What to do in Kings Canyon National Park with Kids
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Zumwalt Meadow is a gorgeous and easy hike for families
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John Muir said that Kings Canyon rivals Yosemite and I don’t think he was wrong
If you’re looking for what to do in Kings Canyon National Park with kids, you’re in the right place. This park is home to over 8,000 colossal sequoia trees including the world’s largest tree; General Sherman Tree. Sequoia National Park was established as a National Park by President Benjamin Harrison in 1890 to protect these giants from being logged. Whether you are traveling with kids or without, you’ll fall in love with this absolutely gorgeous National Park. Sequoia National Park is visited by approximately 1.25 million people annually and is about is 404,000 acres. It is the 22nd largest National Park of the 62 in the United States.
Every visitor to Kings Canyon National Park should make a stop at one of the 2 visitor centers in Kings Canyon 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. The Kings Canyon Visitor Center is located just inside the West Entrance to the park and the Cedar Grove Visitor Center is located centrally in the heart of the park. If you are planning to go to Sequoia National Park before you go to Kings Canyon, you can also stop by any of the three Visitor Centers located inside Sequoia National Park for information. All of the visitor centers can answer questions about both parks as they are managed by the same park rangers.
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This is my 17- Page Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park! This guide includes a full 2-Day itinerary with optional 3rd and 4th days! The guide has information on where to stay in the parks, hikes in each park, and more!
These are the same activities my own family did while in Sequoia and Kings Canyon and what I always suggest to my friends. With me as your guide, you’ll get the full experience of SEKI National Park! This 17-page guide is everything you need to plan your trip!
When to Visit Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park is open 24/7 all year long, but you may want to consider the season before you make the trek.
June through August has the most predictable weather, but it also brings the most tourists. The temperature is very warm and sometimes reaches over 100* F. In these months, it is best to enter the park just before or at sunrise to beat the crowds and the heat. We went over labor day weekend (the first weekend in September) and it was over 100 in the afternoon each day, but early in the morning, it was a cool 68-70F.
In the winter months the temperatures drop drastically and the crowds thin out. Some months the park requires visitors to have either snow tires or chains, so be sure to know the requirements before you go. Some parts of this park are closed entirely in the Fall, Winter, or Spring months due to access issues.
In the Fall and Spring, the weather is gorgeous but less predictable. The crowds are thinner than the summer months. The ranger-led programs are reduced during these months as well.
The average annual weather for reference COURTESY of Google.com (click through)
How to get to Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon is amazing, but it isn’t super convenient to get to. 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 Kings Canyon National Park from Visalia? 1 hour, 15 minutes
Fresno to Kings Canyon National Park is 1 hour 5 minutes
San Diego to Kings Canyon National park is 5 hours and 45 minutes
San Francisco to Kings Canyon National park is 4 hours 5 minutes
Yosemite to Kings Canyon National park is 3 hours and 9 minutes
King’s Canyon National Park’s main entrance is located along Highway 180 and is easiest accessed from Fresno. The park isn’t directly along a major highway and will take some driving from any major city in California.
READ NEXT: One Day Itinerary for Yosemite National Park
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How Much Does it Cost to Get into Kings Canyon National Park?
Day and Weekly Passes
the line was short and quick to get into the park on the busy Labor Day Weekend (Sunday at 9:45 AM)
Vehicle Pass - $35.00
This pass includes everyone traveling in a single-vehicle for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Hume Lake District of Sequoia National Forest/Giant Sequoia National Monument. Pay once and get access to both parks for 7 days.
Individual Entry Pass - $20.00
This entry fee is for a single person traveling on foot or by bicycle. Pay once and get access to both parks for 7 days.
Motorcycle Pass - $30.00
This pass includes everyone traveling on a motorcycle, scooter, or similar motorized vehicle. Pay once and get access to both parks for 7 days.
Or you can buy an Annual Pass to all of the U.S. National Parks HERE.
