What to Do in Grand Tetons National Park with Kids
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Grand Teton National Park is unlike any other. The views are amazing from everywhere.
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The kids and I looking up at the gorgeous tetons from inspiration point
If you’re looking for what to do in Grand Teton National Park with kids (or without!), you’re in the right place. We spent 3 days in Grand Teton with kids and have created a guide from our experience in the park!
This park is home to 86 named mountains, 6 lakes, and over 60 species of mammals. In Grand Teton National Park you’ll find untamed lands teeming with wildlife. The expansive backcountry allows visitors to experience the same lands pioneers experienced when the park was first discovered. The name of the mountain range is attributed to early 19th-century French-speaking trappers—les trois tétons (the three teats) was later anglicized and shortened to Tetons. Grand Teton was designated a National Park in 1929, but was expanded in 1950 when Jackson Hole National Monument became an official part of the National Park. Grand Teton National Park is visited by approximately 3.29 million people annually and is about 310,000 acres of protected land. Whether you are traveling with kids or without, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this gorgeous National Park.
Every visitor to Grand Teton National Park should make a stop at one of the three visitor centers to get a park map, get a weather update, info about the park’s road conditions and possible closures. You can also visit HERE to see up-to-date closures and weather. The Laurance S. Rockafeller Preserve Center is the most Southern visitor center. Going a little further North in the center of the park is the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. Finally, the Colter Bay Visitor Center is the most Northern Visitor Center in the park. Park Rangers are also a wonderful resource for finding out the parks more off the beaten path spots.
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When to Visit Grand Teton National Park
Summertime is Grand Teton’s busiest and warmest season, but the temperatures are mild. Late-May to early September is arguably the best time to visit Grand Teton National Park. This time of year the park is fully open; trails, visitor centers, Ranger-led activities, lodges, etc. Between these months you’ll be able to get the full outdoor experience.
We visited in late May right at the beginning of the season. While some places were still closed or in the first few days of being open, we had the best time. The animals were out and most of them had just had babies. We saw the first moose born in the Tetons of 2021 and we even spotted a grizzly bear with her four yearling cubs. This can be a great time of the year to get ahead of the crowds, but it’s also warm enough to do outdoor activities.
Winter is very cold, but absolutely gorgeous. It snows heavily in Grand Teton.. If you visit in winter, be prepared with snowshoes, lots of layers, crampons for icy conditions, tire chains for the snow, etc.
The average annual weather for Grand Teton — reference COURTESY of google.com
How to get to Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is absolutely amazing, but it isn’t super convenient to get to if you’re used to traveling big highways or making day trips from big cities. To give you an idea of how long it will take to get to the park, here are a few examples.
Obligatory national park sign photo!
Jackson Hole to Grand Teton National park is 6 minutes
How far is Grand Teton National Park from Salt Lake City? 5 hours, 15 minutes
Bozeman to Grand Teton National Park is 3 hours, 35 minutes
Rapid City to Grand Teton National park is7 hour, 50 minutes
Idaho Falls to Grand Teton National park is 2 hours
Yellowstone National Park to Grand Teton is realistically about 2 hours, but the parks are officially only 7 miles apart via the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway.
Grand Teton National park is the only National Park with an airport inside of it. The easiest way to visit Grand Teton is to fly into Jackson Hole. However, it can be pricey & there are limited rental cars in the area. If you want to fly in, be sure to book far in advance to secure your rental car.
READ NEXT: Pinnacles National Park with Kids
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How Much Does it Cost to Get into Grand Teton National Park?
Colter Bay National park Visitor Center
Entrance Fee (Grand Teton Cost)
Private Vehicle: $35. Valid for 7 days. Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (15 passenger capacity or less) and all occupants to Grand Teton National Park.
Motorcycle: $30. Valid for 7 days: Admits one non-commercial motorcycle to Grand Teton National Park.
Bicyclists, hikers, and pedestrians are per person: $20. Valid for 7 days. Admits one individual with no car to Grand Teton National Park.
Buy an Annual Pass to all of the U.S. National Parks HERE for only $80. Unlimited access for 12 months.
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Where to Stay in Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park Lodging:
The mountains from string lake
Grand Teton National Park Lodges:
Jackson Lake Lodge: (Open mid-May thru early October) The lodge is a full-service resort hotel located right on Jackson Lake. It has 348 guest cottage rooms and 37 guest rooms in the main lodge. Jackson Lake Lodge hosts many activities to include kayak rentals, boat trips, horseback riding, and bike rentals.
