In 1891, reports of monster trees discovered deep in the California Sierras were dismissed as tall tales, until loggers felled one such giant and hauled it across the country to astonished crowds in New York. Fortunately, we don’t need to chop down giant sequoias to appreciate them anymore, as the beautiful Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are easy to visit any time of year. And while the biggest draw is the mighty trees, there are plenty of other Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks kid-friendly activities to discover. Here’s my personal top five things to do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with kids.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks facts
- This is a two-for-one deal here, as the two national parks —Sequoia and Kings Canyon— are neighbors. You can easily visit both in one trip.
- The Sequoia National Park entrance is at Ash Mountain, through the town of Three Rivers on Highway 198, while the Kings Canyon National Park entrance at Big Stump is on Highway 180. Take the Big Stump route if you have a large RV, or kids who get travel sick, as the road is straighter.
- In the busy summer months, take advantage of the free shuttle bus to avoid parking problems.
- Both parks are only around a four-hour drive from both the California Bay Area and Los Angeles.
- Pets are not allowed on any of the trails.
Take a hike on a Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks kid-friendly trail
Even with hike-hating kids (I should know, I have one), there are plenty of easy Sequoia National and Kings Canyon Parks hikes with kids to explore. The paved trails below are all easy to get to and complete whether you are carrying, strolling, or chasing your kids. In the winter months, park at the trailheads. In summer, hop on the shuttle to get around.
General Grant Tree Trail Loop
Don’t miss this paved, third-of-a-mile loop trail in Kings Canyon National Park. Although General Grant is not the largest tree in the park, at 106 feet in circumference, it’s still pretty remarkable.
However, the highlight for our kids (eight and six) was the Fallen Monarch, a huge, hollowed-out sequoia big enough to run through. While most of the trees are “hands off” to prevent damage, this is a unique opportunity to explore the inside of a redwood.
Big Trees Trail
Another paved loop, this 0.7-mile stroll around a lush meadow features a ton of information about redwood trees, plus it’s located less than a mile from the Giant Forest Museum in Sequoia National Park.
General Sherman Tree
The world’s largest tree, General Sherman, is also located in Sequoia National Park, a short drive from the Big Trees Trail at Congress Trail. This implausibly massive tree has to be seen to be believed. Take a few minutes to tour the 102-foot circumference before heading off on the paved, two-mile loop to gawp at more grand trees.
Drive through Tunnel Log
In 1937, a 275-foot sequoia fell across Crescent Meadow Road in Sequoia National Park. Rather than chop through it, Civilian Conservation Corp workers created a tunnel through the giant tree, creating a fun drive-through experience. We visited during the winter when the road was closed to cars, but we got to walk through it instead.
Discover the magical Crystal Cave
Take a break from looking up and go underground into the glittering Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park. Hidden in a canyon, the cave system was created by water flowing over marble deposits, and is famed for its delicate crystal formations.
Tours through Sequoia National Conservancy are available from May to September, but book at least two months out for this popular activity. If you think your littlest can handle the 50-minute excursion, this is hands down one of the best things to do in Sequoia National Park with kids.
Climb to a spectacular viewpoint
Can’t see the forest for the trees? Head to Moro Rock, the granite dome which looms 6,000 feet above Sequoia National Park. With sweeping views of the redwoods, the San Joaquin Valley and the Sierra Nevada mountains beyond, it’s well worth the 350 steps to get up to the observation point.
While there are guardrails, safety is still something to consider if you have little kids. If you’re looking for a smaller adventure, try Beetle Rock or Sunset Rock, two short trails that start from the Giant Forest Museum. These are also epic spots for a picnic.
Gaze at the stars
My favorite time to be in a National Park is at night. As the crowds drift away, the wildlife reclaims the space and the sky blazes with all the stars that are invisible to me in the city. Although Sequoia and Kings Canyon are not one of the 40 National Parks certified as International Dark Sky Places, they are still great places to stargaze. Bring a camping chair and a warm blanket to an open spot like Lodgepole campground and enjoy the celestial show.