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Where to Stay in Kings Canyon National Park
Lodges in Kings Canyon National Park:
Cedar Grove Lodge is located deep in the heart of Kings Canyon. This lodge offers 21 hotel rooms, a market, a gift shop, and a snack bar. It is also conveniently located within walking distance to the Cedar Grove Visitor Center. The lodge is also centrally located for easy access to Zumwalt Meadow, Roaring River Falls, & Muir Rock.
Make reservations online or you can call (866) 807-3598
This lodge is an excellent location to easily access both parks. John Muir Lodge offers 36 hotel rooms and a full restaurant. The location is only .5 miles (.8 km) from sequoia grove, the market, gift shop, post office and the Kings Canyon Visitor center. There are several hiking trails starting at this lodge. (This is the lodge I would use if I wanted to visit BOTH parks in SEKI)
Make reservations online or you can call (866) 807-3598
These Cabins are located near the John Muir Lodge. They are very convenient to both National Parks and all of the convinces to include: Kings Canyon Visitor Center, the market, the restaurant, and the sequoia grove.
Make reservations online or you can call (866) 807-3598
There are two lodging options in the High Sierras. The first is Bearpaw High Sierra Camp which is eleven miles out in the High Sierra Trail. The second is Pear Lake Winter Hut which offers wilderness skiers a comfortable cabin.
NOTE: Both of these are only accessible if you hike out to them. They are remote wilderness lodges.
Kings Canyon National Park Campgrounds:
There are seemingly endless views in Kings Canyon
Go camping with kids in Kings Canyon! There are 6 campgrounds located in Kings Canyon National Park. Campgrounds, and sections of campgrounds, are subject to close during the winter months, so be sure to check the NPS page for closures.
***2022 Camping Info: Due to COVID-19, limited camping is currently available in the parks. Wood and charcoal fires prohibited throughout the parks.****
Charletta got her feet/legs wet at roaring river falls
Grant Grove Campgrounds:
Azalea Campground: This convenient campground is only 20 minutes from the park entrance. It is host to 110 first come, first serve camp sites. RVs, Tents and trailers are welcome. This campground is within walking distance to General Grant sequoia Grove.
Cost: $18/night
Crystal Springs Campground: This is a another convenient campground with 36 regular camp sites and 14 group sites. The regular sites are first come, first serve and the group sites are reservation only. Crystal Springs is only 5 minutes from General Grant Sequoia Grove.
Cost: $18/night
Sunset Campground: Much like Crystal Springs Campground, Sunset Campground is located only 5 minutes from General Grant Sequoia Grove and is very close to other amenities such as the general store and visitor center. This campground is huge with 157 sites. Sunset Campground does allow RV, Tent and Trailers. It is first come, first serve. There are flush toilets available.
Cost: $22/night
Cedar Grove Campgrounds:
Sentinel Campground: This campground is convenient to the Cedar Grove Village and is adjacent to the Cedar Grove Visitor Center. There are 82 camp sites and RVs, tents and trailers are welcome. Reservations are required. There are flush toilets available.
Cost: $22/night - Reserve HERE
Sheep Creek Campground: If you’re looking for shady campsites (it’s hot here in the summer), this is a great choice. A lot of the campground is shaded by the white firs. Sheep Creek Campground offers 111 sites and is open to RVs, tents, and trailers. There are flush toilets available. It is first come, first serve.
Cost: $18/night
Moraine Campground: If you’re looking for camping with a view, this is the site for you. It boasts the best views of King’s Canyon’s steep granite walls of all the Cedar Grove Campgrounds. The campground has 121 camp sites including 5 accessible sites. There are flush toilets available. All sites are first come, first serve.
Cost: $18/night
Sequoia National Park Campgrounds:
Sequoia National Park has several campgrounds as well. If you are looking to visit both Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks (you should!), this may be an additional option for you. Visit my Sequoia National Park Blog for all the details.
