Experiences, Tips

10 Things to Do with Kids in Jackson Hole this Summer

Like hibernating bears, the Grand Tetons rise to usher in a brand new season, and with it families looking to break out their hiking boots and bathing suits. There’s no shortage of things to do with kids in Jackson Hole, but there is a shortage of summer sun; by the end of June, daylight hours will already be slipping away. 

Mom and daughter with mouths open laughing / screaming as they ride down Snow King Mountain's Cowboy Coaster.
Credit: Snow King Mountain

1. Snow King Mountain

One of our favorite places! Whether you’re hitting up the new gondola for a ride to the top, swinging through the Treetop Adventure Course, riding down on the Cowboy Coaster, or racing on the Alpine Slide – Snow King Mountain has activities for kids of all ages.

2. Aerial Tram

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s Aerial Tram climes 4,139 vertical feet in just 12 minutes. From the top, you’ll catch panoramic views of Jackson Hole valley and the surrounding mountains. Stop for a family photo, then continue on to the many hiking trails.

3. Jackson Hole Rodeo

Kids of all ages will love catching a glimpse of real-life cowboys and girls every Wednesday and Saturday of the summer season as they take on bucking broncos and bulls. 

4. Visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art

Wildlife encounters aren’t just for the national parks. At the National Museum of Wildlife Art you’ll stand face to face with life-size sculptures on our outdoor trail, take in vistas of the National Elk Refuge, and experience wildlife of the world through art of all mediums in our curated collection and exhibits. Kids can get hands-on in the Children’s Discovery Gallery with life-size diorama, animal costumes, and puppet theater.

Two little girls climb on and through Bison sculptures on the sculpture trail at the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
Credit: National Museum of Wildlife Art

5. Take An Old Time Family Photo

Capture your family’s journey to the Old West at Jackson Hole Old Time Photo. Step into the old west complete with a prop gun, or opt for a ski and mountaineering-style shoot. The shop also offers special photo editing to transport you and the family to a new locale.

6. Hike in Rockefeller Preserve

This 1,106-acre wildlife refuge sits within Grand Teton National Park. Originally a ranch, the preserve is the perfect place to take in the Tetons without having to toil on a trail. Explore the many trails that lead to Phelps Lake, a perfect place for a cooling plunge.

7. Play in the Pool

Work a little downtime into what is an otherwise action-packed vacation. Lounge in the sun as your kids splash in the heated outdoor pool. The Snow King Resort pool is also adjacent to Hayden’s Post Kitchen & Bar so you can pop in for snacks for the kids and a beer or cocktail for yourself.

Group of 4 children sit on the steps of the pool at Snow King Resort splashing in the water while they cool off from a hot summer day in Jackson Hole.

8. Witness a Shootout

The Old West comes to town every evening during the spring and summer. Head to the town square at 6 p.m. to see this classic face-off. Be sure to arrive early–kids will want to stake their claim on a front-row spot.

9. Visit the Jackson Hole Children’s Museum

Sometimes a little inside time is just what a family vacation needs. Take a break from the action at the Jackson Hole Children’s Museum. Your kids will love stepping into the day-to-day of a veterinarian or challenging their coordination in the Climber.

10. Take a Scenic & Wildlife Tour

Snow King Resort is the only resort in the town of Jackson that provides in-house tours exclusively for our guests. Take a half-day and explore points of interest throughout Grand Teton National Park while you search for wildlife! Minimum age for children is 6 years old on a public tour, but no minimum age for families looking to book a private tour.

Photo of the famous mormon row barn. The mormon row barn is an old log building that still stands in Grand Teton National Park with the Teton Mountains behind it as the sun light peers over the mountains during sunset.
Experiences, Wedding

5 Must-Dos on Your Jackson Hole Honeymoon

After the hustle and bustle of your wedding day the real fun and adventure beginnings for you and your love! While we love Jackson Hole for any occasion we’ve rounded up our 5 favorite “must-dos” after “I do.”

1. Sunrise at Mormon Row

While you may be the type to sleep in during most vacations, we highly recommend getting up and at it early at least one day while in Jackson Hole. Grab a cup of coffee to go and head out to Mormon Row in the Gros Ventre Wilderness of Grand Teton National Park. The drive is just under 30 minutes from Snow King Resort to the famous TA Moulton Barn. Face the barn and the Tetons while the sun rises on your back you’ll see the dark night sky melt behind the mountain range as the front face of the mountains light up in pinks and purples. It is also a great spot for a newlywed photo session.

Photo of sunrise at Mormon row near Grand Teton national Park. Brown wooden antique barn in the foreground with pink and purple lit Teton mountains in the background.
Sunrise at Mormon Row with T.A. Moulton barn and Teton Range, Grand Teton National Park.

2. Hike Up Snow King Mountain

The region of Jackson Hole got its name because from the top of a mountain the valley looks like a hole in how it’s surrounded by mountains on nearly all sides. When you hike up to the top of Snow King Mountain it is very easy to see what the early fur trappers of the area meant by that. During the hike, you’ll gain 1,500′ in elevation over 3.8 miles. It’s a very well-trafficked route that locals and visitors alike enjoy all year round. Leashed dogs are also welcomed on this trail. Once you get to the top don’t forget to stay a few minutes and just take in the view! To save your knees a bit of work consider taking the gondola (coming 2022) down for a fee.

