🏔️ National Park

Things to Do with Kids in Death Valley National Park

Explore 40 family-friendly activities in Death Valley — filtered by age, scheduled around nap time, and ready to drop into your personalized itinerary.

Top Family Activities

40 of 40 selected
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Badwater Basin Salt Flats Walk

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Easy 1-2 mile out-and-back walk on flat salt flats, lowest point in North America at -282 ft. Stroller-accessible on pac...

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Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

1–2 hoursAges 212+

Open desert walk of 1-3 miles depending on how far you explore. No marked trail — kids roam freely on soft sand dunes up...

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Natural Bridge Canyon Trail

1–2 hoursAges 412+

1.5-mile out-and-back through a colorful canyon to a 35-ft natural rock bridge. Rocky, uneven terrain with some scrambli...

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Golden Canyon Interpretive Trail

1–2 hoursAges 412+

Easy 1-mile out-and-back into a stunning golden badlands canyon. Rocky gravel path — stroller not suitable. Great for ki...

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Furnace Creek Visitor Center

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Indoor air-conditioned visitor center with excellent exhibits on geology, Native American history, wildlife, and park hi...

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Junior Ranger Program

Half DayAges 412+Stroller OK

Free program for kids ages 4-12. Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet at Furnace Creek Visitor Center, complete activities th...

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Zabriskie Point Viewpoint

under_1hAges 012+Stroller OK

Short 0.1-mile paved walk to one of Death Valley's most iconic viewpoints overlooking badlands and golden eroded hills. ...

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Artist's Drive Scenic Loop

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

9-mile one-way scenic drive through colorful volcanic hills. Car-based activity — great for young children and babies. S...

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Artist's Palette Viewpoint Walk

under_1hAges 012+Stroller OK

Very short 0.25-mile paved loop at the Artist's Palette pullout within Artist's Drive. Stroller-accessible. Colorful vol...

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Devil's Golf Course Exploration

under_1hAges 312+

Short 0.25-mile walk on a gravel road to jagged salt crystal formations. Strollers not suitable on rough salt surface. G...

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Salt Creek Interpretive Trail

under_1hAges 012+Stroller OK

Easy 0.5-mile boardwalk loop along a desert creek. Stroller-friendly on wooden boardwalk. Home to the rare Death Valley ...

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Ubehebe Crater Rim Walk

1–2 hoursAges 312+Stroller OK

Easy 0.5-mile paved path to the rim of a massive 600-ft deep volcanic crater, plus optional dirt rim loop of 1.5 miles. ...

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Scotty's Castle Historic Site

1–2 hoursAges 312+Stroller OK

Historic 1920s Spanish Revival mansion built by Chicago millionaire Albert Johnson. Grounds and exterior viewable; check...

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Dante's View Scenic Overlook

under_1hAges 012+Stroller OK

Short 0.1-mile paved walk to a stunning 5,475-ft overlook with views of the entire Death Valley basin, Badwater Basin, a...

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Stovepipe Wells Ranger Programs

1–2 hoursAges 312+Stroller OK

Free ranger-led programs at the Stovepipe Wells campground amphitheater covering geology, wildlife, and park history. Fa...

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Furnace Creek Campfire Program

1–2 hoursAges 212+Stroller OK

Evening ranger-led campfire program at Furnace Creek Amphitheater with stories about Death Valley's geology, wildlife, a...

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Mosaic Canyon Trail

1–2 hoursAges 512+

2.2-mile out-and-back through a polished marble and mosaic breccia canyon. Rocky trail with some easy scrambling over sm...

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Death Valley Stargazing

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Death Valley is an International Dark Sky Park with some of the darkest skies in the US. No specific trail needed — simp...

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Harmony Borax Works Interpretive Trail

under_1hAges 012+Stroller OK

Easy 0.25-mile flat loop trail to ruins of an 1880s borax processing plant with original 20-mule team wagons on display....

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Twenty Mule Team Canyon Scenic Drive

under_1hAges 012+

2.7-mile one-way unpaved scenic road through eroded badlands (suitable for regular vehicles with care). Car-based activi...

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Furnace Creek Date Palm Garden Walk

under_1hAges 012+Stroller OK

Short stroll among historic date palm trees at the Furnace Creek Ranch area. Flat, shaded path — one of the few shaded w...

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Borax Museum at Furnace Creek

under_1hAges 012+Stroller OK

Outdoor and small indoor museum showcasing historic mining equipment, 20-mule team wagons, and borax mining history at F...

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Badwater Road Scenic Drive

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Drive Badwater Road (Hwy 178) from Furnace Creek south past Devil's Golf Course, Artists Drive, and Badwater Basin — abo...

