The Best Things to Do in Redwood National Park with Kids
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hiking along the trails in prarie creek redwoods state park
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Your imagination can not begin to explain the size of these trees
If you’re looking for what to do in Redwood National Park with kids (or without!), you’re in the right place. This guide has everything you need for your next Redwoods road trip with kids! There are so many things to do in Redwood National Park!
This park is home to majestic Old Grove Redwoods which are known as the largest trees in the entire world and miles of rugged California coastline. It's more than big trees and gorgeous ocean views, there are so many things to do in Redwood National Park. Redwood National Park was established by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. Whether you are traveling with kids or without, you’ll fall in love with this otherworldly National Park. Redwood National Park is visited by approximately 500,000 people annually and is about is only about 131,983 acres. Redwood National Park is unique in that it is made up of National Parklands and 3 California State Parks. The official name of this park is Redwood National and State Parks.
Every visitor to Redwood National & State Parks should make a stop at one of the 5 visitor centers to get a park map, get a weather update, and info about the park’s road conditions and possible closures. You can also visit HERE to see up-to-date closures and weather. Park Rangers are also a wonderful resource for finding out the parks more off the beaten path spots. Listed from North to South, these are the visitor centers: Hiouchi Visitor Center, Jedediah Smith Visitor Center, Crescent City Information Center, Prairie Creek Visitor Center, Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center.
Table of Contents
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When to Visit Redwood National Park
The best time to visit Redwood National and State Parks is during the Summer months when the temperatures are warmest. However, summertime is also the busiest time inside the park. During a single month in summer the park can host up to 75,000 people. We spent 3 days in Redwood National Park in October and experienced temperatures cool enough for long sleeves with light jackets while hiking. We also experienced heavy fog and mist in the mornings. There were very few crowds and we never saw anyone else on our hikes. One perk of being there in October is we were there during the Elk rut and every morning and evening we were serenaded with the sounds of elk calls. Fall is an amazing time to take a family trip to redwood forest.
In winter, visitors can expect colder temperatures which sometimes drop down to the 40s (F). Winter is also susceptible to mudslides and heavy rains. However, winter is the best time of year to witness the gray whales migrating along the coastline.
Any time of year, visitors need to come well prepared for the park’s changing conditions. Always be prepared with extra layers, a waterproof jacket or umbrella, and definitely bring shoes with good traction that are preferably water-resistant.
The average annual weather for reference COURTESY of weather-US.com
How to get to Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State park is amazing, but it isn’t super convenient to get to if you’re used to traveling big highways or making day trips from big cities. To give you an idea of how long it will take to get to the park, here are a few examples.
Obligatory national park sign photo!
How far is Redwood National Park from San Francisco? 5 hours, 55 minutes
Portland to Redwood National Park is 5 hours, 45 minutes
San Diego to Redwood National park is 5 hours, 40 minutes
Lassen Volcanic National Park to Redwood National park is 3 hours 55 minutes
Crater Lake to Redwood National park is 3 hours and 5 minutes
Redwood National Park’s South Entrance is located along Highway 101 which is a windy coastal road that takes you through many small towns. Eureka is the closest town to the South Entrance. From the North, the park is accessible with Highway 101 as well, but you’ll encounter two different towns. First, you’ll drive through Cresent City and then through Klamath. All of these towns have grocery stores, gasoline, and food options to keep you comfortable while exploring Redwood National Park. In my opinion, it is best to spend at least 2 days in redwood national park.
READ NEXT: Lassen Volcanic National Park (Only 4 hours from Redwoods NP)
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How Much Does it Cost to Get into Redwood National and State Parks?
one of the 5 Redwood National Park visitor centers
Entrance Fee
Redwood National Park has no entry fee.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park charges a fee at the Golds Bluff Beach/Fern Canyon entrance, but it is waived to holders of the federal “America the Beautiful” Pass (Annual Pass)
Jedediah Smith, Del Norte Coast, & Prarie Creek Redwoods collect day-use fees at campground entrance stations. They will honor the “America the Beautiful” pass and the California State Park passes.
