Redwood National Park is a magical place for families. It is home to some of the tallest trees on Earth. Walking among these giants feels like stepping into another world. Kids and adults alike find wonder here. This area offers many fun and family-friendly activities perfect for children. From easy hikes to unique roadside stops, there is something for every family. In this guide, you will discover the best things to do in Redwood National Park with kids. Each stop brings a chance to learn, explore, and make memories together. Whether you want to drive through a giant tree or stroll among ancient giants, this area has it all. Let’s dive into the top family-friendly adventures waiting for you in Redwood National Park.
What is the Redwood National Park?
The coast of Northern California is home to some of the tallest trees on Earth. These giants are called coastal redwoods. They can grow over 350 feet tall and live for more than 2,000 years. Walking among them feels like stepping into another world. The air is fresh and cool while sunlight filters through the thick canopy above.
The forest is quiet and peaceful. The air feels fresh and cool, even on warm days. Sunlight filters softly through the thick canopy of branches and leaves above. This creates a gentle, green light all around. Walking on the soft forest floor covered with needles and moss is a calming experience.
Visiting here is like stepping back in time to a place that has existed for thousands of years. It’s a magical experience that stays with you long after you leave.
Things to do in Redwood National Park: #1
Trees of Mystery
Trees of Mystery in Klamath is one of the most exciting stops along the Redwood Coast. It offers a mix of fun, nature, and hands-on learning. Two giant statues stand at the entrance. Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox tower above the parking lot. It is a great place for photos and sets the mood for the experience ahead.
Once you pass the entrance, you step into a forest filled with wonder. The trails here wind through towering redwood trees. These trees are some of the largest you will ever see. They rise high above, blocking the sun in places.
One of the most thrilling parts of the visit is the Redwood Canopy Trail. This is a series of suspension bridges that hang high in the trees. The bridges sway gently as you walk from platform to platform. It is safe but gives just enough of a thrill to make it exciting. The girls felt like explorers up in the trees. Each bridge leads to a new view and a different angle of the forest.
The SkyTrail is an enclosed gondola that carries you smoothly through the treetops. At the top, a platform looks out over the trees. You can take the gondola back down or take the “adventurous” hiking trail. Warning … the trail is very steep and slippery!
End your visit with a leisurely stroll along the Trail of Tall Tales. Wooden carvings along the trail tell stories and teach interesting facts.
Things to do in Redwood National Park: #2
Drive Through Tree
The Tour Through Tree is a unique roadside attraction that kids absolutely love. It’s not every day you get to drive through a real redwood tree! This special tree has a hollowed-out center large enough for a single lane road. That means your car can actually pass right through it. It feels like driving through a giant natural tunnel.
The experience is quick, but it leaves a big impression. Kids often giggle and point out the windows as you pass through. It’s a simple moment that feels magical. After you drive through, there is a small area where you can safely park and get out. This spot is perfect for taking pictures with the massive tree. The redwood’s thick bark and huge size make for great photos that will remind you of the trip for years to come.
The Tour Through Tree is fun and a little quirky. It offers something different from the usual hikes and viewpoints. It’s a great way to break up the drive and add some unexpected excitement to your road trip. Even though it is a short stop, it is totally worth including in your Redwood National Park adventure.
Things to do in Redwood National Park: #3
Redwood National Park Visitor Center
The Thomas Kuchel Visitor Center is the perfect stop on your trip through Redwood National Park. It is located near the park’s northern entrance, making it easy to find and a great place to begin your visit. The center offers helpful information about the park’s trails, wildlife, and history. Friendly park rangers are always ready to answer questions and share tips.
Inside, you will find interesting exhibits that explain how the redwoods grow and survive. There are displays about the plants and animals that live in the forest. This is also where you can turn in your Junior Ranger booklet.
Just a short walk from the visitor center is a beautiful beach. This peaceful spot offers wide sandy shores and views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a great place to stretch your legs, build sandcastles, or watch for seabirds and tide pools.
Things to do in Redwood National Park: #4
Avenue of the Giants
The Avenue of the Giants is an iconic road and a must-see for anyone visiting the redwood region. It runs parallel to Highway 101 and winds through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. This scenic route stretches for about 31 miles and offers a peaceful escape into a world of giant trees. Start your drive at the north entrance and make your way south. The entire drive feels like traveling through a natural cathedral.
Starting at the north entrance, you can drive south along the route. There are plenty of places to stop along the way. Several short loop trails offer easy walks through the forest. These trails range from half a mile to a few miles in length. One popular trail is the Founder’s Grove. It is about a quarter mile long and is flat and accessible. The trail features old-growth redwoods, including some that are over 1,000 years old.
There are also many scenic pullouts along the road. The Avenue of the Giants is a great way to experience the grandeur of the redwoods without hiking long distances. It offers a mix of driving, walking, and relaxing that works well for families.
Things to do in Redwood National Park: #5
See the Immortal Tree
Near the end of your journey through the redwoods, be sure to stop at the Immortal Tree. This remarkable redwood has stood for over a thousand years. It has survived many storms and forest fires. At one point, people even tried to cut it down. But the tree remained strong. Today, it still towers proudly among the forest giants.
When you visit, you will find signs around the base of the tree. These signs share the story of the tree’s survival. They explain how it withstood the challenges over the centuries. It is a powerful reminder of the resilience of nature.
The Immortal Tree is easy to visit. It is located just off the main road. There is parking nearby, making it convenient for families traveling by car. Restrooms are also available close to the site.
Next to the parking area, you will find a small gift shop. It offers books, souvenirs, and snacks. The shop is a nice place to take a break.
The Family Verdict
Visiting the redwoods was an other worldly experience! These giant trees amazed all of us! The girls still talk about “that time we drove through a tree” and try to calculate what world events were occurring when many of these ancient giants were just seedlings.
Make sure to check out our adventures in Mount Saint Helens Ape Cave Lava Tubes, Oregon Coast Road Trip, and Crater Lake National Park. Also, follow along on our road trip through the Pacific Northwest!
Follow along on our other amazing family travel adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.
Recommended Supplies
Don’t miss out on these recommended supplies for your family adventure!
For Packing:
For the Airport / Airplane:
Basics:
Outdoors:
- Pocket Binoculars
- Travel Umbrella
- Adult Hiking Hydration Backpack
- Kid’s Hiking Hydration Backpack
- Water Bladder Cleaning Tablets
- Microfiber Towels
- Women’s All Around Jacket
- Women’s Water-Resistant Hiking Pants, These and These
- Women’s Quick Dry Pants and These
- Women’s Quick Dry Shirts
- Women’s Long Sleeve UV Rash Guard
- Women’s Hiking Socks
- Women’s Rain Jacket
- Kid’s Quick Dry Pants
- Kid’s Quick Dry Shorts
- Kid’s Quick Dry Shirts
- Kid’s Long Sleeve UV Rash Guard
- Kid’s Hiking Socks and These
- Kids Rain Jacket
- Kid’s Rain Pants
- Foldable Kid’s Hat
- Men’s Rain Jacket
