Yosemite is a wonderful place to bring your family along . There are so many amazing experiences the park offers, and you will not be at a loss for activities and adventures to embark upon. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Yosemite:
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Rafting down the Merced River
In Yosemite Valley, the Merced River runs straight through Housekeeping Camp. (Housekeeping is an option for camping in the valley that does not require tents - instead you use the tent-like structures provided.) When camping in Housekeeping, we always set aside a day for rafting along the river. All you need are blow-up rafts, oars, a picnic lunch, bathing suits, and maybe some lifejackets for the kids. We recommend testing your raft and getting comfortable maneuvering it, as you will have to avoid branches and rocks sticking out of the water. We also suggest mapping out your route beforehand and having a car waiting at your end point to take you back to your site. The water may be frigid, but it is refreshing. If you start at Housekeeping and go down the river, you will eventually see a bridge that people jump off of. If you're feeling brave, this is really fun for the daredevils out there, OR you can just relax while eating lunch on the river beach and watch everyone jump. Rafting is one of our favorite Yosemite activities, and we hope you enjoy it as well!
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Yosemite Falls
You can bike to Yosemite Falls from Housekeeping camp or any other spot in the valley. Yosemite Falls is an amazing experience. The thundering waterfall is incredible and breathtaking to see. The land that surrounds the falls has pathways that you can explore with your family or as a solo adventure. You can let the spray from the unrelenting splash cool you down, and dip your feet in the river that the waterfall creates. There are rocks and fallen trees to climb, and many extraordinary things to discover. It is truly a magical place.
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The Ahwahnee
On the last day of camping in Yosemite, it is our tradition to go to The Ahwahnee hotel before we journey back home. They have a wonderful grassy area where we picnic and look out for deer and other wildlife. LITO picnic tablecloths are especially helpful in these instances, as it is an easy way to clean up quickly because they are wipeable tablecloths. We often bring games such as beanbag toss or chess to play on the grass. It is the perfect spot to have one last picnic lunch before leaving Yosemite Valley - at least until next summer!
