WHO VISITED: Melinda and Dan Harris of West Chester, Ohio, and their kids, Hannah, age 15, Rachel, 13, and Sarah, 10.

WHY THEY LOVED IT: Smaller and less crowded than their popular neighbor, Yosemite, these twin parks offer awe-inspiring wilderness on a kid-friendly scale. The lofty height and clean scent of the giant sequoia trees make a big impression. "There's no place like it on Earth," says Melinda. Some groves feature paved trails, and both parks offer ranger-led walks and talks. The Harrises also appreciated the railings and steps that helped them climb Moro Rock's granite dome. "We were sweating and out of breath at the top, but the view was breathtaking," says Melinda. They stayed in a rustic cabin at Kings Canyon (summer only, $87 to $153), but you can camp out too ($5 to $20).

BEST FREEBIE: During the summer, the family nature center at Sequoia lends free backpacks equipped with nature guides, activities, and a digital camera. After your hike, they'll burn your photos to a take-home CD.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call 559-565-3341 or visit the National Park Service site. Some facilities and roads are seasonal, so call to check hours and weather conditions.