Underrated national parks your family should definitely visit

February 9, 2024 • 5 min read

If your family’s idea of enjoying nature doesn’t include waiting in line or swatting selfie sticks at popular vistas, it’s time to explore some underrated (but no less beautiful) national parks. We’ve selected a handful of unique national parks that are definitely worth a visit. And these off-the-radar parks come with a welcome bonus: much smaller crowds.

Points of interest

There are many under-the-radar parks that offer big adventure
Lesser-known parks have much smaller crowds in peak season
Go farther afield—there’s even a national park in American Samoa!

A small dog pokes its head out of a hiker’s backpack at a desert vista.

Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

About 500,000 visitors in 2022

Take your kids to a national park that rocks. Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is a wonderfully unique national park and a dream for aspiring young geologists. Explore one of the world’s largest petrified wood forests, with specimens dating back as far as 218 million years. Trace minerals within the petrified wood give it an incredible rainbow hue that draws the eye (and people to the park). The park was created in 1906 to protect the wood-turned-stone, as visitors in the 1800s regularly poached stones as souvenirs.

Why you should visit

Newspaper Rock: More than 650 distinct petroglyphs comprise Newspaper Rock. The markings were made by the Pueblo people and date from between 25 and 1,300 AD.
Rainbow rocks: Kids will love the dazzling colors in the petrified wood, which are present due to the quartz, iron oxides, and manganese oxides they contain.
The hiking: Traverse family-friendly backcountry trails and spectacular scenery without the interruption of crowds. Popular trails include Crystal Forest and Blue Mesa loops, both less than a mile long.

Best places to stay

Check out these unique stays near Petrified Forest National Park in Saint Johns, Arizona.

A white one-story house with a covered patio and blazing fire pit.

Entire cabin in Show Low, Arizona

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Fewer than 80,000 visitors in 2022

Craving a sunny family adventure with sea, sand, and US history? Look no further than Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida. Located about 70 miles (113 kilometers) west of Key West, Florida, most of this 100-sq. mile park consists of open water. Visitors must reach its seven small islands by seaplane or boat. The second-biggest of these islands, Garden Key, is home to Fort Jefferson, one of the largest 19th-century forts in the USA. Gorgeous scenery, secluded beaches, and crystal-clear snorkeling make Dry Tortugas a must-visit destination for adventure-seeking families.

Why you should visit

Snorkeling & swimming: Garden Key has easy entry points with gradual slopes for beginning swimmers and snorkelers. Explore marine life and corals in the third-largest barrier reef system outside Australia and Belize.
Paddling: Hop on a kayak or paddleboard and embark on a family paddle around the islands.
Fort Jefferson: This former military harbor was one of the largest forts ever built, and remains the largest brick building in the Western Hemisphere.

Best places to stay

Explore these unique places to stay near Dry Tortugas National Park in Key West, Florida.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Fewer than 550,000 visitors in 2022

Redefine “cool” with a family adventure to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve on the southeast coast of Alaska. Being that this park is primarily water, most guests experience the wonders of Glacier Bay from a boat. Wow your kids with the thunder of calving glaciers, spot a breaching humpback whale or marvel at the 40-mile-long Grand Pacific Glacier—the longest in the park. Whatever you get up to, be sure your family dresses warm—temperatures rarely venture above 60º Fahrenheit (15º Celsius), even in the summer.

Why you should visit

Marine animals: Marine life abounds, including orcas, humpbacks, tufted puffins, sea lions, and the Giant Pacific octopus.
Hiking: There’s more than 700 miles of shoreline to explore and numerous established hiking trails near Bartlett Cove.
Culture: Learn more about the history of Alaska’s indigenous people at the Huna Tlingit Tribal House in Bartlett Cove. Explore the people and their culture through art, dancing, language, and storytelling.

Best places to stay

Consider one of these unique vacation rentals in Juneau, Alaska just west of Glacier Bay National Park.

A gorgeous view of an Alaskan glacial lake in front of majestic mountains.

National Park of American Samoa

Fewer than 2,000 visitors in 2022

It’s quite a bit farther afield, but if you are interested in a family beach vacation, the National Park of American Samoa just might be for you. Grab your passports, sunscreen, and a flight to the South Pacific to experience the solitude and majesty of one of the newest parks in the NPS system. Let your kids run free on remote beaches dotted with palms under the shadow of rainforest-covered mountains. Discover the tropical plants, colorful wildlife, and historic Samoan culture the park was established to preserve. Wondering why your family lives somewhere else is almost inevitable.

Why you should visit

Snorkeling and swimming: Crystal clear waters allow sunlight to wash over the hundreds of species of fish and marine life and dance off the coral reefs. Be careful not to touch the corals—they are living, and very sharp.
Family-friendly hiking: The park has hiking trails suitable for every age. Enjoy the silence of untouched nature with sweeping vistas of ocean blues and rainforest greens. Keep a lookout for lizards in the trees and orcas in the waters.

Best places to stay

Make your stay one-of-a-kind with one of these vacation rentals in American Samoa.

While we’ve shared our favorite lesser-traveled national parks, not every national park will fit your family’s travel time, budget, or accessibility needs. Be sure to explore each park through the lens of your unique family’s needs to ensure you can focus on making memories in the great outdoors.