New York vs Yellowstone Natl
 

Looking to plan a 5-6 day vacation around July 4th with our 4 & 2 year old boys..The two destinations in mind are Yellowstone or New York. Which of these two are better suited to kids of these ages ??
Thanks
Ash

Wow - talk about totally different destinations :)

With little kids, I would probably choose Yellowstone. There will be lots of space for them to run around and for you all to just hang out. Also, little kids and nature go together well.

I disagree...Found that Yellowstone with my 3-year-old was difficult. It can be a dangerous place; go off a trail into a thermal pool, and you're in trouble. I fought my daughter constantly when she wanted to run ahead. It's not a place with playgrounds or pools or videos. I'm not sure NYC would be that great either. When my kids were that little, we did more beach stuff. One other idea, look into Custer State Park. We stayed in a cabin at the Blue Bell Lodge, and the kids could run around and play. It was like a mini Yellowstone with the bison and animals, close to Mt. Rushmore. But there were more activities for young kids, like a lake to swim in and a playground, and our cabin had a fridge and microwave.

I'd vote Yellowstone, but I don't know if my vote should carry any weight because we avoid the big cities.

We took our two boys to Yellowstone for their first time when they were 4 1/2 and 1 1/2 and they loved it. Keep in mind that you have to keep a close eye on them around the thermal areas. We took a double stroller for them to ride in to use on the boardwalks in the thermal areas. Lots of wildlife!!!

Utahtea

New York in July is not an ideal destination for two toddlers. The city will be incrdibly hot, there will be long lines/waits for many of the things you want to do - and the kids will really be happiest just hanging out in the park anyway.

I would either save the NYC trip until they are a couple of years older and can appreciate much more of what the city has to offer - or go in spring or fall - when the waits can be shorter and the process less exhausting.

I would take them to the sea shore or the mountains, where they can explore nature without fear of falling into a boiling pit.

Rent a cabin on a lake in the Adirondacks. The kids can swim, fish, hike, even go in a kayak. Choose someplace that will have other kids there. Almost every little town in the Adirondacks has a great fireworks display and a down home parade for the fourth. Limit the running around in a car. Book soon as good the good places reserve early. You'll have a blast, and so will your boys!

Thanks for all the suggestions !! I think now we are leaning towards Yellowstone or some place where the kids will have more fun..I will probably go to the library this weekend and do some more research with the travel books etc. I am sure I will still have some questions !!!!!!
Thanks to all of you again !!! We are going on a 3 day Disney cruise in February so looks like its going to be a fun year for the kids !!
Ash

You don't say where you're from, but if NY and Yellowstone are a big trip for you, I'd save both for when the kids are older and able to appreciate them more.