michellewk

we're looking to visit yellowstone and grand teton this summer. we have a 5 1/2 year old and a 2 year old. we've never been, good idea with the 2 year old?

michellewk

go it'll be fun

John

Looks like michellewk not only talks to herself but answers herself also.

carolyn

Go, and in Jackson take the covered wagon dinner deal where the wagons are held up and people gallop around on horseback.

Hang on to your little ones in Yellowstone. If you get off the paths, you can break through the ground into boiling hot springs.

utahtea

We took our two son's when they were 2 and 5 and they loved it. Even the 2 year old was interested in the geysers and the animals. You will see plenty of buffalo. We were camping in a pop-up tent trailer and had come all the way from California.

We had a double stroller and we pushed the boys around all the thermal and geyser sites in it. There are plenty of paths in Yellowstone that are stroller friendly.

Utahtea

travellyn

The only vacations I ever enjoyed with 2 year olds were beach trips or places with swimming pools. I'm sure the 5 year old would love both places, but I might think twice about taking a 2 year old. In my case, it would have been a waste of time, money, and energy.

By the way, mine are now 10 and 13, and they love NPs and camping.

Connie

My husband took his children by his first wife at the ages yours are and they don't remember a thing.

Wait and take them when they can understand what they are looking at and remember it.

Yellowstone is my favorite place but I don't think it would be all that much fun for small children.

Just my opinion.

ellen_griswold

We started taking our Out West Road Trip Adventures when our two were 7 and 10. While they DO remember the first few years, we've re-visited several places, like Yellowstone. They've said these last few years have been much more meaningful, and memorable. (they're now 14 and 17 and we're going one more time this summer!)

I vote for a beach vacation, which is what we did from their births until we started road - trippin!

Whatever you do, take lots of pics and have a great time!

utahtea

My 5 year old remembered Yellowstone when we went back 7 years later. 2 is to young to remember the park but it really doesn't matter as long as they are having fun and with their parents.

If YOU want to go, don't let the age of your children stop you. If you are having a good time...so will they.

Utahtea

travellyn

It seems like a lot of the varying opinions here so far probably come down to the temperaments of the parents and the children.

If your 2 year old is pretty laid back and doesn't take a lot of adult effort to keep in line, then you'll be able to enjoy the trip. I couldn't enjoy trips with mine at that age because they were so active that I couldn't pay attention to my beautiful surroundings. I was spending all my time keeping them from climbing on rocks that were too high for them, going too close to dropoffs, running into roads, and the like.

If I'd been more relaxed, and able to restrain them while enjoying things around me, then a NP trip would have been worth it. By the time they were four, I could trust them to obey and stay close to me.

You probably know yourself and your children well enough to decide which of the descriptions in these various posts sound most like your family.

Have a great time, whatever you end up choosing to do!

Connie

Last week, we met my sister and nephew who is 2 1/2. at Smokey Mountain N.P. They have several trails that are easy enough for small children. My nephew did great and we were able to let him walk without being held or tied to us as you would have to do in a lot of Yellowstone.

Plus, in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge there are things for all ages to do. My nephew really enjoyed the aquarium and petting zoo.