We will be traveling to Yosemite and staying for 3-4 nights in the Stoneman House (motel-like lodging in Curry Village) next week and would love any ideas for fun and safe activities with our 20 month old little boy. We have a frame-backpack child carrier that we will use to carry him on long hikes, but not sure what activities (other than the Curry public pool) would be fun for a toddler. If anyone has previous experiences (or any suggestions for fun hikes) and any advice, I would love to hear your ideas. Thanks!
One idea for hikes would be to take along some masking tape and make a bracelet for him (sticky side out) so that he can stick leaves and flowers that he finds on his bracelet. Just being in the mountains and exploring will be plenty of fun for him.
You know, they have all kinds of bicycle trails if you have one of those baby/bicycle thingees.
Plan on greater weather extremes. There's a small museum and ranger-led activities. Don't forget to bring a camera!
Hi S., we are also planning to take our 3 year son to Yosemite this summer. I found alot of great websites on the subject via Google. Travel for Kids: Yosemite National ParkFun things to do with your kids in Yosemite National Park. This family oriented travel guide will help you get the most out of your visit. www.travelforkids.com/Funtodo/.../Yosemite/yosemite.htm
let me know because I will need suggestions as well since my li'l guy is now mobile. We live in Marina Del Rey however I am in Manhattan Beach all the time. Where abouts do you live. I use live in Hermosa for 3 years. Have fun and Good Luck!
Traveling with this age is great, because you don't have to pay to go to expensive attractions. A child this age loves to look up close at just about everything and can become fascinated with every detail of rocks, leaves, insects, water, etc. We always took our family (7 children) to Yosemite, and all ages had a great time.
Check out what Junior Ranger family programs are going on during your visit. I believe they have some geared toward younger ages. Yosemite Lodge has an ampitheatre with special programs. When you enter the park you will get a schedule of all the activites happening during your stay. Kids also have fun riding the trams. Check out the Indian Village in Yosemite Village.
Happy Isles is a nice little hike and has visitor center. Mirror Meadow/Lake (depending on the time of year), Lower Yosemite Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls are easy hikes. For a little more challenge, go to the Vernal Falls Footbridge (trail head at happy Isles). This is steep but my daughter (age 7) made it. After the footbridge it continues to Vernal falls via a rock staircase that I hiked another time while pregnant. It is difficult but a gorgeous view. With the low rainfall hopefully the waterfalls aren't too dried up. Drive up to Glacier Point and the Mariposa Grove-a must see. Make sure to pack lots of water and snacks. A little first aid kit is good for skinned knees.
There is a full grocery store in Yosemite Village so if you forget something, don't fret. Lots of good places to eat inside the park. The Awahnee Hotel is beautiful to walk around also. Be prepared to take TONS of pictures. Deer walk among the people and bears can be spotted at night. Stellars jay's and squirrels abound.
Yosemite is a wonderful place and you will have a great time.
All the short, flat hikes will be a blast if your son can walk part of the time and ride part of the time. (Lower Yosemite falls, Mirror lake, Happy Isles, Mariposa grove of giant sequoias) It is totally a different experience to see Yosemite through the eyes of a little one. You will spend much more time looking at rocks and bugs and all the small things we big people take for granted. It will slow you down, but in a good way! There is a fun nature center in Happy Isles and the Indian Cultural exhibit in Yosemite Village. Also, just playing in the river is fun if you can find a slow, shallow part. Enjoy!
We LOVE Yosemite. They have great bike paths so take or rent bikes with a bike seat or trailer. There's also a huge meadow that you can see one of the waterfalls, I think Yosemite Falls, and he can just run around all over the meadow. I think there's a playground somewhere, but google Yosemite activities and I'm sure you'll find some playgrounds. Have fun!
How funny, we are going the first week of July. Thanks for asking about the tips, since we have a 14 month old as well!
S.,
We rented bikes with attached buggies for the kids to ride around on for a day. We packed a lunch and ate in a nice grassy area on a blanket. We were able to see so much more on the bikes.
We also did a little hiking and we used the child backpack for that. Made for a good time, but I think it wore us out more than our son!
Have fun.
P.
