The Tower-Roosevelt area of Yellowstone National Park encompasses Lamar Valley, Calcite Springs, Overhanging Cliffs, Petrified Tree, Tower Fall and Northeast Entrance Road. The Grand Loop Road between Mammoth Hot Springs and Tower Junction and Northeast Entrance Road - to Cooke City only - are open to wheeled vehicles year-round weather permitting. The road from Tower Junction to Canyon closes in two stages; the stretch from Tower Junction to Tower Falls opens first and closes last. Snow tires and/or chains are often required.

The hiking trails in Tower-Roosevelt are both rewarding and remote and, in winter, several are open to cross-country skiers. As with all Yellowstone trails, they vary in length and grade. The 1.2-mile (1.9 km) Trout Lake Trail is graded easy. The 4-mile Slough Creek Trail is graded moderate. The 4-mile (6.4 km) Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail is graded strenuous. Specimen Ridge, Lamar River and Pebble Creek trails are backcountry track (permits are required for backcountry camping). NB: Check the ranger station for trail closings before you set out. There are no boardwalks, bike trails or ranger-led hikes in Tower-Roosevelt. 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.