I have a goal of visiting all 56 US National Parks. It’s a daunting task (and likely a different experience with kids than without). Small children do not want to climb Half Dome. They want to chase bunnies.

Over the next few years, I want to pick off the National Parks my kids will enjoy the most. Below are some links that are helping me research my mammoth venture.

1. 10 Great National Parks that will Engage your Kids by Trefoni Rizzi: From the author of Teddy’s Travels (see below), this succinct USA Today post covers extremely useful pointers toward parks with bats, bubbling pools, pirates and over-sized presidents.
2. The 10 Best National Parks by Maureen P. Sangiogio for Child: A detailed article analyzing results from a questionnaire sent to 56 parks. It provides a breadth of vital information including number of stroller-friendly hikes, best times of year to visit, and children’s programs.
3. Reserve America: Terrific website to help you find where to stay at the most beautiful spots across the United States. Covers camping, boat mooring, cabins and lodging.
4. The Best of the National Parks from National Geographic Adventure. Not their most recent annual National Park issue, but their most useful to date. It lists best of: wildlife viewing, paddling, driving and trekking, among others.
5. National Park Service: The US government has a large area dedicated to kids’ activities on it’s website.  Though aimed at the younger set, it’s a fabulous resource for parents. It’s divided into 3 sections:  Junior Rangers (activities for kids when visiting the parks with a view to becoming a junior ranger); Web Rangers (educates kids through games and activities on the website); and Park Fun (a huge list of things to do and learn at the parks).
6. Books and other resources: Teddy Travels by Trefoni Rizzi, winner of two National awards, is a kids’ guide to the National Parks and great for ages 5 and up. Open Road’s Best National Parks with Kids by Paris Permenter and John Bigley, features itieneries, color photos and family hiking trails. Frommer’s National Parks with Kids by Kurt Repanshek is a valuable resource for maps, lodging and park highlights. Also, please keep an eye open for the upcoming PBS TV series by Ken Burns called The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, due to air in Fall 2009.

Do you have a favorite National Park? What did your kids love about it? Where did you stay? Please leave a comment below.

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