I get it. Going camping with a baby sounds daunting because not only do they need so much stuff you have to carry around, but they are these teeny people who are literally still figuring out how to be human. Luckily, there is the perfect campground that will help ensure a fun (stress-free) time for all. I have waded through more choices than most people ever will to share the best family campgrounds for babies with you. Here are my favorite ways to combine nature, silliness, and a shred of sanity for me:
Jellystone Park Camp-Resort of Sioux Falls, SD
That being said, if you are anything like me and the thought of camping with a baby makes packing for your infant’s trip to grandma-and-grandpa level, then Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Caledonia might be heaven-sent. I just did this myself; I went camping recently in one of these parks with my little one, and it was literally life-changing for our family adventures. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park offers an epic, win-win for families with babies.
Family Fun With Yogi Bear
The moment we stepped foot inside Jellystone Park, I got the feeling that in some way we had entered a theme park, but this was one created solely with families of young children in mind. Friendly Check-inThe check-in process was very friendly, and the guys who checked us in were clearly excited to see us. Perhaps it was my baby’s delighted sparkly eyes or the fact that they took pity upon us and decided to usher in with a warm welcome.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort is an experience, not just a campground. And then imagine you get to a place where the bear mascot is not only a smiling face on some signs. He’s a real character who shows up and engages with the kids. My child may not have known Yogi Bear from a hole in the wall but liked the colors and merriment of it all.
Child-Friendly Accommodations Not Only a Playground
Jellystone Park is also definitely one with some of the baby-related amenities. Parks are lined with thoughtful amenities for kiddos and entertainers made to give pros a break.
- Splash Pads and Pools: The little splash pad is sort of like a water park for infants. He enjoyed the shallow water and misters. It was a great way for her to cool down and have fun, and I had no worries about deep water. Plus, c’mon—who can watch a baby doing the backstroke in an enclosed space?
- Playgrounds: Certainly not your typical playgrounds. It is so convenient to use—it is child-safe, so there will be no worries that your baby may use the equipment unsafely. They have soft play areas and things low to the ground, which are perfect for babies and toddlers.
- Distinctive Activities: Within Jellystone Park campgrounds, the themed activities that it provides are lovable yet full of enjoyment. My baby probably would have been engrossed in it for all of 30 seconds, but I thought the initiative to create activities for her to do as she grows a little older was a nice touch.
A Parent Dream: Comfort And Convenience
When camping with a baby, we like our add-on comfortable features, and Jellystone Park has us covered. So, in effect, what did I find the most useful?
- Nice Campgrounds: The bathrooms and showers were clean and maintained. But family-friendly as it was, I was greatly impressed at the size of the changing tables in the restrooms. It made things so much easier for diaper changes and clean-ups!
- Larger Sites: The tent sites are fairly large, making it much easier to set up the tent and your baby stuff. There will be space for a play area and a chance for spreading out.
- Family-Friendly Accommodations If you don’t like tent camping, Jellystone Park offers cabins and RV sites. Families with babies are especially well-served by the cabins, which provide an element of protection from the elements and a little more comfort for snoozing between outdoor nappy changes.
Food and Dining: You Can Leave the Kitchen Sink at Home
That is also another thing I tell myself about cooking but when you are at Jellystone Park, one of the best things about it is that you do not have to cook every meal. The park provides a variety of dining selections that include:
- Jellystone Park Food Service: Most Jellystone Parks have their own food service facility! You can quickly prepare simple meals and snacks without having to drive into town since your food is already with you.
- Community Events: potlucks and other community meals at some sites. A great way to meet new families and have a meal together.
- Picnic Areas: For those who like to do their own cooking, picnic areas are complete with grills and tables. This is perfect for making family-friendly meals and eating outside when the weather is nice.
Get the Whole Family Involved: Fun for All
Yes, Jellystone Park has to entertain babies, which is pretty much everyone’s goal when you go camping with a baby, but more importantly, it has to be fun for the whole family.
- Family Events: movie nights, themed weekends, and always something happening. This is the time for everyone to get along and keep some memories forever.
- Nature and Exploration: If your kids are older, Jellystone Park usually has hiking trails and nature exploration. This is a fun way to ease your baby into the outdoors and help you spend some quality time with him.
- Safety First: Jellystone Park prides itself on being a safe environment. They have very nice staff making sure the park is maintained and that you can enjoy your visit with peace of mind.