Photo Credit: Snow King Mountain Resort

3. Side by Side Drive in Gros Ventre Wilderness

Are you a couple with the need for speed? In Teton County, Wyoming side-by-sides are street-legal vehicles. This means that once you reach the rental office and get outfitted you can be on your way! We recommend taking it out to the Gros Ventre Wilderness to see the wilder side of Jackson Hole that most people never do. Because it’s unguided feel free to go out as long or as short as you’d like. Our Adventure Center team can set you up with one of our partners to rent a side-by-side.

Photo Credit: Jackson Hole Adventure Rentals

4. Dip at Astoria Hot Springs

Just around a 30-minute drive south of town, you’ll find the newly renovated Astoria Hot Springs. The soaking pools are naturally fed and contain 6+ mineral compounds such as magnesium, sulfur, and calcium. Long soaks in these natural springs have been said to help relax muscles and improve the soaker’s mood. Snacks and beverages are available for sale at the Astoria Hot Springs Park. Reservations are highly recommended as passes do sell out!

Photo Credit: Astoria Hot Springs Park

5. Dancing at Million Dollar Cowboy Bar

Whether you consider yourself a dancing queen or not we absolutely recommend trying to throw your partner round and round western style at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. It’s a bucket list item for pretty much anyone who comes to town and once you get there you’ll understand why. Pull up a saddle, order a local brew if you need some liquid courage, and then get to 2-stepping. There’s live music nearly 6 days a week throughout most of the year and on Thursdays, at 7 pm they host free western swing dancing lessons. Also note, you must be 21+ years to enter the Cowboy Bar- no exceptions!

Photo Credit: Million Dollar Cowboy Bar

Events, Experiences

Snocross :: The Greatest Show on the Snow Awaits in Jackson Hole This December

The most popular form of snowmobile racing, Snocross, lands in Jackson Hole for the first time ever this December.

Similar to Motocross, Snocross trades the motorcycles for snowmobiles and the dirt track for a snow, or ice, racetrack. Otherwise, the concept is quite similar to athletes on snowmobiles race around a track filled with tight turns, banked corners, incredibly steep jumps, and challenging obstacles. You’ll feel your heart pounding in your chest as you watch the racers launch off 30-foot jumps soaring as high as 130 feet into the air. The adrenaline is pumping, the crowd energetic, and the atmosphere exhilarating; welcome to the Jackson Hole Snocross National.

Destination

Where Should You Ski This Season? Why Jackson Hole of Course!

Cooler temperatures and shorter days can mean only one thing – ski season is right around the corner. For all of you winter sports enthusiasts, you’ve got a huge task ahead of you – choosing which slopes to shred this season. If you’re among those who already have firm plans in place, we wish you well! If you’re still undecided, let’s take a brief look at what Jackson Hole can offer that others, including Aspen, Park City, and Snowbird, don’t.

Destination, Events

Foliage, Fat Bikes, Festivals and More! 7 Reasons to Visit Jackson Hole This Fall

Spectacular barely scratches the surface as a descriptor for Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the fall. Best known for being a winter wonderland and a summer escape, few visitors realize the numerous benefits of visiting Jackson Hole in the autumn. Between festive events, changing scenery, and a sharp decrease in tourists, there are more reasons than naught to take a trip the area in the fall months.

Destination, Events, Experiences

Looking For Family-Friendly Anytime? Jackson Hole’s Got You Covered

Not that there’s anything wrong with Disney World, but if you’d rather trade princesses for wildlife and castles for mountains, then we’ve got the perfect kid-friendly destination for you to consider – Jackson Hole, Wyoming. What’s more is that it’s family-friendly year-round.

No matter which season you’re able to grab the kids and go, Jackson Hole will be ready to show your family a great adventure!

Destination, Events

Why a Visit To Jackson Hole in May and June Should be At The Top of Your Bucket List

“Epic” gets thrown around frequently these days, but what does it really mean?

epic

Extending beyond the usual or ordinary especially in size or scope – Merriam-Webster

Epic is often used to describe Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and for good reason. Jackson Hole most certainly extends beyond the usual or ordinary in a variety of ways. Most commonly associated with winter sports ranging from common to extreme, Jackson Hole is an outdoor junkie’s playground, but not just in winter – all year long.

Events

Do Yourself a Favor and Head to Jackson Hole, Wyoming This Spring

Any given destination is lucky to be known for having a great “season,” whether that be winter, spring, summer or fall. Yet there are very few destinations in the U.S. that can boast being excellent year-round. Jackson Hole, Wyoming is one such place.

In the summer, Jackson Hole is known for fly fishing, white water rafting, and gorgeous hiking at either of the two National Parks that are next door neighbors – Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Autumn provides a gorgeous landscape, wonderful weather, and the chance to explore sans other people. Winter, of course, is known every epic winter sport ever.