During the summer, you will often find a Ranger program offering a moonlit hike or stargazing talk. Sequoia Parks Conservancy offers stargazing tours, or you could book a private stargazing tour just for your group.
Bonus activity: Become a Junior Ranger
All National Parks in the USA offer this free activity—complete a booklet, show a ranger and be sworn in as a protector of the parks. Kids and park rangers take this seriously, and it’s a beautiful way to keep children engaged and occupied in quiet moments. Ask for a Junior Ranger booklet on entrance or in any visitor center.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park itinerary with kids
It’s only a 90-minute car ride along the Generals Highway from the entrance of Sequoia National Park to Kings Canyon National Park, so this could easily be a one-day itinerary during the summer months. In the winter, you would not be able to visit Crystal Cave, nor climb to the top of Moro Rock. However, I would still recommend visiting during the winter months—the trees are absolutely beautiful covered in snow and there are no crowds.
Combine a visit to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks with a trip to another California National Park—Yosemite is just over a two-hour drive from Kings Canyon, Death Valley is four and Joshua Tree around five hours. It’s also about four hours to Los Angeles, so you could tack on a trip to Disneyland or Universal Studios.
Family resorts near Sequoia National Park
One of the best things about visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with kids is the great accommodation options. We stayed in Three Rivers for one night at Buckeye Tree Lodge, a comfortable and affordable motel just 20 minutes from the gates of Sequoia National Park. We enjoyed freshly ground coffee on our terrace to the sound of the river rushing by, and the kids loved playing on the rope swing.
If you want the camping experience without the hassle, Autocamp has a location in Three Rivers. You’ll be staying in a cosy and very chic Airstream, with your own campfire just outside. I haven’t stayed at this location, but it’s very highly rated by other families.
You can also stay inside Sequoia National Park at Wuksachi Lodge, a relatively new hotel with a traditional log cabin style. I didn’t get a chance to stay here either on our trip but TripAdvisor reviews are solid. Wuksachi Lodge welcomes guests year-round, while John Muir Lodge in Kings Canyon National Park is open for the spring and summer seasons only.
But my absolute favorite family resort near Sequoia National Park is Montecito Sequoia Lodge, a year-round family camp experience. As an all-inclusive hotel (rare in the USA!) this place is great value for money. All meals, including a wine-and-cheese hour in the evening, are included, plus two counsellor-led activities a day for kids. We visited over Thanksgiving, and my children enjoyed a couple of craft activities, went sledding, tried their hand at archery and toasted many s’mores by the fire. Screens are discouraged, but you won’t miss them.
Best family camping in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
In Sequoia National Park, Lodgepole Campground is the largest and most centrally located campground, with a visitor center, store, showers and laundry facilities. The campground is closed from December to May, usually opening just before Memorial Day. In Kings Canyon National Park, Sunset Campground is typically open May through August, and has an ampitheater for ranger programs. There are no showers however. For a more remote camping experience, try the campsites around Cedar Grove Village. Book your sites in advance at Recreation.gov, as camping spots fill up fast in California.
Sequoia National Park FAQs
What is the best month to visit Sequoia National Park?
If you want to camp, access remote areas of the parks, tour Crystal Springs Cave, or climb Moro Rock, you will need to visit in the summer between the months of June and September. However, the park is absolutely beautiful during the winter months. Just remember to bring snow chains.
What are the top 5 things to do at Sequoia National Park?
Check out General Grant and General Sherman trees, tour Crystal Springs Cave, climb Moro Rock, drive through Tunnel Log, and camp or take a night hike to see the stars.
How much does it cost to get into Sequoia National Park?
$35 will get you a seven-day vehicle pass for both Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park. Individuals on foot or bicycle pay $20 for a seven-day pass to both parks. You can also buy an America the Beautiful Pass for $80 for a year of entry to National Parks across the country.
Where should I stay if I visit Sequoia National Park?
There are so many great places to stay in and around Sequoia National Park. Three Rivers is a charming small town just outside the gates of Sequoia National Park with an outdoor store, gas station, restaurant and several motels. There are also lodges located within the park itself, plus Montecito Sequoia Lodge for a family camp experience. Campgrounds are also available both inside and outside of the parks.
