Two Yosemite days with kids

Question

Hi,

We are going to California in late June - two adults, two kids ages 8 and 10 - and we are going to Yosemite for a short visit. Things have been happening all at once, so it has been hard for us to find time and energy to plan our trip in detail. I could love suggestions on what to do during our time there.

All we know so far is that we’ll be staying in Lee vining the night before and going in through tioga road. We have two nights in Curry Village. It is not possible for us to add extra nights. On the day we’re leaving we might visit mariposa grove early morning before heading south.

1. Should we just “hurry” through tioga road in order to find parking? Or do you have suggestions on nice stops along the way? When is the best time to arrive in the valley of not early morning?

I dont know if taking tioga road is a bad idea when our visit is so short. But we are coming down from Tahoe, and I thought Bodie would be nice for the kids and the road looks really nice. Guess the alternative would be staying just outside the park on the west side and arrive early to find parking.

But, if we are taking tioga road, where should we stop/what should we do to get the most out of our day?

2. The second day is our one full day in the valley. Keeping in mind that we have 2 kids and wont be doing any hard hikes: any suggestions how to plan our day? Guess we just want some nice views, some of the essentials of the park, and something fun for the kids.

Usually I love planning trips. And I know I might seem lazy asking you to plan our days for us. But everything is really happening all at once now, and it’s been hard to find the time.

I’m hoping some of you can help us out a bit.

Thanks in advance!

Answer

Visiting Yosemite with kids in late June can be magical, and with just two days, planning efficiently will help you see the highlights without feeling rushed. Since you’re entering via Tioga Road from Lee Vining, it’s important to balance scenic stops with time management.

Day 1: Entering via Tioga Road

Even though your visit is short, taking Tioga Road is highly rewarding and offers some of the park’s most iconic high-country scenery. Rather than “hurrying,” choose a few key stops to enjoy the views without feeling pressed. Since you’re coming from Lee Vining, aim to enter the park early, ideally around 9:00–10:00 AM, to avoid the later crowds in the valley.

Bodie State Historic Park: A fun detour for kids, about 20–30 minutes off Tioga Road. Explore the old ghost town—it’s educational and photogenic.
Tenaya Lake: A quick stop to stretch legs, take pictures, or have a picnic. The lake is stunning and safe for kids to enjoy briefly.
Olmsted Point: Short walk, panoramic views of Half Dome and the high Sierra. Perfect for a quick photo stop.
Tuolumne Meadows: If time allows, a short stroll here is flat and kid-friendly, with meadows and small streams.

After these stops, head down to Yosemite Valley. Aim to arrive around 1:00–2:00 PM. While early morning arrivals are best for parking, entering slightly later is fine if you plan to use the valley shuttle and are flexible with parking.

Day 2: Full Day in Yosemite Valley

With kids, you’ll want to combine iconic sights with easy walks and fun activities:

Morning: Start with the Valley Floor Shuttle. Hop off at Yosemite Falls for a short, kid-friendly walk to the base of the falls. This avoids parking stress and gives a good introduction to the valley.
Late Morning: Visit Cook’s Meadow for easy walking, spectacular views of Half Dome, and wide-open space for kids to run around.
Lunch: Picnic near the Merced River or grab food at Curry Village.
Afternoon: Explore Bridalveil Fall or Mirror Lake for short, easy trails. Shuttle access makes these convenient without long drives or parking worries.
Optional Fun: Ride the Valley Loop bike path (rent bikes from Curry Village or Yosemite Valley Lodge). Easy loops are flat, scenic, and fun for kids.
Evening: End with a viewpoint like Tunnel View or Sentinel Bridge for sunset photos before returning to Curry Village.

General Tips for Families:

Use the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle to avoid parking issues.
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and hats—the kids will need breaks often.
Keep hikes short and flat; the goal is enjoying iconic scenery rather than completing long trails.
Start early each day to maximize sightseeing before crowds peak.

Day of Departure (Mariposa Grove)

On your final morning, plan to leave Curry Village early to visit Mariposa Grove. A 7:00–8:00 AM arrival gives you the best chance to see the giant sequoias with fewer people and find parking more easily. Spend an hour or two exploring the grove before heading south.

With this plan, you balance scenic high-country stops, valley highlights, and kid-friendly activities without overpacking the days. It allows you to enjoy Yosemite’s most iconic sights in a short time while keeping the experience fun for your children.

Two Yosemite days with kids

More Yosemite National Park Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions