Trip for kids? Porcupine to Northdome

I am taking my kids (9 and 11)to do a hike from Mono Meadows to Buena Vista Lake, loop around and come back out Mono. I was considering going down Illiloutte creek trail and then hike out via Buena Vista trail. I decided against that because the purpose of the trip is to do lots of fishing. I am not sure if there is any good fishing the first 2 days if we were to go via Illiloutte creek
How Ostrander Lake? Did you start from Bridalveil Creek?

We are also going in at Murphy Creek toward Glen Aulin for 2 days to see Waterwheel Falls.
Thanks
Eric

Are you thinking of this as an overnight? The trail is pretty much all downhill from Porcupine, And there are very few views along the way. North Dome is stunning, but the nearest water is about two miles away at Indian Canyon. The natural bridge is cool.

The trip back is obviously all uphill and still few views,

I look for trails that end up on lakes or streams for kids..because it gives them something to do in camp. This trip won't do that, unless they like knocking down cairns.

There are so many hikes that DO end at lakes: Ten Lakes Basin, 20 Lakes, Young Lakes, Cathedral Lakes, etc. You should be able to fine something more fun for the kids than North Dome. And in Emigrant there are lots more: Sword Lake, Bear Lake, Boulder Lake, etc.,,

Good points. I really wanted to take them to Young lakes, however 8 miles in might be hard for their little feet.
The 6 miles in to Ostrander last Oct was pushing it.

Looking at my calendar, late May might be the only feasible timeframe. (Work stuff)
Think Tioga opening that early is too optimistic?

Also considering Dewey/Crocker point area. Will that be too crowded?

The plan was for Tioga to open this Friday May 1st. That was before this last snow, so maybe a little later. But by late May it will be open for sure!

I agree with Paul, North Dome might not be very interesting for kids. Great view, but nothing to do there. So yes, go to a lake instead.

How about May Lake? It is only 1.2 miles from the parking lot. Next day you could climb Mount Hoffman, a fun challenge for the kids.

Great to hear Tioga opening late May sounds realistic!
Which lake area would be less likely to be crowded? I know Cathedral and May can get crazy, but hopefully better in May?