Family-Friendly 5-Day Yosemite National Park Itinerary with Kid-Friendly Hikes

Day 1: Yosemite Valley Family Fun

Yosemite National Park, USA on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Yosemite Village Store

Grab pastries and coffee or juice to fuel up for the day; kid-friendly snacks are available too.
USD10, 0h30m

9:00am

Lower Yosemite Fall Trail

Enjoy an easy, flat 1-mile loop trail to Lower Yosemite Fall, perfect for children to experience the wonder of waterfalls safely.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Cook’s Meadow Loop

Take a gentle, stroller-friendly 1-mile loop through beautiful meadows with fantastic views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome, great for families.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Yosemite Village Grill

Order kid-friendly burgers and fries or fresh salads for parents at this casual spot close to your hiking routes.
USD15, 1h

1:30pm

Yosemite Valley Visitor Center

Interactive exhibits and ranger programs designed for kids offer a fun educational break.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Sentinel Beach Picnic Area

Let kids play by the Merced River in this shaded picnic area; a great way to wind down the afternoon.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Dinner at The Ahwahnee Dining Room

Enjoy a family-friendly meal in a beautiful historic setting, with children’s menu options available.
USD50, 1h30m

Day 2: Glacier Point & Easy Trails

Yosemite National Park, USA on June 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Degnan’s Kitchen

Pick up kid-friendly breakfast options like muffins and fruit along with coffee for adults.
USD12, 0h30m

8:30am

Drive to Glacier Point

A scenic 30-minute drive offers impressive views on the way to this famous overlook.
USD35 per vehicle park entrance fee, 0h45m

9:30am

Glacier Point viewing and picnic

Enjoy the spectacular, safe viewpoints with kids and have a picnic at the nearby designated area.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Sentinel Dome Hike

A 2.2-mile round trip hike with mostly gentle inclines great for families with older kids; the summit offers breathtaking views.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Drive to Washburn Point

Short drive for additional vantage point that is kid-friendly and less crowded.
Free, 0h30m

1:30pm

Snack and rest at Washburn Point

Enjoy light snacks and rest while soaking in the views with minimal walking required.
USD10, 0h30m

3:00pm

Return to Yosemite Valley

Relax during the drive back to lodge; ideal nap or rest time for children.
Included, 0h45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Mountain Room Restaurant

A welcoming spot with a kids’ menu and views overlooking Yosemite Falls, perfect to refuel after a day outdoors.
USD45, 1h30m

Day 3: Tuolumne Meadows Nature Walk

Yosemite National Park, USA on June 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at lodging

A quick and easy breakfast with options for kids before heading up to higher elevations.
USD10, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Tuolumne Meadows

About 1.5 hours scenic drive; bring snacks and games for kids for the road.
Included, 1h30m

9:30am

Tuolumne Meadows Nature Walk

A gentle 1.5-mile walk on flat terrain perfect for kids to discover wildflowers, small wildlife, and Tuolumne River views.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Soda Springs trail

Short walk of about 0.5 miles to bubbling Soda Springs, a fun natural feature to show children.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Picnic lunch at Tuolumne Meadows

Enjoy a tranquil picnic surrounded by mountain views where kids can stretch and play on grassy areas.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Drive back to Yosemite Valley

Return trip to Yosemite Valley with time to relax and rest for the evening.
Included, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Curry Village Pavilion

Casual dining with kid favorites like pizza and mac & cheese, plus options for adults.
USD30, 1h

Day 4: Mariposa Grove Family Day

Yosemite National Park, USA on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Wawona Hotel Dining Room

Enjoy a hearty meal in a charming setting with kid-friendly menu items to start the day.
USD20, 0h45m

8:30am

Mariposa Grove Easy Giant Sequoia Trail

Explore the Big Trees Trail, an easy 2-mile loop, perfect for children to see giant sequoias including the famous Grizzly Giant.
Free with park entry, 2h

11:00am

Visit Pioneer Yosemite History Center

Interact with historic buildings and engaging demonstrations tailored for kids’ curiosity.
USD5, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Wawona Hotel

Relax with a family lunch featuring familiar favorites to satisfy hungry kids and adults alike.
USD25, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Yosemite Valley

Drive back in the afternoon with downtime to rest or casual strolls at your lodging.
Included, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Base Camp Eatery

End the day with pizza or pasta options kids love, plus a quiet environment to unwind.
USD30, 1h

Day 5: Mirror Lake & Departure

Yosemite National Park, USA on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Yosemite Valley Lodge Food Court

Kid-friendly breakfast choices with quick service to get you out for the morning walk.
USD15, 0h30m

9:00am

Mirror Lake Trail

Take the easy 2-mile round trip walk to Mirror Lake with calm waters perfect for family photos and introductions to Yosemite’s landscape for kids.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Light lunch at Degnan’s Deli

Grab sandwiches and snacks at Degnan’s Deli, ideal for families before departure.
USD15, 1h

1:00pm

Prepare for departure

Pack up and get ready to head home with wonderful family memories of Yosemite.
Included, 1h