Read Next: How to ENJOY Tent Camping with Toddlers
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We stayed near sequoia national park at sequoia resort and rv park
Where to Stay Outside of Kings Canyon National Park
We Stayed at Sequoia Resort and RV Park
Recommended Stays:
Sequoia Resort and RV Park: We stayed here for 3 nights during our time at Sequoia and Kings Canyon. I was surprised by how up to date everything was, the free onsite laundry, bikes available to borrow, very clean restrooms/showers. The RV sites were a good size and come with a picnic tables. Sequoia Resort also offers guests a very nice propane grill to use, a horseshoe pit, and they have boats on the lake for guests to take out. In addition to RV sites, Sequoia Resort also offers a studio apartment or 4 different houses to rent. I absolutely recommend this spot. The manager is the sweetest woman and your family will have a peaceful and fun experience.
Pinehurst California Cabins: There are two cabins to choose from; both only 15 minutes from the park. These cabins are great for couples, small families, and intimate friends, it’s a home away from home for fun and comfort in the mountains.
Fivespot Cabin has free wi-fi, a full kitchen, washer, dryer, fireplace, sauna, claw-foot bathtub, and a custom hand-tiled shower.
Merrybook Cabin has two bedrooms, one bath. And a tiny bedroom for fun. Full kitchen, cozy living room. Laundry. BBQ. Garden patio, garden deck.
Use the map to find cabins, hotels, and lodges located outside the park. You can search by group size, budget, and location.
What to do in Kings Canyon National Park with Kids
You would be hard pressed to find a place in kings canyon without an incredible view
1) Hike:
Best Hikes for Toddlers in Kings Canyon National Park
this bridge is at the beginning of zumwalt meadow trail
Zumwalt Meadow Trail: This easy 0.8 mile trail is absolutely perfect for any skill level. The Zumwalt Meadow Loop rewards hikers with the true essence of Kings Canyon. From a crossing a picturesque expansion bridge over a gorgeous clear river to walking through the lush green Zumwalt meadow with dramatic granite cliff views - this trail is amazing. At the trail head there is a small parking lot with restrooms and several picnic tables. It’s a great place to start your exploration of this amazing national park. We did this hike with two 3 year olds and a 5 year old - it wasn’t strenuous for anyone.
Roaring River Falls: This is a very easy and rewarding hike. It’s less than .5 miles from the parking lot to the falls and it’s a paved path. We chose to climb down to the water and splash around too. There is a very small parking lot at the trail head, but the cars come and go frequently, so even at peak time you shouldn’t wait long.
General Grant Tree Trail: This easy .3 mile paved trail takes walkers to the second largest tree in the world. In 1926 President Coolidge named this tree “America’s Christmas Tree” This hike has a huge parking are and restrooms.
North Grove Loop: This easy 1.5 mile loop starts in the Grant Tree Parking area. Here hikers can enjoy a quiet walk past creeks, meadows and through the sequoia forest.
Best Hikes for Kids in Kings Canyon National Park:
it gets hot out in kings canyon. we did the zumwalt meadow trail around noon at it was over 100 degrees on labor day weekend
Sheep Creek Cascade: This easy 2-mile hike is great for all skill levels. It has a small, 600’ elevation change, but rewards hikers with 360 views of the redwood canyon and the Monarch Divide. Definitely recommend this hike for families.
Redwood Canyon: There are 16 miles of hiking down in the canyon, so you can choose which trail to take. Redwood Canyon is one of the largest sequoia groves in the world and is a great place to education children on these living giants.
Best Hikes for Teenagers in Kings Canyon National Park:
Mist Falls: This is a very popular trail in Kings Canyon. It is a moderate 8 mile hike that takes hikers to one of the largest waterfalls in the park.
Big Baldy Ridge: This is a strenuous, but popular 5.5 mile round trip hike that takes hikers to the summit of the ridge. This is the highest spot in the canyon at 8209 feet. Hikers are rewarded with sweeping views into Redwood Canyon, of Big Baldy, Chimney Rock and the Western Divide.
Lookout Peak: This is a very strenuous 13 mile hike and climbs up to 4000’. However hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the park’s back country.
Don Cecil Trail: This very strenuous 9.3 mile trail takes hikers to the top of the canyon. It is a very steep and not well maintained trail. Be prepared for a steep climb up. There is a waterfall along the trail and the views from the summit are great.
