Did you know that the National Parks Service turns 100 this year?  And in celebration of their centennial birthday, we have put together this Best List of National Parks to help you learn about & find parks all across the nation.

As much as I love the National Parks Service – and I do – I have not been to all 400+ parks.  But I have been able to pull together as many National Parks reviews from family travel writers together for this guide.  They will be able to give you the scoop on whats great for families, when the best time of the year to go is, and other essential tips to visit the parks.

And keep in mind, many states have National Monuments, Historic Birthplaces, National Shorelines and more that also make up the National Parks Service.  We will list those here as well.

So peruse our guide, bookmark it, and make some travel plans to visit this incredible country of ours!

BEST LIST OF NATIONAL PARKS

Best List of National Parks: ALABAMA

Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail
Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site

Best List of National Parks: ALASKA

Denali National Park
Having been to a lot of NPS sites, Alaska’s Denali National Park is by far our family favorite. It feels bigger than life with amazing mountains and up close animal encounters with grizzlies, moose, wolves and more. – Amy Moore of Everything Everywhere

Best List of National Parks: ARIZONA

Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is obviously the best national park to visit in Arizona, possibly in all of the US. Nothing beats standing in front of the Grand Canyon at sunset for the first time. Visiting the Grand Canyon is pretty easily done from Las Vegas, Flagstaff or even Phoenix. You can see park highlights in a day or spend longer and explore further.  – Bethaney Davies of Flashpacker Family

Best List of National Parks: ARKANSAS

Hot Springs National Park

Best List of National Parks: CALIFORNIA

Cabrillo National Monument 
Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego, California is a beautiful natural escape from the urban center. The most popular area here is the rocky intertidal zone or tide pools where you never know what the sea will uncover. There is also a lighthouse to climb on, a chance to spot whales during migration and learn about the early Spanish explorers. – Mary Solio of The World is a Book

Joshua Tree National Park
Located on the border of the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, Joshua Tree National Park is home to some of the strangest and most spectacular scenery in America. – Julie Henning of Road Trips for Families

Muir Woods National Monument
Our time in this national park really sparked my children’s imaginations. It looks a lot like the Ewok village portion of the Star Wars movies, and they loved that! The trees are breathtaking, and there are trails for every level of interest and ability. This park gets crowded, so I recommend arriving right at opening time, or even a few minutes early. – MaryAnne Ko of Mama Smiles

Redwood National & State Parks
You’ll find the world’s tallest trees stretching to over 350 feet (106 metres), as well as tranquil well-worn earthen pathways below. Walking in the shadows of these ancient giants stirs the soul, compelling a response of awe and wonder. – Erin Bender of Travel with Bender

Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park in California is one of the most iconic parks in the US. Visiting Yosemite is a quintessential American summer tradition for many families. With a summer camp atmosphere at Camp Curry, an abundance of wild animals crossing your path and being surrounded by unrivaled beauty, you cannot go wrong with a stay in Yosemite. Spend your days hiking to serene waterfalls, swimming in the calm clear river, biking through the forest or just relaxing in camp soaking up the magnificence of nature around you. – Karilyn Owen of No Back Home

Yosemite National Park
My family and I visited Yosemite for the first time last summer. We loved hiking to Yosemite Falls and taking the open-air tram tour with park rangers to learn more about Half Dome, Tunnel View and El Capitan. A stop at the Happy Isles Nature Center is a must for wildlife exhibits and interactive displays, and don’t forget about the Junior Ranger program. – Erin Gifford of Kidventurous 

Best List of National Parks: COLORADO

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Montrose is in the heart of the Grand Valley, which is surrounded by high passes and great motorcycle roads, including the “mini Grand Canyon,” the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. – Diana Rowe of Traveling in Heels

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve
Did you know that Colorado is home to North America’s tallest sand dunes? Welcome to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, North America’s tallest dunes, towering as high as 750 feet. My multigenerational family recently took a road trip and traveled to the Great Sand Dunes for the first time, experiencing sand, water and lots of laughter.  Diana Rowe of Traveling in Heels

