Things to Do in Jackson Hole

There’s always the question of: do you have children, or do you not have littles. So I’ll start with the kid friendly activities, and then add the adult experience at the end.

It’s a must to choose a hotel with a pool. Many of the hotels have pools now; and when parents need a break after a full day, it’s so great to send the family to the pool. Mountain Modern located in the town of Jackson just added a pool to their menu. https://mountainmodernmotel.com/

The resorts on the Westbank at Teton Village – most come with pools (4 seasons, Hotel Terra, Teton Mountain Lodge, Snake River Lodge, etc) Teton Village also has a splash pad for your child, which we loved for so many years; it’s right next to the play ground, and the creek which our daughter frequented in her swim suit all day long. Teton Village is it’s own resort with so many activities for the whole family, just check out their summer or winter website jacksonhole.com

When it’s raining, we loved experiencing the National Museum of Wildlife Art. There is an entire children section with books and puzzles, games and art; including an area where the kids can act out their own plays. This place is a MUST and has a great cafe for lunch as well. https://www.wildlifeart.org/

There is a history museum in the town of Jackson, I have not been there yet (will update soon). https://jacksonholehistory.org/

The Elk Refuge; although the term “refuge” is fascinating, (since it’s a feeding ground for the Elk) the animals come down all winter to grow and graze; then during hunting season the herd travels up high. The sleigh rides through this protected area are exciting, even in the winter (dress warm!) https://www.nersleighrides.com/

A Refuge of it’s own: visit the Alta Wyoming Elk Herd on the West Side of Teton County.

Movieworks Cinema – My family really likes this place now that the theater has reserved recliner seating; it’s perfect for a rainy day. Check out what’s currently in the shows at https://www.jacksonholecinemas.com/

Shop the Town Square. I have a friend from Park City who comes every year; and each time, we walk the square to check out the latest and greatest. Her favorites are Bella Cose https://www.belleshops.com/, Terra (and tots for kids!) https://terra-jackson-hole.myshopify.com/, Midnight Lunch and Accentuate (my daughter’s favorite). There’s also Teton Toys which has a play area for kids. This store is a must, we went here every day when my daughter was young. There are also public restrooms just behind the store, which is great for your child. Of course my favorite is “Valley Bookstore” so I can just sit and read a book and relax. https://www.valleybookstore.com/ Don’t forget your annual Christmas photo at the Elk Antlers arches on the lawn of the Central Park. Town Square info and tours; including the central park and ice skating the park in the winter: https://www.jacksonwy.gov/235/Town-Square

Snowking Resort. This is the town resort. It can be seen from the Town Square. Snowking has a range of summer activities as well as skiing in the winter, including the uphill pass for those that like to skin up and ski down. This resort has become full faceted over the past years, and the activities are now too many to list. Our favorites are the putt putt golf, the Maze, and the cowboy coaster. My daughter wants to work at Base Camp next year (check that out if you have younger kids). For Adults Only: check out the concerts at the top of Snowking; this is a once in a lifetime experience to go to a concert under the open sky with views of the Tetons; so fun! Check out their website at snowkingmountain.com

The Rodeo. Everyone needs to experience a Wyoming Rodeo at least once in their life. Jackson has the scene; I love the barrel racers. https://jhrodeo.com/

Grand Teton Music Festival. This is for classical music lovers; however, over the past few years, the genre is developing. Opera is now added every summer at the end of the season; and the Opera is a MUST see, it sells out immediately. Other 20th century music and newer composers have been added as well. So the point is: it’s not ALL classical. I highly recommend to check this out if you are interested in the symphony orchestra. https://gtmf.org/

Center for the Arts. There is so much programming here; between the art classes available, the festivals, the Wednesday people’s market, and all the things. Check out their calendar to make sure you book any events you are interested in. We love the Shakespeare in the Park event hosted in July. https://www.jhcenterforthearts.org/

You’ve got to check out the Farmer’s Market on the Town Square (summer’s only): https://www.jacksonholefarmersmarket.org/

For kids and adults or just adults depending on the age and levels: Remember, we took our 3 year old up Death Canyon to the Phelps Lake overlook. There’s a large “photo” Rock you can get a family photo of your kids about halfway up this trail.

Visit Grand Teton National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm

Follow us on AllTrails for some great local hikes. (will embed below soon)
Yes, I need to build out the details in a different blog; but great family hikes (beginner hikes): Jenny Lake, Phelps Lake Overlook, and Lawrence Rockefeller Preserve is a MUST. Look for my daughter’s written day in the “guest” book at the preserve! I’ll work on building these blog posts next; subscribe for more info.
Older Children (middle school & up/moderate hikes): Phelps Lake jumping rock is a scene. Especially for Labor Day weekend. Inspiration Point has gorgeous views and stop by Hidden Falls on your way back to the car.
For hiking in general; I’ll add a post specifically about Hiking and link it here (over the coming months) subscribe to get the update!
Guided Trips: Climb the Grand Teton with Exum Mountain Guides. https://exumguides.com/ they also do winter trips; ski the Tetons like a local!
I realize this site is “Teton Husky” but no dogs in the park. Dogs must remain on leash and can be walked on the roads. Yes, my parents take me for walks on the roads in the park, and I’m on leash (not because I’m a husky who likes to chase, it’s because I’m a canine breed).

Laurence Rockefeller Preserve is a must, even for Locals!

Visit Yellowstone National Park. https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm

This is it’s own website in itself.
Subscribe for more details this coming Spring when my family takes me on a trip to Yellowstone to visit the Red Dogs (Baby Bison) in search of the Yellowstone Wolf Pack (in Lamar Valley). Follow me on YouTube for the documented adventure. Coming Spring 2025.

See Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park.

For those who are more than adventurous and enjoy wilderness exploration, Wyoming has MUCH to offer (in the entire state). I’m going to limit this section to only what is surrounding Jackson Hole…. which leads us into:

The Gros Ventre Wilderness.

We love the Darwin Ranch (blog post coming, subscribe for more info)
There are many wilderness ranches to experience, Flat Creek & Goosewing & Gros Ventre River Ranch are the first that come to mind.
Easy Day Hikes: Goodwin Lake, Crystal Creek, Cache Creek
Dogs are allowed in the National Forest and in the Gros Ventre Wilderness. This does NOT mean I can chase any animals. I must remain on voice command, and my parents use a collar that has a sound and a vibration just in case I forget.
Mountain Biking! No biking in the wilderness; however, there are trails in the National Forest that are accessible for bikes. Check Cache Creek, Snowking, Game Creek, Teton Pass, Shadow Mountain, and Mosquito Creek. No EBikes; there are special rules to review and follow. These are currently in the works, so check back for updates to find out which bikes are allowed and what the process is to get your E Bike registered.

Visit Goodwin Lake in the Gros Ventre if you have a dog!

Skiing.

You can’t talk about Jackson and not mention skiing.

I like to cross-country ski up the creeks when they freeze in the winter with the dog (as well as the above hiking trails that are accessible).
If you check my other post, you’ll see that I’m skiing JHMR daily.
Since we live just next to SnowKing, that resort has the best access for winter skiing for lunch for a quick turn or two; or you can uphill for exercise, so don’t forget to check this resort out as well.
Skiing Teton Pass. (needs it’s own post, I’ll detail soon and subscribe for update)
Skiing in the national park. I recommend Exum Mountain Guides for this experience if you are a new local or just visiting.