Visiting America’s National Parks with big kids (and the little ones) is something our family has been fortunate enough to do. We have been blessed to visit hundreds of sites managed by the National Park Service, from sprawling national parks to historic sites and monuments. Each visit has been a unique adventure, filled with learning, exploration, and unforgettable memories. Traveling to these incredible places has become an integral part of our family culture, and we’ve discovered countless benefits along the way. Here are eight reasons we have found why visiting America’s National Parks with big kids is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

One of the greatest things our family has found about visiting America’s National Parks with big kids is the incredible hands-on learning opportunities they provide. Whether it’s walking through a Civil War battlefield, exploring ancient ruins, or observing wildlife in its natural habitat, our kids have learned so much more from these experiences than they ever could from a textbook. The rangers and educational programs offered at these sites make history, science, and nature come alive in ways that are both engaging and memorable. Our family has had so many amazing, hands-on experiences over the years that never would have been possible if it was not for our incredible National Park Service!

Building a Deep Connection to History and Nature

Traveling to national parks and historic sites has given our kids a deep appreciation for both history and the natural world. They’ve stood where great events took place, walked in the footsteps of historical figures, and seen some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. These experiences have helped them develop a strong sense of connection to our nation’s past and the beauty of its natural environment, fostering a respect and love for both. Prior to each park visit, one of the things that our kids have loved to do over the years is to research to build a little background knowledge about the site we will be visiting. This is why we created these National Park Research Organizers to help them organize their learning! Feel free to grab them at the links below.

Quality Family Time Away from Screens

If your family is anything like ours, you probably find it hard to find ways to disconnect and spend quality time together as a family. But, in today’s digital age, that is more important than ever. We have found that national park sites offer the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, providing a space where we can focus on each other without the distractions of screens and devices. Whether we’re hiking through a forest, exploring a museum, or camping under the stars, these moments together have strengthened our family bonds in ways that few other experiences can.

Exposure to Diverse Cultures and Stories

America’s national park sites are not only about natural beauty; they also tell the stories of our nation’s diverse cultures and peoples. From the ancient Native American cliff dwellings to the African American Civil Rights Movement, these sites have introduced our kids to the rich tapestry of cultures and histories that make up our country. Visiting these places has been an integral part of our homeschooling over the years. The exposure to these sites has broadened our kiddos understanding of the world as well as helped them develop empathy and respect for people from all walks of life.

Fostering a Sense of Curiosity and Exploration

Without fail, every visit to a national park site has sparked our kids’ curiosity and desire to explore. Whether they’ve been discovering the mysteries of a cave system like Carlsbad Caverns or unraveling the stories behind historical artifacts found in places like Mesa Verde National Park, these experiences encourage them to ask questions, seek out new knowledge, and never stop learning. This sense of curiosity and exploration has extended beyond our travels and into their schooling and everyday lives. Our parks have truly been instrumental in fueling their love of learning.

Creating Lifelong Memories

The memories we’ve made as a family while visiting national park sites are truly priceless. From watching the sunrise from the top of Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park to walking through the ancient forests of the Pacific Northwest, these shared experiences have brought us closer together and created a huge collection of stories and experiences that we’ll cherish forever. Each trip has added a new chapter to our family’s story, one that we’ll continue to build as we explore more of these incredible places.

We will never regret the time we have invested in traveling to National Park sites with our family. We are so convinced that incorporating visits to America’s National Park sites into your family culture is one of the best gifts you can give your children. Our experiences have provided us a wealth of opportunities for learning, adventure, and connection that will stay our family for a lifetime. It is our prayer that every family could will be able to experience visiting America’s National Parks with big kids (and small kids). Whether you’re exploring a majestic national park or delving into the history of a national monument, you’ll be creating memories that will strengthen your family bonds and leave a lasting impact on your kids.

Save This Post for Later

Don’t forget to save this post to one of your favorite Pinterest boards so that you can easily find it when the time is right. Also, if it is not the right time to plan a trip to a national park sit fro your family, you might want to consider completing a National Park Road Trip Project-Based Learning Activity with your kids! They will learn so much about our National Parks and I know you will love completing this experience together! If you want a National Parks PBL that is ready-to-go, feel free to grab the one we have created! We wish you and your family all the very best and pray you are able to create many happy memories together exploring the national park sites across our great nation!