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Wildrose Charcoal Kilns Historic Walk

under_1hAges 012+Stroller OK

Easy 0.25-mile flat walk along 10 perfectly preserved 1870s stone charcoal kilns in the Panamint Mountains at 6,800 ft e...

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Titus Canyon Road Scenic Drive

Half DayAges 012+

27-mile one-way unpaved road through a dramatic canyon ending at a narrow slot canyon walk. Requires a high-clearance ve...

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Furnace Creek Oasis Swimming Pool

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Spring-fed swimming pool at The Oasis at Death Valley resort, open to resort guests. Day passes may be available — call ...

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Furnace Creek Golf Course

Half DayAges 512+Stroller OK

World's lowest golf course at -214 ft below sea level — an unusual family experience. Open to resort guests and public. ...

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Furnace Creek Ranch Playground & Grounds

under_1hAges 210+Stroller OK

Small playground area at Furnace Creek Ranch suitable for young children ages 2-10. Flat, easy walking on paved paths. S...

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Highway 190 Valley Scenic Drive

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Drive the main paved Highway 190 corridor through the heart of Death Valley, passing Zabriskie Point, Furnace Creek, and...

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Desert Wildlife Viewing at Furnace Creek

under_1hAges 012+Stroller OK

Furnace Creek area is excellent for spotting roadrunners, coyotes, ravens, and ground squirrels. Walk the date palm gard...

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Amargosa Opera House & Hotel Visit

1–2 hoursAges 312+Stroller OK

Historic quirky opera house and hotel in Death Valley Junction, just outside the park. Murals painted by Marta Becket co...

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Death Valley Pupfish Learning Station

under_1hAges 012+Stroller OK

Small outdoor interpretive display at Furnace Creek Visitor Center area explaining the endemic Death Valley pupfish, one...

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Keane Wonder Mine Historic Trail

1–2 hoursAges 612+

2-mile out-and-back trail to historic gold mine ruins and aerial tramway towers. Rocky, uneven terrain — stroller not su...

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Family Geology Rock Identification Walk

1–2 hoursAges 412+

Self-guided family activity using the Death Valley geology brochure (free at visitor center) to identify rock types alon...

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Furnace Creek Family Camping

Full DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Camp at Furnace Creek Campground — the park's most popular family campground with flush toilets, water, and fire rings. ...

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Eureka Dunes

2–4 hoursAges 412+

Open walk on California's tallest sand dunes (680 ft), located in the remote Eureka Valley. 44-mile one-way drive from F...

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Mesquite Flat Dunes Sunrise Family Walk

1–2 hoursAges 012+

Visit the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes at sunrise for the most dramatic light and cooler temperatures. Open walking across t...

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Death Valley Wildflower Walk

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

In wet years, Death Valley explodes with colorful wildflowers Feb-Apr. Best spots include Badwater Road, Jubilee Pass, a...

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Desolation Canyon Hike

1–2 hoursAges 512+

2-mile out-and-back through a dramatic badlands wash canyon near Badwater Road. Flat sandy wash with some rocks — stroll...

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Stovepipe Wells Village General Store & Snack Bar

under_1hAges 012+Stroller OK

Small general store and snack bar at Stovepipe Wells for resupplying snacks, water, fuel, and a cold treat. Stroller-acc...

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Packing Tips for Death Valley
  • Sunscreen & hats for outdoor activities
  • Comfortable walking shoes for the whole family
  • Stroller or baby carrier
  • Snacks & water bottles
  • Rain jacket or poncho (just in case)
  • Small first-aid kit with band-aids
  • Entertainment for transit (books, tablet, coloring)
  • Hiking gear & bug spray
Get a full personalized packing list when you plan your trip.
Sample Family Itinerary
Day 1 — Explore
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Badwater Basin Salt Flats Walk
1–2 hours
🍕
Lunch Break
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Junior Ranger Program
Half Day
Day 2 — Adventure
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Furnace Creek Family Camping
Full Day
Build Your Custom Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do with kids in Death Valley?

Top family activities include Badwater Basin Salt Flats Walk, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Natural Bridge Canyon Trail, Golden Canyon Interpretive Trail, Furnace Creek Visitor Center. Toddler Trip curates age-appropriate activities and builds nap-aware itineraries for your family.

Is Death Valley good for toddlers?

Yes! Many activities in Death Valley are suitable for toddlers. Toddler Trip filters activities by your children's ages and schedules around nap time so everyone enjoys the trip.

How do I plan a family trip to Death Valley?

Use Toddler Trip's free planner: enter your family profile, pick from AI-curated activities, and get a nap-aware day-by-day itinerary with a personalized packing list — all in about 5 minutes.

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