One day in Yellowstone, with kids, out of Cody

August 10, 2020 4:27 PM

Later this week I'll be in Cody WY with the kiddos (7 & 11) and I want to take them to Yellowstone for a day, probably Friday. I haven't been there since I was 7 myself. I need a plan.

What should we definitely see without overloading ourselves? Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring...? Should I try to do the whole central loop road (Old Faithful--Madison--Norris--Canyon Village) or just go out and back on one part of it? Which direction should we go? What about lunch?

posted by gottabefunky to Travel & Transportation around Yellowstone National Park, WY (5 answers total)

The Canyon to Tower road is closed rght now, so the circuit is not an option. My suggestion is Old F, as you basically have to, and while there, check if any nearby geysers are predicted to go off, eg Grand. Prismatic is nice but not that much more impressive than other similar pools. So my suggestion is head to Norris, which is amazing and a bit less visited,, and then optimally a short hike. Lunch options are very limited due to Covid. Ideally bring it with you. Otherwise the canteen at Lake Village is open, which is on your road. Or you can get prepacked sandwiches in the General Stores.
posted by StephenF at 7:08 PM on August 10, 2020

It's a two and a half hour drive from Cody to Old Faithful, and the first part of that drive isn't that interesting to passengers, especially young passengers. StephenF has the rest of the details. Most of Yellowstone is closed.
posted by blob at 7:36 PM on August 10, 2020

Go to the Tripadvisor Yellowstone forum (https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g60999-i481-Yellowstone_National_Park_Wyoming.html) and ask your question or review previous posts. People are VERY helpful on that forum.
posted by ITravelMontana at 7:52 PM on August 10, 2020

We went last week and the lower loop you describe would be great. honestly old faithful was one of the least impressive things just because of the crowd and the wait. All of the geyser basins are awesome as well as the mud volcano. you don't really have to plan if you just drive it and take the detours for the brown signs All the stops are great. Inspiration point is a little off the track maybe 10 minutes but the best view in the park as far as I know. Bring lots of food for the kids The options are very limited but you can get something at canyon village on the way out as long as it's not too late. and plan for temperature changes lots of layers and hats and sunscreen It went from very cold to very hot and back while we were there.
posted by letahl at 5:34 PM on August 11, 2020

You should plan I'm stopping at the Buffalo Bill dam on the drive out as well It's pretty cool. It can be done in 15 minutes but it's a nice break and free.
posted by letahl at 5:56 PM on August 11, 2020