If spouting geysers, meandering bison, bubbling mud pots and fabulous views aren't enough to keep the kids interested, there are plenty of opportunities for learning at the Grizzly Discovery Center, the IMAX Theatre in West Yellowstone and a variety of area museums.
Instructions
1. See "Enjoy a Vacation in Yellowstone National Park," under Related eHows, for general information on the park, its basic features and activities. Many of these activities are appropriate for both adults and kids.
2. Check the kids section of the Yellowstone National Park website (nps.gov/yell/kidstuff) for some online fun designed to acquaint kids with the park and its natural wonders. This is a great introduction for both younger and older children.
3. Get kids aged 5 to 12 involved in the Junior Ranger Program. Buy the Junior Ranger newspaper at a visitor center or ranger station, help kids complete the activities as directed, have them get their finished list checked at a visitor center, and they'll be bona fide Junior Rangers with a special Junior Ranger patch.
4. Take the kids over to the Grizzly Discovery Center in West Yellowstone. Although the grizzlies are kept out of public view at this bear and wolf preserve, kids can see the wolves and become educated about both animals - or even adopt one (but not take it home, of course).
5. Visit some of the museum partners of the park. These include the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming, the Gallatin County Historical Society and Pioneer Museum in Bozeman, Montana, and the Museum of the Mountain Man in Pinedale, Wyoming. All of these museums have kid-pleasing exhibits.
6. Check in at the IMAX Theatre in West Yellowstone. It's open all year and always has three films running, including the awe-inspiring "Yellowstone." After the movie, you can browse the West Yellowstone shops and other attractions.
7. Be sure to bring your videocamera. Kids frolicking amid the beautiful scenery of Yellowstone is an unforgettable photo opportunity.
Tags: West Yellowstone, Junior Ranger, National Park, Yellowstone National, Yellowstone National Park, Discovery Center, Grizzly Discovery