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Yosemite rainy day fun with family?

Original Post
Obecian · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2016 · Points: 0

Really only been to the valley to climb. Now headed this weekend with younger kids (6 & 4) and of course looking like a little weather.  Any recommendations? 

Tony Lobay · · San Carlos · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 948

Take the kiddos up the first few of South Seas! Stays dry in the rain!

Or go cruising around on the shuttle buses and then pizza at Curry Village  

Both fun adventures with little ones. 

wez zer · · Sacramento · Joined Oct 2019 · Points: 31

Hanging out in the Ahwahnee on a rainy day is a nice vibe, there’s a decent amount to check out on the first two floors (no room reservation required) depending on how easily entertained your kids are, as well as ample space for board games and the like. And the weekend brunch is excellent

Glowering · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 16

Fern spring  You can drink from it.

Aid up a bit and hang a short rope swing on the overhanging boulder by the Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center

Happy Isles. 

Awahnee lodge first floor is public space.

Visitor center and Indian museum.

Get the newspaper when you enter and see what ranger programs are happening. 

wild THANG · · SD · Joined Aug 2017 · Points: 10

Jr. Ranger Program is a must, and you get a cool badge!

Obecian · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2016 · Points: 0

It turned out to be great weather- I am sharing these with any other parents who find this post in the future.

  • Mariposa Grove- was great for littles. The combo of up many hiking options with close tree viewing and the sheer size of the trees is ideal.
  • Glacier Point- solid meh for little guys. They liked seeing it but it was about 45 minutes of driving for 30 seconds of wonder then ready to go. I would skip it. 
  • Curry Village for pizza- Get them a slices and yourselves a proper pizza so theirs is ready in minutes not 30 or so. 
  • Hike any of the many hikes that take you between shuttle stops then shuttle back to where you parked. 
  • Hike to base of El Cap, Middle Cathedral, or any of the other easy approaches that put you on climber trails rather than the valley loop 
  • Sugar Pine Train- an expensive but fun day outside the park 
  • Happy Isles is as great as all said it is; just check to see if the ranger area is open. They close for the winter if you are there after October. 
  • Aid up King Tut Boulder and rig it for swinging- so much joy! 
  • Ahwahnee for games, coloring, and wandering- bring your own wine and snacks- currently no food is served in the bar
Christian Hesch · · Arroyo Grande, CA · Joined Aug 2017 · Points: 55

Once again, some good soul breaks through the morass of MP and posts some incredibly useful information. Thanks, OP

Charlie Kissick · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2023 · Points: 0

Sounds like you did a Clark Griswold at Glacier Point. 

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Northern California
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