Yellowstone National Park scavenger hunt for kids

What makes Yellowstone National Park worth investigating

On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park for all to enjoy the unique hydrothermal wonders. Today, millions of people come here each year to camp, hike, and enjoy the majesty of the park.

Yellowstone became the world's first national park on March 1, 1872, signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant. It sits atop one of the world's largest active volcanic systems.

Old Faithful geyser erupts approximately every 90 minutes. More than half of the world's active geysers are found in Yellowstone. Grand Prismatic Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States. Home to the largest concentration of free-roaming bison in the lower 48 states. The best seasons to visit are spring, summer, and fall. Yellowstone's weather can vary quite a bit, even in a single day. In the summer, daytime highs can exceed 70°F (21°C), only to drop 20 or more degrees when a thunderstorm rolls through.

10 things to look for

Use this as an observation menu, not a race. Choose fewer items for younger children, pause for questions and sketches, and leave every natural and historic object where it belongs.

• Old Faithful Geology
  The world's most famous geyser erupting a column of steam and water
• Bison Wildlife
  Massive shaggy animals grazing in the valleys, the largest land mammal in North America Observe only from the required distance; a sound, track, or other safe sign may count.
• Grand Prismatic Spring Geology
  Enormous hot spring with rings of orange, yellow, and blue colors
• Elk Wildlife
  Large deer with impressive antlers grazing near the rivers Observe only from the required distance; a sound, track, or other safe sign may count.
• Mud Pot Geology
  Bubbling pool of hot mud and clay heated by volcanic activity
• Yellowstone Lake Nature
  One of the largest high-altitude lakes in North America
• Osprey Wildlife
  Fish-hunting raptor diving into rivers and lakes Observe only from the required distance; a sound, track, or other safe sign may count.
• Travertine Terraces Geology
  White limestone terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs built by mineral-rich water
• Yellowstone River Canyon Nature
  The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with a dramatic waterfall
• Wolf Tracks Wildlife
  Paw prints in mud or snow from the park's famous gray wolf packs Observe only from the required distance; a sound, track, or other safe sign may count.

Checklist items describe things a visitor might observe. A sighting is never guaranteed. Do not approach wildlife, cross barriers, leave approved areas, or handle protected objects to complete an item.

Adapt the hunt by age

Turn “I want to go there” into a family plan

1. The child finds Yellowstone National Park in the HomeSchool.You park catalog and taps the heart.
2. The parent receives an in-app alert that the child wants to visit.
3. Yellowstone National Park appears in the child’s Travel Wish List inside the parent area.
4. The family chooses timing together, checks current conditions, and prints or opens this hunt.
5. After exploring, the child can save visit memories and progress in the park passport.

Respect the place

An adult should supervise the entire visit. Observe wildlife from the required distance, stay on allowed routes, follow posted and ranger instructions, pack out waste, and do not collect plants, rocks, cultural objects, or animals. HomeSchool.You is an independent learning platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Park Service or any state or local park agency.

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