Best Things to Do in Jackson Hole, WY With Kids

A calm, guide-led float (not whitewater) drifting past the Teton range with regular wildlife sightings — moose along the banks, eagles and osprey overhead. Low physical demand and works for a wide age range, including younger kids who'd be excluded from a whitewater rafting trip. Guides narrate the geology and wildlife throughout.

Watch out: Distinct from whitewater rafting trips offered by the same outfitters — confirm you're booking the scenic float, not the rapids version, if young kids are along. Morning trips tend to have the calmest water and best wildlife activity. Bring layers; river mornings in the Tetons run cold even in summer.

Open-air vehicle tours run by local outfitters, timed for early morning or evening when wildlife is most active. Realistic sightings with an experienced guide include grizzly and black bears, elk, bison, and moose, though nothing is guaranteed on any given day. Guides carry spotting scopes and know current animal locations better than a self-drive trip typically achieves.

Watch out: Early-morning departures (often before sunrise) are when sightings are best — set expectations with kids about the wake-up time. No sighting is ever guaranteed regardless of the outfitter's track record; check cancellation or rebooking policy. Full-day tours into Yellowstone add significant driving time on top of the wildlife-viewing portion.

A well-regarded museum just north of Jackson with a strong permanent collection of wildlife-focused art, plus outdoor sculpture trails and a discovery gallery aimed at younger visitors. A good indoor option for a rainy day or an altitude-adjustment day early in the trip (Jackson sits at roughly 6,200 feet, and some visitors need a slower first day).

Watch out: It's an art museum, not a natural-history museum — set expectations if kids are expecting taxidermy-style wildlife displays rather than paintings and sculpture. The discovery gallery and outdoor trails are the more hands-on elements for younger kids. Small enough that 2 hours genuinely covers it well; don't over-plan the day around it alone.

Runs in summer as well as the winter ski season, climbing more than 4,000 vertical feet from the base to the top of Rendezvous Mountain in about 12 minutes, with sweeping views across the Teton range and the valley floor. Summit has hiking trails and a restaurant for those who want to extend the visit beyond just the ride up and down.

Watch out: Summit elevation is significant (above 10,000 feet) — bring layers even on a warm valley day, since it's noticeably colder and windier at the top. Check operating days and hours since summer tram schedules can be more limited than winter. Not stroller-friendly on the summit trail sections.

A classic Wyoming activity offered by several valley ranches, riding through sagebrush flats and forest trails with Teton views as the backdrop. A genuinely different pace from the wildlife-and-scenery tours, and a good fit for families wanting a hands-on Western experience rather than another vehicle-based activity.

Watch out: Minimum age and weight policies vary meaningfully by outfitter — check specifics before booking if you have younger kids. Riding experience isn't required for the standard trail rides, but ask about pace and terrain difficulty if anyone in your group has never ridden. Afternoon heat can be significant in peak summer; morning rides are more comfortable.