Two summers ago we made our annual trip to a National Park. Our family visits one National Park a year, preferably a new one we haven’t been to before—although we do have our favorites that we frequent. When we were planning our trip for 2019 we knew we wanted to stay somewhat close to home, but which park would be best in July? Pinnacles would be too hot. There was no way we’d find reservations at Yosemite. And the campground we wanted at Sequoia was full. Just 7 hours away Crater Lake seemed like the perfect option. Especially since we’d never been as a family and I hadn’t been since I was a little kid myself. Keep reading to see what to do at Crater Lake with kids.
what to do in Crater Lake with kids
enjoy the scenic rim drive
Driving the loop can be a little long if you’re short on time, but it’s well worth it. It’s a great opportunity to see the various terrain and flora around the lake. There are lots of places to pull over and park for photo ops and picnics as well.
Keep in mind that you can get down to the lake and even take a boat tour, but the Cleetwood Cove Trail (the only path to the shore) is considered a strenuous hike. It should only be attempted by those in good physical condition and will likely be too much for your little ones.
participate in jr. ranger programs
Just like at any National Park there are fun Jr. Ranger programs planned throughout the day. The day we were visiting our kiddos were able to attend an interactive demonstration about how Crater Lake was formed. They loved it and we all learned something!
| Read: How to Visit our National Parks for Free |
check out the visitor centers
There are two different visitor centers and exhibits you can see while you’re there. The Rim Visitor Center is located near a main parking lot and the pick up point for trolley rides. It is also a short walk from the Sinnott Memorial Overlook and is the site of many ranger talks and demonstrations throughout the day. The Steele Visitor Center is the jumping off point for a very easy, family-friendly hike as well.
| Read: Five National Parks to Visit with Your Kids |
choose an easy hike
There are a lot of hikes you could choose from at Crater Lake and you can find information on many of them in your Visitor Guide when you first drive in. However, if you have little hikers with you keep it simple with one (or a few) of these hikes:
- Castle Crest
- Lady of the Woods
- Sun Notch
- The Pinnacles
- Godfrey Glen
- Plaikni Falls
where to stay when visiting Crater Lake with kids
We opted to stay in the town of Medford, Oregon and just do Crater Lake in one day this time. However, both Mike and I agree that next time we visit we’d like to stay in the park so we can have more time. When visiting Crater Lake with kids you really want to make sure you optimize your time. Below is a list of accommodations and campgrounds within the park boundaries.
| Read: Our Review of Mazama Campground at Crater Lake |
National Park favorites from amazon
important information for Crater Lake National Park:
Without a National Parks pass entrance into Crater Lake is $30 per car in the Summer and $20 in the Winter. Passes are good for seven days of in and out privileges. You can pay by debit or credit cards, and Apple or Samsung pay/digital wallet.
Have you ever been to Crater Lake National Park with your family?
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