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Wee Wild Ones.

Designed for kids 6 and under, this 45-minute program includes animal-theme games, songs, stories, and craft activities. The event is held outdoors before the regular Yosemite Lodge or Curry Village evening programs in summer and fall; children gather in daytime before the Ahwahnee’s big fireplace in winter and spring. All children must be accompanied by an adult. | 209/372–1240 | Free.

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SPORTS AND THE OUTDOORS

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BICYCLING

There may be no more enjoyable way to see Yosemite Valley than to ride a bike beneath its lofty granite monoliths. The eastern valley has 12 mi of paved, flat bicycle paths across meadows and through woods, with bike racks at convenient stopping points. For a greater challenge, you can ride on 196 mi of paved park roads—but bicycles are not allowed on hiking trails or in the backcountry. Kids under 18 must wear a helmet.

OUTFITTERS AND EXPEDITIONS

You can get Yosemite bike rentals (Yosemite Lodge or Curry Village 95389 | 209/372–1208 | www.yosemitepark.com | $9.50/hour, $25.50/day | Apr.–Oct.) from either Yosemite Lodge or Curry Village bike stands. Bikes with child trailers, baby-jogger strollers, and wheelchairs are available.

BIRD-WATCHING

Nearly 250 bird species have been spotted in the park, including the sage sparrow, pygmy owl, blue grouse, and mountain bluebird. Park rangers lead free bird-watching walks in Yosemite Valley one day each week in summer; check at a visitor center or information station for times and locations. Binoculars are sometimes available for loan.

OUTFITTERS AND EXPEDITIONS

The Yosemite Association sponsors one- to four-day birding seminars (209/379–2321 | www.yosemite.org | $82–$254 | Apr.–Aug.) for beginner and intermediate birders.

FISHING

The waters in Yosemite are not stocked; trout, mostly brown and rainbow, live here but are not plentiful. Yosemite’s fishing season begins on the last Saturday in April and ends on November 15. Some waterways are off-limits at certain times; be sure to inquire at the visitor center about regulations.

A California fishing license is required; licenses run $12.60 for one day, $19.45 for two days, and $38.85 for 10 days. Full season licenses cost $38.85 for state residents, and a whopping $104.20 for nonresidents. Buy your license in season at Yosemite Village Sport Shop (209/372–1286) or at the Wawona Store (209/375–6574). Obtain a license in advance of your trip by contacting the California Department of Fish and Game (3211 S St., Sacramento CA 95814 | 916/227–2245 | www.dfg.ca.gov).

OUTFITTERS AND EXPEDITIONS

Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides

(800/231–4575 | www.symg.com) offers fly-fishing lessons and day- and weekend trips deep in Yosemite’s backcountry.

GOLF

Wawona Golf course is one of the country’s few organic golf courses; it’s also an Audubon Cooperative sanctuary for birds. You can play a round or take a lesson from the pro here.

The 9-hole, par-35 Wawona Golf Course (Rte. 41, Wawona 95389 | 209/375–6572 pro shop | www.yosemitepark.com | $18.50–$28.50 | Mid-Apr.–Oct.) has different tee positions per side, providing 18 holes at par 70. The pro shop rents out electric golf carts, rents and sells other equipment, and sells golf clothing.

HIKING

OUTFITTERS AND EXPEDITIONS

The staff at the Wilderness Center (209/372–0740), in Yosemite Village, provides free wilderness permits, which are required for overnight camping (advance reservations are available for $5 and are highly recommended for popular trailheads from May through September and on weekends). The staff here also provide maps and advice to hikers heading into the backcountry. From April through November, Yosemite Mountaineering School and Guide Service (Yosemite Mountain Shop, Curry Village 95389 | 209/372–8344) leads two-hour to full-day treks.

EASY

"A Changing Yosemite" Interpretive Trail.

Take this 1-mi, wheelchair-accessible, looped path about Cook’s Meadow to see and learn