Lodging

Camping out is the way to go for most families that come to Grand Teton National Park; after all, campfires and s'mores and waking up to a sunlit tent are the things that make vacationing in National Parks special. But if your kids are a bit too young to appreciate camping (or if you're just hoping for a bit more ‘civilized' accommodations, hotel rooms and vacation rentals are available outside of the Park. If you're coming during the peak season (June through August), it's definitely worth looking into making reservations ahead of time.

Camping:
In Grand Teton Park
Near or just outside of the Park

Lodging:
In Grand Teton Park
Near or just outside of the Park

Full Day

Junior Ranger Program

This activity guide will lead you and your children through fun activities and programs that will help you discover Grand Teton National Park together. At the end of the adventure, your children will even receive a Young Naturalist Patch. Available free online or at any of the Visitor Centers.

Junior Ranger Program Details and Download

Hike up Cascade Canyon

Start the morning off with a boat ride across Jenny Lake and then hike up to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. Children love exploring the waterfall, and the view from Inspiration Point is one they'll be sure to remember. If your children are a bit older and are excited about hiking further, you can take the whole family up to Hurricane Pass and Lake Solitude.

Hiking Trails in Cascade Canyon

Backpacking

There's something novel about carrying everything you need on your back, something that kids can appreciate. Grand Teton National Park has a number of easy-to-get-to camping spots with child-friendly approaches. Families with older, stronger children may consider hiking to Amphitheater Lake, about 4.5 miles from the Garnet Canyon Trailhead. Families with younger children may want to choose one of the campsites around Jackson Lake, where elevation gain is minimal and hiking is easier. Be sure to reserve a campsite in advance, as they do fill, and read through the Park's Backpacking Trip Planning Guide before heading out.

National Park Backpacking Guide

Rock Climbing

While there may not be a lot of classic mountaineering and multi-pitch routes that are kid-friendly, Exum Mountain Guides and Jackson Hole Mountain Guides both have experienced guides and programs designed to help you have a fun day climbing with your entire family.

Scenic Boating

Although you won't find a lot of whitewater trips in Grand Teton National Park, floating down a river or across Jackson Lake is still a great way to have fun with your entire family. Kids will love the scenery and wildlife, and the smaller ones will even get a thrill out of the riffles and small rapids found along the Snake River. If you want something a little more exciting outside of the Park, the Alpine Stretch of the Snake River is a good kid-sized stretch of whitewater.

Grand Teton Boat Tours
Scenic Float Trip Outfitters

Horseback Riding

Ride along the trails just like cowboys and settlers did – there's no better way to explore Grand Teton National Park than from the saddle atop your own horse. Varying length tours, and even a cattle drive, are available to fit your family's schedule.

Horseback Riding Outfitters

Half Day

Biking through the Park

One of the best parts of being a kid is riding your bike everywhere, and there's no reason to stop just because you aren't at home. Rent some bikes in town and head out on Grand Teton National Park's 8-mile bike path, which runs between Moose Junction and the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. You'll have plenty of opportunities to find wildlife and enjoy the Teton views along the way.

Bike Rentals and Trails

Paddle around Jenny Lake

Rent a kayak or canoe and spend a warm afternoon exploring all the nooks and crannies along Jenny Lake's shoreline. You can even paddle across the lake and leave your boat while you hike up Cascade Canyon. Rentals are available at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center.

Kayak and Canoe Rentals

Join the Swan Lake Hike

Take a three-hour Ranger-led hike around Swan Lake and the surrounding riparian area while learning about wetland communities, plants and animals. Walks begin at 8am, Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at the Colter Bay Visitor Center flagpole.

Fishing in the Park

While an all-day fishing trip might cause your kids to lose interest, they'll be excited to go out and catch a few fish for part of the day. Jackson Lake is a good place to start – it's easy to get to; is fishable from shore or boat; and has big, hungry fish just waiting to bite.

Fishing Jackson Lake

Pick up a Nature Explorer's Backpack

Available at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center, these backpacks can be checked out and are chock-full of fun activities and nature journals that will help you and your children explore the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

What kid doesn't dream of flying? Make your child's dream come true with a hot air balloon ride over Grand Teton National Park.

Find Hot Air Balloon Rides and Scenic Flights

Under 1 Hour

Search for Animal Tracks

Grab a guide book from one of the Visitor Centers or bookstores in Jackson and go hunting for animal tracks. Once you find some, try to identify them and figure out what the animal was doing.

Cool Off in the Lake

Jenny and Jackson Lakes may be a bit chilly, but jumping in is the best way to cool off on a hot summer day. The shallow waters of String Lake warm up quickly in the summer. The lakeshores also make the perfect spot for a picnic lunch.

Join the Lakeshore Stroll

Join one of Grand Teton National Park's rangers for this hour-long stroll around Colter Bay and learn about how this area was formed. The Stroll starts at 8am, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at the Colter Bay Visitor Center Flagpole.

Ride Big Red

Just south of Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's famous Tram is waiting to carry you and your kids to the top of Rendezvous Mountain at 10,450 feet above sea level. After disembarking from the Tram, enjoy the panoramic view while savoring a fresh waffle from Corbets Cabin before riding back down. If your children are avid hikers, you can even make the hike all the way back down (or up).

Evening Entertainment

Chuckwagon Dinner

The whole family will have a blast with an evening of classic ranch cooking and entertainment.

Find Nearby Chuckwagons

Kid-friendly Food

Browse through the Jackson Hole Dining Guide and you'll find a number of kid- and family-friendly options. Our picks for family dining include Bubba's BBQ, Calico Italian, and El Abuelito Mexican.

Jackson Hole Dining Guide

Town Square Shootout

Monday through Sunday, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, come on down to Jackson Hole's Town Square at 6pm to relive the Wild West with Jackson Hole's very own Town Square Shootout.

More info on the Town Square Shootout

Jackson Hole Family Itinerary

Check out a handful of Family Travel Ideas in Jackson, Wyoming, just south of the National Park.

Related Packages

We offer a variety of summer vacation packages. View ALL Packages.