Old Faithfull Inn is awesome and the bustling of people isn't obtrusive, IMO. It's a great place for kids, and so many geysers are literally right out your front door. However, they are going to start some structural work on the whole building and that might affect your choice. I liked the "vibes" there much better than the Lake Hotel, but that's a personal opionion.

Mammoth Cabins are really nice and rustic and the kids would probably like them, too. Lots of precious ground squirrels living beneath them keep everyone entertained.

Try to reserve in advance the chuckwagon dinner that leaves out of Roosevelt. It doesn't start until mid-June and we were there too early. I was sorry to have missed it because I've heard it's great.

I'd definitely recommend staying at two different locations within the park and spending at least four to five nights . Don't try to see everything; it's impossible. Just do your research, take the different boardwalks and be sure to take plenty of pictures because the place is almost unbelievable.

I agree that Yellowstone is very large and wise to break-up your stay in at least 2 parts of the park- the Lake cabins are rustic but affordable and a good base for 2-3 days. The Old Faithful area also another good base for 2 more days. Mammoth is a bit out of the way but affords a very different perspective of the park.We spent a week total with our kids and easily could have stayed longer. Yes- reserve now for next summer, and I agree that the Tetons are a must see. We went to Glacier National Park as well on the same trip, making a big circuit. It was one of my most favorite family vacations !

We did Yellowstone/Grand Teton this past June with 6 children and 6 adults. Flew into Jackson Hole for a night - everyone's least favorite although there are "sleds" down a mountain that the kids liked. Can also take a tram to the top of Rendezvous Mt. Jackson Hole is also a good location for a raft trip - not rough but fun for the kids.

Signal Mountain Lodge was everyone's surprise favorite. Get a cabin on the lake. What a view! Fish, hike, go to Jackson Lake, Jenny Lake. Signal Mountain Lodge has a good and reasonably-priced dining room, too.

Next we spent three nights at Old Faithful Inn. You have to stay there!!! The lack of in-room baths was not a problem and the geysers are like nothing the kids will see elsewhere. Take ranger-led hikes in the geyser area - pretty interesting stuff.

We then headed for Mammoth and the Campfire Cookout. We all had a great time but stayed there just one night until on to Cody for the rodeo and museum. Those were fun - but don't be afraid to skip them and concentrate on Tetons and Yellowstone instead. Plenty to do - and no one (ages 3-57) complained about the lack of TV or swimming pool. The natural world will keep you plenty occupied.

We spent 10 days this past summer in Jackson, Grand Tetons and Yellowstone with our 9 year old son. Here's what I consider best tips from our trip: Flew into Jackson Hole on direct flight from Chicago and rented from Dollar in town -- $200 cheaper than renting at airport and they have a free shuttle into town. Highly recommended. Also see local rodeo in Jackson at the fair grounds on Sat. and Wed. nights -- definitely entertaining and locally run. Next stay at Signal Mountain lodge in one of the rooms facing lake and Grand Tetons. Plus they have kitchenettes for easy morning breakfast. Make sure you ask for a single cabin at Lake Yellowstone. The doubles have thin walls and you can hear everything the folks in the adjoining cabin are doing. We didn't stay at Mammonth but I would recommend it. We stayed at Roosevelt Lodge cabins. They are rustic but very clean and nice. Liked the cookout. Check out the Yellowstone Institute for family programs. We didn't do this but several folks we met had and thought the guides, etc were worth the price. The Snow Lodge is just as nice as Old Faithful Inn without the crowds. And the drive from Old Faithful area back to Jackson is @2-1/2 hr and they want you to check in 2 hrs before flight time so plan accordingly when coming home. Have a wonderful time -- it's great place!!!!

It's interesting for me to see all of the recommendations to stay in two places. I've been to Yellowstone only once, but the thought never occurred to me.

For us, a major part of the enjoyment was driving the long expanses of the park because of the sheer beauty of the landscapes and the animal sightings. In other words, it's not just a matter of enjoying the "destinations" within the park, but also enjoying everything in between them.

Hi Elmiller

Here is a link I found useful in planning our trip to Yellowstone last summer

http://www.yellowstone-natl-park.com/index.html

Have Fun
GP

As far as what to see and do in the park, they give you a really good map at the entrance with all the sights clearly marked. The road is in a figure 8 with almost no sice roads so as long as you just drive the loops, you'll go right by everything. I think you'll find that a few thermal features will do you.

A good place to stay in quiet cabins but close to the action is the Old Faithful cabins (not sure exactly what they are called). They were recently remodeled and not as rustic as what I've heard many of Yellowstone cabins are.

You won't find any "very nice places" to stay in the park, but IMO, the lodging is part of the experience and I wouldn't like spending part of my days getting in and out of the park.

The crowds are thinnest early in the day and by mid afternoon-- still lots of day left.

If you don't want to move during your stay it really isn't that big a problem.