Rocky Mountain National Park
Within two hours from Denver, you’ll be on top of the world at Rocky Mountain National Park—literally with peaks cresting over 12,000 feet and 265,000 acres to explore. Centennial celebrations are in full swing at the park, Trail Ridge Road, and its book-ending gateway towns: Estes Park (eastern) and Grand Lake (western). Need more inspiration? How about 32 reasons to plan a road trip and visit Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park in 2016 and beyond? – Diana Rowe on Elevation Outdoors 

Best List of National Parks: CONNECTICUT

Weir Farm National Historic Site 

Best List of National Parks: DELAWARE

First State National Historical Park

Best List of National Parks: FLORIDA 

Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is an island 70 miles off of Key West. The color of the water, the beaches, and the fort are absolutely amazing. From the top of Fort Jefferson you can look out at the beautiful ocean for miles and miles. When you visit make sure to walk down the beach to see the beautiful conch shells. It truly is a beach lovers paradise and must see National Park! – Bryanna Royal of Crazy Family Adventure

Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is a beautiful park that takes up the whole tip of Florida. It is also an amazing location to take an air boat ride, where there is a really good chance you will see an Alligator and tons of birds. The 15 mile round trip bike ride from the Shark Valley Visitor center to the lookout tower is another must do! You will ride within a foot of huge Alligators and have an amazing view of the Everglades from the lookout tower. – Bryanna Royal of Crazy Family Adventure

Best List of National Parks: GEORGIA

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park 
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a popular green space near Atlanta and according to the website, it is the most visited National Battlefield in the nation. Surprised? I was. Comprised of nearly 3,000 acres, this National Battlefield was once anything but peaceful. A stop along the Atlanta Campaign during the Civil War, opposing forces fought here from June 19, 1864 until July 2 of the same year. – Tonya Prater of The Traveling Praters

Best List of National Parks: HAWAII

WWII Valor in the Pacific National Monument
There’s nothing that brings history to life like a visit to Pearl Harbor and Valor in the Pacific. It’s a piece of history that must be visited in person to experience the essence. – Jen Reyneri of Word Traveling

Best List of National Parks: IDAHO

Craters of the Moon National Monument
An otherworldly landscape which was exactly like it sounds – a barren landscape similar to that of the moon. It’s volcanic features represent one of the best-preserved flood basalt areas in the US.  The area covers three major lava fields about 1,117 square miles (2,893 km2). We didn’t have time to cover all of it and unfortunately the Loop Road was closed for the winter season (between mid-Nov to mid-March), but what we did see was incredible. – Erin Bender of Travel with Bender

Best List of National Parks: ILLINOIS

Lincoln Home National Historic Site
In Springfield, IL is the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. It’s the actual home in which the Lincolns lived before they moved to the White House. The only access to the home is via a ranger-led tour at designated times. A total of four blocks make up the historic site and the other homes there also have been preserved. Many serve as Park Service offices but walking along the streets that Lincoln and his contemporaries walked is like experiencing a bit of time travel. – Francesca Mazurkiewicz of The Working Mom’s Travels

Best List of National Parks: INDIANA

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
Lincoln’s life in Indiana is commemorated at Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. None of the original homestead buildings remain, but the recreated farm depicts typical life on the frontier in the 1820s. The farm is run and maintained by volunteers who put on quite a display for visitors. The volunteers dress in period attire and demonstrate daily activities that would have been performed by the Lincolns, such as wood-working, gardening, farming, food preparation, and, if you’re lucky like I was on my first visit, production of maple syrup. – Francesca Mazurkiewicz of The Working Mom’s Travels

Best List of National Parks: IOWA

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Best List of National Parks: KANSAS

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
The Tallgrass Prairie National Reserve in Kansas may not be a National Park, but it’s the only unit in the National Park Service that is dedicated to preserving a rare relic of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. With nearly 11,000 acres of wildflowers, flora and fauna – it’s no surprise that it’s considered one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas! – Amanda Topinka of  The Procrastinating Mommy

