MOUNTAIN MEANDERING
I’m not above bribing my kids to do what I enjoy most in summer, which is getting out for a hike. It’s not always their first choice, so sometimes we’ll pair an outing with structured fun at Snow King Resort or Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (known to locals as “The King” and “The Village,” respectively). Both mountain resorts offer a range of summer activities. For an in-town option, try The King. On a given day, you’ll find locals hiking, biking, and running up and down the mountain on a dizzying array of trails, which are easy to spot and explore. In the early weeks of summer, wildflowers put on an impressive show on the east side of the mountain. After your nature walk, the speed demons in your family will love the Cowboy Coaster and the Alpine Slide, which twist their way down the mountain in full view of the Tetons. Snow King also boasts the only mini-golf course in town, with 18-holes of family-friendly competition. A beautiful drive northwest of town takes you to Teton Village. Once there, try one of the mellow hikes at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. If you’re looking to gain some elevation, the Wildflower Trail is one of my favorites. Older kids and teens may love the challenge of a hike to the Bridger Center (3.9 miles one way); it’s free to ride the Bridger Gondola down, once you’ve hiked up. You can also aim for a slightly shorter destination by hiking to the top of the Sweetwater Gondola near the Casper Lodge. After that, let the kids bounce on the bungee trampoline or tackle the aerial ropes course back at the base. Both resorts also offer great views with no exertion necessary: take the tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain at The Village or grab a gondola car to the top of Snow King. Once up high, enjoy the views and a mellow walk. (Not every activity has to be extreme — parenting is enough of an endurance sport as it is.)

SWIM, FLOAT, AND SOAK
The Jackson Hole Land Trust’s Rendezvous Park (or “R” Park) was once a gravel pit that has been reclaimed as a community nature park. It’s an ideal place to spend anywhere from a couple of hours to half a day. Swim or paddle in the pond while keeping watch for moose, bald eagles, and schools of fish. Kids under 16 are allowed to fish, and my family always stops to say “hello” to the Danish artist Thomas Dambo’s Jackson Hole Troll, Mama Mimi. For more wildlife sightings from the water, paired with historical and geological insights, book a scenic float in Grand Teton National Park with Dornans Float Trips, Triangle X Ranch, or Signal Mountain Lodge. Grab pizza on the deck of Dornans restaurant before heading back to town or driving through the park; don’t pass up an opportunity to stop at a pullout for photos and to scout for critters. At Astoria Hot Springs, a local favorite, you can soak in your choice of progressively hotter pools filled by geothermal springs overlooking the Snake River. Summer soakers enjoy swinging in hammocks or taking a cold plunge between dips. Astoria’s schedule varies, but you can book a two-hour timeslot online to secure a spot.

CREATIVITY, CULTURE, AND CREATURES
Get messy at the Jackson Hole Children’s Museum, where rotating interactive hands-on exhibits help kids design, craft, and experiment their way through their visit. Creativity without the cleaning consequence is a beautiful thing! The National Museum of Wildlife Art— built into the side of a butte just north of town — offers sweeping views of the National Elk Refuge and Gros Ventre mountains. The museum houses a breathtaking permanent collection, as well as engaging visiting exhibits. Check the website for events, and be sure to stop by the Children’s Discovery Gallery to act out a puppet show, read in the book nook, or make some art of your own. Finally, the Teton Raptor Center is located at the base of Teton Pass in Wilson, Wyoming. Weekly programs offer visitors the chance to view rescued and rehabilitated birds of prey up close and personal. After an invigorating visit with these majestic creatures, pull up a picnic bench in the yard at the Stagecoach bar for a Mexican-inspired bite from Streetfood or hit Pearl Street Bagels and sit out back to watch the creek flow by while you reflect on all the fun you’ve had.

AND DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT A VISIT TO:

The Teton County Library: Grab a new read from the Friends of the Library Book Nook; enjoy weekly programs for children, youth, and adults; and relax inside or outside on the library’s naturally landscaped lawn. 

Stargazing @ Stilson: Jackson’s night skies are unparalleled and offer a great opportunity to learn about astronomy. Join Wyoming Stargazing’s experts at the Stilson Transit Center in Wilson, Wyoming, every clear summer Thursday night to view the stars and planets through telescopes. (The event is free, but a $25 donation is recommended.) 

Yippee IO Candy: No brainer! Stop in for candy by the pound on Town Square: homemade fudge, caramel corn, and huckleberry treats. Use this stop as a reward for a great day of [fill in the blank], and everyone wins!

Psst … need a night out without the kids? Give Jackson Hole Nannies a call. Their CPR trained, downright delightful babysitters will bring the fun, while you get some much needed “we time.” They also provide baby gear rentals, if you’ve forgotten something or need specialty equipment while you’re in town.

Family Fun in Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole offers a plethora of activities that are perfect for families. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, educational experiences, or just a fun day out with the kids, you'll find it all here. For more family-friendly activities, attractions, and events, make sure to visit our Family Fun page. Be sure also to check out our Family Vacation Planner.

Explore More in Jackson Hole

This blog is an excerpt from the 2024 Jackson Hole Explorer Magazine. To dive deeper into the wonders of Jackson Hole and uncover more hidden gems, get your copy of the Explorer. It’s filled with insider tips, detailed guides, and stories to enhance your visit and make your experience unforgettable.