Cedar Grove Overlook: This is a strenuous trail with high elevation change and many switchbacks. However, hikers are rewarded with amazing views up and down Kings Canyon. The trail is 5 miles round trip and changes 1220’ in elevation.
For additional information about hiking Kings Canyon National Park, go HERE.
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The water at roaring river falls is absolutely gorgeous.
2) Swim!
Kings Canyon offers several places to take a dip! Did you know it can get to over 100* F in the summer? That is HOT and it’s refreshing to cool off in the clear, cold mountain water. So, where can you swim in Kings Canyon National Park?
Go for a swim at roaring river falls!
Muir Rock: This is located at Road’s End. There is a large parking area, so snag a spot and bring all your best swim gear and floats! Here you will find a large granite slab on the river where everyone goes to take a dip! If you’re brave and want to jump from Muir Rock (about an 8 foot drop), the current will bring you back to the shore. This swimming hole get’s it’s name because John Muir would give talks here and take members of the Sierra Club to this spot for meetings. TIP: Bring swim shoes or sandals that can get wet!
Raging River Falls: This is mentioned above in the easy hikes. Bring your swim gear and get ready to dip into some super chilly water. You won’t regret it. We climbed down to the pools and put our feet in, but the guys fully jumped in and swam over to the falls. The views are incredible here. Tip: Bring swim shoes or sandals than can get wet!
Hume Lake: While this lake is technically not inside the King’s Canyon boundaries, it is situated between the Kings Canyon visitor center and Kings Canyon proper. to beat the crowds around the entrance and at the main beach, keep driving beyond the mess hall. You’ll find easy parting and hiking paths to the water for a more secluded experience.
3) Horseback Riding
Kings Canyon National Park offers Guided Horseback Rides. There are two stables; Grant Grove Stables and Cedar Grove Stables. Both have approved concessionaires to take visitors on guided rides throughout Kings Canyon. Rides range from 1 hour to all day, and they accommodate every level of rider. Day trips offer rides along the Kings Canyon River in the Cedar Grove area. Currently rides are offered to single family groups of up to 6 people
Rates: $50 for a one-hour ride, or $90 for a 2-hour ride. Visitors should call the stables to make a reservation.
Cedar Grove Stables: - typically open June through mid-October, weather permitting:
(559) 565-3464 (summer)
(559) 337-2413 (off season)
Grant Grove Stables - typically open June through mid-October, weather permitting
(559) 335-9292
4) Become a Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park Junior Ranger:
Both kids RECEIVED SEKI Kings Canyon junior ranger badges
SEKI offers in person or online Junior Ranger Programs.
Junior Ranger Program: This program takes kids through bear safety, how to safely store food from bears, native plants, Sequoia Trees, Cave and Karst Systems and so much more. Children can earn an official Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Junior Ranger badge by completing activities in our junior ranger booklet. Ask for a free booklet at any visitor center, complete it, then return it to receive your badge.
Currently, you can also achieve your Junior Ranger badge virtually HERE.
The 4 of us at general grant tree in kings canyon national park
5) Scenic Drive:
We stopped at many of the vistas, but this one was my favorite
The drive from Kings Canyon Visitor Center (main entrance) down to Road’s End is an epic drive. Be sure to stop at the view points and take in the views of the deepest canyon in the United States from the top. The road is windy, but it’s absolutely breathtaking. The kids will love watching the river carve out the canyon.
I recommend this self-guided audio tour through scenic Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Benefit from information from local experts as you are guided from stop to stop along the way.
The view from zumwalk meadow is breathetaking
Kings Canyon National Park is the perfect destination for families. There are amazing waterfalls, pristine mountain views, endless granite cliff faces, incredible morning weather, beautiful meadows, and best of all, a giant canyon. No matter whether you camp in the park or stay in a lodge nearby, Kings Canyon National Park is an unforgettable adventure. And while you’re here, you may as well plan a couple of days so you can see Sequoia National Park as well!
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