Buy an Annual Pass to all of the U.S. National Parks HERE.
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Where to Stay in Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National & State Park Lodging:
If you can, book a stay here at elk meadow cabins
While there is no park sponsored lodge inside the park, you can stay inside the park without camping.
Elk Meadow Cabins: Elk Meadow Cabins aren’t just the best cabins near Redwood National Park, they are IN the Park! That’s right their cabins are conveniently located in the middle of Redwood National Park, Fern Canyon, Prairie Creek State Park, beaches, and just a few minutes from world-famous Lady Bird Johnson Grove. There are six luxury 3 bed, 2 bath cabins and their newest 7th cabin (Beachcomber) offers two bedrooms, one bath with a mini kitchen. Elk Meadow cabins share a property line with Redwood National Park and they also offer absolutely amazing and family-friendly adventure tours. While staying at Elk Meadow it is very likely that you’ll spend mornings and evenings with herds of elk grazing the property. It’s the perfect place to stay in Redwoods National Park and a great place to base your Redwoods family vacation.
Redwood National & State Park Campgrounds:
There are no campgrounds located inside Redwood National Park. However, there are campgrounds located in the associated California State Parks. It is highly recommended that you make reservations well in advance to secure your spot. These campgrounds sell out months in advance.
hiking in prarie creek Redwoods State Park
Jedediah Smith Campground: Reservations required. This 86 site campground can host tents or RVs but does not have any hook-ups. The campground offers hot showers, ADA accessible restrooms, ADA accessible cabins, dump stations, picnic tables, fire pits and barbeques, food lockers and trash receptacles, and a visitor center.
Mill Creek Campground: Reservations required. This 145 site campground can host tents or RVs but does not have any hook-ups. This campground offers hot showers, ADA accessible restrooms, a dump station, picnic tables, fire pits and barbeques, food lockers, and trash receptacles.
Elk Prairie Campground: Reservations Required. This 75 site campground can host tents or RVs but does not have any hook-up sites. This campground offers hot showers, ADA accessible restrooms, ADA-accessible cabins, picnic tables, fire pits and barbeques, food lockers and trash receptacles, and a visitor center.
Gold Bluffs Beach Campground: Reservations Required. This 26 site campground can host tents or RVs but does not have any hook-up sites. This campground offers Solar showers, restrooms, wind shelters, picnic tables, fire pits and barbeques, food lockers, and trash receptacles.
READ NEXT: How to ENJOY Tent Camping with Toddlers
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hiking in redwood national park is unlike anything youll ever experience
Where to Stay Outside of Redwood National Park
We Stayed AT elk country rv park resort and campground
Recommended RV Park near Redwood National Park:
Elk Country RV Park Resort and Campground: This is where we stayed. We loved this RV park almost entirely because of the Elk that are around every single morning and evening. The RV hookups are great. Elk Country has a country store, showers, restrooms, and on-site coin laundry. Elk Country Resort and Campground covers nearly 200 acres of Northern California's pristine coastal environment. Elk Country features its own private lake, Hiking Trails, and Yearly Creek. All this is set in a stunningly beautiful wonderland full of large old-growth trees amidst a park-like setting. The Campground is conveniently located on the famous Redwood Highway - Hwy 101 between Orick and the seaport town of Eureka Ca. just a short 35 minutes south. Look for the local Elk herd or the famous little Red School House and Barn.
Recommended Hotels Near Redwood National Park:
Holiday Inn Express Redwood National Park: (Klamath) We passed this hotel on our drive and it is located almost dead center in the Park. It is only a few minute’s drive from Klamath Overlook. This hotel is located directly off the main road that runs through the park and is near a grocery store and gas station.
The Requa Inn: (Klamath) The Requa Inn is located directly where the Klamath River meets the Pacific Ocean. We drove past this Inn on our way to Klamath Overlook and it looks amazing. The Historic Requa Inn has been a feature of the area for 100 years. Built in 1914, the plain, almost utilitarian arts and crafts Inn continues to be a special place today. And this is a special place. Since time immemorial the Yurok people have had a village at Rek-woi – making Requa one of the longest, continuously inhabited places in California.
