This article was originally published on June 3, 2022.
Imagine standing on the shore of a pristine alpine lake, with surrounding mountains. Or walking through a tunnel that cuts through some of the grandest trees on the planet. Or seeing real-life dinosaur fossils embedded in a desert wall.
The U.S. national parks are filled with some of the best features on the planet and are a protected home to some of the most diverse history of the nation. They may seem like a daring and rugged place for bold explorers, but most are accessible. If you’ve been kicking around the idea of a family trip this summer, visiting one of the national parks is a great way to explore the wonders of the world, build core memories and help your kids learn more about the diverse and complex history of the U.S.