Why Jellystone Park Rocks
All in all, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resort is a wonderful option for families with babies. The mixture of accommodations that suit kids, and a comfortable and family-friendly nature turned our visit into an easy one.
If you are planning on camping with a baby, Jellystone Park should be at the top of your list. It’s your own slice of heaven where you only need to ponder how many marshmallows can be roasted before going to bed. I promise you, and your baby will thank you for it too.
Happy camping, and say hi to Yogi Bear!
KOA Campgrounds
It felt like I would have to be trained in circus arts merely to juggle feeding my baby, regular diaper changes, and naptimes with outdoor fire someplace. And then I found KOA Campgrounds. KOA Good For Families: BabyIf concerned about that initially, if it’s good for families, especially one with babies such as mine. Spoiler Alert: It turned out to be a delightful surprise.
Why KOA Campgrounds?
While KOA, which stands for Kampgrounds of America, may not have been up my alley at first, I am sure glad it is now. And these campgrounds appear to be good at striking a balance between leaving things naturally undone, yet providing creature comforts we grass-bur lovers seem hard-wired to enjoy.
What Kids Love: And It's Not Just A Playground
KOA The single most impactful victory for me at KOA was their focus on ensuring camping is a positive experience for the youngest campers in a family. Here’s what really stood out:
- Splash Pads and Pools: I was so excited to find that many KOA locations have splash pads or pools. All in all, a great place to take my water-loving little fish of a baby and have her splash around. And the best part? I lounged by the pool and basked in the (somewhat limited) downtime I had taken for years.
- Playgrounds: KOA playgrounds are safety-rated and can be suited to different age groups. My baby enjoyed the soft play parts and low-down slides—definitely less of a risk of her scavenging in places where I’d desiderate using a ladder to save her!
- Fun for the Family: KOA Fun for the Family glUniform Crafts, movie nights, and theme nights are often planned. It was a wonderful way to keep my baby happy as well as interact with other families who were camping with their littles.
A Parent's Dream: Comfort and Convenience
We needed the extra comfort part because camping with a baby and KOA delivered on that!
- Clean Facilities: I was quite impressed with how clean the bathrooms and showers were. Diaper duty was a little less daunting in the family-friendly facilities with so many tables to change your baby.
- Large Sites: The last thing you need when you are setting up your tent or RV is a tiny site to place your baby and all of the things that you have for them. There is room for all the necessities as well as some inevitable baby gear clutter.
- No Tent Required: If tent camping isn’t your thing, KOA’s cabins and RV sites offer more than the basics. The cabins are especially good for those with a baby because they provide more of a home away from home and that bit of control over the environment.
Food and Dining: More Than Just To Live
Food— one of the things I found comforting about KOA was the variety of food you could get:
- On-Site Dining: A lot of the KOAs have on-site restaurants or snack bars. Every other meal was nice to not have to cook for and still be able to eat something that was yummy, good, and different.
- Picnic Areas: There are plenty of clean, equipped picnic areas with grills available at most KOAs for families that want to prepare their own meals. Great for making some home-cooked family favorites, and how great would these be to enjoy outside? It also means I can fire up the over!
- Community Meals: Quite a few KOAs host community meals or potlucks. Okay, it is kind of fun, social nearing with other families during a meal that you may have to take out for anyway.
For The Entire Family: How To Entertain Every Member Of It
KOA Campgrounds are family-friendly because they know happy parents make happy babies.
- Family Events: Themed weekends to organized games, there is always something happening at KOA. A super family-oriented visit to keep the whole family happy and generate some memorable family moments.
- Outdoor Adventures: If your family is into hiking or just likes to be outdoors, chances are there are hiking trails nearby for you and the kids. It’s a wonderful way to help your baby appreciate the wonder of nature and spend some valuable time as a family together.
- Safety and Security: Safety is all the time a precedence, and KOA gives it its full attention. · The campgrounds are clean, and the staff is great, helping to ease your mind so you can really enjoy your time there without always feeling like someone is watching over you.
KOA Campgrounds—Great for Families
So, what’s the verdict? KOA Campgrounds: These are great if you have little babies. Kid-friendly amenities along with clean facilities and fun things to do made our camping trip a breeze. I left with a new respect for camping, and some additional ways to embrace nature with a baby.