Best List of National Parks: KENTUCKY

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park
Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace is a National Historical Park in Hodgenville, Kentucky. Here children are introduced to the idea of life in a log cabin on the frontier. Start at the enshrined log cabin in the Memorial Building. Then head down to the Visitor Center to get a look at the recreated cabin interior and envision every-day life for the young Lincoln family. It’s a great place to ignite the kids’ imaginations! – Francesca Mazurkiewicz of The Working Mom’s Travels

Mammoth Cave National Park 
One of our favorite stops in Kentucky is Mammoth Cave National Park. Known as one of the oldest tourist attractions in the United States, this national treasure is part of the longest cave system in the world at over 365 miles. We have found ourselves visiting Mammoth Cave National Park on numerous occasions to hike, camp and explore the cave. – Tonya Prater of The Traveling Praters

Nedra McDaniel of Adventure Mom takes us on the Frozen Niagara Tour in Mammoth Cave

Best List of National Parks: LOUISIANA

New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park

Best List of National Parks: MAINE

Acadia National Park
Acadia is an idyllic park that has a bit of everything for families: easy walking trails, beaches, ‘peaks’ to summit (more like hills), great views, charming carriage roads, and plenty of marine life to learn about. It’s small enough to be manageable and great to include in any New England road trip! Be sure to rent bikes! – Amy Whitley of Pit Stops for Kids

Best List of National Parks: MARYLAND

Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island National Seashore, a 37-mile long island along the coast of Virigina and Maryland, boasts some of the best beaches on the East Coast. Assateague Island is known for its wild ponies, excellent surf, and popular beach camping. Families will enjoy the nature center and lifeguarded beach. Bird watchers can enjoy over 320 species of birds in this protected sanctuary. Best of all, this popular beach is easily accessible for East Coast residents. – Allison Laypath of Tips for Family Trips

Best List of National Parks: MASSACHUSETTS

Boston National Historical Park
Boston National Historical Park makes history come alive for visitors. It contains a collection of historic sites that show how citizens of this city fought for freedom and independence that led to the American Revolution. Many of the sites can be visited by walking along the Freedom Trail. – Mary Solio of The World is a Book

Best List of National Parks: MICHIGAN

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes, a national treasure and named the most beautiful place in the US, is the perfect place for families. We love the dunes – climb the huge one but you’re not done! Keep going til you reach the big lake. There are miles of trails, educational programs, and a zillion ways to create unique family memories. It’s our teen’s favorite place in the world. – Jesse Voigts of Wandering Educators

Best List of National Parks: MINNESOTA

Voyageurs National Park

Best List of National Parks: MISSISSIPPI

Vicksburg National Military Park

Best List of National Parks: MISSOURI

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial
The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial includes the St. Louis Arch, a major tourist attraction in the United States. Once at the top, the view is amazing! I love the Arch’s curved walkway to the very top. You can see for 30 miles one way when you look through the slots at the top. – Lisa Trudell of The Walking Tourists

Best List of National Parks: MONTANA

Glacier National Park
No matter which area you visit in this mountain filled National Park you are sure to be impressed. There are lots of great hikes and there is a good chance you’ll see some wildlife along the way including mountain goats that like to hang out at the highest elevations. – Dana Wheatley of Calgary Playground Review

Best List of National Parks: NEBRASKA

Agate Falls Fossils Bed National Monument
The Nebraska panhandle may be remembered historically for the pioneers passing through on the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails. But, the biggest distinction of the panhandle may actually travel back several years, up to 20 million, to be specific. Agate Falls Fossils Bed National Monument near Harrison is home to one of the biggest fossil finds in history. Nebraska didn’t have dinosaurs, but the state is home to many mammal fossils. – Lisa Trudell of The Walking Tourists

Lewis & Clark Trail
The National Parks Service headquarters for the Lewis & Clark Trail in Omaha may be small but it packs several hands-on historical displays to interest children. – Kim Reiner of Oh My Omaha!

