Indian-origin toddler Aarya, a 16-month-old from Illinois, has already visited 34 of America’s 63 national parks, with the Aarya family national parks travel journey now aiming for a Guinness World Records milestone.
Indian-origin toddler Aarya, a 16-month-old from Illinois, has already visited 34 of the 63 United States national parks with her parents. The Aarya family national parks travel journey has drawn attention as the family aims to complete visits to all 63 parks over the next two years and apply for Guinness World Records recognition as the youngest person to achieve the milestone.
The journey is being led by her parents, Akshay Sharma and Aparajita Rai, who have combined their passion for travel and nature with family adventures. According to the family, they are documenting each visit as part of their planned Guinness World Records application.
A journey inspired by a love for nature
The idea behind Indian-origin toddler Aarya’s travels did not begin as a record attempt. Her parents, both software professionals and outdoor enthusiasts, wanted to introduce their daughter to nature from an early age through visits to national parks across the United States.
According to the family, a park ranger later suggested they explore whether Aarya’s growing list of park visits could qualify for a world record. Since then, they have continued planning trips around work schedules and long weekends while documenting every visit.
Family hopes to nurture an appreciation for the outdoors
Although Aarya is still too young to understand the significance of the journey, her parents believe spending time outdoors from an early age can help foster a lifelong appreciation for nature.
They have shared that she enjoys being outside, whether watching waterfalls, listening to natural sounds or experiencing different landscapes. One memorable experience for the family came at Yosemite National Park, where Aarya watched a waterfall up close.
Travelling with a toddler requires careful planning
The family says travelling with a young child requires flexibility and preparation. Feeding schedules, naps, weather conditions and Aarya’s comfort are all considered while planning each trip.
Despite these challenges, Indian-origin toddler Aarya’s parents believe travelling with children is possible when families remain adaptable. They also hope their experience encourages other parents to spend more time exploring nature together.
Guinness World Records attempt continues
Having already visited 34 national parks, the family is continuing its journey toward all 63 US national parks. They are also preparing the documentation required for a potential Guinness World Records application after completing the challenge.
For the family, the journey is about more than setting a record. They hope the experiences encourage a lifelong connection with nature while creating meaningful family memories along the way.
Quick Facts:
Who is Aarya?
Aarya is a 16-month-old Indian-origin toddler living in Illinois, USA.
How many US national parks has she visited?
She has visited 34 of the 63 US national parks with her parents.
What record is she attempting?
The family hopes she will become the youngest person to visit all 63 US national parks and plans to apply for Guinness World Records recognition after completing the journey.
Who travels with her?
Her parents, Akshay Sharma and Aparajita Rai, accompany her on every trip.