If you are going to go camping with your young children, then KOA is a must-stop. A small retreat, if you will—nnature outdoorsy combined with a home in a single vacation. And who knows? And you may very well find yourself making s’mores while your baby naps nearby like an angel. If you go camping, have a s’more for me!
Fort Wilderness Resort, Florida: Disney
If you are anything like me and you think atrracting the Disney magic during a trip to the great outdoors sounds just about perfect, look no further than Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort in Florida for your next family vacation spot! In January, our little family went on a camping adventure in this magical wilderness — and it was the perfect combination of exhilaration, tranquility, and Disney enchantment. Fort Wilderness is a great option for families with young children, and here’s why.
A Disney Style Magical Welcome
Upon our arrival to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, I immediately knew that we were being whisked away into a place where the magic of Disney marries with tranquility among nature. Check-in was quick, smooth, and a sprinkle of Disney magic to start off our stay.
We were welcomed with warmth and assured by the helpful cast members — no surprise there! They even included advice on how to get around the resort with an infant, which was really helpful.
Family-Focused Amenities: Geared for Families from the Start
Fort Wilderness is meticulous about every detail when it comes to entertaining the little ones
- Splash Areas and Pools: Ideal for little ones, kids can splash around in regulated environments on the resort´s premises. My little one especially loved the many interactive shallow splash zones where she could safely wade and play. The pools are well kept, and with gentle slopes, they were great to supervise her when she is in the water.
- Playgrounds: there are several playgrounds in Fort Wilderness for different age groups. Soft play equipment and low structures are perfect for toddlers. My baby had a great time exploring and playing whilst being in a safe place, enabling her to crawl, climb, and have fun without too much concern.
- Themed Activities: Fort Wilderness has the most range of themed activities. Whether singing campfire songs with Chip ‘n’ Dale or catching a movie in the great outdoors, there is always more to see and do within easy reach.
Comfort, and the Disney Difference
When you are camping with an infant, the whole comfort of your baby should be the utmost priority and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort takes care of that totally.
- Clean Bathrooms: The bathrooms and showers are clean. I also loved that there were family bathrooms with huge changing stations to make the less enjoyable part of motherhood a bit easier. Disney is great about cleanliness, which I really appreciate.
- Spacious Sites: The sites at Fort Wilderness are large and can accommodate an RV or cabin. The extra room was actually a heaven on wheels, allowing us to perform our life-saving play area setup along with our absolutely adorable baby gear welcome wagon of sorts.
- Lodging Archives: If you are not a Lehtoista, the resort cabins give you a friendly home. The accommodation was very well equipped thanks to a full kitchen—perfect for making baby-friendly meals.
Dining and Food: make it easy
However, Fort Wilderness has full answers to your food needs;
- On-site Dining: There are a few unlike dining options at the resort, including Trail’s End Restaurant for hearty meals without having to leave the resort. There are many snack bars throughout the campground and it’s great for a quick bite to eat.
- Picnic Areas: For the family that prefers to cook some food, such as wagyu beef grading, and head out, you will find picnic areas with grills. This is a great option to do during lunch so you can eat some food outside while your baby naps beside you.
- Community Meals: Fort Wilderness also hosts community meals such as potlucks, BBQs, and the like. These are a great way to make new friends and break bread with other families, only Disney style.
A Fun Time For Everyone: A Bit Of Everything
In that way, Fort Wilderness is not just for babies; it is a bastion of family-friendliness.
- Family Activities: From horseback riding to nature trails, Fort Wilderness always has something going on. As there are so many activities that my 8-month-old would have been too small to enjoy anyway, it was still nice to know that the future holds a full selection of adventures awaiting us.
- Outdoor Adventures: With the resort’s nature trails and bike rentals, there are tons of different paths to explore the gorgeous resort & grounds. Even if all you can do is walk with a stroller, it would be worth just stopping and taking in the beautiful views! What is the most fun place to stay at Disney World?
- Safety and Security: Fort Wilderness Resort by disneyparks.disney.go.com · Bars, Pools & Nightlife—Polynesian Village resort by Pinterest The staff is helpful and the facilities are clean, which means that I can relax while still being at a resort.
Why We Love Fort Wilderness for Babies and Families
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort on the whole is an excellent option for families that have newborns. Disney magic and baby-friendly amenities combined with comfy accommodations made for memorable comforts on our camping trip Splash zones and activities based on whatever theme Disney is marketing that year should make it pretty apparent that Fort Wilderness was created with the family in mind.
