Every state in the United States is home to a wealth of parks that offer families the perfect blend of adventure, education, and fun. With so many state parks out there, knowing which ones are best for families can be a challenge. To help you navigate, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the best family-friendly state parks in all 50 states. Buckle up and get ready to explore the natural beauty and exciting adventures that are waiting in your own backyard or just a road trip away.
Alabama: Gulf State Park
Nestled along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, Gulf State Park is a hit with families thanks to its perfect blend of beach relaxation and outdoor adventure. From two miles of pristine beaches to a vast network of hiking and biking trails, this park has something for everyone.
Best for: Beach days, hiking, biking, boating, and fishing.
Average cost: Entry fees are $2 for adults and $1 for children aged 6-11. Children under six enter free.
Alaska: Chugach State Park
Chugach State Park in Alaska brings wilderness to your doorstep, offering a wealth of outdoor activities that children and adults alike will love. With 495,000 acres of terrain, you’ll find rushing rivers, tranquil trails, and a host of wildlife.
Best for: Wildlife spotting, hiking, and ranger-led programs.
Average cost: Free entry, but some facilities and activities may have fees.
Arizona: Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Situated in the heart of the Verde Valley, Dead Horse Ranch State Park is an adventurer’s dream. It has a vast array of activities, from camping and fishing to hiking and mountain biking. A lagoon for canoeing and a kid-friendly trail around it add to the fun.
Best for: Camping, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and canoeing.
Average cost: Entry is $7 per vehicle.
Arkansas: Mount Magazine State Park
Home to Arkansas’s highest point, Mount Magazine State Park offers unparalleled views and a wide range of recreational activities. Families can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and more in this sprawling park.
Best for: Hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and camping.
Average cost: Entry is free, but there may be fees for certain activities and facilities.
California: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is California’s largest state park and a fantastic place for a family vacation. Here you’ll find a fascinating desert landscape that’s perfect for exploring, with hiking trails, jeep tours, and an impressive array of desert wildlife.
Best for: Hiking, jeep tours, wildlife spotting.
Average cost: Free entry, though camping fees apply.
Colorado: Mueller State Park
Just outside of Colorado Springs, Mueller State Park offers breathtaking mountain vistas, lush meadows, and over 50 miles of trails. The park is home to an array of wildlife, and its large campground makes it a great destination for an overnight trip.
Best for: Hiking, wildlife spotting, and camping.
Average cost: Entry is $9 per vehicle.
Connecticut: Rocky Neck State Park
Rocky Neck State Park is one of Connecticut’s most popular parks, thanks to its beautiful beach, picnic groves, and hiking trails. The park’s Ellie Mitchell Pavilion is a beautiful historic stone building, a favorite spot for family get-togethers.
Best for: Beach days, picnicking, and hiking.
Average cost: Entry fees range from $6 – $15 depending on residency and day of the week.
Delaware: Trap Pond State Park
Trap Pond State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Here you’ll find the northernmost natural stand of bald cypress trees in the U.S., a host of trails, and a beautiful pond perfect for fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the view.
Best for: Hiking, bird-watching, boating, and camping.
Average cost: Entry fees range from $3 – $8 depending on residency and season.
Florida: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
As the first underwater park in the U.S., John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers a unique family adventure. You can snorkel, scuba dive, kayak, or take a glass-bottom boat tour to explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
Best for: Snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and boat tours.
Average cost: Entry is $8 per vehicle. Additional fees apply for tours and rentals.
Georgia: Amicalola Falls State Park
Home to the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast, Amicalola Falls State Park is a must-visit. Families can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and zip-lining to fishing and geocaching.
Best for: Hiking, zip-lining, fishing, and geocaching.
Average cost: Parking is $5 per vehicle. Additional fees apply for certain activities.
Hawaii: Akaka Falls State Park
In the tropical paradise of Hawaii, Akaka Falls State Park is a standout. Its lush rainforest setting and spectacular 442-foot waterfall make it an unforgettable family destination.
