Muir Woods with Kids: A Family-Friendly Guide to Marin's Redwoods

While Muir Woods National Monument is one of the San Francisco Bay Area's most popular tourist attractions, it's also a wonderful destination for local families. Located in Marin County, this spectacular forest of old-growth coast redwoods has attracted visitors for more than 100 years, offering beautiful scenery, family-friendly hiking trails, and a chance to experience nature up close.

Established as a National Monument by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908, Muir Woods is a fantastic place to explore with kids and enjoy a fun, educational family outing among the towering redwoods.

For Marin County families, a visit to Muir Woods is always worthwhile, but keep in mind that it's one of the Bay Area's most popular tourist destinations. The National Park Service requires advance reservations for parking and shuttle service, which helps manage traffic and congestion. Be sure to make your reservations before heading out.

If possible, visit on a weekday, when crowds are generally smaller, and avoid the busy summer months. Muir Woods is beautiful any time of year, but there's something especially magical about exploring the towering redwoods when it's quiet and peaceful. On our last weekday visit, the parking lot was bustling, but once we entered the park, the crowds thinned out, and the trails felt much less busy than we expected.

Muir Woods offers a variety of family-friendly hiking trails and walking paths, depending on how far you want to go. For families with younger kids, one of the best options is the main trail loop through Cathedral Grove and back. This easy, scenic walk takes you among towering redwoods, with paved paths and boardwalks that make much of the route accessible for little ones and strollers.

Of course, the main attraction at Muir Woods is its magnificent coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens). The park protects approximately 240 acres of old-growth redwood forest, a small remnant of the ancient forests that once stretched along the California coast into Oregon. Much of this forest disappeared due to logging in the 19th and 20th centuries. Thanks to conservation efforts, including those of Congressman William Kent, who donated the land to the federal government, these remarkable trees have been preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Take a leisurely walk through Muir Woods along Redwood Creek, and encourage the kids to stop, look, and listen to the sights and sounds of the forest. Small bridges cross the creek at several points, offering fun places to pause and explore. Along with the towering redwoods, you'll discover beautiful plants and wildlife. On our visit, we even spotted chipmunks and a great blue heron.

One of the highlights of Muir Woods is the majestic Cathedral Grove, where signs encourage visitors to enter quietly. It's a peaceful, inspiring place to slow down, take in the beauty of the ancient redwoods, and enjoy a quiet moment in nature. Definitely a must-see during your visit!

Kids ages 8–12 can become Junior Rangers during their visit to Muir Woods! Pick up a Junior Ranger activity booklet at the visitor center and complete the activities as you explore the redwood forest and hiking trails. When you're finished, meet with a park ranger to share what you've learned, take the Junior Ranger pledge, and earn your badge.

The Junior Ranger program is a fun, educational way to get kids involved in exploring nature and learning about our national parks.

Getting to Muir Woods

There is no cell phone reception at Muir Woods, so don't rely on Uber or another rideshare service to pick you up after your visit. If you're not driving, the seasonal Muir Woods Shuttle is a convenient option. The shuttle departs from the Larkspur Ferry Terminal, with connections to SMART and Golden Gate Ferry. Parking at the terminal is free on weekends and federal holidays, although weekday parking fees may apply. Shuttle reservations are required, and service schedules vary throughout the year. Find shuttle information and make reservations here.

Muir Woods Admission and Hours

Admission to Muir Woods is $15 per adult ages 16 and older; children 15 and under are free. A $45 annual pass admits the passholder and three additional adults for 12 months. Parking and shuttle reservations are required separately. The National Park Service also offers entrance fee-free days throughout the year. In 2026, the remaining fee-free day is November 11, Veterans Day, for U.S. citizens and residents. Parking and shuttle reservation fees still apply.Muir Woods opens daily at 8 am, with closing times varying by season. Check the official park website for current hours.

Dining at Muir Woods

After exploring the redwoods, stop by the Muir Woods Trading Company Café for lunch or a snack. The café offers sandwiches, soups, salads, coffee, pastries, and other treats, with outdoor seating available. We had lunch there on our visit and really enjoyed the Petaluma Chicken Salad Sandwich ($14) and their signature Marin Melt ($15), a delicious grilled cheese sandwich. It's a convenient spot to relax and refuel after a family hike!

Gift Shop at Muir Woods

Next to the café is the Muir Woods Trading Company gift shop, offering T-shirts, souvenirs, nature-inspired gifts, and outdoor merchandise. You may even find coast redwood seedlings to take home and plant! There's also a smaller shop at the National Park Service visitor center near the entrance, featuring educational books, toys, and gifts.

Helpful Tips for Visiting Muir Woods with Kids

Drinking fountains and water bottle filling stations are available throughout the park, along with restrooms near the entrance and along the main trail. Temperatures at Muir Woods are cool year-round, often ranging from 40–70°F, so dress in layers and bring a jacket, even during summer. Much of the redwood forest is shaded, making it a comfortable place to explore on warmer days.

Getting to Muir Woods

Muir Woods National Monument is located just outside Mill Valley in Marin County, about 12 miles north of San Francisco. The drive takes you along narrow, winding mountain roads, so allow extra time. Advance parking reservations are required, and parking is limited. You can also take the seasonal Muir Woods Shuttle, which requires a reservation.

For directions, parking reservations, and shuttle information, visit GoMuirWoods.com.

Muir Woods National Monument
1 Muir Woods Road, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Phone: (415) 561-2850
Website: www.nps.gov/muwo