10 Best Kid-Friendly Hikes in the US Every Family Should Try

Finding the best kid-friendly hikes in the US is very important for your kid’s hiking journey.

Only kid-friendly hikes give you and your kids joy while hiking. Let’s find kid-friendly hikes in the US together.

This article will show you the 10 top family-friendly trails in the US for your kids.

Before you go hiking with your family, it’s good to know the best age to start hiking with kids.

This helps you pick trails that are fun and safe for your children.

So, get your hiking boots ready, and let’s explore some of the best spots for family hikes in the US.

Why Hiking with Kids is Awesome

Hiking with kids has many benefits. It helps them stay active and appreciate nature.

They get to see different ecosystems and learn about the world around them.

Hiking with kids is more than just a walk in the park. It’s a chance to:

• Get active and healthy together
• Learn about plants and animals
• Make happy family memories
• Teach kids to love nature

It also brings families closer together. Hiking creates special moments and strengthens family bonds.

The American Hiking Society’s guide to family hiking offers great tips for getting started with outdoor adventures.

How to Have a Safe and Fun Hike

If you’re just starting to hike with kids, try some easy hikes for kids in the US. These paths are great for beginners and will help your family enjoy hiking together.

Choosing a kid-friendly trail is key. Look for trails with clear paths and beautiful views. This keeps kids interested and engaged.

The U.S. Forest Service’s interactive map of hiking trails can help you find suitable paths for your family near you.

Before you hit the trail:

1. Choose an easy path with pretty views
2. Pack water, snacks, and comfy shoes
3. Take breaks and play games along the way

Packing the right kid-friendly hiking gear is also important.

Comfortable shoes, water, and snacks make the hike better. Taking breaks and making it fun ensures a great time.

By exploring nature together, teach your kids to love the outdoors. It’s good for their health and creates lasting memories.

Before hitting the trail, check out the National Park Service’s hiking safety guidelines to ensure your family is well-prepared.

10 Best Kid-Friendly Hikes in the US

Now, let’s check out some great hikes for families!

#1 Hanging Lake Trail, Glenwood Springs, Colorado

• Where: Glenwood Springs, Colorado
• How long: 3 miles round trip
• What’s cool: A beautiful blue-green lake with waterfalls

My teenagers love the Hanging Lake hike in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, every summer.

The trail starts from the Glenwood Canyon Bike and Pedestrian Path. It leads to a stunning lake with waterfalls in green and blue.

The Grizzly Creek fire did not damage the trail last year. It emerged unscathed.

COVID-19 restrictions now require hikers to have a paid permit. This has made the hike peaceful and almost private.

You can buy a permit each Thursday at 9:00 am MDT. Prices range from $10 in winter to $12 in summer.

The Hanging Lake hike is closed for now for bridge work and safety.

But it’s a great family-friendly trail for adventurous families.

It’s a moderately challenging hike with a big reward.

Trail Details	Hanging Lake	Bear Lake (Rocky Mountain National Park)
Elevation	7,323 feet	9,449 feet
Ascent	1,000 feet	Not Specified
Difficulty	Hard (mostly moderate with steep sections)	Moderate
Round-trip Distance	3 miles	Not Specified

Visitors should plan carefully. There are no restrooms at Hanging Lake. Use the facilities at the trailhead before hiking.

Dogs and other pets are not allowed. With limited cell service, be ready for emergencies. Hike during daylight, especially in winter conditions.

If your family likes seeing waterfalls, there are many kid-friendly waterfall trails in the US. These trails have beautiful water views and exciting adventures, just like Hanging Lake.

#2 Upper Gorge Trail, Ithaca, New York

• Where: Ithaca, New York
• How long: 0.5 miles
• What’s cool: 17 waterfalls along the way

Family hikes are a must-do in Ithaca, NY, especially for moms with three kids. The Upper Gorge Trail is a hit with our family.

It is situated in the Finger Lakes region. It guides you to scenic waterfalls and kid-friendly nature trails.