Best for: Hiking, picnicking, and waterfall viewing.
Average cost: Entry is $5 per vehicle, or $1 per person for pedestrians.
Idaho: Ponderosa State Park
Ponderosa State Park offers everything from beautiful beaches to dense forests and wildlife. The park’s peninsula juts into Payette Lake, providing spectacular views and water activities galore.
Best for: Hiking, cycling, beach activities, boating, and wildlife viewing.
Average cost: Entry is $5 per vehicle.
Illinois: Starved Rock State Park
With 18 canyons and numerous waterfalls, Starved Rock State Park is Illinois’s go-to park for natural beauty. Hiking, fishing, boating, and bird watching are just a few of the activities families can enjoy.
Best for: Hiking, bird watching, fishing, and boating.
Average cost: Free entry.
Indiana: Turkey Run State Park
Turkey Run State Park’s sandstone ravines and old-growth forests make it a unique spot for nature lovers. Canoeing on Sugar Creek and exploring the park’s extensive trail system are popular activities.
Best for: Hiking, canoeing, and nature programs.
Average cost: Entry is $7 for in-state vehicles and $9 for out-of-state vehicles.
Iowa: Pikes Peak State Park
One of Iowa’s most visited state parks, Pikes Peak offers breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding woodland. Its network of trails suits all fitness levels, making it a hit with families.
Best for: Hiking, picnicking, and bird watching.
Average cost: Free entry.
Kansas: Clinton State Park
Clinton State Park is a favorite for water-based activities, with Clinton Lake offering fishing, boating, and beach areas. The park’s prairie landscapes also provide excellent opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting.
Best for: Hiking, boating, fishing, and camping.
Average cost: Entry is $5 per vehicle.
Kentucky: Natural Bridge State Resort Park
With its remarkable sandstone arch – the “Natural Bridge” – and more than 20 miles of trails, this park is a natural wonderland. Families can hike, fish, paddle, and explore to their hearts’ content.
Best for: Hiking, fishing, paddling, and bird watching.
Average cost: Free entry, but there may be fees for certain activities and facilities.
Louisiana: Fontainebleau State Park
Located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Fontainebleau State Park offers a mix of beach, forest, and marsh. Families can enjoy bird watching, hiking, or simply relaxing on the sandy beach.
Best for: Bird watching, hiking, swimming, and camping.
Average cost: Entry is $3 per person; free for seniors and children under 3.
Maine: Acadia National Park
Though technically a national park, Acadia’s dramatic coastlines, forested hiking trails, and historic carriage roads make it a must-see. Plus, kids will love the Junior Ranger program.
Best for: Hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and the Junior Ranger program.
Average cost: Entry is $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass.
20. Maryland: Assateague State Park
Assateague’s wild horses are a huge draw, but families will also enjoy the park’s sandy beaches and coastal bays. It’s an excellent spot for camping, swimming, fishing, and beachcombing.
Best for: Beach activities, horse watching, fishing, and camping.
Average cost: Day-use service charges range from $3 to $7 per vehicle.
Massachusetts: Walden Pond State Reservation
Famed for its connection to author Henry David Thoreau, Walden Pond offers a peaceful setting for swimming, hiking, and bird watching. It’s an ideal spot for families seeking a tranquil escape from city life.
Best for: Swimming, hiking, and bird watching.
Average cost: Entry is $8 per Massachusetts vehicle, $15 per out-of-state vehicle.
Michigan: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Another national spot that deserves mention is Sleeping Bear Dunes. Its towering sand dunes and clear waters provide endless entertainment for children. There are also many trails to explore.
Best for: Hiking, beach activities, and dune climbing.
Average cost: A 7-day vehicle pass is $25.
Minnesota: Itasca State Park
Itasca State Park is a must-see for its historic significance alone as it’s home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Families can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and bird watching, among other activities.
Best for: Hiking, fishing, boating, and bird watching.
