I rarely give parenting tips, but if you have little kids and are like us, bribery (and sometimes threats) is used frequently. We took the kids to the gift shop when we arrived at Yellowstone and had them pick out a gift to be given to them at the end of the time in the park IF they are good. We definitely got the most out of that $6 collapsible camping cup that Kellan picked out. I highly recommend this approach.
The park has been an amazing experience. It has rained way more than usual so the entire area is green and lush. The wildlife viewing has been spectacular. We saw tons of bison (one a little too close), deer, elk, pronghorn and a grizzly bear (from a far).
The kids really embraced the experience and managed to get their first Jr. Ranger badge. The highlight for Kellan was flirting with a cowgirl on one night and a pretty blonde park ranger the next day. Unclear if he was attracted to them or wanted to be them.
We also had a chance to hike through forests, bike through thermal features and fish in beautiful winding rivers. The pictures do not do the park justice as it is probably the most scenic and exciting area I have ever been to.
Off to Grand Teton in the morning…
The Great Doroski Road Trip 
Great Pics!!! I almost feel like I’m on the road with you guys!
Tetons are amazing…looking forward to seeing your pictures.
So, I’m dying to know if you ever follow through with your plan to hand the kids a watch and tell them to roam anywhere in Yellowstone they chose until the designated return time? Better question: did you ever get buy-in on that idea?
We actually did in most camps. Yellowstone was not really conducive since there was not obvious trails and paths to explore. But in most camps, Arches and Redwood especially, they would take off on their bikes and we would have to hunt them down for dinner.