READ NEXT: What to do in Monterey with Kids
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What to do in Redwood National Park with Kids
After spending time exploring the park, I’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Redwood National Park. Let’s take a dive in and find the best hikes in Redwoods National Park and the best way to spend time exploring Redwood National park for Kids. Click below for a Redwood National Park Map.
1) Hike:
There are more than 200 miles of trails weaving through a variety of environments; including prairies, old-growth redwood forests, and beaches. Elevations range from sea level to just over 3,000 feet (1,000 m). Below are my recommended hikes in Redwood National Park for the areas south of Klamath. There are many awesome hikes in the North Trails as well. Use the map of Redwood National Park above to locate the trails below and map out your days in the Redwoods with kids. Hiking is the one of the best things to do Redwood National park - you get up close and personal to the trees and ecology!
Best Hikes for Toddlers in Redwood National Park
We hiked in prarie creek state park to see where jurrasic park 2 was filmed - this is along cathedral tree trail
Fern Canyon: DO NOT MISS THIS HIKE. This 0.7-mile loop is located in Prairie Creek Redwood State Park. This is one of the best trails in Redwood National Park in my opinion. Any age person will find something exciting on this easy trail. The spot is so majestic that Jurassic Park 2 filmed some scenes here. The ferns that cover Fern Canyon's shadowy 30-foot cliffs are ancient species whose ancestry can be traced back 325 million years. Have the kids try to identify different species of Fern as they traverse through the creek and over fallen trees. Your family trip to the redwood forest will not be complete until you see this amazing spot!
Cathedral Trees Trail: DO NOT MISS THIS TRAIL. Cathedral trees trail is a moderate 3-mile trail is home to some of the largest trees in the area. A cathedral tree is a family group of trees; creating a massive-looking singular tree. Keep an eye out for “Mother Trees” who have fallen and become a nursery for new trees. This is a fantastic trail for exploring the redwood forest with kids. In my opinion, Prairie Creek is the best Redwood State Park. If you have only one day in Redwood National Park, choose this trail. This is by far the best place to see the Redwoods in northern California!
Foothill Trail: This easy 2.2-mile trail is located in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and takes hikers through a fantastic old grove. It is perfect for families and hikers of any age.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail: This very easy 1-mile loop is possibly the most heavily trafficked trail in the park. While it comes highly recommended by Park Rangers, the locals would steer you to other areas with older growth and much larger trees that were not damaged during the logging days.
Circle Trail: I recommend this for anyone with very limited time in the park. It is an easy 0.2-mile trail that takes hikers directly to Big Tree in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
Best Hikes for Kids in Redwood National Park:
Fern canyon is a life changing and and amazing hike
Elk Prairie Trail: This moderate 2.8-mile trail in Prarie Creek Redwoods State Park leads hikers through one of the most heavily populated elk areas in the park. Be sure to look for areas where elk have rubbed their horns along the trees on the trail.
Trillium Falls Trail: This 2.5-mile moderate loop in Redwood National Park takes hikers through an ancient redwood grove. Hikers are rewarded with a 10-foot cascading waterfall over moss-covered rocks. This is what fairytales are made of.
Streelow Creek Trail: This moderate 2.8-mile trail is located in Prarie Creek Redwood State Park. The trail takes hikers through an old-growth redwood forest. Keep your eyes out for elk grazing!
Miners Ridge Trail: This moderate 4.1-mile trail pays homage to the gold miners of the 1800s as it follows the same path they used to take. Hikers are rewarded with unmatched views of the steep coastal cliffs and forest.
Prairie Creek Trail: This moderate 4-mile trail follows along Prarie Creek. In the Winter and Early Spring hikers will see spawning salmon jumping in the water. The trail is inside of a redwood forest and takes hikers to see Corkscrew Tree.
Best Hikes for Teenagers in Redwood National Park:
The kids climbing through the trees in fern canyon
James Irvine Trail: This is a trail I would have done if my kids were older. This 4.2-mile trail takes hikers along Godwood Creek through epic forests to Fern Canyon. The hike to Fern Canyon is the easiest half because hiking out means a steep climb out. Plan for this hike to take an entire day and don’t forget to pack food and water shoes.