The Upper Gorge Trail is only 0.5 miles (0.8 km) long. It’s a short loop that takes about 15 minutes to walk.

Despite its short length, it’s full of natural beauty, including 17 waterfalls along a 5-mile gorge.

The 500-foot elevation change is gentle. It’s great for all hikers, including those with disabilities or who aren’t in top shape.

The Upper Gorge Trail is special because of the Lucifer Falls overlook.

It gives you a stunning view of the waterfalls.

The trail is less crowded than some other spots. So you can enjoy the peaceful Ithaca nature trails.

The Upper Gorge Trail is our favorite for family outings. Ausable Chasm and Watkins Glen State Park are also great.

For an even bigger water experience, Niagara Falls is a short drive away.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or new to hiking, the Upper Gorge Trail in Ithaca, New York, is perfect.

It’s a superb choice for hiking to a scenic waterfall and an adventure on a nature trail, suitable for kids.

#3 The Narrows, Zion National Park, Utah

• Where: Zion National Park, Utah
• How long: Up to 9 miles, but you can turn back anytime
• What’s cool: Walking in a river between tall canyon walls

Hiking the narrow Zion National Park is an exciting journey for older kids.

This famous trail in family hikes in Utah leads through Zion’s narrow, water-filled canyons. It offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

The trail is 9.16 miles long. Most hikers go upstream for 2-4 miles before heading back.

This makes the round trip about 6 hours. The water is usually around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Virgin River’s flow can be from ankle-deep to chest-high, depending on the season.

“Hiking with teenagers on the Narrows trail at Zion was unforgettable,” says Allison Dubois of Los Angeles.

“They were wading in rivers, and their joy and laughter filled the canyons. It was pure, adventurous kid-friendly trails fun.”

The Narrows is ranked as one of the top 10 hikes globally.

Its stunning views, cool waters, and sense of achievement make it a must for families.

It’s perfect for older, adventurous children looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Learn more about planning a family trip to Zion National Park from the official Wondertooth website.

#4 Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Colorado

• Where: Near Colorado Springs, Colorado
• How long: 8.9 miles round trip (by train)
• What’s cool: Ride a train up a tall mountain

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is a top choice for family hikes in Colorado.

It lets visitors see the stunning views of Pikes Peak without the hard work of a long hike.

A new visitor center and railway experience make it easier for everyone to enjoy the mountain views.

This railway is perfect for families with young kids or those who can’t hike far.

It goes up slowly, so you can enjoy the views without getting tired. You’ll see amazing sights around you.

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is great for everyone.

The new center and railway are easy to get to, so people with disabilities can enjoy the views too.

It’s a place where everyone can have fun together.

Hike Name	Elevation Gain	Difficulty	Length
Pikes Peak Cog Railway	14,115 feet	Easy	8.9 miles (round trip)
Crags Route	7,365 feet	Strenuous	12.6 miles (round trip)
Barr Trail	7,400 feet	Strenuous	26 miles (round trip)

Looking for a fun family outing or a beautiful mountain view?

The Pikes Peak Cog Railway is the place to go.

With its new facilities and amazing views, it’s a top spot for making memories in the Rocky Mountains.

#5 Stanbery Park, Cincinnati, Ohio

• Where: Cincinnati, Ohio
• How long: 1.3 miles
• What’s cool: Forests and a creek to play in

Exploring nature doesn’t have to be far away. The best family hikes near Cincinnati are those close to home.

Families can return to them as their kids grow.

Maggie Young-Lipschutz, a Cincinnati resident, loves taking her six- and three-year-old kids to the 125-acre Stanbery Park.

“My husband and I call Stanbery the best-kept secret in Cincinnati,” she says.

“It’s perfect for trail running, kid-friendly nature trails, and playing in the creek. We’ve kept it beautiful during the pandemic with family trash pickup days.”

Stanbery Park is a 125-acre gem in the Cincinnati Parks system. It’s known as the best “hiking” park online.

