The Old Faithful area of Yellowstone stretches from Madison Junction to Old Faithful Geyser roughly 16 miles (26 km) distant. The road from Old Faithful to Madison Junction is open to wheeled vehicles mid-April through October and oversnow vehicles mid-December to mid-March. The road from Old Faithful to West Thumb is open to wheeled vehicles mid-May through October and oversnow vehicles from mid-December to mid-March.

Old Faithful trails vary in length and grade. All are open to hikers; only a few are open to cyclists. Not all boardwalks are easy walks nor are they all wheelchair (and stroller) accessible. What's more, some offer more some offer less. Fountain Paint Pots, Firehole Lake Drive and Morning Glory Pool trails offer the biggest bang for the least effort. The hydrothermal features on Firehole Lake Drive are all visible from the roadway. Midway Geyser Basin boasts the park's largest hot spring pools but not one spouting geyser. Ranger-led hikes are offered at Mystic Falls (2 miles), Black Sand Basin (0.6 miles) and Pocket Basin (3 miles). Lone Geyser Basin (5 miles) is a rewarding backcountry trek. Take a close look at each before selecting one. Traveling to Old Faithful in winter? Don't despair. X-country trails are groomed for skiers of all levels. NB: Check the ranger station for trail closings before you set out. Be sure to pull your vehicle off the roadway when parking at roadside turnouts and overlooks.

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.