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4. Pack wisely. Be sure you’re bringing kid-sized versions of the necessities you’ll pack for yourself: Depending on the park you’re visiting (and the activities you’re planning), that might include sturdy hiking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent. You’ll almost certainly need a few layers of clothing and plenty of water and snacks. Kids can be more susceptible to heat stress and dehydration than adults, meaning they need plenty of water when exercising. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends giving your child about five ounces of water or another beverage every 20 minutes during strenuous exercise; studies show that kids are more willing to take flavored drinks than plain water.

5. Develop a Plan B. National parks are natural places, meaning they change dramatically with the seasons and the weather. So you should decide on alternate activities if Mother Nature isn’t cooperative. And if you’ve already talked with your kids about your options, you can pick a new plan that appeals to everyone.

BUDGETING YOUR TRIP

Like most vacations, a trip to a national park can be as frugal, or as fancy, as you like. Here are a few things to consider:

Getting In. Individual admission to the national parks ranges from free to $25, depending on the park (see our Essentials section at the beginning of each park chapter to learn individual rates). You also can buy an America the Beautiful Pass for $80, which will get you, and everyone in your group, into any national park (as well as other federal recreation areas) for one year.

Sleeping. Fewer than half of the parks charge for camping; the cost is typically under $20 per night. In many parks, you also can stay at a lodge, where prices run from $100 to $500 a night. There are also usually several accommodation options outside each park.

Eating. All of the in-park concessions are run by companies under contract with the National Park Service, meaning their prices are set by the government. Generally speaking, prices are a bit higher than what you’d pay outside the park, but not significantly so. You also can bring in your own food and eat at one of the park’s picnic areas.

Entertainment. The wonders of the park are entertainment enough for many youngsters, but the many sports and outdoor activities—from hiking and bicycling to horseback riding and cave touring, depending on the park—help children stay active while exploring the park. Many park visitor centers also have films; some parks, such as Grand Canyon and Zion, even have IMAX movies. Cost for these offerings varies, ranging from free to a couple hundred dollars for something like a white-water rafting trip.

Souvenirs. All of the parks have gift shops, and many stock items that are actually useful. For example, you’ll find things like kid-sized binoculars, fanny packs, and magnifying glasses, all of which can make your child’s visit even more enjoyable (and valuable). You can call ahead to see what’s available, or just budget a few dollars to cover one item (maybe something you might have bought for your child anyway, like a disposable camera).

SAMPLE BUDGET FOR FAMILY OF FOUR

Here is an idea of what a family of four might spend on a three-day trip to Grand Canyon National Park, during which they stay and eat all their meals within the park. Depending on your accommodations and dining-out options, the total you spend can vary dramatically.

Admission: $25 per car; admission covers seven days in the park.

Lodging: Rooms in one of the in-park lodges on the popular South Rim range from approximately $50 to $320 a night. Total for three nights: $150 to $960, or more if you have older children in a separate room. Tent camping in one of the park’s campgrounds averages $15 per night. Total: $45. Backpackers must pay $10 for a backcountry permit and $5 per person, per night to camp below the rim (or $5 per group, per night above the rim). Total: $25 to $70.

Meals: Dining options in the park range from no-frills snack bars to upscale restaurants.