While the national parks contain our country’s most impressive landmarks, oftentimes the real draw for these destinations are the memories made together as a family. Some of my fondest childhood moments were while hiking Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain and Arches with my family, climbing rocks, kicking pinecones and spotting wildlife. Here are 5 family-oriented parks each with a featured kid-friendly hike.

5. Theodore Roosevelt National Park

As one of the lesser-known, least-visited parks and packed with history and nature, North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park is ideal for a family getaway. With plenty of space and a network of gentle, rolling trails, kids are encouraged to explore the world of the Great Plains. Small crowds make the park ideal for wildlife viewing. Spot wild horses, bison, antelope, free-range cattle, turkeys, prairie dogs and more in this grassland arena. Visit the South Unit Visitor Center for ranger-led activities geared towards younger children; and afterward, walk historic sites commemorating the days of Theodore Roosevelt and the frontiersmen.

Buckhorn Trail: Though this trail is over 11 miles long, any portion of the trail (whether starting at Juniper Campground or downtrail at various trailheads) provides an excellent foray into the prairie ecosystem. Climb over spherical rock formations, wander the open prairie or splash in the creek all along Buckhorn Trail. Just be aware of wildlife as you move through this grassy wilderness.

4. Badlands National Park

Just a short distance south of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is another equally family-friendly destination—Badlands National Park of South Dakota. At first glance, this park may seem droll, but it is actually a hidden gem of the national park system. With abundant wildlife viewing opportunities and countless nooks and crannies to discover, the Badlands are a jungle gym of spires and slopes ripe for exploration. Just make sure to hike responsibly and avoid causing unnecessary erosion as this crumbling landscape is slowly wearing away.

Notch Trail: The 1.5-mile roundtrip Notch Trail holds one of the most unique features of Badlands National Park—the Notch Ladder, a vertical log stairway roughly 100 feet long. Although not ideal for toddlers, this route is a fun safe scramble for kids 5 years or older providing scenic views over the White River Valley. As a note of caution, this trail can become slippery and dangerous when wet or muddy. Additionally, once on top of the ladder, use caution in navigating the ledges to the overlook point. While this trail poses potential risks of falling, if you stay on the path there is plenty of safe fun to be had.

3. Great Sand Dunes National Park

Mounds of sand and a seasonal river makes for a curious beach in the heart of landlocked Colorado, and yet Great Sand Dunes National Park is the perfect sandbox for kids of all ages. Park right along the dunes and walk a short distance to the seasonal Medrano Creek to cool off your feet. Depending on the water level, kids can splash, wade or tube this gentle flowing mountain stream and dry off in the warm Colorado sun. Or for the more adventurous, bring snow sleds for a thrill ride down the tallest dunes in America.

Dunefield: While many front country trails into the park’s foothills are great for family hikes, the 30 square miles of dunefield offer the best place for kids to run free. With no trails, visitors are encouraged to wander anywhere along the dunes offering secluded spots for picnicking, sledding, or just playing in the sand. Be advised however, sand dunes can be difficult to hike especially for younger family members with shorter legs. And afternoon temperatures can soar in the summer, so either arrive early in the day or hang around Medrano Creek to stay cool.

2. Arches National Park

Truly a playground for all ages, Arches National Park in eastern Utah is a rock-lover’s paradise. With grippy sandstone rock, hiking and exploring is made easy and interactive weaving your way among a striking panorama of rock formations. Though all arches and spires are off-limits to climbing, kids can still safely explore trailside slopes and ledges offering a fun “off-road” experience with minimal impact to the landscape.

Double Arch Trail and Windows Trail: Each barely half of a mile long, these two neighboring trails in the Windows section of the park grant up-close access to incredible arches. Double arch with it’s massive outstretched arms allows kids to scramble underneath however far they feel comfortable, enveloped by red rock all around. The Windows Trail circles North and South Window Arches ending in a lookout point from North Window Arch over the surrounding desert landscape.

1. Redwood National Park

Perhaps the best family-friendly park for its wonderland of massive trees and ferns, paths and tunnels, Redwood National Park brings out the kid in us all. Hike to the tallest trees on the planet, tunnel through their hollow trunks and hop on fallen logs the size of cars, in this safe haven of California’s coastal redwood forest where the imagination can run wild.

Karl Knapp and Foothills Trail Loop: Starting from the Prairie Creek Visitor Center, saunter along this flat, soft-bedded forest trail through towering trees along the Karl Knapp Trail. Cross the road onto Foothills Trail and complete the 2.5-mile loop along Cathedral Trees Trail back to the visitor center. All along this route, kids can play in, around and on top of the hollowed out trunks just a few paces from the path. The fallen needles create a forgiving surface for young kids to romp around and search for banana slugs. Just be sure to know where they are at all times and be respectful of visitors and park resources. For an added bonus, stop at Big Tree Wayside along the path to touch the biggest tree in the park. And if you’re lucky, spot herds of elk in the meadow outside the visitor center.