Best List of National Parks: NEVADA

Great Basin National Park

Best List of National Parks: NEW HAMPSHIRE

Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site

Best List of National Parks: NEW JERSEY

Thomas Edison National Historic Park

Best List of National Parks: NEW MEXICO

Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Petroglyph National Monument
White Sands National Monument

Best List of National Parks: NEW YORK

Home of Franklin D Roosevelt Historic Site
One of my favorites is Hyde Park, Franklin Roosevelt’s home and with it Eleanor Roosevelt’s estate and “Top Cottage,” a separate small house that has an amazing history. It’s also the site of FDR’s library. – Eileen Gunn of Families Go

Best List of National Parks: NORTH CAROLINA

Cape Hatteras National Seashore
We absolutely adored North Carolina, and in particular, the Outer Banks. Even the drive to Cape Hatteras is dreamy in itself: miles upon miles of soft sand dunes and glittering ocean waves. The climb to the top of the lighthouse is worth the effort (and in my case, vertigo!) for the glorious views, and the guide up top is a font of information about the site’s history. My kids loved romping around and also found the onsite museum fascinating. – Corrinne McDermott of Have Baby Will Travel

Best List of National Parks: NORTH DAKOTA

Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Vast. Spacious. Vacant. I’m having trouble finding the words I want to use to describe this park.  We only had an afternoon in our schedule to allot to the park, but it was definitely worth the trouble to get there. The park is one that you can see primarily from your car. There are large bison to observe and beautiful wild horses to admire, as well as tiny prairie dogs to try and figure out. – Amy Moore of Everything Everywhere

Best List of National Parks: OHIO

Cuyahoga Valley National Park
A great way to experience the Cuyahoga Valley National Park that stretches from Akron to Cleveland, Ohio is to ride the Cuyahoga Valley National Park which follows the historic Ohio & Erie Canal. The train offers hop on/ hop off service and offers particularly amazing views during the month of October. – Tonya Prater of The Traveling Praters

Best List of National Parks: OKLAHOMA

Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Oklahoma is probably not top on many national park aficionados radars, however it is an interesting park well worth a visit if you are in the area. From armadillos wandering the streets, to buffalo sightings and a visit to a sulfur springs, there is plenty to do to keep everyone in the family engaged. The one defining characteristic of this park is the abundance of water. From sulfur springs, streams and lakes, there are numerous places to relax away from the hot summer sun and take a refreshing dip in the cool waters. – Karilyn Owen of No Back Home

Best List of National Parks: OREGON

Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake is one of those natural phenomenons that is worth the drive, even though it really isn’t near anything. Closer to the California border than Portland, OR, Crater Lake is a great day trip from Ashland, OR, stop over on your way to the Redwoods, and totally worth a full week of camping and hikes. Just remember to enter the park on a full tank of gas. The last thing you want is to run out while you are circling the rim! Trust me. I did just that. – Keryn Means from Walking On Travels

Erin Bender from Travel with Bender gives us 6 Tips for Visiting Crater Lake 

Lewis and Clark National Park
Lewis and Clark National Park is a great blend of history and outdoor beauty. Kids will enjoy stepping into a replica of the famous Fort Clatsop where the Corps of Discovery spent the winter in 1805-1806, and they can participate in the Junior Ranger program to discover more history and earn a badge for their efforts. Families will love taking a stroll along one of the many trails that weave through the park and onward, many of which are easy walking for families. – Kimberly Tate of Stuffed Suitcase

Best List of National Parks: PENNSYLVANIA

Gettysburg National Military Park
Our family visit to Gettysburg National Military Park made this historical locale real, and crystallized the brutality of a battle fought so close to home. Of all the family trips we’ve taken, our journey to the fields, museums, and monuments of Gettysburg National Military Park, is perhaps one of the most meaningful. – Dave Parfitt of Adventures by Daddy

