Destination guideUnited States
FROMLON
ABOUT 10 HRS ✈️
TOBZN

Holidays in Yellowstone

Erupting geysers, rainbow hot springs and herds of bison by the road. Here's what Yellowstone is like with the family, when to go and how long to stay.

BEST FOR🥾 Nature & hiking, 🧗 Adventure, 🚗 Road trip
NIGHTS AWAY4 to 6
BUDGET£££
BEST MONTHSJun–Sep
Add Yellowstone to your ideasFree. One email per family.

Yellowstone at a glance

FLIGHT FROM LONDON
ABOUT 10 HRS
TIME DIFFERENCE
7 HRS BEHIND THE UK
CURRENCY
US DOLLAR ($)
ENTRY
ESTA FOR UK PASSPORTS
PLUGS
TYPE A / B · 120V

National parks charge an entry fee per vehicle, or buy an annual pass. Check entry rules on GOV.UK before you book.

When to go

  1. JANSnowcoach only, quieter
  2. FEBSnowcoach only, quieter
  3. MARSnowcoach only, quieter
  4. APRRoads closed, quieter
  5. MAYRoads open, baby animals, a good time to go
  6. JUNSummer, best time to go
  7. JULSummer, busy, best time to go
  8. AUGSummer, busy, best time to go
  9. SEPQuieter, best time to go
  10. OCTCold, closing, a good time to go
  11. NOVRoads closed, quieter
  12. DECSnowcoach only, quieter

June to September is when all roads and lodges are open, with July and August busiest. Late May has baby bison, and September is quieter with wildlife on the move. From November to April most roads close to cars.

Things to do with the family

FREE

Old Faithful

The famous geyser erupts roughly every 90 minutes. Times are posted at the visitor centre.

FREE

Grand Prismatic Spring

A huge hot spring in rings of orange, yellow and blue. See it from the overlook trail.

FREE

Lamar Valley

Bison, elk and maybe wolves or bears. Bring binoculars at dawn or dusk.

FREE

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

A yellow canyon with a thundering waterfall.

FREE

Junior Ranger

Children complete activities to earn a badge from a ranger.

DAY TRIP

Grand Teton

Jagged mountains and lakes just to the south.

Yellowstone: common questions

Is Yellowstone good for a family holiday?

Yes, it's like a giant outdoor science lesson. Stay on boardwalks, as the hot springs can kill, and keep well back from bison.

How many nights do you need?

Four to six nights in or near the park, as part of a wider road trip.

Do UK families need a visa?

Most British passport holders, children included, apply for an ESTA online before they fly rather than a visa. Check GOV.UK for the current rules.

Where should we stay?

Park lodges book up a year ahead. Towns near the gates, like West Yellowstone and Gardiner, have more choice.

If you like Yellowstone

Can't agree where to go next?

Put Yellowstone on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.

Start planning, it's free