The kids playing on the shore of jenny lake
2. Jenny Lake Lodge: (Open mid-June thru mid-September) This is a very popular accommodation and I recommend booking as early as possible. It is a rustic, yet luxurious vacation setting. The lodge has 37 cabins located directly on Jenny and String Lakes. I would want to stay here on my next trip to the Grand Tetons with kids!
The kids standing along string lake — located near jenny lake lodge
3. Signal Mountain Lodge: (Open late-May thru mid-October) The lodge is made up of Lakefront apartments with kitchenettes, log cabins, and motel-style units. It is located beside Jackson Lake with an adjacent marina. The lodge offers several activities include float trips, guided lake fishing, and canoe and boat rentals. There are multiple dining and shopping options co-located with Signal Mountain Lodge.
4. Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch: This lodge is central to both Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. It’s an excellent spot if you want one accommodation to explore both parks from. Headwaters Lodge offers cabin-style lodging, RV sites with full hookups, tent sites, and even camper cabins with available rental gear. On-site there is a lodge with dining, gift shops, and a General store. The lodge offers horseback riding, float trips, and many more activities for guests to book.
5. Colter Bay Cabins: (Open late-May thru early September) Colter Bay Cabins are located right on the shores of Jackson Lake. There are 208 snug log cabins and several tent-cabins Ther hotel offers kayaking, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, canoeing, and so much more with the iconic Grand Tetons as a backdrop. Co-located in Colter Bay is a general store and visitor center.
6. Triangle X Ranch: This is a dude ranch! It is also the only remaining ranch in the National Park System. By staying here, you’ll be experiencing a part of history. Triangle X Ranch has been family-owned for 5 generations. Experience the wild west with horseback riding, hikes, float trips, western cookouts, meals, fishing, dancing, and other ranch activities.
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The mountain reflections in grand teton national park are unreal.
Grand Teton National Park Campgrounds:
There are 7 campgrounds located inside Grand Teton National Park. Below are some short descriptions with links to each one.
The views at Jenny lake are amazing.
Gros Ventre Campground: Reservations Required. This massive 279 site campground can host tents and RVs. There is potable water available in the campground. The campground does have toilets, but no showers. There are 39 sites with electric hook-ups. There is a dump station available.
Cost: $38 per site per night
Jenny Lake Campground: Reservations Required. This 61 site campground can host tents. No RVs are allowed. There is potable water available in the campground. The campground does have toilets and coin showers are available. There is a dump station available. *There are 10 first come, first serve sites for hikers/bikers
Cost: $36 per site per night
Signal Mountain Campground: Reservations Required. This 81 site campground can host tents and small RVs. There is potable water available in the campground. The campground does have toilets and coin showers are available. There is a dump station available. There are 25 sites with electric hook-ups. This campsite is located in a developed area with access to the lake, a marina, a lodge, restaurants, and a general store.
Cost: $62 per site per night
Colter Bay Campground: Reservations Required. This large 324 site campground can host tents and RVs. There is potable water available in the campground. The campground does have toilets and coin showers are available. There is a dump station available. There are 13 sites with electric hook-ups. This campsite is located Colter Bay Village which has many amenities including a visitor center, restaurants, stores, cabins, and a marina. Shower and laundry services are available for an additional fee.
Cost: $13 per site per night
Colter Bay RV Park: Reservations Required. This 112 site campground is for RVs and has full hookup RV sites including sewer, water, and 20-, 30-, and 50-amp electric outlets. There is a dump station available. This campsite is located Colter Bay Village which has many amenities including a visitor center, restaurants, stores, cabins, and a marina. Shower and laundry services are available for an additional fee. *Sites book over a year in advance, so plan accordingly. (Click the link for the Colter Bay RV Park Map)
Cost: $88 per site per night
Lizard Creek Campground: Reservations Required. This 60 site campground can host tents and small RVs. It is perfectly located to explore both Yellowstone and Grand Teton. There is potable water available in the campground. The campground does have toilets, but no showers are available.
Cost: $37 per site per night
Headwaters Campground and RV Park: Reservations Required. This campground has sites for both tents and RVs. There are 97 RV-only sites and 34 tent-only sites. There are also 40 camper cabins for rent. There are flush toilets and hot showers available in this campground.
Cost: $44 per TENT site per night, $81 per CAMPER CABIN site per night, $83 per RV site per night
READ NEXT: How to ENJOY Tent Camping with Toddlers
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Where to Stay Outside of Grand Teton National Park
We stayed for 3 nights at the snake river lodge in teton village
Grand Teton National Park has many options for staying outside the park. Almost all of them are going to be in Jackson, Wyoming or in Teton Village, Wyoming.
