Top 10 Family-Friendly Activities Near Yosemite for Summer 2025

Planning a family vacation to Yosemite this summer? You’re in for a treat! Yosemite National Park and its surrounding areas offer endless opportunities for kids (and parents) to connect with nature — from easy hikes and splashy creek swims to hands-on adventures perfect for all ages. Whether your family loves exploring trails, discovering wildlife, or simply relaxing in the great outdoors, Yosemite has something for everyone.

Here are the top 10 family-friendly activities near Yosemite for Summer 2025, all within easy reach of our family-friendly property — the perfect home base for your adventure.

1. Explore the Lower Yosemite Falls Trail

For families visiting the valley, Lower Yosemite Falls is a must-do. This paved, one-mile loop takes you right to the base of one of North America’s tallest waterfalls. The mist, the roar, and the rainbow views will captivate kids and adults alike — all without a long or strenuous climb.

2. Picnic and Paddle at Tenaya Lake

Just off Tioga Road, Tenaya Lake is Yosemite’s hidden gem for families. Its calm, clear waters are ideal for wading, kayaking, or picnicking on the sandy shore. Bring floaties, sandwiches, and a camera — the alpine scenery makes this one of the most peaceful spots for families in Yosemite.

3. Discover Nature at Happy Isles

Located in Yosemite Valley, Happy Isles Nature Center is a perfect introduction to the park’s ecology. Kids can explore interactive exhibits, walk along the short Happy Isles Trail, and learn about the park’s wildlife and geology.

4. Splash and Play at the Merced River

Nothing says summer like a creek swim! The Merced River offers several gentle spots for families to cool off. Near Sentinel Beach and Cathedral Beach, you’ll find shallow areas perfect for younger kids. Pack water shoes, a picnic, and spend a sunny afternoon by the water.

5. Take a Family Bike Ride in Yosemite Valley

Rent bikes (or bring your own!) and cruise along Yosemite’s 12 miles of paved bike paths. With no car traffic and plenty of shade, it’s one of the best things to do near Yosemite with kids — and a fun way to see iconic sights like El Capitan and Half Dome.

6. Visit the Giant Sequoias at Mariposa Grove

Just outside the South Entrance, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is awe-inspiring for all ages. The Big Trees Loop Trail (0.3 miles) is stroller-friendly and introduces families to some of the largest trees on Earth, including the famed Grizzly Giant.

7. Take a Scenic Drive on Glacier Point Road

If your kids love jaw-dropping views without the long hike, head up to Glacier Point. Along the way, stop for short walks and photo ops. The view from the top — with Half Dome and Yosemite Valley below — is unforgettable.

8. Cool Off at Wawona’s Swimming Holes

Near the charming town of Wawona, you’ll find gentle swimming spots along the South Fork of the Merced River. Families can picnic under shady pines and splash in calm pools — a perfect summer day.

9. Learn and Play at the Yosemite Museum & Indian Village

Inside Yosemite Village, this small museum offers fascinating exhibits about the park’s cultural history. Kids can walk through a reconstructed Ahwahneechee village, see traditional huts, and even watch basket-weaving demonstrations during the summer.

10. Relax and Recharge at Aranyastays

After a day full of exploration, come home to comfort. Our family-friendly accommodations near Yosemite provide everything you need for a relaxing stay — spacious family suites, outdoor BBQ areas, and easy access to hiking, swimming, and scenic drives. Parents can unwind on the patio while the kids roast marshmallows by the fire pit.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a weeklong family vacation near Yosemite, our property makes it easy to balance adventure with relaxation.

Plan Your Family Vacation to Yosemite Today

With gentle hikes, kid-friendly trails, and plenty of splashy fun, Yosemite is a dream destination for families in Summer 2025. Book your stay at Aranyastays today and experience the best of things to do near Yosemite with kids — nature, comfort, and unforgettable memories included.