The park is part of the Mount Washington neighborhood and is on the “Go Vibrant” easy hiking with young kids routes.

The Shoop trail is 1.3 miles long and has moderate terrain.

For those seeking close-to-home outdoor adventures in Cincinnati, Stanbery Park is a hidden treasure.

It offers diverse trails, creek access, and community involvement.

It’s an excellent choice for kid-friendly nature trails that families can enjoy together.

Park	Highlights	Distance	Difficulty
Ault Park	The Kids Tree Trail and Tree Trail	9 hiking trails	Easy
California Woods	Proximity to the river bed	The pretty flat loop trail, uprooted trees	Moderate
Withrow Nature Preserve	The pretty flat loop trail uprooted trees	Great for trail runs	Easy
Johnson Hills Park	Wooded trail with some steep parts	2.1 miles long	Moderate

Kid-Friendly Hikes in the US

The United States is full of great hikes for families. Kids can climb the sand dunes in Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park.

They can also enjoy views of snowcapped peaks on the Sourdough Ridge Trail in Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park.

In the Northeast, Wissahickon Valley Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a hidden gem.

It has 57 miles of trails through forests, meadows, and a creek.

Local resident Barrie Nager says,

“For a city hike, there is nothing better. Wissahickon is an amazing resource for so many people.”

Out west, the Frozen Niagara Tour in Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave National Park is a must-see.

It’s a quarter-mile round-trip cave exploration with stunning formations.

In Arizona, the Giant Logs Trail at Petrified Forest National Park is a hit with kids.

They love seeing the enormous petrified logs.

National Park	Kid-Friendly Hike	Trail Length
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado	Dunes Fields	Spread across 30 square miles with dune heights reaching above 700 feet
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington	Sourdough Ridge Trail	1-mile loop with gentle elevation gain
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky	Frozen Niagara Tour	Quarter-mile round-trip
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona	Giant Logs Trail	0.4-mile loop

Looking for easy hikes for kids? The US has plenty.

Whether you want scenic trails or beginner routes, there’s something for everyone.

Families can enjoy the outdoors and make memories that last a lifetime.

#1 Wissahickon Valley Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• How long: There are many trails to choose from
• What’s cool: Forests, meadows, and a creek in the city

For those living in Pennsylvania, Wissahickon Valley Park in Philadelphia is a top choice.

It has 57 miles of trails, nestled in the city. The park is filled with forests, meadows, and the Wissahickon Creek.

“For a city hike, there is nothing better,” says Nager. “Wissahickon is an amazing resource for so many people.”

The Wissahickon Valley Park is part of Fairmount Park, a huge urban park system.

It offers many outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and running. The Forbidden Drive trail is a favorite, following the creek.

The park is home to landmarks like the Toleration statue of William Penn and the Thomas Mill Covered Bridge.

The Friend of the Wissahickon trail map is a detailed guide that is available for purchase.

The park is covered in woods and has open meadows with native wildflowers.

A 6-mile hike starts at the northern parking lot. It goes through meadows, woods, and Forbidden Drive.

It’s perfect for family-friendly outdoor adventures.

For nature walks near cities, Wissahickon Valley Park is ideal.

It has a rich history, diverse wildlife, and easy trails in Wissahickon Valley Park.

It’s a top spot for urban hiking trails in Philadelphia.

#2 Lily Marsh Trail, Payette Lake, Idaho

• Where: Near Payette Lake, Idaho
• How long: 2.5 miles
• What’s cool: Yummy huckleberries to pick

The Lily Marsh Trail is in the Sawtooth Mountains. It’s perfect for families looking for kid-friendly hikes in Idaho.

The trail is about two and a half miles long, leading through forests and marshes to Payette Lake’s stunning views.

A Huckleberry-Filled Adventure

What makes the Lily Marsh Trail special? Boise mom Sally Spaulding says it’s the huckleberries.

“My kids love picking these juicy berries,” she says.

“The trail is shaded, making it comfy for kids. Plus, the huckleberries are a tasty snack they can’t get enough of.”