Recommended Hotels Near Grand Teton National Park:
Snake River Lodge & Spa: (Teton Village) The Snake River Lodge & Spa is also the closest hotel to Grand Teton National Park. We stayed here for 3 nights and it was amazing. The staff is so friendly, the rooms are very nice, and the pool area is unreal. They offer a nightly happy hour snack, on-site dining, a full bar, and have an epic 17,000 square-foot spa on site.. If you’re feeling adventurous, Snake River Lodge & Spa has an on-site kiosk where you can book guided tours, rent E-Bikes, or book other adventures. You can’t go wrong with Snake River Lodge & Spa.
Recommended Hotels in Jackson, Wyoming:
Use the map below to find a hotel that fits your family size and budget.
READ NEXT: 4 Day Itinerary for Yellowstone
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Charletta searching for wildlife inside the park
What to do in Grand Teton National Park with Kids
The kids on the shore of Jenny Lake
1) Hike
Grand Teton National Park has hiking for any ability. With so many mountains and lake shores, there is easy hiking to very strenuous depending on what you’re looking for. Hiking is one of the best things to do in Grand Teton with kids - it gets everyone up close to the park’s natural beauty.
Best Hikes for Toddlers in Grand Teton National Park
Latham looking at the teton range from the shore of string lake
Lakeshore Trail: This easy 2 mile trail starts at Colter Bay. It was high on our list to-do and we didn’t get to it, but I so wish we had. It follows the Jackson Lake Lakeshore with views of the Teton Range.
String Lake to Leigh Lake: Technically these are two different trails, but you can not get to Leigh Lake without hiking the .9 miles out on String Lake trail. I highly recommend this hike. You get peeping views of the Tetons the entire way through the forest. For us, we actually turned back after enjoying the panoramic views of Leigh Lake and the Tetons from the bottom of the lake stairs. It was such a gorgeous and easy hike. If you do the entire String Lake and Leigh Lake trails together it would be 3.6 miles. The way we did it, it more like 2 miles total.
Lake Creek - Woodland Trail Loop: This easy 3 mile loop is a great hike for families. The trail takes hikers along the shores of Lake Creek to Phelps Lake. Hikers are rewarded at the turn around with views into Death Canyon.
Lunch Tree Hill: This easy 0.5 mile trail takes hikers to the top of a hill for views of the Teton Range. The trail is paved, but steep, so it may not be accessible for everyone. The trail head is near the Jackson Lake Lodge.
Murie Ranch Hike: This easy 1 mile trail takes hikers out to the historic Murie Ranch. Feel free to explore the area once you arrive!
Charletta on the shore of Leigh Lake during a hike - this is where we turned around on our hike
Best Hikes for Kids in Grand Teton National Park:
These are the best kid friendly hikes in Grand Teton national park!
The kids standing at Inspiration Point overlooking Jenny Lake
Inspiration Point: DO NOT MISS THIS HIKE. This is the most popular hike in Grand Teton National Park, so you won’t be alone here. This is a moderate 2-mile hike (if you use Jenny Lake Boat) or a moderate 5.8 mile out and back hike if you choose to walk around Jenny Lake. We did this hike easily with a 4 and 6-year-old. We brought lunch and ate at the top of Inspiration Point. This hike will also take you past hidden falls (the only waterfall in Grand Teton), so it’s double the reward for the effort. Inspiration Point is an excellent hike for families with children!
Moose Ponds: This easy 3 mile loop takes hikers down into Lupine meadows. It offers excellent views of Teewinot and Jenny Lake. This trail is famous (and gets its name) from the Moose that frequent the area. Hit this trail early in the morning for the best chance to view Moose, Beaver, and Pronghorns! **This trail can be a 2 mile out and back if you choose not to do the “lollipop” at the end.
Heron Pond: This easy 3 mile hike starts by Colter Bay. It winds through forests and wetlands before arriving to Swan Lake. Bring your binoculars for some great bird watching.
Jenny Lake Hike Loop: This easy 7.6 mile trail offers families a plethora of chances to hike other trails, get amazing views of the Teton Range, and spot wildlife. It loops around the lake and past several other trailheads.
Phelps Lake: This moderate 4.3 mile trail does gain 1050 feet in elevation, but it offers sweeping views of Phelps Lake. This trail is unique in that the first half is down hill to the lake, so all of the work is on the back half. Plan accordingly and bring lots of water.
The kids and I at Inspiration Point
Best Hikes for Teenagers in Grand Teton National Park:
hiking up to inspiration point
Taggart Lake - Bradley Lake: This Moderate 5 mile look rewards hikers with sweeping views of the Grand Tetons with the 2 lakes in the foreground.
Grand View Point: This moderate 5.6 mile out and back trail climbs almost 1,000 feet in elevation. However, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the entire Teton Mountain Range.
Paintbrush Canyon: This strenuous 19 mile hike gains 4350 feet in elevation. This trail offers hikers the best view available in the National Park with panoramic views of Mount Moran, Mount Woodring, and Rockchuck Peak. Plan a very full day of hiking and stop by a ranger station to verify the trail conditions before going.
Aspen Ridge (Bouldering): This 5.8 mile loop trail travels through a boulder field that can require boulder hopping and small climbs up and down. Hikers are rewarded with incredible views of Aspen Lake. This is a great hike for adventurers who prefer front country hiking.
Bearpaw and Trapper Lakes: This moderate 9.2 mile out and back trail takes hikers on a level hike past several alpine lakes. The trail ends at Trapper Lake where hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Mount Moran. (Bring your cameras!)
Death Canyon: This strenuous 7.9 mile out and back trail will have hikers climb over 2,000 feet elevation. This trail first takes hikers up to the Phelps Lake Overlook, down to the lake, and the back up to Death Canyon. In spring or summer, check with the Rangers about snow conditions.
Emma Lake: This moderate 10.7 mile trail takes hikers along a marshy trail to Emma Lake. In the summer there are tons of wildflowers. Bring the camera for the epic views of the Teton Range!
Garnet Canyon: This strenuous 8.4 mile hike takes hikers deep into the Teton Range. There is a section where hikers will have to scramble through boulders and hike up over 2,500 feet of elevation change. However, the work is worth is. Hikers are rewarded by the views from inside the canyon where you’re surrounded by Nez Perce, South and Middle Teton, the Grand Teton, and Disappointment Peaks.
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The kids playing on the banks of jenny lake
2) Wildlife Tour
The kids using their binoculars to see an eagle’s nest
If there is one main “must do” in Grand Teton with kids (or without) it is to take a guided wildlife tour. We partnered with Jackson Hole Eco Tours for one of their Sunrise Wildlife tours and it was an incredible day. Our guide, Sarah, was absolutely fantastic. She has a passion for animals, but specifically she has a passion for the ecology of greater Teton area. She picked us up right on time at our hotel doors, made us French press coffee, handed us a basket full of locally sourced breakfast items, she gave each of us a set of binoculars (including the kids — see photo), and was so incredibly good with our children. She never over explained and was sure we were doing and seeing what we wanted to see. On our tour we saw fox, moose, elk, bison, pronghorn, grizzly bear, bald eagles, blue herons, and so much more. The pace of the day was perfect for us. The benefit of booking with Jackson Hole Eco Tours is their commitment to protecting and respecting the wildlife. The vehicle we used had two roof hatches, so when we were observing bison or the moose, we sat at a respectful distance on the roof of the car. Neither the animals or us were ever in danger or felt threatened. I can not recommend Jackson Hole Eco Tours enough — they are spectacular company. The benefit of hiring local guides is not only to support the local community, but they have a network of guides who report wildlife activity to each other, so you get to see so much on your tour! In my opinion, Jackson Hole Eco Tours is one of the best Grand Teton tours. (if not THE best)
Here are a few of the tours they offer:
Sunrise Wildlife Adventure (this is what we did)
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Charletta looking through a spotting scope to see the pronhorn
Latham found an elk shed on our wildlife tour
Binoculars are a MUST when visiting Grand Teton National Park - My kids own these
3) Jenny Lake Boat
Jenny Lake Boating offers both a boat shuttle across Jenny Lake. The Jenny Lake boat shuttle is one of our favorite things to do in Grand Teton National Park with kids! We chose to take the boat across to shave a few miles of the hike up to Inspiration Point. At this time, there is no reservation needed for the Jenny Lake Shuttles. Even though the boat ride across is short, it is magical and worth the money. I recommend getting there early and do not rely on catching the last boat across in the evening. If you do, you could miss the boat due to crowds and have to hike back around the entire lake.
Jenny Lake boating re-opens for the season May 15, 2023.