Emerald Ridge Trail: This 4.3 mile moderate to hard loop trail takes hikers through a dense old-growth forest to Redwood Creek. There is a 580-foot elevation change one-way, so be prepared to descend and then have to climb back up.
Tall Trees Trail: This strenuous 4-mile loop sees lower food traffic due to the difficulty to get to the trailhead. You need a permit to hike this trail (get one from the visitor center) and be prepared to spend time accessing the trailhead in addition to the actual hike. **There is an elevation change of 800 feet on this trail
Dolason Prairie Trail: This 5.9 mile (one-way) trail is rated as strenuous. While it starts in the open prairie lands, it offers hikers panoramic views of Rodgers peak. Eventually, the trail guides hikers down into an old-growth forest along Emerald Creek.
Rhododendron Trail: This moderate 6.3-mile trail is named after the vibrant pink and red flowers that cover the trail in mid-spring and early summer. This is a great trail for photographers.
West Ridge Trail: This moderate 7-mile trail follows almost the entire length of the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. The path takes hikers through old-growth redwoods.
Lost Man Creek Trail: This strenuous 10-mile trail located in Redwood National Forest takes hikers along a former logging road that winds through a valley. On this trail, hikers will pass through two different old-growth redwood forests. **Wear water-resistant or water hiking shoes as you will pass through a creek.
If you’re having a hard time deciding on what to hike, you can hire a private guide to take you through the National Park and provide an in-depth overview of the diverse history of the area and the formation of the park.
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Redwood adventure tours is an absolute must for any family visiting redwood national and state parks. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the ecology of the forest and how redwood national park became what it is today.
2) Tidepooling
The rocky tide pools along the coastline of Redwood National and State Parks are an absolute must experience. These tidepools are home to an abundance and diversity of invertebrate animals. Here on the Northern California coast visitors are treated to an array of animals to include California mussel, Purple or ochre seastar, Aggregating anemone, Limpets, Flat porcelain crab, Periwinkle snail, Hermit crabs, and so much more. You can find the best tidepools in Redwood National Park at the following spots:
Endert’s Beach (North)
Damnation Creek (North)
False Klamath Cove (Central)
NOTE: Please pick up a tide schedule from a visitor center or download a tide tracker app. Exercise extreme caution along the coast; sneaker waves can be deadly.
This is an Aggregating anemone (Anthopleura elegantissima)
3) Take a Tour - Trust me here.
Redwood National and State Parks can be intimidating to visitors. I have experienced over 35 national parks and this is the first time I was a bit confused about how everything works and how to narrow down what to see or do.
Redwood adventures is incredible. The guides are so family friendly and kept the kids engaged the entire time.
The absolute best thing we did in Redwood NP was to partner with Redwood Adventure Tours. Our guide, Justin, went above and beyond in helping us understand the ecology and history of RWNASP as well as keep my young children engaged. So many times I looked up and saw him sitting on the ground with the kids explaining how Redwood trees drop their pine cones, helping them identify mushrooms, or helping them find a banana slug. He was funny, extremely knowledgeable, on time, and he really kept us involved the entire day. If you only have one day in Redwood National Park, definitely take a tour to make the most of your time!
I suggest taking a private tour. You’ll arrange a time and place to meet, hop in one of the Redwood Adventure Vans and go exploring with the experts. It’s seriously the best option for families in this amazing park. The guides are all local ecologists who are well versed in Redwood National Park Trails, Redwood State Parks, and know the best of Redwood National Park.
Here are the tours you can choose from (or you can ask for a custom tour based on the ages or abilities of your group).
4) Become a Redwood National Park Junior Ranger:
The two newest redwood Junior Rangers
The Redwood National ParkJunior Ranger Program is great! It is the perfect thing to do with kids in the Redwoods! If your kids are interested in becoming Redwood National Park Junior Rangers, head to any information or visitor center to pick up a free Redwood Junior Ranger Activity Book.