This trail is great for families camping and hiking near Payette Lake.

After hiking, you can swim in the lake and camp at Ponderosa State Park. It’s a complete outdoor adventure for the family.

Looking for a calm walk or an exciting hike? The Lily Marsh Trail in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains is ideal.

It’s a great place for families to enjoy nature and make memories that last.

#3 Dunes Fields, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado

• Where: Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
• How long: As long as you want!
• What’s cool: Huge sand dunes to climb and slide down

In the heart of Colorado, the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve boasts the tallest sand dunes in North America.

It’s a top spot for sand dune hikes and outdoor adventures in Colorado.

It’s also a kid-friendly national park, perfect for families to explore the desert landscapes.

Kids can enjoy fun activities like sledding and sandboarding.

The park’s main dune field covers 30 square miles, with dunes over 700 feet tall.

The Hidden Dune is the tallest at 741 feet, and the Star Dune is second at 736 feet.

These dunes offer endless fun for sand dune hikes and exciting adventures.

Hike	Distance	Time
High Dune on First Ridge	2.5 miles (4 km)	2 hours round trip
Hidden Dune	7 miles (11 km)	6 hours round trip
Star Dune	6 miles (9.6 km)	6 hours round trip

Visitors can have a blast sledding and sandboarding down the dunes.

Just grab a flat-bottomed plastic sled, skis, or snowboard.

Even a cardboard box will do. But check with park rangers first to see if the sand is right for these activities.

Are you looking for a tough sand dune hike or just want to see the park’s desert landscapes?

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a unique and kid-friendly place for family fun.

#4 Sourdough Ridge Trail, Washington

• Where: Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
• How long: 1 to 4 miles
• What’s cool: Amazing views of Mount Rainier and pretty flowers

Exploring family hikes in Washington at Mount Rainier National Park was a dream come true.

We aimed for kid-friendly trails in national parks and found the Sourdough Ridge Trail.

This trail is nestled in the subalpine meadow adventures of the Sunrise area. It’s a 4-mile loop with gentle elevation, perfect for all ages.

The views on the Sourdough Ridge Trail are stunning.

We saw Mount Rainier and its glacial features. The kids felt like real explorers at the ridgetop.

The best time to hike here is summer and early fall.

The wildflowers bloom then, and the trail is snow-free. It’s open from mid-July to October, offering beautiful views.

Trail Segment	Distance	Elevation Gain
Sourdough Ridge Trail (one-way)	4 miles	1,000 feet
Sunrise Nature Trail (round-trip)	1.5 miles	300 feet
Sourdough Ridge to Dege Peak (round-trip)	4.2 miles	800 feet
Sourdough Ridge to Frozen Lake (round-trip)	3 miles	500 feet
Mount Fremont Lookout Trail	5.6 miles	900 feet
Burroughs Mountain Trail to 1st Burroughs	4.8 miles	900 feet
Burroughs Mountain Trail to 2nd Burroughs	6 miles	1,200 feet
Berkeley Park via Northern Loop	7 miles	1,200 feet

The Sourdough Ridge Trail is perfect for a family day hike or a challenging adventure.

Don’t forget your hiking boots. Get ready for stunning scenic mountain views and subalpine meadow adventures.

#5 Giant Logs Trail, Arizona

• Where: Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
• How long: 0.4 miles
• What’s cool: See trees turned to colorful stone

This short trail lets you see amazing petrified wood – trees that turned to stone millions of years ago. It’s like walking through history!

Conclusion

The United States has many kid-friendly hiking trails for families. You can find easy walks, scenic mountain hikes, or water adventures. These 10 hikes are great for all ages and skill levels.

Now you know about some of the best kid-friendly hikes in the USA. Remember to:

• Start with shorter, easier hikes
• Bring plenty of water and snacks
• Take lots of pictures
• Most importantly, have fun!

Happy hiking with your family!

For more ideas on outdoor activities with kids, check out REI’s expert advice on family hiking and camping.

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