Jenny Lake boating offers a ride from the jenny lake visitor center over to the base of inspiration point
4) Float the Snake River
An absolutely amazing way to experience Grand Teton National Park is to join one of the many River Float options. These float trips are good for all ages and are a perfect way to observe wildlife and get epic views of the Teton Range. Grand Teton National Park hosts a multitude of activities including River Floats. However, I recommend booking with local guides.
5) Horseback Riding
Horseback ridiers with the tetons as the backdrop
Grand Teton National Park is the prime place to take a horseback ride through the untamed wild west. Grand Teton National Park offers 1 or 2 hour horseback rides through the parks for anyone age 8 and older. If your child is younger than 8, they also offer pony rides! Horseback riding in Grand Tetons is an amazing way to explore the park!
To book your Grand Teton horseback adventure, check out these authorized concessionaires:
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There are so many amazing places to snap photos with the tetons as the backdrop!
6) Go Fishing
Grand Teton offers anglers an epic opportunity to experience an unforgettable fishing experience. This world-class fishing location is amazing for snagging the trout of your dreams. I would love to spend a week on the shores of these alpine lakes. Most of these concessionaires do not have an age minimum, children just need to be accompanied by a paying adult.
Here are the authorized Fishing Guides for Grand Teton National Park:
Lost Creek Ranch (Private Ranch, Fishing for Guests Only)
“Fishing is regulated according to Wyoming state laws and a Wyoming fishing license is required. Licenses may be purchased in the park at Flagg Ranch, Colter Bay Marina, Signal Mountain Lodge, or online. Licenses are also available for purchase in the local community at a variety of locations.” - National Park Service
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Take me back to the shores of Leigh Lake
7) Grand Teton Junior Ranger Program
Charletta worked on her junior ranger book at the jenny lake visitor center while eating a push pop
It’s easy to become a Junior Ranger in Grand Teton!
Pick up one of the Grand Adventure books from any of the Visitor Centers. Then, head out to explore the park’s ecology, animals, and history! Once the book is complete, head back to a visitor center where a park ranger will check your work the booklet, give the oath, and then present the coveted Junior Ranger Badge! Becoming a junior ranger is one of the most fun things to do in Grand Tetons with kids!
Check out the Junior Ranger page to learn more!
READ NEXT: What to do in Badlands National Park with Kids
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8) Take a Scenic Drive
This is an actual view from my side view miirror on teton park road
Grand Teton National Park is absolutely stunning to see in person. One of the best ways to get acquainted with this park is by doing one of the 4 designated scenic drives. Each offers a different perspective of the park and different angles of the Teton Range. If you’re visiting Grand Teton with a toddler the scenic drives are an excellent way to schedule a car nap!
Moose Wilson Road: This 7-mile road is amazing for spotting wildlife. This is the road we saw a Moose off of! We stayed at the Snake River Lodge and Spa which is situated at the beginning of this road. Be Some of it is a gravel road, so be aware. It is closed seasonally due to snow, so check the NPS site for conditions.
Signal Mountain Summit Road: This 5-mile road takes drivers up to an overlook with sweeping views of the Teton Range and Jackson Hole. This road is narrow and winding, so use caution.
Teton Park Road: This is the main 20-mile road that drives through the heart of Grand Teton National Park. We stopped in so many places off this road for photos. It feels like your inside of a photograph. I highly recommend driving this entire road.
Jenny Lake Scenic Drive: This is a short 3-mile drive that has pull-outs of amazing views of Jenny Lake with the Tetons as a backdrop. We drove this route a few times and it’s gorgeous. Pair this drive with the String Lake or Leigh Lake hikes or a visit to the Jenny Lake Visitor Center.
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9) Mormon Row
The famous tA moulton barn
Technically Mormon Row is not inside of the National Park but is often lumped in as a “must-see” for Grand Teton national park. The most famous and most photographed barn in the world is located here on Mormon Row. It’s called the T.A. Moulton Barn. Behind the barn is an amazing view of the Tetons. Over the years this area has become extremely popular, so do not expect to be alone there. You are allowed to park and get out to take photos of the barn and historic homestead. Please be patient and courteous to others.
Before you visit, check out the full history of Mormon Row.
I waited here about 15 minutes for a break in the crowd to get a photo with no one in it
Grand Teton is one of the 2 National Parks located in Wyoming. People come from all over the world to experience the rugged beauty of this majestic mountain range. There are clear alpine lakes, endless wildlife, epic hiking and a type of Wild West only found in the U.S. No matter whether you camp inside park or stay nearby, Grand Teton National Park the the perfect adventure for all ages.
***If you’re headed to Yellowstone with Kids, check out my 4 Day Yellowstone National Park Itinerary!
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