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Yellowstone With Babies, Kids, and Teenagers

This section is dedicated to making your trip to Yellowstone with babies, kids, and/or teenagers more fulfilling and enjoyable. It will also hopefully succeed in making the trip more comfortable for them. Now, I don't have any kids of my own and was recently a teenager myself. I am basing my info on my experiences traveling with kids, working with kids at the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History, and what things I remember traveling as a child. I hope you enjoy!! If you have any suggestions for this section, please feel free to e-mail them to me. Together we can all make long trips to Yellowstone better for our kids!!

Yellowstone With Babies and Toddlers

The Funkygeyserman at White Dome - circa 1980 - age 2 or 3

I encourage taking your baby to Yellowstone as soon as possible. My first trip to Yellowstone was when I was 8 months old and I thank my parents for it every day. There are just a few things that you have to remember when traveling with a baby in an area like Yellowstone.

The Sun:
The sun can mean trouble for your child's health if they are not protected from it. Also, dealing with a sunburned baby for the rest of your trip cannot be too pleasant. Besure to cover up as much of their skin as possible with outfits made of light fabric (so that they don't get too hot). A hat is always a good idea, too. Don't use sunscreen until you are sure the baby is old enough to wear it without the chemicals in it being dangerous.
The Bugs:
At certain times of the year, biting bugs in Yellowstone can get very nasty!! I know how I get when I get bug bites, so I can just imagine how a baby would be! The precautions for this are similar to those for protecting them from the sun. Just cover as much of the body as possible. Again, don't use a bug spray until you know that the child is old enough to handle the chemicals without harm (especially dangerous for babies who fut their hands in their mouths a lot).
The Hydration:
There is practically no humidity in Yellowstone so it might appear that your child is not sweating (due to the fact that sweat evaporates immediatly). But, if it is hot, they are sweating! This can lead to dehydration. Be sure that the child is getting plenty of fluids. This might lead to more diaper changes, but at least your baby will be safe!
The Altitude:
Altitude sickness is common in Yellowstone. It is due to differences in pressure and air thickness at higher altitudes. Common symptoms are dizziness, nausea, restless sleep, sore throat, and shortness of breath. Be sure to take prcautions for this if your baby has asthma. Also, if you notice that your baby seems to be experiencing discomfort, this might be the problem. There might be a cure that I don't about (please recommend one to me if you do), but, if you know it is happening, just take it slow. Altitude sickness tends to go away after a few days.

Yellowstone With Kids

The Funkygeyserman with Mud Volcano - 1989 - age 11
Hiking
The following are a few suggestion about hiking with kids provided by Sunflower. Thanks Sunflower!!

I've jotted down a few things that have made our hiking trips with our kids a lot of fun. Feel free to use some, all or none of them.
ESSENTIALS

Storm Whistle: Have the kids carry them and teach them to blow 3 short bursts, pause then repeat until they see you. Have them practice at home.
Dress the kids in bright colors
Let each child carry a small backpack and carry their own snack and a light toy. Even the littlest hiker likes this.
Bring plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen
Lightweight pants and long sleeved shirts keep bug bites to a minimum. If you are going into the backcountry, mosquitoes can be very bad. A hat and head bugnet are a must.
First Aid Kit: Make sure to include child strength medications (acetominaphen, benadryl etc.) Include a list of proper dosages for each child.
One disposable camera per child so they can take their own pictures.
THE HIKE

Make a list of possible hikes including what there is to see - geyser, lake, waterfall etc. Then let the kids pick the hike.
Setting a proper pace for children is very important. We let the kids lead, but they must stay very close and not roam ahead.
Plan on taking your time. Bring a magnifying glass, a small notebook and pen and guides (plants, footprints,scat, etc.)
My kids favorite hikes are Lone Star and Storm Point.
Always keep a close eye on the kids, don't approach the wildlife and always keep a hand on them in thermal areas.
Seeing Yellowstone through a child's eyes is truly a wonderful thing.
Games

License Plate Game - This was always a favorite of mine when I was a kid. Before leaving home, you make a check list with every state, provence, and Washington D. C. on it. Let your child know that it their mission to hunt down a license plate from every place marked on the list. This game will occupy them as you travel across the country. Also, help them get a few by driving around the parking lots in Yellowstone. Be sure to reward them when they get them all!!
Alphabet Game - This is a game that you can play with your child. The point is to collect every letter in the alphabet from the signs you see along the way. If you see a sign that says,"Yellowstone Area Campgrounds" you can say,"'A' in Area" and so on. Once a letter is said, that sign cannot be used again. That is why both you and your child must stay on their toes!! You may drop more difficult letters (such as "q", "x", and "z") if you like. Note: Letters are not allowed to be taken off of vehicles (this means license plates and logos on the side of Semis)

Yellowstone With Teenagers

The Funkygeyserman with Mud Geyser - 1993 - age 15

Remember that teenagers are teenagers and all might not be interested in the Yellowstone experience. I was recently a teenager and remember the times when music, movies, members of the opposite sex, and various other things occupied a good majority of my intrests at all times. Some teens might not find a week long adventure with the family to be that exciting of an experience in the tumultuous world of their teenage lives. Be sure that you play off of their intrests when traveling. If you discover somthing that does intrest them, encourage it even if it doesn't fit in with the rest of the plans for your trip. I think that you will find that every teen has a soft spot for the outdoors and will end up greatly enjoying the experience!
Some teens you will find already have a great affinity for the outdoors and they are eager to take a trip to Yellowstone. You should have no problem traveling with these teens!

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