Average cost: Vehicle permits are $7 daily or $35 annually.
Mississippi: Tishomingo State Park
Tishomingo offers unique landscapes with massive rock formations and fern-filled crevices found nowhere else in Mississippi. The park also boasts excellent facilities for camping and picnicking.
Best for: Hiking, camping, and picnicking.
Average cost: Entry is $4 per vehicle.
Missouri: Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
A natural waterpark, Johnson’s Shut-Ins is a series of pools and water slides created by the Black River flowing over and around rocks. It’s a fun and unique location that’s sure to be a hit with kids.
Best for: Swimming, hiking, and camping.
Average cost: Free entry, but there may be fees for certain activities and facilities.
Montana: Giant Springs State Park
Home to one of the largest freshwater springs in the world, Giant Springs offers a range of activities, including fishing, bird watching, and exploring the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.
Best for: Fishing, bird watching, and learning about history.
Average cost: Free entry.
Nebraska: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
This park offers an array of family-friendly activities, including a water park, ice skating, a climbing wall, and a theater. There’s truly something for everyone.
Best for: Water activities, ice skating, climbing, and theater.
Average cost: Entry is $6 for Nebraska vehicles, $8 for non-Nebraska vehicles.
28. Nevada: Valley of Fire State Park
Renowned for its stunning red sandstone formations, Valley of Fire offers hiking, camping, picnicking, and a chance to see ancient petroglyphs.
Best for: Hiking, camping, picnicking, and history exploration.
Average cost: Entry is $10 per vehicle.
New Hampshire: Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch offers breathtaking mountain scenery and activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the Flume Gorge. The aerial tramway to Cannon Mountain’s summit is a highlight.
Best for: Hiking, biking, and exploring nature’s wonders.
Average cost: Day-use fees vary by activity, but general entry is free.
New Jersey: Liberty State Park
With stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline, this park offers miles of walkways for biking and walking, as well as a popular interpretive center.
Best for: Biking, walking, and learning about history.
Average cost: Free entry, but there may be fees for certain activities.
New Mexico: White Sands National Park
The world’s largest gypsum dunefield offers a mesmerizing landscape for hiking and sledding. The night sky viewing here is also exceptional.
Best for: Hiking, sledding, and stargazing.
Average cost: Entry is $25 per vehicle.
New York: Letchworth State Park
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth offers stunning views of waterfalls and a gorge, as well as activities like hiking, swimming, and picnicking.
Best for: Hiking, swimming, and picnicking.
Average cost: Vehicle entry is $10.
North Carolina: Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Home to the tallest sand dunes on the Atlantic coast, Jockey’s Ridge is a playground for kids and adults alike, with opportunities for sandboarding, hang gliding, and kite flying.
Best for: Sandboarding, hang gliding, and kite flying.
Average cost: Free entry.
North Dakota: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
This park offers a taste of the untamed wilderness that Theodore Roosevelt loved. Families can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping here.
Best for: Hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping.
Average cost: Entry is $30 per vehicle.
Ohio: Hocking Hills State Park
With its waterfalls, gorges, rock shelters, and hiking trails, Hocking Hills is a wonderland for nature lovers and offers a variety of activities for families to enjoy.
Best for: Hiking, nature exploration, and picnicking.
Average cost: Free entry.
Oklahoma: Beavers Bend State Park
This park offers something for everyone: from fishing and boating on Broken Bow Lake to hiking and horseback riding on the forest trails. There’s also a nature center for educational activities.
Best for: Fishing, boating, hiking, and horseback riding.
Average cost: Free entry, but there may be fees for certain activities.
Oregon: Silver Falls State Park
Known as the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, Silver Falls offers the chance to walk behind a waterfall on the Trail of Ten Falls, a must-do for any visitor.
Best for: Hiking and waterfall exploration.
Average cost: Day-use fee is $5 per vehicle.
