Most people travel into wilderness areas hoping to see some wildlife. However, with children, it can be harder to find wild animals. They make noise, can’t handle long hikes, and can’t sit still for long. This is why I think that the best way for families to view wildlife is often from the car. Animals, especially those in national parks and wildlife preserves, are used to seeing cars and often ignore them. Plus, if the wildlife you are viewing is potentially dangerous, such as bison or alligators, you will be much safer in a vehicle.
Children don’t usually love taking long drives, but if you are prepared, they can learn to enjoy wildlife drives such as those on this list. Make sure that you are ready to provide entertainment while you are on the drive, such as snacks, sketch pads, and small toys. We always come with a ready supply of audiobooks and fun music on any drive (Harry Potter is a long-standing favorite that will keep everyone in our car quiet). You could even consider downloading a movie on your phone or other device for those really long drives. This is usually a last resort for our family, but it’s a good trick to keep in your back pocket just in case your drive goes longer than you planned- many are one-way and you can’t escape once you are on the road.
Many wildlife drives have trailheads, observation areas, boardwalks, and other opportunities to get out of the car and walk around. Take full advantage of these as they will help your kids enjoy the drive, get out their wiggles, and break up the monotony. These are also good places to have a snack or picnic.
Finally, take the opportunity to do educational activities. Many of these parks and refuges have activities on their websites or in the visitor centers such as junior ranger programs, wildlife bingo sheets, and educational backpacks that can be borrowed.
Hayden Valley
The road through Hayden Valley is one of the main roads through Yellowstone National Park. This is the area between Yellowstone Lake and Canyon Village. As you drive this section of the park, keep your eyes out for sightings of common animals like prairie dogs, elk, and bison. Less common wildlife including bears and bobcats can also be spotted in this area. This drive is great for kids because it is peppered with hikes, boardwalks, and other things to see and do. The visitor center in Canyon Village is also worth a stop. Yellowstone National Park in general and this valley specifically are among the best places in North America to see some of these animals, so keep your eyes peeled.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
This drive, located just northwest of Orlando, is one of the best places in central Florida for birding. Over 370 different bird species have been spotted along the Lake Apopka North Shore. This is also a great place to see alligators and turtles. Other wildlife in this area include bobcats, otters, and similar small mammals. The drive is only 11 miles long but is one-way and can take several hours, especially on busy days when there is a lot of traffic. Our kids enjoyed this drive and loved seeing all the alligators, but the younger ones were over it before it ended. I recommend bringing fun music or audiobooks to help eliminate boredom.
Black Point Wildlife Drive
The Black Point Wildlife Drive on the eastern coast of Florida is a great place to see birds as well as other wildlife including manatees. The 7-mile drive is located in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, a large expanse of wetlands that are protected for the birds and wildlife that live here. If you need more areas to drive, there are many dike roads surrounding the various lakes, wetlands, and waterways. The refuge is located adjacent to the John F Kennedy Space Center. In addition to the wildlife drive, where you can expect to see many different birds, alligators, and marine mammals (don’t miss the Manatee Observation Deck during the winter). If you need more action, there are numerous hikes and a visitor center. Across the island, you can visit the beautiful beaches of Cape Canaveral National Seashore.
Edwin B. Forsyth National Wildlife Refuge
This wildlife refuge, unlike many on this list, is located on the East Coast near several urban areas. Just down the beach from Atlantic City, the Edwin B. Forsyth Wildlife Refuge is only an hour from Philidelphia and about two hours from New York City. This is a great place for birders and families to visit, and kids will enjoy seeing baby waterfowl if you visit at the right time. This refuge consists mostly of several wetland areas and marshes, surrounded by a wildlife drive where you can spot many different kinds of migratory birds. Other animals also live here but are less commonly seen. There are several trails, a boardwalk, and an observation tower for restless legs.
Cades Cove
One of the most popular drives in one of the most popular parks, Cades Cove is a good place to see some of the wildlife Great Smoky Mountains National Park is famous for, especially black bears, whitetail deer, and turkeys. The loop drive is only 11 miles long but can take several hours to travel, partly because of the slow traffic and frequent stops. Not only are you likely to spot wildlife here, but you can also see several different kinds of old farmsteads and buildings. This drive is great for kids because there is so much to do and see, and they can get out and walk in many different places. Bring audiobooks or listen to an audio tour to help stave off boredom during busy seasons.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Located within sight of Denver, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to spot deer, bison, birds, prairie dogs, and a variety of other plains animals. Not only will you see a great variety of wildlife, but they will be set against a backdrop of the Denver skyline and wonderful views of the Rocky Mountains. The refuge is a great option that kids will enjoy for the wildlife as well as the many different hikes, visitor center, and junior ranger programs. Don’t forget to download the audio tour guide.
Roosevelt National Park
The southern unit of Roosevelt National Park is a wonderful place with hikes, a drive, and lots of bison. Take the 48-mile, 2-hour scenic drive to have the best chances at spotting animals. You will see bison and prairie dogs along this route, and potentially spot other animals such as deer, turkeys, bobcats, wild horses, and more. This wildlife drive is especially fun for younger kids because you can stop often and get out for short hikes or to stretch little legs and get out the wiggles. Bring an audiobook and plan on spending the day!
Lamar Valley
Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park is one of the best places in the world to spot wildlife. Even better, you may get the chance to see animals that are usually never seen in the wild, including wolves and grizzly bears. This drive is a popular one in Yellowstone, however, it is remote. Make sure that you take precautions and are prepared with a full tank of gas, water, and snacks.
Witchita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
The Witchita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is located in an area where many people would not expect to find either mountains or a wildlife refuge- southwestern Oklahoma. This is one of the oldest wildlife refuges and has plenty of unique wildlife. While there is no designated wildlife drive in this refuge, it deserved to be included because of the more unusual animals that live here. You can expect to spot bison, prairie dogs, and longhorn cattle here, as well as many other animals. For the best drive, Mount Scott Road is recommended, as is the main road through the refuge.