Best List of National Parks: RHODE ISLAND

Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park

Best List of National Parks: SOUTH CAROLINA

Congaree National Park

Best List of National Parks: SOUTH DAKOTA

Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park defies the imagination. Rising eerily out of the green prairies of South Dakota, the painted hills of Badlands could not be more different than the Black Hills a few miles to its west. It’s desolate, but beautiful.  – Allison Laypath of Tips for Family Trips

Best List of National Parks: TENNESSEE

Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Great Smoky Mountain National Park offers families incredible opportunities to explore wilderness unspoiled. With over a half-million acres of trails to hike, mountains to climb, creeks to walk, and historic structures to explore, there is no shortage of adventure in the Smokies. The park straddles two states—Tennessee and North Carolina—and visitors can drive through the entire park along the scenic Newfound Gap Road. We especially loved the Junior Ranger programs at the Cades Cove visitors’ center and tubing at Deep Creek Campground on the North Carolina side. – Gina Vercesi of Kids Unplugged

Best List of National Parks: TEXAS

Big Bend National Park

Guadelupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas is a hidden gem in Texas. The park features over 80 trails through canyons and wilderness with many hiking, backpacking and birding opportunities. The imposing El Capitan towers over the desert looking park. – Mary Solio of World is a Book

Best List of National Parks: UTAH

Arches National Park 
Thinking about Arches? It’s one of my favorite national parks! There are several great short hikes for families in Arches. – Allison Laypath of Tips for Family Trips

Bryce Canyon National Park 
Ebenezer Bryce, the Mormon pioneer for whom the park is named, described Bryce Canyon as “a h— of a place to lose a cow.” Come see what makes Bryce Canyon special and lose yourself in Bryce Canyon’s amphitheater of delicate red sandstone spires and hoodoos. – Allison Laypath of Tips for Family Trips

Best List of National Parks: VERMONT

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park

Best List of National Parks: VIRGINIA

Fort Monroe National Monument 
History, architecture and poetry come together to create a memorable adventure the whole family can enjoy. It is home to one of the 10 best moats in the world. Robert E. Lee and Edgar Allen Poe were stationed here. The fort played a major role during the Civil War, offering safety to escaped slaves. Walk the roof (about 1 mile around) and watch ships come and go from Norfolk Naval Base. – Karen Dawkins of Family Travels on a Budget

Best List of National Parks: WASHINGTON

Olympic National Park
Where can a budget adventurer explore miles of secluded hiking trails, relax in the pools of world-famous hot springs, and then sleep under the canopy of an old-growth, temperate rainforest? The Sol Duc Valley in Olympic National Park offers all this and more. Here you will find hidden waterfalls, sparkling lakes, quiet, back country trails, and a full-service resort within walking distance of the Sol Duc campground. – Tara Schatz of Back Road Ramblers

Erin Bender of Travel with Bender give us 5 More Reasons to Visit Olympic National Park

Best List of National Parks: WEST VIRGINIA

Harper’s Ferry National Historic Site
Step back in time with a visit to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in West Virginia. Situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, the quaint town of Harpers Ferry is rich in history and natural beauty. The historical section of Harpers Ferry is reconstructed to what the town looked like during the Civil War. – Allison Laypath of Tips for Family Trips

Best List of National Parks: WISCONSIN

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

Best List of National Parks: WYOMING

Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming has the magnificent Teton mountain range as its backdrop as well as some stunning lakes, forests and trails. The park offers plenty of hiking, camping, boating, kayaking, rock climbing and wildlife watching. – Mary Solio of The World is a Book 

Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton is hands-down my favorite national park. I was there for the first time in 1995 and was beyond excited to take my kids there last summer. The park is fairly small, but the views are incredible. You can easily do this park in one day. Take a scenic drive, stop at lookout points and enjoy the incredible views. – Erin Gifford of Kidventurous

Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is an amazing place to visit. The park is huge and at each turn you are amazed by the beauty that surrounds you. The main attractions of the park are awesome but there is also a lot of beauty that lies in the off the beaten path locations. So make sure you plan a hike so you can see Yellowstone beyond the main road.  Bryanna Royal of Crazy Family Adventure

Thank you to all my many contributors.  This post would not be possible without you!