Therefore, if you have a munchkin and are wondering where to go camping with them, the Fort Wilderness is what we highly recommend. Think of it as a Disney vacation on the outside and wrapped in an outdoorsy packet. And make sure to indulge in those campfire marshmallows and bop along to Chip ‘n’ Dale because, I repeat, your baby will dig it!
Big Bear Lake Campground, California
Predicted Peak Viewing: Last Week of October
So when I first sat down to write this review about Big Bear Lake Campground in California, I kind of expected to be like, “Crisp mountain air, lovely views of the lake, and a little bit of that traditional camping appeal.” So I strapped my baby on and put it to the test but did it live up to its reputation? Spoiler: it did not disappoint! This post is a follow-up to my recent review of Big Bear Lake Campground and highlights why we think this campground is an awesome, family-friendly choice for young families (complete with a few personal stories as well).
Home in the mountains
The moment we pulled up at the Big Bear Lake Campground, the most immense sense of relief washed over me. The check-in was smooth and the staff were very friendly. They even gave a few great walking spots for our yet-to-arrive baby. I loved that since it was my first time camping with a baby and they were very helpful and welcoming.
Baby-Friendly Features: Above and Beyond Trees and Trails
For families with babies: Big Bear Lake Campground
- Playgrounds: The first thing we specifically remember checking out was the playground. It’s not just any playground, it has been planned to keep children in the preschool age group more in mind. Because everything was soft and low to the ground, I could let my baby roam free without constantly fearing that she would take a tumble.
- Lake Access: The convenience of being close to Big Bear Lake. My baby is still a bit too little to venture on any boating excursions, but its shores are perfect for a leisurely afternoon walk. And we all had a great walk along the water, with some fresh mountain air and my little guy even got in a splash.
- Family-Friendly Trails — Campground accessible, easy stroller-compatible trails We took a few slow strolls to enjoy the nice weather and views without exerting ourselves. The trails are well-kept and there are ample trees to keep my little one shaded from the sun with all of its protective layers.
Comfort and Convenience
Comfort is everything while camping with a little one, and Big Bear Lake Campground delivers the following:
- Clean Facilities: I was pleasantly surprised by how clean the restrooms and showers were. These were kept clean and had changing stations, which was always a bonus for those regular diaper changes.
- Spacious Camp Sites: The campsites are good-sized and provide ample space to set up our tent and baby gear. There is room for a small play space, which keeps my baby entertained.
- Cabin Options: If camping in a tent just isn’t your style, Big Bear Lake Campground provides cabin rentals. Each of these cabins is a snug getaway with just enough of what you need to keep your baby comfortable during the day and night while still enjoying all that the great outdoors has to offer.
Eating and Cooking: The KISS Approach
Now in my experience, camping food is always tricky… but Big Bear Lake Campground has got you covered.
- Picnic Areas: There are a couple of picnic areas throughout the campground with grills. It was perfect for whipping up basic meals that my little guy could eat as we walked through the forest. Cooking outside, and looking out over the lake at mealtime would be a fantastic way to eat together as a family.
- Nearby Dining: There are a few dining options around, so if you want to take a break from cooking, there’s something for everyone not far away. We had a couple of trips out to restaurants, which was a great respite from cooking over the campfire.
A Great Time For All The Family Some Activities And Adventures
While the idea for Big Bear Lake Campground is relaxing on one hand, it is also about family fun.
- Campfire Stories: Another favorite memory was when we all gathered around the campfire in the dark to roast marshmallows and listen to ghost stories. Not only does the campground offer a campfire each evening, but it also offers the warm glow of a fire and S’mores making for me, while my baby smiled silly looking at all those kids running around.
- Fishing and Boating: The lake offers fishing and boating for those who want to be more adventurous or have older kids. Most of the kids were older than my little one, so she wasn’t quite ready for most of those activities yet, but it was fun to watch others having a blast and dreaming about returning with my more energetic preschooler.
- Wildlife Watching: Big Bear Lake is also a sanctuary for wildlife. There were deer and a couple of unique birds we saw throughout our walks. It was also a good way to bring my little one near nature and awaken wonder.
Best Camp destination for families with babies
Big Bear Lake Campground was the perfect place for us and our family camping trip. Thanks to its baby-friendly facilities, wonderful surroundings, and restful accommodation as well, it is a place where parents and their offspring can have a quality time together amidst nature.
