Virtual Fun: Tour 5 National Parks at Home

So much has changed in the past few weeks! With COVID-19 putting most of the country on some form of “social distancing” travel has come to a screeching halt. With spring break approaching, Google Arts and Culture has one way for you to enjoy the great outdoors: virtual tours of five US National Parks! No, it’s not the same as being there, but for kids who are tired of virtual homework it’s not bad. It’s also a great resource for those who appreciate some incredible photography. If you can’t go out and have real fun then virtual fun is the next best thing, right?

The virtual fun includes videos, aerial views, 360 degree images to pan through, and much more.

So, where will your virtual tour take you?

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Hey, it’s our backyard! Our beautiful red desert is our first tour stop. The tour includes some beautiful night photos and stunning aerial footage. Ranger Kevin Poe will be your guide, getting you up close with the famous rock formations. A 16 year park veteran, Ranger Poe has a deep love Bryce Canyon. Check out Sunset Point and get a stunning 360 degree view of the beautiful desert.

Credit: NASA/David Lane

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Were you planning to venture to Hawai’i this spring? That’s not a likely option in the next few weeks, but this tour can help. Here you can explore the Nahuku Lava Tube, a cave formed by flowing lava, and you’ll get much closer than you would in person. You’ll also get to fly over an active volcano!

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

A unique location with over 100 caves, Carlsbad Caverns virtually has plenty for you to see. For some the virtual fun might be preferable to the real thing–visiting the thousands of bats might be something that’s more fun from a safe distance! You can also see what it’s like to be a bat, thanks to one of the interactive experiences.

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Florida is a popular spring break destination, but not necessarily this remote national park. But it’s well worth seeing, especially if you can do it so easily! The park tour includes the Civil War-era Fort Jefferson, a swim through world’s third-largest coral reef, and a dive down to a shipwreck that dates back to 1907.

Credit: NASA

Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

Alaska tourism can be very seasonal, but this tour is ready for you anytime. The Kenai Fjords National Park includes stunning glaciers, fjords, and icebergs. You can safely descend into an icy crevasse, easily kayak between enormous icebergs, and more.

Stay at home, wash your hands, and enjoy your adventure!