Grand Teton National Park Where To Stay In Nature
Located 5 miles north of Jackson and 17 miles southeast of Teton Village, this National Park offers spectacular views of the mountains, fjord-like lakes, a beautiful wildlife sanctuary, and many outdoor activities!
Theres something to do in Grand Teton National Park for any kind of traveler! Im guessing we all love exploring the scenic hiking trails, and who knows, maybe youll be lucky enough to spot an elk or a moose. There are also a lot of fishing-friendly spots in the park if youre into that activity.
If youre traveling in your car to the park, I highly recommend taking some of the most scenic drives here, like the Jenny Lake drive! If you dont have your own, I highly recommend renting one for this adventure!
Many tourists usually choose to stay in the towns near the national parks when it comes to accommodations as they generally have more options and facilities. In this case, you could look for hotels in Jackson or Teton Village, but if you want to stay inside the park or right near it, then here are the best 4 places.
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Jackson Hole Wyoming Family Resorts
The Inn at Jackson Hole: High Fami
Jackson Hole is a fun filled adventure just waiting for your entire family! Check out the National Elk Refuge to get a glimpse of the impressive animals in their huge herds. The Rendezvous Mountain Rentals & Management puts you right at the base of the Teton Mountain Range for adventures with your family! The town has a skating rink during the winter and an Old West Shootout performance every evening in the summer. Enjoy beautifully crafted condos with private fireplaces and fully equipped kitchens. A unique destination in the heart of the Teton Mountains is the Fireside Resort at Jackson Hole. The natural setting is perfect for fly fishing and skiing! Your family vacation is going to be a hit when you stay in Jackson Hole!
Showing 1-15 of 24 Family Resorts
Take A Scenic Tram Or Gondola Ride
There are few places in the US as scenic as Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Kids will love taking the tram to the top of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The views from the top of the tram will take your breath away. At the top of the mountain, youll find a small cafe serving delicious and wildly popular waffles.
If you prefer, you can opt for a gondola ride that will take you about halfway up the mountain where you can enjoy a nice lunch with a view.
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Best Hotel In Jackson Hole: Headwaters Lodge & Cabins At Flagg Ranch
This is the best way to stay in an authentic, rustic American ranch without breaking the bank or emptying your pockets! Located to the north of Jackson Hole, this is a lovely Jackson Hole mountain resort where youll get your own cabin at a range of different prices!
There is an onsite restaurant, as well as a 24-hour front desk and free parking for your convenience!
Day : A Museum And A Chuckwagon
This well rounded day will provide a bit of education , a ton of warm weather fun, and a highly entertaining evening with music and great food .
Wildlife Art Museum
This museum offers something for all ages with a number of displays, artwork, movies, and a fun kid’s corner. The museum also hosts events like Family Fun Days and a Summer Film Series. Check out the Museum Event Calendar here.
Cost: $Location: Head north of town towards Grand Teton National Park. Look for the somewhat camouflaged museum on the left side of the road near the Elk Refuge.
R Park: Head to the western short of the Snake River to find a new park, developed by the Jackson Hole Land Trust, that features nature paths, a bridge across the Snake River, and access to slow moving river water.
Cost: FreeLocation: Drive toward Wilson and park on the west side of the Snake River Bridge.
Water Slide: Another fun afternoon option for kids is to head to the Teton County Recreation Center which is home to a huge water slide. Kids and parents will have a blast at this indoor pool and fun center.
Cost: under $More Info: Call ahead for water slide hours: 739-9025.
Biking
Rent a couple of bikes and ride along Jackson’s paved trail system, in the national park, or along a number of dirt trails. A couple bike shops in town offer bike rentals.
Cost: $$More Info: Find Bike Rentals here
Chuckwagon Dinner
Finish the day with a chuckwagon dinner, an evening of yummy food and entertainment.
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The Lexington At Jackson Hole
285 North Cache
Of All The Jackson Hotels Family Rooms,The Lexington At Jackson Hole May Be The Most Luxurious And Comfortable
Providing guests with complimentary parking, a picnic area and an indoor swimming pool, the superb 3-star Lexington At Jackson Hole Hotel is located in the mountainous district of Jackson, within walking distance of Town Square and Teton Art Gallery. The venue features high speed Internet access in public areas.
The property is within 5 minutes’ drive of National Museum of Wildlife Art and 300 metres from Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. The city centre is within 5 minutes’ walk away. The Lexington At Jackson Hole Hotel is a short ride from Schwabacher Landing.
- Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Where To Eat Stay And Play In Jackson Hole
- Save this for later.
Jackson Hole, with its wide open spaces, surrounded on all sides by ruggedly beautifull mountains, is the kind of place people visit once and never leave. It attracts resort skiers and adventurous outdoor enthusiasts alike, and in recent years has gained a reputation for its small but mighty dining scene. All of which gives it an outsized place in the mind of travelers. More than 2.6 million people visit Jackson Hole each year the entire state of Wyoming has a population under 600,000.
Yes, its a gateway to the National Parks. Yes, its a winter wonderland for skiers. It’s also an idyllic paradise year-round. In the past few years, boutique hotels have popped up alongside creative restaurant concepts, prompting travelers to stay a little longer, exploring historic Town Square and beyond. Here is our guide to what to do in Jackson Hole.
All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
A plane lands at Jackson Hole Airport.
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Things To Do In Jackson Hole With Kids: Expert Advice From A Local Mom
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Ive been following Amelia from Tales of a Mountain Mama ever since my son was a baby, and Im not embarrassed to say that I fan-girled out a little when we got connected as bloggers last year. Amelia provides invaluable advice to parents who love the outdoors and want to grow that love in their children. Shes fortunate to be raising her family in one of Americas most beautiful places: Grand Teton National Park in Jackson, Wyoming. Today shes sharing her insights as a local mama to five kids to help you plan your dream family trip to Jackson Hole!
Jackson Hole, Wyoming is an amazing place full of stunning views, unique wildlife, and mountain living. As a local I pinch myself daily to be able to live here, and we do what we can to not let our kids take it for granted. While there are plenty of things to do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Im excited to share our favorites with you to make the most of your time.
Just a quick note that Jackson sits at an elevation of 6237 which affects different people in different ways. If you are used to sea level, go slow, listen to your body and drink tons of water. Watch kids carefully too and be sure they dont become dehydrated its easy to do!
Things To See And Do In Downtown Jackson
- Head to Cowboy Coaster at Snow King Mountain, an amazing ski resort and fun-filled amusement park.
- Visit the George Washington Memorial Park, also known as the Town Square, to see the iconic antler statue.
- Learn about the social significance of Jackson Hole at the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum!
- Visit the visitors center at the Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone National Park.
- Head to the National Elk Refuge and befriend all kinds of native species of Elk!
- Hike the Cache Creek Trailhead, which will lead you into the mountains alongside a gorgeous river!
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Fun Things To Do In Jackson Hole With Kids
Old West charm? Check. Rugged natural beauty? Check. Toss in four seasons of family-centric fun, and Jackson Hole is an ideal place to introduce kids to the American West. Our extended familyincluding eight kids between the ages of 3 and 13went to this postcard-perfect Wyoming valley situated south of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park over the summer. But we’re already dreaming of returning in the winter for ski and sleigh-ride adventures.
To quote my 6-year-old during one action-packed July day that started with a zip on a “cowboy coaster” and ended with a moose sighting in the backyard of our rental house: “There’s just too much to do in Jackson Hole!” To help guide little cowpokes and parents, we’ve handpicked 25 special activities that will see you through both warm and wintry weather in Wyoming.
For a Mountain West adventure in a more urban setting, read our guide to Denver. Happy trails!
1. Zip down the cowboy coaster at Snow King. This zippy ride was easily our favorite activity at Snow King Mountain, a summer and winter hot spot that’s conveniently situated just a few minutes outside of downtown Jackson. A one- or two-person open car ferries riders 456 feet to the top of a switchbacked ramp from there, they glide down, using a hand brake to adjust speed. Good to know before you go: It’s a summer-only activity. Also, solo riders need to be 54 inches tall and passengers 38 inches tall.
Pig wrestling is an annual tradition at the rodeo.
Snake River Lodge And Spa
Right at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snake River Lodge & Spa features a rustic mountain vibe throughout with plenty of wood and stone accents. The rooms here are clean and comfortable and done up in Western style, with wood furnishings and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs.
On-site amenities include an indoor-outdoor, swim-through pool with grotto waterfalls, as well as multiple hot tubs the Gamefish Restaurant, which cooks up locally sourced American fare and a delightful spa known for its range of treatments, from facials to massages.
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A Week Of Fun Filled Activities And Attractions For The Whole Family
A week of fun filled activities and attractions for the whole family. Spend some time in Grand Teton National Park. Head out on a whitewater or scenic rafting trip. Enjoy a horseback ride and wildlife tour. Experience the Wild West with a visit to the Rodeo and a Chuckwagon dinner.
