outdoor clothing, a bathing suit, hats for the sun, a shell
jacket and warm clothing for chilly days and nights. If you are picky about your bug
spray, it's best to bring it from home. Before your trip, make sure everyone has adequate
hiking shoes - this could be anything from sneakers to waterproof boots, depending on the
range of terrain you'll cover, just make sure it's broken-in. Sandals or Crocs can also be
useful for camp. A cheap digital camera or pair of binoculars can provide lots of entertain-
ment since there's so much wildlife to watch.
Most car-rental agencies can add a child's car seat for a nominal fee, but it is best to in-
quire while making your reservation. Strollers may be harder to come by, so it is best to
take yours with you. However, with the crowds and unpaved trails, strollers are not that
convenient. Baby backpacks are especially handy for getting beyond the boardwalk and
onto the trails with tots or babies over six months old.
It's possible to rent children's bikes with helmets, ski gear and snowshoes; see the
Clothing & Equipment chapter (
Click here
)
for details.
Before You Go
Keep the kids in mind as you plan your itinerary or include them in the trip planning from
the get-go. If they have a stake in the plan, they will be more interested when they arrive,
or so the theory goes. Kids tend to thrive with structured activities that can give them a
purpose in the park. Lonely Planet's
Travel with Children,
by Cathy Lanigan, provides
good information, advice and anecdotes.
Visitor centers have lots of child-oriented exhibits and can divert kids' attention
through children's books, coloring books and jigsaw puzzles while you furtively check out
the maps.
Book Yellowstone Association programs and area camps months in advance.
If you don't want to be tied town to a schedule while traveling, plenty of activities can
be booked just a few days in advance. However, to participate in ranger programs that ad-
mit limited numbers, it's always a good idea to show up early.
