The Grand Teton National Park is a buzzing tourist destination for families with kids, young or old. All year round, the Tetons are filled with laughter and shouts of merriment as adventurous families come and go with their children, hoping to show them the raw, unparalleled beauty of the breathtaking national park. It is a wondrous place teeming with exotic species of plants and animals, crystal-clear lakes and waterfalls, and a night sky so full of stars that you won’t look back at city life!
If you’re planning a trip to the Tetons with your kids, this article is your perfect guide. It details all the sights you can’t miss in and around Jackson Hole and answers some of the pressing questions at the top of your mind when planning your vacation to the Tetons: how long to stay, the best season to visit, and everything else you need to know, straight from a local!
Planning your trip: Time, duration and location
Any trip to Jackson Hole with kids should last at least three days, if you’re planning to see the best of what the area has to offer! Of course, you could even stay up to a week and still not run out of things to do (as you’ll soon find out) but three days is the bare minimum for seeing the major sites. There are a ton of family friendly activities to engage in at the Grand Teton National Park so your kids are guaranteed to stay entertained throughout.
In my humble opinion, fall is the best season to visit Jackson Hole, especially during the months of September and October. The temperatures are pleasant, the peak of the tourist season dies down to give way to unobstructed vistas, and you can truly feel like the entire expanse of the Tetons belongs to you!
What is the difference between Jackson and Jackson Hole? Well, Jackson is just one small town in the entire Jackson Hole Valley, which consists of several other towns as well. Therefore, if you’re planning a trip to Jackson Hole with your kids, you can stay in any of these towns and still witness the beauty of the valley!
Switch up your mode of transport: horses!
If you’re looking to fully submerge yourself in nature, horseback riding is just one of the many things you can do in Jackson Hole! There are tours offered from Jackson Lake Lodge and Colter Bay Village that will show you the major sites in the park, detail its history, and even explain about all the various flora and fauna to be found here.
Drink in the breathtaking views on a tram
To truly take in the beauty of the Tetons, you absolutely need to ride the trams or private gondolas. The ones located at Rendezvous Mountain will take you 10,000 feet above sea level — the largest vertical drop in the United States! The stunning panoramic views are guaranteed to take your breath away.
Take the most scenic drive of your life
This one is nothing big, but you can pen it down as the most beautiful drive of your life! Strap your kids into the backseat and take off in your car through the Grand Teton National Park. The 42 Mile Loop is particularly famous for the panoramic views of the Tetons it provides. Early morning or dusk is the best time for this!
Go fish!
The ultimate nature experience has it all! Grab your fishing kits and go catch the best trout you’ll ever have in your entire life. There are a number of licensed guides — such as Grand Fishing Adventure, Grand Teton Fly Fishing, Grand Teton Lodge Company, and more — located throughout the Grand Teton National Park that can offer you a prime fishing experience. All kids aged 8 and up can fish.
Take a hike
There is an non-exhaustive number of beautiful hikes that can be taken in the Grand Teton National Park, for all ages and levels of difficulty. Even if you have young children, you can find here a list I collected of all the suitable trails to start preparing kids of 9 months and older for an adventurous life!
Rock climbing
Another one for adventure-loving families, rock climbing is certainly one of the most challenging and fun activities at the Grand Teton National Park! There are numerous indoor facilities located throughout the Tetons, for people of all ages and abilities to try out the sport. For those looking for an even more challenging experience, there are many great crags throughout the Tetons where you can try out the real deal.
Go for a dip
The Grand Teton National Park boasts an endless variety of breathtaking lakes, rivers, hot springs, and waterfalls that you won’t be able to resist dipping a toe in. One particularly famous river is Snake River which is a popular tourist destination in the summer.
Become a cowboy
All kids love to dress up, especially as cowboys. That’s why the Grand Teton National Park is the perfect location for them, with its vibrant Wild West charm and real-live cowboys and cowgirls. Don’t miss the chance to check out an authentic rodeo and compete in bronco riding, bull riding, barrel racing, and calf roping races!
Watch a geyser erupt
If you’re traveling all the way to the Grand Teton National Park, you better not miss watching a geyser erupt! Most of the famous geysers are located in Yellowstone, which is only a short drive away from the Tetons. Your kids will undoubtedly be amazed by the sight and it’ll be a fun AND educational experience!
Ride bikes around the Tetons
Head on over to Dornan’s to rent some bikes and set off in the park! This is an incredibly freeing experience and the Tetons come equipped with a multi-use bike path to guarantee enjoyment and safety.
Crown your kids as Junior Rangers
The Tetons happen to have a world-class Junior Rangers program that will allow your young’uns to be sworn in as protectors of the park and warriors of nature! Not only will they get to learn a lot about the park, but they also get a cool pin.
Snap away
The Grand Teton National Park is renowned for its beauty so you don’t want to miss out on the chance to take some breathtaking pictures while you’re there! Pick a scenic spot — Jenny Lake, Schwabacher Landing, Oxbow Bend, Mormon Row, or countless others — to visit at sunrise or sunset for the most unbeatable views.
Hit the shops
The Grand Teton National Park happens to have a host of perks for families with kids and one of them happens to be its proximity to shopping centers. The Yupp I-O Candy store offers a vast selection of candies to choose between while Teton Toys is great to get your kids a keepsake they’ll cherish forever.
Get a well-deserved breather at a spa
Traveling with kids can be… hectic, at times. That’s why this list can’t be complete without an activity for parents to indulge in at the Tetons when they need to take a break. Thankfully, the Tetons come equipped with both adventure and relaxation! The spas in the area are renowned for their superior services that make use of fresh, local products.
Explore the wildlife
For families keen on wildlife, Grand Teton National Park offers an array of majestic creatures in their natural habitats. Your kids will be excited to spot bison, elk, moose, and maybe even a bear or two from a safe distance. Consider joining a wildlife safari; it’s an enlightening experience that combines fun and learning, making it one of the standout family-friendly activities in Grand Teton.
Enjoy the culinary delights
After a day filled with adventure, your family can explore the culinary scene in Jackson Hole. With a range of family-friendly restaurants offering delicious and hearty meals, your family can experience the local flavors and relish the dining experience in this beautiful valley.
Savor the serenity at String Lake
If you’re in search of a serene and calm location, String Lake is a must-visit. It’s an ideal place for families to relax, picnic, and enjoy the tranquil environment. The shallow waters make it a perfect and safe spot for kids to play and explore.
Visit the Murie Center
Take your family to the Murie Center to learn about conservation and the roles the Muries played in the environmental movement. It’s a vital experience in understanding the significance of preserving the beauty of places like Grand Teton National Park, and it instills values of responsibility and appreciation in the younger ones.
Cherish the moments
Your journey to Grand Teton National Park with kids will surely be a time of unforgettable memories and shared joys. From delving into the natural splendor to the myriad of activities available, each day will be a new adventure in this mesmerizing landscape. Grand Teton National Park is more than just a destination; it’s a journey of discovery and a timeless adventure that will be engraved in your family’s heart forever.
