These 20 National Parks Are Perfect For Families To Visit In Spring

After a long pandemic winter hibernation, a national park adventure is one of the best family vacation ideas for spring.

In March, April and May, national parks tend to not be as hot and crowded as they are during peak summer travel, which means plenty of outdoor space to stretch out, burn off energy and social distance. As an added bonus, April brings National Park Week (usually the third week of April), an annual celebration that brings free admission for all plus special junior ranger programs for kids.

Springtime is prime time to marvel at wildflowers, spot baby wildlife, hit the hiking trails and enjoy seasonal waterfalls. Here are 20 of the best national parks in spring throughout the United States.

Whether you’re planning a family-friendly spring break trip, an adult-family get together or a couples escape, these exceptional public lands will help you reconnect and reboot.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Similar to Saguaro National Park, travelers will find cooler spring temperatures at Grand Canyon National Park. In fact, RVIA campground expert Jeff Crider says there’s even a chance of snow in spring along the South Rim: “It’s so beautiful to see the canyon that way, when there is a little snow along the rim and down a few hundred or a thousand feet or so.” The possibility of rain and snow, combined with more breezes and skies clear of haze and smog (that tends to drift from Las Vegas and Southern California) makes spring an ideal time to see the canyon in all its drama and beauty.

Where to stay: The historic El Tovar Hotel opened in 1905 as one of the most elegant inns in the American West. Today, the El Tovar still holds a prestigious place on the rim of the Grand Canyon and offers panoramic views of the national park below.

Check out the 19 other national parks recommended by FamilyVacationist.com here.