Even before its establishment in 1890, Yosemite National Park has already been popular with tourists and visitors. Today, the park remains as a top tourist attraction in the Sierra Nevada, especially for families with young children. Once your child has reached the age when he starts to develop an appreciation for things, bring him to Yosemite. There's plenty of great fun that awaits kids in this spectacular environment. Here are just a few samplings of what you and your family can expect:
Learning about animal friends
Children who love animals and are interested in wildlife will enjoy many of the programs currently available in Yosemite. There's a pre-school program called the 'Wee Wild Ones' that the park offers that teaches kids about animals through storytelling, games, songs and crafts. This program is designed for children 6 years old and younger. Admission is free.
Becoming a Junior Ranger
If your child is a born explorer, why not sign him up for Yosemite Park's program called Junior Ranger? This program is designed for children from ages 7 to 13, although younger ones aged 3 to 6 can join the Little Cubs. The program teaches kids about the value and importance of the environment through related activities. The Junior Ranger Walk (a guided tour that lasts an hour) is done in summer.
Exploring
If you're visiting Yosemite in the summer, bring your kids to Happy Isles. This is the park's nature center where kids can learn about the native species of animals that live in the area. There are also activities hosted by park rangers. Rangers lead kids through walks and allow them to participate in activities during a campout.
If you'd rather participate actively in helping your kids discover the beauty of Yosemite, take them for short hikes. Yosemite Valley is a good location for this purpose because many of the trails found here are designed for family exploration. Use a guide to refer to the features you'll encounter during the hike.
Enjoying the view
Yosemite offers an alternative way to allow kids to enjoy the scenery: through a kid-friendly train ride. It's known as the Sugar Pine Railroad and it goes through the Yosemite forest. You have a choice between the jenny railcar and the steam train.
Discovering history
Yosemite offers an invaluable lesson in history for young children and teens. Bring your kids to the Yosemite Museum to view the exhibits and let them learn about North American Indian culture through the Indian Cultural Exhibit. The Ahwahnee, an Indian village, is right behind the Yosemite museum. It showcases the culture and traditions of the Paiute and Miwok people.
Bringing out the artist in your child
Yosemite is so stunning in its utter beauty and majesty that it could never fail to awaken the inner artist in your child. For kids who have been dabbling in the arts or those who wish to explore their creativity, a visit to Yosemite can be the one perfect opportunity to allow them to do this. When visiting Yosemite, bring a camera or some art supplies. Then let your child's imagination run free.
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