Yellowstone's Canyon District stretches from Chittenden Road to Hayden Valley along Grand Loop Drive. Canyon Village is located on North Rim Drive. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is accessible from North Rim and South Rim drives. The Mt. Washburn trailhead is accessible from Chittenden Road. Grand Loop Road traverses Hayden Valley. The two-lane road from Fishing Bridge to Canyon is open to wheeled vehicles mid-April 15 through October and oversnow vehicles late December through early March. The road from Tower Junction to Canyon is accessible in two stages; the stretch from Tower Junction to Tower Falls opens first and closes last.

There are two ways to experience the Canyon area of Yellowstone: hike and drive. The viewpoints and overlooks on North Rim and South Rim drives offer sweeping views of the canyon, river and falls. The turnouts and scenic overlooks on Grand Loop Road offer an opportunity to take in the splendor of Yellowstone's highest pass as well as watch wildlife roadside in Hayden Valley. There are a variety of hiking trails in Canyon and, in winter, several are open to cross-country skiers. As with all Yellowstone trails, they vary in length and grade. The following hiking trails are ideal for families. The easy North Rim Trail is 4 miles (6.4 km) one-way from Inspiration Point to Chittenden Bridge. This flat, partially paved trail can be walked in whole or in part. South Rim Trail is an easy 2-mile (3.2 km) trek on a flat, paved path. The trail flanks the south rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone from Chittenden Bridge to Uncle Tom's Trail. Clear Lake Trail may not offer may not offer panoramic vistas but this easy 2 ¼-mile (3.6 km) hike traverses rolling meadows and pine forests and offers a chance to spot wildlife. Chittenden Road Trail, 6 miles roundtrip to Mt. Washburn, affords spectacular views, complete with telescopes, as well as a chance to spot bighorn sheep. This trail is moderately strenuous. Uncle Tom's Trail is graded strenuous and while it is far from ideal for families with young kids it is a great hike for families with teens. This trek to the base of the Lower Falls has a 500-foot (150m) drop on 300 metal steps. NB: There are no guardrails on Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone trails. Check trail openings with park rangers before venturing out. Be bear aware. Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife, 100 yards (91m) from bears and wolves and 25 yards (23m) from all other animals. Be sure to pull your car off the roadway when parking roadside.

While there is no right or wrong time of year to visit Yellowstone there are few things to keep in mind when traveling with kids. July is the warmest month (75°F or 24°C); January is the coldest (25°F or -4°C). The nighttime low is significantly cooler than the daytime high all through the year. Afternoon rain showers are likely in July and August and snow is possible from September to June. Sudden changes in the weather happen all the time. The peak tourist season is late June to mid-August. Fall (late August to late October) and spring (April and May) offer the best wildlife viewing. Yellowstone is magical in winter (November to March) but it is often downright frigid. Pack warm cloths and wet weather gear and plan to dress in layers no matter when you travel.

Dehydration, altitude sickness, hot water, hypothermia and wildlife encounters are the main health risks in Yellowstone. Carry plenty of water (4 liters per person per day is recommended when hiking in summer) and encourage children to drink regularly. Don't drink the water in the lakes, rivers or streams unless you boil or filter it first. Select activities that are commensurate with the age and ability of the kids and give your body a chance to acclimate before you play hard. Keep to boardwalks and designated trails; the earth in geothermal areas is little more than a thin crust overlaying hot, scalding water. Swimming and bathing is prohibited in all areas but two: Boiling River and Firehole Canyon. Dress with highs and lows in mind. Pack rain gear and extra clothing even if it is warm and sunny when you set out. Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife, 100 yards (91m) from bears and wolves and 25 yards (23m) from all other animals. Be bear aware at all times; carry bear spray, make lots of noise on hikes, and store food and discard debris in apposite bear safe containers.