Nature Center At Happy Isles: Hands On Activities For Families With Children

Hoping to introduce young children to the natural wonders of Yosemite National Park? A great place to start is the Nature Center at Happy Isles, where they’ll learn about everything from pine cones to black bears. The nature center, an easy stroll from the Happy Isles shuttle stop, operates from May and September. It also functions as a trailhead for some of the Yosemite Valley area’s most awe-inspiring hikes up to Vernal and Nevada falls. Exhibits and Trails Inside the center are loads of interactive, hands-on exhibits interpreting Yosemite's ecosystems, wildlife, vegetation, and geology with a special eye toward the younger crowd—from toddlers up. Not to say parents won’t appreciate the primer, either—along with the air-conditioning. There are few better places to hole up on a hot afternoon in the park. A fully stocked gift shop offers plenty of trip mementos. Outside, easy paths lead you through several representative west-side Sierra Nevada habitats—from forest to fen. This firsthand look at ecological communities allows you and the kids to immediately apply some of the natural-history knowledge gleaned inside. A truly scenic treat is hiking toward Vernal Fall, at least as far as the wooden bridge crossing the Merced River, only 1.6 miles round-trip. Other Activities Kids can pick up the activity handbooks for the Junior Ranger and Little Cub programs at the Nature Center at Happy Isles. Both guide them through nature activities in the park and reward them with completion patches or buttons. Come fall, the nature center hosts the fabulous Halloween Family Fun Night—a delightful and educational way to celebrate the spookiest time of year while exploring Yosemite after dark. While you’re staying with Scenic Wonders, be sure to pay a visit to the Nature Center at Happy Isles, especially if you’ve got kids in tow: It’ll give all of you a chance to understand a bit more of what you’re seeing—and have a blast in the process!

Make Your Yosemite Reservations Today

If you’re looking for things the kids will love, pay a visit to the Nature Center at Happy Isles--and consider planning your trip with Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders. We offer Yosemite reservations within the gates of the park. With one of our cozy cabins, condominiums, or homes, your Yosemite accommodations will be just minutes from all your favorite places in Yosemite. Give us a call at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn about our rentals and to make your Yosemite reservations today.

Yosemite National Park Blog

Scenic Wonders’ Yosemite blog provides the latest news related to Yosemite National Park. By reading our blog, you’ll stay up to date on activities, accommodations, and more.   Photo credit: Rennett Stowe