We will be visiting Yellowstone this July for 5 nights. 3 nights at OFI and 2 in Canyon. Before heading to Yellowstone we are spending 3 days in GTNP.

We are a family with 2 boys 6 and 9. I was hoping to get some ideas on a daily itinerary, specifically how to divide the days in the park and what to tackle each day.

We will be rafting while in GTNP.

Thanks!!!

We'll be there the end of June. We were there 4 years ago and loved it. This time we're doing the Roosevelt camp cookout. I think your boys would like that. There's horseback or a wagon to get there. Call for reservations. We spent most of our time looking at animals and taking short hikes. You'll see lots of buffalo (and resulting traffic jams) so I would go to places you might see other animals, although it may take some hikes to get off the main roads. You could probably rent a boat and go out into Yellowstone lake. I'm not sure if you can fish, but I know you can fish off the Fishing Bridge. I would also plan on driving in the evening and early morning to catch other habits of the animals.
Where are you staying in GTNP? We're spending a night at Signal Mountain and planning the float trip down the river.

In GTNP we took the boat shuttle across Jenny Lake to hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.

On the day you drive from GTNP to Yellowstone, make sure you stop at the West Thumb geyser area.

One full day can be spent going to all the geyser areas near Old Faithful. Lone Star Geyser is a five mile round trip hike, but if you can hit it just right, the eruption is something else. Go to the visitor center and see what times some of the bigger geysers will be going off and try to time a few of them.

You could spend another day going up as far as Norris Geyser area and fitting in all the other geyser areas and Fountain Paint Pots, Artist Paint Pots and Virgina Cascades.

The day you move from Old Faithful you might consider doing the large loop up to Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Falls.

One full day exploring Yellowstone Canyon, Hayden Valley, Mud Volcano and down to Yellowstone Lake while staying at Canyon.

Utahtea

Yes, do what Utahtea suggests; it's perfect. I just wanted to comment on OFI and say what a wonderful time we had there. The whole place is fantastic so do take some time to just walk around in the evenings and check it all out. When we where there a lady played piano and it's an night I will not forget; it's just a special place. Have fun and follow the route posted above; your boys will be blown away by this adventure and talk about for years to come.

Any tips on rafting/float trips down the Snake River?

utahtea - is the boat across Jenny Lake something you have to book in advance??

Thanks

I have been to both parks several times and your family will love it. Here are some ideas:

For whitewater rafting, try Dave Hansen outfitters. The 6 year old may be a littel young. not sure. I have alos done a flota trip and I really liked it. You will see a lot of older people on it but the guides are very informative about the area and geology. We saw bald eagles and an osprey grab a fish out of the river.

One of my favorite things in GTNP is going to Doornan's for breakfast. It is an outdoor grill. The food is good, not great but you sit outside on picnic tables overlooking the Snake River and Grand Teton. Awesome views.

Your kids may like the alpine slide at Snow King. It is a lot of fun and it will go plenty fast for them.

For wildlife viewing, check out back road between GTNP and Teton Village early in the morning or later at night. Part of it is unpaved but we have seen moose, bears, elk by the dozens etc. Also, for Moose viewing, head toward Gros Venture campground around dusk and look into the river area. Good spot.

In Yellowstone, the Old Faithful Inn is great. The have a nice outdooe balcony where you can get a beer or do a picnic with great views. You will see hundreds of buffalo around the park. There is a lot of driving so be prepared for that.

Have a great trip!