Soaking in natural hot springs is one of the world’s greatest treats — like being kissed with fairy dust or finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Parents love sinking into the warm, mineral-rich water, and letting the stress melt away, and kids can’t get enough of the splashing and frolicking that goes hand-in-hand with the steamy pools.
When it comes to natural hot springs, there are two distinct types. First there are the secret and wild hot springs that usually involve stunning scenery, a bit of hiking, and few regulations. These are an awesome way to indulge in the wilderness, but they’re not for everyone. Then there are the hot spring resorts — often luxurious destinations that have channeled those natural hot springs and turned them into an all-inclusive experience. No matter what your soaking style, this list will inspire you to float your way to pure, hot spring bliss.
Sol Duc Hot Springs, Olympic National Park, Washington
Nestled deep in the forest of Olympic National Park, Sol Duc Hot Springs embraces the best of the natural world without sacrificing luxury or convenience. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort maintains three mineral hot springs of different temperatures and a freshwater water pool for swimming. The hot springs are surrounded by forest, and there are lots of lodging options, from single rooms and cabins, to forest tent sites. Families will no doubt spend most of their time soaking and swimming, but if that’s not enough, there’s also a full-service spa and an easy waterfall hike nearby.
Keough’s Hot Springs, Bishop, California
You can have the best of both worlds at Keough’s Hot Springs. The hot springs flow through two pools – a large swimming pool, and a smaller “hot” pool. A waterfall feeds hot water into the larger pool, creating swimming areas that are warm enough to be used year-round. Campsites are available to rent for the night, or you can try out one of their glamping cabins. Just below Keough’s Hot Springs Resort, there are a few wild hot spring pools right off the road. These are free, and are usually clean and uncrowded, especially in the winter.
Kirkham Hot Springs, Lowman, Idaho
Located in the heart of Boise National Forest, Kirkham Hot Springs is probably the most popular hot spring location in Idaho, but don’t let that deter you. Choose a weekend in fall or winter to visit, and you won’t have to share the space. There are numerous pools for soaking, as well as hot waterfalls that steam everything up in the winter months. The springs can be seen from highway 21 and accessed from the Kirkham Campground. There is an interpretive trail leading to the hot springs with signs explaining the science and history of the geothermal activity in the area.
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, Anaconda, Montana
For the ultimate kid-friendly retreat, check out Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, where you’ll find two Olympic-size swimming pools, a huge waterslide, a fitness center, and a snack bar. Poolside lodging can accommodate between two and eight people, and there’s also a full-service spa and an 18-hole golf course. Pools are open year-round and lifeguards are on duty so parents can relax. This is luxury soaking at its very best!
Granite Hot Springs, Jackson, Wyoming
If you’re family is up for a long, scenic drive on a bumpy dirt road, you’ll discover a beautiful hot springs oasis at the end of your journey. Granite Hot Springs is a developed hot spring pool situated along Granite Creek in Bridger-Teton National Forest. Camping is available nearby, and a nominal fee is charged for maintaining and cleaning the pools. The hot springs are open all year, but in the winter, they can only be reached via snowmobile, dog sled, or skis. In addition to camping and soaking your worries away, there are also awesome trails in the area, and good fishing in Granite Creek.
Jefferson Pools, Hot Springs, Virginia
Legend has visitors swimming in the hot springs of Virginia for 9,000 years, becoming a place for even presidents to visit, giving the hot springs its name following Thomas Jefferson’s frequenting of the pools. Built in 1761, the octagonal building created a pool house around the springs, becoming the oldest spa in the country. Men and women once had separate houses, but today, families can share a visit to the original structure, which remains at body temperature year-round. The pools are managed by the Omni Homestead Resort.