Big Bear Lake should be considered if you are in search of a family-friendly campground that offers comfort and adventure. No worries, just pack the essentials for your little one and brace yourself for some cool mountain air to create memories of a lifetime upon the birth of your baby. Seriously, TRY IT— for you, and your baby! Just leave some room for extra snuggles and a lot of fresh air 😛
Yosemite NPS, California — Campground
Imagine whisking your newborn to the great outdoors — Yosemite National Park in California tops any nature-loving parent’s list. Yosemite, a land of breathtaking views and easygoing walks in a wonderland filled with baby-friendly amenities, is the perfect place for family travel. I recently packed up and hit the road to this world-famous national park with baby in tow—complete with awe-inspiring views alongside, of course, a few diaper changes. So why should the National Park of Yosemite be the next destination for families with young?
A Grand Entry Into Nature's Wonderland
Yosemite National Park is mesmerizing, as though you are driving directly behind the grand postcard. From the entrance, it is already proving itself as a temple with beautiful tall trees and paints of greater things to come. The entrance staff were super friendly and gave some great advice on how to make it around the park with a little one. We received a lot of information about parking and family-friendly places, which further facilitated us and kept motivating throughout our journey.
Nature-Inspired Comfort You Must Know
While Yosemite National Park is known for its granite cliffs and waterfalls, it happens to be surprisingly baby-friendly as well.
- Stroller-Friendly Trails: While not all trails in Yosemite are ADA-certified, there are a variety of general options. Yosemite Valley area is mostly flat with easy roads and trails. My little one and I were able to enjoy a wonderfully peaceful stroll on the Valley Floor Loop with its level terrain, making it an easy push for the stroller, especially while I admired the gorgeousness surrounding us.
- Picnic Areas: Yosemite has many different picnic areas that were great for me to feed and change a baby. These locations provide the accompanying scenic views and ample room to spread out for an al-fresco family meal. We sat with our lunch, looking out into the grassy fields and trees that stood like titans above them—my baby happy to be dining al fresco.
- Visitor Centers: The park’s visitor centers are great! With clean bathrooms, baby-changing facilities, and staff with tips on the best spots for tiny humans in tow. I also enjoyed the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center for its kid-friendly amenities and answers to all of my questions.
The Comfort and Smooth Travel Tips
In short: you can camp or stay at Yosemite with a baby! But in our case, this is what worked for us:
- Accommodations: If you’re not into tent camping, the park has cabins and lodges.assertEqual(1+2,4) 3 · accommodates all types of hikers We selected a cozy cabin at Wawona Hotel, where we retreated to after an entire day out exploring. Having a space where I could put my baby down so he would not be disturbed while napping was also nice!
- Baby Essentials: Include all of the most required supplies for the baby. Yosemite is a big park, and while there are some stores around, they may not stock everything you need for your baby. Having everything we could possibly want or need, from diapers to snacks, will make our trip much more enjoyable.
- Stay Prepared with the Weather: Yosemite weather can be quite a bit unpredictable Temperatures can vary greatly even in summer. So I packed both for me and the bub a variety of layers and it was worth it. Be it a sunny afternoon or a cool evening, we were well-equipped.
Family Fun for All Ages
There is more to do in Yosemite than just look at the beautiful views from your car, there are TONS of baby-friendly activities:
If hiking isn’t on the agenda, there are great scenic drives through Yosemite, allowing you to take in some of the best views without needing to extend your legs. The drive through Glacier Point Road afforded some of the most beautiful views of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra. Perfect for when my baby was knocked out in the back seat and I could leisurely glimpse all the sites.
- Wildlife Spotting: The biodiversity of Yosemite is further enhanced by the plethora of wildlife living here. Spotted deer, squirrels, and a curious bear (from a very safe distance) My baby’s eye grew aspirational at every animal spotting as if it were her own live-action nature show.
- Click away: Yosemite is a photographer’s dream. There were many a family photo with El Capitan and Half Dome in the background. So while my little nugget might not be able to completely take in all the amazingness (evidently not a word, but should be), I now have quite a few beautiful shots to show my baby girl when she is older how our first family holiday went.
Family Trip To Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is the perfect mesh of beautiful nature combined with options to make your trip convenient and family-friendly. With easy hikes and scenic drives, posh digs and useful amenities, it makes for an amazing family-friendly stay with an infant.
