We'd like to spend 7 days in the Western United States next summer with our 3 kids - ages 4,11 & 12. Since we've never been out West what area would an experienced traveler recommend that would be scenic, educational and FUN. We don't have to cover a huge amount of territory but would like to see some of the better known "tourist" sites and also visit a National Park or two. (Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, Colorado?) I'm overwhelmed with information and would welcome any recommendations so I can narrow down our planning. Thank you!

I do think that it's hard to see much in 7 days in many parts of the west, because driving distances can be very long between sights. But you are smart to want to limit driving distances, because kids can get awfully restless in the car for long periods of time and that's not fun for anyone. Within the states that you listed, if you want to see a national park, I guess my first choice for 7 days would be to split the time between Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons (short distance between the two). Spectacular scenery and lots of wildlife to be seen.
But I have a couple of other recommendations in the west that are not in the states you listed. One would be California: Yosemite National Park and the "gold country," which aren't far from each other. The Gold Country isn't as heavily touristed as coastal California, but it's very scenic, in the foothills of the Sierras, a lot of fun, and can also be educational for kids. We went to Nevada City and Grass Valley, CA, where we toured an old gold mine and did some hiking along the Yuba River (you can also pan for gold which many kids seem to enjoy).
Another recommendation not on your list would be Arizona -- particularly Grand Canyon National Park and Sedona, which are only about 2-3 hours apart. I just got back from a week's trip there and it was absolutely wonderful. There is so much to do and it is so scenic. I posted a trip report here if you do a search.

Hi Debbie! I'm so excited for you; you'll be making such wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.

My first question would be this, from where are you starting your trip? That will make a big difference. We have taken road trips for 16 years, since our oldest was a baby. (Which is why our friends call us The Griswolds!) Our kids have always been GREAT at auto travel because that's what we do - and hated flying the two times we did!

The last poster gave you some good advice. (Our first 3.5 wk. trip west included the Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, Devil's Tower, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Bryce, Zion and Grand Canyon and Mesa Verde.) I'd like to add however, that if you take the time (LOTS of time) and plan well, you will truly be amazed at what you can see. Certainly, you won't be able to spend massive amounts of time in too many places - and young kids have short attention spans - but you will be introducing your children to the wonderful, wild west and you can always go back! We did - we've explored the west for five summers, 3-4 weeks each. Our favorite stops are National Parks, both great and small. "Fodors Guide to National Parks of the West" has excellent information on the larger parks, but there are also numerous smaller parks and monuments not listed.

Please let us know from where you will begin your trip and we can give you more assistance. Personally, I think planning the trips is half the fun!

Dear Debbie,
We will be taking our first trip west next summer with our kids, ages 9 and 10. I never would have believed it, but some of the most interesting National Parks are in Utah! Look up info on Arches, Bryce, Zion, and nearby Mesa Verde (in Colorado). You might want to hit several of these if it fits in with your plans.

Our National Parks are certainly one of our best national resources.The best "toruist sites: in the West are the parks.When you are planning your trip, try to include as many as possible. I think camping in the parks is the best way to enjoy them. Especially for kids. Most parks have campfire programs most night that will discuss geology, flora, fauna, historic interest etc. on different nights. you didn't say where you were coming from and if your 7 days included travel time getting to the West. Mt. Rushmore, Wind Cave,Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Arches, Mesa Verde, Chaco Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon, Crater Lake are great. Pick a few, and stay at least two days at each. Most have contracted activities as raft trips, guides for hiking or horseback riding, speciality activities, fishing, etc.

I second the suggestion of Utah and the 4 corners area of Arizona. The kids should get a kick out of standing in 4 states at one time. Rocky Mountain national park would also be a good idea because its a pretty short drive from Denver and is really beautiful. A week in Yellowstone and Grand Teton would also work and Yellowstone has a lot of family oriented trails and activites. Have fun!