Pricing Key: $ | $$ | $$$ | $$$$
Best Luxury Hotel In Downtown Jackson: Inn On The Creek
If you want to stay in an authentic American inn, then this is the place for you. Cute, cozy and comfortable, with real fires and fur duvets, youll be able to snuggle up here after a day of skiing or hiking!
With a complimentary breakfast, hot tub access and an awesome restaurant what more could you want?
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Teton Village In Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Located at the foot of the Teton mountains just 12 miles northwest of Jackson Hole, Teton Village is a great place to stay in Jackson Hole if all you want to do is spend time exploring the mountains, skiing, and being close to nature!
Youll find plenty of lodging options right at the base of the mountains, and of course, during the wintertime, youll be busy all day long hitting the slopes at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The apres-ski is also quite fun and the ski resort offers live music entertainment!
If youre visiting Teton Village during the summer months youll find some cool outdoor activities that will also offer the opportunity to get to know the area better. You can choose from mountain biking, hiking, and all sorts of other cool things to do here.
The Jackson Hole aerial tram which is also known as The Big Red, is one of the biggest attractions here! It takes you up to the top of Rendezvous Peak, from where you can catch the best views of the entire valley. Get your phone or camera ready, you dont want to miss snapping a pic here!
- Go skiing and enjoy the live music at Jackson Hole Ski Mountain Resort
- Explore the area and go hiking or mountain biking
- Jackson Hole Tram The Big Red and catch the best views from Rendezvous Peak
- Have a casual dinner at Mangy Moose Steakhouse and Saloon
- Ride the Bridger gondola with your skis or snowboard and hit the slopes
Day : Explore Grand Teton National Park
Dedicate the day to exploring Grand Teton National Park. Start off with a visit to the park’s visitor center. Then enjoy a short boat ride and an easy hike to a huge waterfall. Keep watch for wildlife in a few key locations and then fill up on great BBQ before returning to your accommodations.
Craig Thomas Visitor Center
A must before entering the park, stop by the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose, Wyoming. There are a number of interactive displays, a short film, a small store, and lots of information. Kids can pick up Junior Ranger packets here.
Enter Grand Teton National Park
The fee to enter the park is $25/vehicle. This pass is good for 7 days in both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Alternatively, you can purchase an annual park pass for $80, which provides access to all national parks.
Take a Boat Ride across Jenny Lake
First things first, drive north on the Inner Park Road toward Jenny Lake. Turn into the South Jenny Lake Junction and take a Jenny Lake Boat Ride across the lake to the entrance of Cascade Canyon. Round trip rides cost $10/adult and $5/child and take roughly 10 minutes in each direction. Alternatively you can walk 3.5 miles along the Jenny Lake trail to the other side and ride the boat back across.
Hike up to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
Picnic Lunch at String Lake
Drive up Signal Mountain Road
Look for Wildlife
Dinner at the Q Roadhouse
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Is A Jackson Hole Right For You
Jackson Hole was the perfect fit for our family as our kids are advanced skiers and it offered an abundance of terrain. It also would have worked well for us when our kids were in ski daycare or in beginner lessons. I was one of those parents who counted down the days until my children were old enough to attend ski daycare and really relished those moments when, if only for a few hours, I could ski like my pre-child self.
While at Jackson Hole, we met up with a friend of mine from Australia who was visiting with her husband and 7 year old son . My friend is an intermediate skier and when I asked for her opinion on the resort she did comment on the lack of green runs. While for the most part she was fine on the blues, when her legs were tired in the afternoons and she wanted a more relaxing run , she found the terrain options limited. That said, she still very much enjoyed her Jackson Hole family vacation, including a family sleigh ride within the Elk Reserve.
I really hope you enjoy your trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming with kids ! If you know of more wonderful things to do with kids in Jackson Hole, please share with us in the comments below.
Getting To And Around Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole Airport is small and picturesque, with direct flights from more than a dozen American cities, including New York , Houston, Seattle, and Los Angeles. Flights are more frequent in winter and summer months. Once youre on the ground you can use Uber as well as several taxi services, but plan on renting a car at the airport if you can. Jackson Hole is spread out and youll want the flexibility to explore neighboring towns and parks on your own schedule. Start Bus is an affordable option to hop from the town of Jackson to Teton Village to ski or have a drink. In summer, Start Bike, a fleet of smart bikes available for ride share, is a fun way to scoot around town and can help avoid traffic.
Jackson’s downtown area is filled with galleries and shops.
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