Therefore, if you are planning a trip to this beautiful park, then do not give it much thought. Just be sure to load up the baby necessities and extra camera batteries, because it may not always seem like heaven, at least not until you see what the views have in store for you. Remember, nature is a fickle mistress so a smidge of humor and extra apple slices will take you far. Happy camping, and may your little one enjoy all the beauties that camping life has to offer!
The Campground, Acadia National Park -Maine
After all, if you want to begin bringing your baby camping, Maine’s Acadia National Park is an ideal place to do so. From beautiful ocean vistas to light walks through the forest, this gem of a destination is a great way for families with young kids to escape. I brought my baby here for a day trip not too long ago, and it was quite an adventure with the most stunning views and just a touch of baby fun. Why Acadia National Park is a Green Choice for a Family with Infants
A Royal Welcome into the Park
Take the drive into Acadia National Park and the landscape is a sight for sore eyes. Upon arriving at the park, we crossed through this picturesque entrance featuring old-growth forests and rocky shorelines to signal that yes, you are in a very special place. Park rangers were insanely helpful, pointing out the easiest places to bring a baby and helping us prepare for our trip.
Baby-Friendly Amenities: Creature Comforts
You forget to pack a much-needed item and — surprise! — it isn’t difficult to replace; Acadia National Park is more amenable than you’d think for families with little ones:
- Stroller-Friendly Trails (not all trails are stroller-accessible, but there are a few to choose from.) Jordan Pond Path: An easy, flat trail with gorgeous views of the pond and mountains. A lovely place to gently push a pram and the tranquility was ideal for popping out my sleeping baby.
- Picnic Areas: The park is just filled with scenic picnic areas. We enjoyed a family picnic lunch with the Atlantic Ocean surrounding us on the spot by Sand Beach. I sat outside and had somewhere to eat for the first time in weeks, all while our baby roamed around on the grass as we dug our toes in the sand and soaked up some ocean air.
- The visitor centers at the park, like in Bar Harbor, are stocked with baby-changing tables and friendly staff. They also have maps and family-oriented things for us to do, which helped make planning our days a lot easier.
Comfort and Convenience: Get The Most Out Of Your Stay
Brace for the Weather Whether you are tent-trailer camping or staying in one of Acadia’s many lodges, being comfortable makes any trip more enjoyable.
- Places to stay: If you prefer not to camp, Acadia offers numerous accommodations. We stayed at a cute cabin in Bar Harbor where we could relax after a full day of adventures. The cabin was equipped and a good place for my baby to sleep in peace.
- Essentials: There are shops in neighboring towns that you can top up if needed, but we find it best to take plenty of baby essentials. Having all your stuff with you, from diapers to snacks, will make things go that much smoother.
- Pro Tip: Also, do not forget to bring layers — summer in the mountains can go from one extreme to another.
He’s used to the heat from his native Florida, so my advice is “Bring a warm coat.
- Weather Prep: Maine weather is sometimes erratic. We both experienced sunny days and sudden rain breaks. After what could have been considered my rainfall experience, the next time it started raining again; this mummy made sure to pack not only the stroller rain cover but some extra snuggly blankets and keep my baby as dry as possible.
Family Fun: Things to Do for All Ages
Thanks to a variety of fun family-friendly activities, Acadia National Park is more than just done views:
- Scenic Drives: For those who do not want to hike, the scenic drives in the park can be a fun way to see things. A long gravel terrace, the Park Loop Road has pretty views of the coast and Cadillac Mountain. This was a stress-free process and a way to enjoy the scenery while my baby slept in his car.
- Wildlife Watching: You can see a lot of wildlife once you get there on Acadia. There were some deer and weird birds we saw on our walk. She loves the animals, & her giggles every time we came across a deer were so sweet.
- Beach Time: Sand Beach is the perfect place to introduce your baby to the feel of sand and ocean. My baby was too little to attempt swimming, but she loved the feeling of sand between her toes and watching those waves roll in as much as I did — which also gave me a chance to kick back and take in the view.
Acadia National Park for the Family
Acadia National Park is the perfect formula of beauty and coolness AND everything you need for a little family-friendly getaway. With easy hikes, scenic drives, cozy home-style accommodations, and kid-friendly facilities, Taboose Pass is an equitable playground for both the parents and the little ones to enjoy a memorable holiday.