After your child has completed the booklet, bring it back to a visitor center (SUmmer 9-5, Winter 9-4) to get sworn in and receive a badge!
Since we visited in 2020, we picked up the booklet and badge at the same time (no swearing in) from the visitor center.
If you would rather start the booklet prior to arriving, you can download the junior ranger booklet (PDF) and print a copy before leaving home. Then, complete the activities at your own pace while exploring the parks with your family.
5) Take a Scenic Drive
While we visited we did two different scenic drives. The first we did by accident actually, but it ended up being absolutely gorgeous. We accidentally drove onto the Coastal Drive Loop just south of Klamath. This drive is about 9 miles, but expect it to take you about 45 minutes due to narrow and rough roads along the coast. The views from this scenic drive are impressive, especially when you can see out over the ocean. The second and arguably most well-known scenic drive in Redwood National and State parks is the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. This drive is approximately 10 miles one way and is breathtaking. You drive under the canopy of old-growth redwood trees almost the entire way. Go slow, make a ton of put stops to breathe in the pine air and cool breeze.
These are not the only two scenic drives in Redwood National Park, but if you can, definitely check them out.
The drive along newton b. drury parkway is magical
6) Dance Demonstrations
If you’re visiting in July, head to Jedediah Smith State Park to experience one of the Native American dance demonstrations. Members of Tolowa and the Yurok trips are performed at the Jedediah Smith Redwoods Campground’s day-use area.
7) Take a Ranger Led Kayak Tour:
Be sure to bring waters shoes to fern canyon because your feet will get wet
If you’re looking for a wild and scenic adventure, this Kayak tour is for you. During the summer months, park rangers lead tours of the Smith River. The Smith River is the largest free-flowing river system in California, so get ready to experience the unique geology, pristine waters, and unparalleled scenery. The park rangers will talk kayakers through how this watershed contributes to the growth of the world’s largest trees.
Need to Know:
Tour length is about 3 hours and the minimum age for participating is 10 years old.
8) Whale Watching
Gray whales migrate off the coast of Redwood National Park each year. November-December and March-April are the peak migration months for the gray whale. However, if you’re not visiting in those months, you may spot some of the resident whales from the Klamath Overlook. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and watch for their spouting.
Other good viewing spots include: Crescent Beach Overlook, Wilson Creek, High Bluff Overlook, Gold Bluffs Beach, Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center.
The klamath river overlook is an absolute must
barker dam trail has some really cool rock formations — can you spot the kids?
What to Pack for Redwood National Park
Redwood National and State Park offers visitors an absolutely magical experience; from walking through old groves to meandering the rugged coast to dramatic overlooks. However, the weather can change quickly and unexpectedly. Also, the ground can stay soggy and slippery long after the rainy months. Be ready with the right gear for your activities.
Joshua tree’s weather can be deadly. It’s important to pack properly and be prepared. click the image to shop our hiking gear for kids
A printed map of the park and trails. Each visitor center has maps for free.
Small umbrella (the weather can change from sunny to rainy quickly - don’t get soaked!)
Water-Resistant Shoes
Water Shoes (for tide-pooling and Fern canyon, you'll want shoes that can get fully submerged, but also have grip.)
Light Weight Jacket (The weather can get very cool inside the old groves and on the coast)
Lightweight Hiking Bag (this can fold up into other bags when not in use)
Small First Aid Kit (a must-have since many of the hiking trails do not have cell service)
Multi-Tool (or pocket knife)
Small umbrella (the weather can change from sunny to rainy quickly - don’t get soaked!)
Camera (This is the camera I use and LOVE)
Tripod (this is the tripod I use)
Redwood National and State Parks is an absolutely perfect destination for families. There are so many things to do with kids in Redwood National Park; find pristine ocean views from the cliffside, hike among majestic Redwood giants and old groves, sit in the cool coastal breezes, watch for blue whales, and see Elk in their natural habitats. No matter whether you camp in a state park or stay nearby, Redwood National Park will be an unforgettable adventure.
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