Six Ways to Enjoy Wildlife

Does your family love the outdoors? Are you looking for new ways to get out and explore the natural world? Try visiting your local parks, state parks or one of America’s 388 national parks. National parks have something for everyone, including hiking trails, scenic views and unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife. National parks are also perfect for kids. Many parks run junior ranger programs, allowing kids to participate in fun activities while learning about the area’s natural habitat. Some parks offer nature walks and wildlife talks specifically geared toward children, to show them that the natural world can be just as exciting as television and video games.

Day Tripping

If you're looking for new ideas for family day trips, national parks are a great place to start. Especially if you live in an urban or suburban area, day trips to national parks are a wonderful way to get fresh air and exercise while learning about the plants and animals that occur in your region. There are also plenty of fun family activities to choose from at national parks. Here are just a few:

Take a Hike

You can enjoy a day of hiking at nearly all of our national parks. Some examples of the most popular hiking spots are Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state, Acadia National Park in Maine or Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Hiking is a great way to see wildlife in a natural setting. Bring along field guides for identifying plants and animals. Don’t forget to bring a magnifying glass for exploring the microscopic world on the forest floor.

National parks are also among the best places to watch birds. Nearly every imaginable bird habitat, from arctic tundra to tropical rain forests, is represented in our national parks. Some of the premiere bird-watching hot spots include Congaree National Park in South Carolina, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas and Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio. Don't forget your binoculars!

Next: Aquatic Adventures

Aquatic Adventures

If your family likes aquatic adventures, try an afternoon of snorkeling at a living coral reef in Dry Tortugas National Park, or a tram ride through the alligator swamps of Florida’s Everglades National Park. If the kids enjoy exploring tidal pools, plan a visit to Cabrillo National Monument in California to see starfish, anemones, octopi and a myriad of other creatures. There are also dozens of parks that offer fishing, canoeing, kayaking and rafting. Some examples are Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks in Wyoming, Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota and Olympic National Park in Washington state.

Go Spelunking

There are a number of national parks with accessible caves to explore. Caves are formed as water passes through rock, dissolving it and carving underground passageways. Water seeping into caves also creates stalactites, stalagmites, gypsum flowers, moon milk, cave bacon and other spectacular formations. Kentucky's Mammoth Cave National Park has the most extensive cave system in the world, with 300 known passages and many others that have yet to be explored. Unless you're a certified caver, however, take a guided tour in order to avoid getting lost or stumbling into dangerous conditions. Bring flashlights and search for bizarre cave-dwelling animals such as blind fish and colorless spiders that have adapted to the absolute darkness and isolation of their subterranean environment.

Next: Vacation Adventures

Vacation Adventures

In addition to day trips, national parks are great places for longer family vacations. Deciding how you will spend your nights in the park depends on your needs and preferences. Camping is the most popular option, but most parks also offer cabins, lodges or houseboats to rent. Some even have hotels within the park that offer televisions and room service. Here are just a few examples of fantastic family vacations that you can have in national parks:

Isle Royale, Michigan

If you’re looking for a remote natural paradise where your family can get away from the crowds and commotion of modern urban life, try Isle Royale National Park, a 45-mile-long wilderness archipelago in the heart of Lake Superior. Isle Royale contains 165 miles of scenic hiking trails, 36 campgrounds, numerous lakes and bogs, and endless opportunities to observe wildlife. One of the most popular activities at Isle Royale is diving. Whether you're experienced or a first-time diver, you'll love the experience of diving in the protected shores and bays of this pristine maritime ecosystem. Other pastimes at Isle Royale include fishing, canoeing, swimming and sailing. The park is roadless -- the only way to get there is by boat or floatplane -- but it's well worth the trip.

Devil’s Tower, Wyoming

One idea for a monumental family excursion is a trip to Devil’s Tower National Monument in Wyoming. Devil’s Tower is a rock formation surrounded by an expanse of grassland habitat, an excellent place for a wildflower walk. For the artists in the family, the area's wildflowers offer beautiful examples of natural models to paint or add to a sketchbook. Other favorite activities at Devil's Tower include picnicking, photography, nature walks and campfire talks. For the family daredevils, Devil’s Tower is one of the best climbing structures in North America. However, because the tower is considered sacred by many of the area's indigenous peoples, a voluntary climbing restriction is in effect for the month of June, a time when a number of tribal ceremonies occur at or near Devil's Tower.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon, California

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park is known as the "Land of the Giants," referring to both the huge trees as well as the immense mountains and deep canyons that occur there. Although originally created as separate parks, Sequoia and Kings Canyon are now managed together. Both parks offer a variety of camping facilities where you can explore wildlife in a natural setting. Sequoia and Kings Canyon also offer ranger-led tours, nature programs for kids, horseback riding and campfire talks. If you go, don't forget to visit the General Sherman Tree, the world's largest living thing.

No matter where in the United States you live, there is sure to be a national park within driving distance of your home. Whether you’re looking for a day trip, a weekend retreat or a vacation destination, national parks offer plenty of opportunities for wild adventures and family fun.