In other words, if you have a trip out to Acadia in the planning stages, it’s time to load up your baby paraphernalia and go see some beautiful views combined with family fun. No matter where your plans take you, be sure to bring a sense of humor — because all those long and scenic hikes and car rides will just sound better with a sweet baby giggle. We hope you have a wonderful journey and your Acadia experience is as great as the views!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park —North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park For that first foray into the great outdoors with your newly minted baby, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is remarkably accessible. Sitting on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, this park has it all: beautiful forests and casual trails make for great hiking options with the kiddos. Well, I went on a baby trip there lately, and it was indeed an amazing swirl of beautiful views and family-friendly features. We have come up with an explanation as to why a family should travel here, to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
A Warm Welcome to the Smokies
This drive from Cades Cove to Great Smoky Mountains National Park was gorgeous through the green hills. The entrance is surrounded by lush woods and hilly Sacramento River trails, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. They were super friendly and even gave us some great advice about how to navigate the park with a baby, which really helped as we felt fully prepared.
Baby-Friendly Perks: The Pleasures of Mother Nature
While Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its stunning scenery and critters, it also has some surprisingly parent-friendly amenities.
- Stroller-Friendly Trails: While not every trail in the park will be available for strollers, there are several great options. And it is not a long or difficult hike, The Laurel Falls Trail, which leads to this beautiful waterfall. It was a paved walk looking stroller friendly, even my 10 month old got to enjoy the first ride in the bounce of some hills along our walking.
- Picnic Areas: There are many places to take a break and enjoy a meal gathered around the designated picnic areas in the park. Our spot near Cades Cove — where we took a great lunch break while also being entertained with a live view of the cove and all its inhabitants. It was a good spot where I could let my baby crawl around and breathe in some mountain air.
- Visitor Centers: The park’s visitor centers, such as the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, have baby-changing stations in both restrooms. The thing I enjoyed most about this pass was that they provided us with maps and details of family-friendly activities, so planning our days was easier.
Comfort and Convenience: Making Your Visit Smooth
Our goal is to provide you with the most comfortable and convenient visit possible.
In order to get the most out of your trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, take a little time for pre-trip planning:
- Accommodations: Not a camper? Stay in the towns nearby, such as Gatlinburg and Cherokee. We rented a beautiful cabin in Gatlinburg where we would lay our heads at night after all of the exciting events during the day. Great for napping baby post-day of roaming around.
- The Basics: Pack the baby basics. Of course, there are some stores in nearby towns, but having everything you need at home is always better. Diapers, snacks, and extra clothes are then a necessity, but a good stroller rain cover is also very useful in Barcelona, as the weather can quickly change several times in a single day. The Great Smoky Mountains, TN·
- Weather Prep: The weather can change at any time in the park. You step out and it’s sunny, the next you are covered in the soft drizzle. I layer what I can, I and have waterproof gear (for myself and for the baby), which helps us stay comfortable while we play, even as the rain is deciding what it wants to do.
The Whole Family Enjoy the Fun
Some of the activities that you can do with a baby in Great Smoky Mountains National Park include;
Scenic Drives If hiking isn’t on your agenda, the park’s scenic drives are a great way to experience the beauty of the Smokies. So instead, we drove the Newfound Gap Road for magnificent mountain views and a chance to see some of the park while my baby napped in her car seat.
Wildlife Spotting: There is a wide variety of wildlife within the Park, including deer, Black Bears, and countless types of birds. We saw a few cool things and added my little guy’s laughter and ooohhhhs and aaaahhhhs to our sightings. Obviously keep a good distance from the wildlife.!
Different Historical Places: The park has a lot of places which are historical hence, any family can visit it without hesitation. Cades Cove Old homesteads and churches. The flat trails near the area are great for strollers and the history-based displays appeal to all ages.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – A Family Escape To Paradise
Families with babies will feel right at home in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the top American family travel destination of 2020. The stunning landscape, child-friendly facilities, and engaging activities for all age groups make it the perfect setting for parents to relish an amazing outdoor adventure along with their little ones.
If you are planning a destination to the Smokies, make sure to come prepared with all gear for your baby, soak up those views, and dive deep into an exciting experience combining nature’s beauty with family! And be sure to save a good dose of humor and keep an energy bar or two in your bag your every day for when you need that extra snack break or a little giggle from a baby smile to make everything better. So go forth and conquer, and I hope your Smokies trip is as beautiful as the sights!!