Activities
Although it is hard to have a true wilderness experience in crowded Yosemite Valley—especially in the summer—this overabundance of civilization has its upside: The park has innumerable activities for visitors throughout the year and there’s even a (limited) nightlife—something I’ve never found at any other national park.
• Art Classes. The Yosemite Art and Education Center offers free drawing and painting classes for adults and children from spring through till fall. (Some classes are even designed so that parents and kids can create together.) You can also buy supplies here.
• Biking. There are more than 12 miles of paved bike paths through Yosemite Valley, and these are ideal for bypassing the clotted roadway. Off-road biking is not permitted in the park. Pathways are level and easily navigable for young children.
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Biking in the Yosemite Valley
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Courtesy of the National Park Service
• Fishing. Lakes are open for fishing year-round, and rivers and streams from late April through mid-November. Individuals 16 and older must have a valid California fishing license. If you forget your rod and reel or any other angling supplies, you can find what you need at the Yosemite Village Sport Shop.
• Galleries. The Ansel Adams Gallery displays original signed works by the noted Yosemite photographer. You’ll also find artwork by other contemporary photographers and a good collection of art books and handmade jewelry.
Ranger Programs for Kids
There is a ranger-led hike or program for every age, ability level and interest in Yosemite; examples include geology lectures, photo-safari hikes and nighttime star-gazing programs. Check schedules in the park’s Visitors Center for times and meeting places.
Families traveling with children shouldn’t miss the Junior Ranger program. Purchase an inexpensive activity booklet, available at most ranger stations; children (at reading age or older) complete a certain number of paper-and-pencil activities, participate in a ranger-led program and fill a trash bag full of litter. After tackling the assigned tasks, children return to a ranger station to receive their official Junior Ranger badge and to get sworn in. Rangers usually conduct elaborate impromptu induction ceremonies. My daughter loved this when she was 8 years old and younger.
• Theater. Live theater programs are available in the summer evenings. Purchase tickets for a modest cost at the box office near the Valley Visitor Center. In past seasons, a talented actor has staged a series of moving one-man shows about John Muir. The content of these dramas is appropriate for children of all ages, but best suited for kids 8 and older.
• Winter Sports. Although many roads and trails are closed during the cold seasons, Yosemite offers numerous possibilities for winter sports, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing throughout the park; downhill skiing and snowboarding at the Badger Pass Ski Area; and ice skating at one of the world’s most romantic outdoor rinks in Curry Village.
[A previous version of this article was originally published in March, during our Alpha phase. It has since been updated.]
Comments
3 Comments on this article | read all commentsOK, I'm ready to go back to Yosemite!
by Kevin on June 10, 2008
We're camping in Tuolumne Meadows with another family in August. Can't wait. Last time we went it was sans kids and we did the Vernal Falls (see cover photo on article) - Nevada Falls hike. It's probably my favorite hike of all time. Haven't done Half Dome yet, but it's on the list!
Watch out for Bears!
by Calistoga on March 26, 2008
The last time I was in Yosemite the people I was traveling with saw 3 bears. Just my luck though, I didn't see any! Seeing a bear in the wild is really a treat though.
Before you die, hike Half-Dome!
by love2travel on February 10, 2008
Hiking Half Dome was one of the highlights of my "hiking resume". It was challenging, but extremely rewarding! I will reiterate what I am sure all the guidebooks tell you: bring lots of water, and begin the trek early. Also, while there is a collection of very threadbare gloves at the base of the cables, I would recommend bringing your own. For good karma, you could leave them for a later hiker. :) Happy Hiking!