Pennsylvania: Presque Isle State Park
A peninsula with several sandy beaches on Lake Erie, Presque Isle offers swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and biking. It’s also a great spot for bird-watching.
Best for: Beach activities, boating, and bird watching.
Average cost: Free entry.
Rhode Island: Colt State Park
With its stunning views of Narragansett Bay, Colt State Park is often referred to as ‘Rhode Island’s gem.’ The park offers four miles of bike trails, fishing spots, and picnic groves.
Best for: Biking, fishing, and picnicking.
Average cost: Free entry.
South Carolina: Huntington Beach State Park
This park offers the best of both natural and cultural history: beautiful beach, hiking trails, and the Moorish-style Atalaya Castle. Bird watchers will also enjoy the park, known as a prime birding spot.
Best for: Beach activities, hiking, bird watching, and history exploration.
Average cost: Entry is $8 for adults, $5 for South Carolina seniors, $4 for children aged 6-15, and free for children 5 and under.
South Dakota: Custer State Park
This park is known for its wildlife, particularly the herd of 1,300 bison that roam freely throughout the park. The scenic drives and lakes add to the charm.
Best for: Wildlife viewing, scenic drives, and boating.
Average cost: Entry is $20 per vehicle.
Tennessee: Fall Creek Falls State Park
Home to one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States, this park offers hiking, nature trails, and camping.
Best for: Hiking, nature trails, and camping.
Average cost: Free entry, but there may be fees for certain activities.
Texas: Palo Duro Canyon State Park
The second-largest canyon in the United States offers excellent hiking, birding, and camping opportunities.
Best for: Hiking, birding, and camping.
Average cost: Entry is $8 per person aged 13 and up.
Utah: Dead Horse Point State Park
Famed for its dramatic desert vistas and the Colorado River bend, this park offers great hiking, biking, and night sky viewing.
Best for: Hiking, biking, and night sky viewing.
Average cost: Entry is $20 per vehicle.
Vermont: Smugglers Notch State Park
Named after the smugglers who used the narrow pass in the 1800s, the park today offers great hiking and camping opportunities amidst its distinctive tall, narrow cliffs.
Best for: Hiking and camping.
Average cost: Entry is $4 for adults, $2 for children aged 4-13.
Virginia: First Landing State Park
Located on the Chesapeake Bay, the park offers swimming, hiking, and a glimpse into Virginia’s history.
Best for: Beach activities, hiking, and history.
Average cost: Parking fees range from $4-$7.
Washington: Deception Pass State Park
The park offers amazing views, hikes through old-growth forests, and tidepool exploration, making it a favorite for families.
Best for: Hiking, scenic views, and tidepool exploration.
Average cost: A day-use pass is $10.
West Virginia: Babcock State Park
Families will love the hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and the famous Glade Creek Grist Mill, a fully functional replica mill.
Best for: Hiking, fishing, and history.
Average cost: Free entry, but there may be fees for certain activities.
Wisconsin: Peninsula State Park
With its sandy beach, summer theater, and historic lighthouse, this park offers a mix of nature and culture.
Best for: Beach activities, hiking, and culture.
Average cost: Vehicles with Wisconsin plates pay $8 per day, while out-of-state plates are $11 per day.
Wyoming: Yellowstone National Park
America’s first national park offers geysers, hot springs, wildlife, and the grand canyon of the Yellowstone, ensuring a unique and unforgettable family vacation.
Best for: Geysers, wildlife viewing, and hiking.
Average cost: Entry is $35 per vehicle.
Wrapping Up
From the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the serene beaches of the East Coast, each state park offers a unique experience and a chance to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a seasoned nature enthusiast or just beginning to explore the beauty of the great outdoors, these state parks provide the perfect backdrop for family bonding, discovery, and rejuvenation. So, gather your loved ones, lace up your hiking boots, and set out on an incredible journey to these extraordinary destinations. The wonders of nature await, ready to embrace you and your family with open arms. Safe travels and happy exploring!
