Best Things to Do in Jackson Hole with Kids in Every Season

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, has a reputation as a fabulous ski destination, but families are discovering it works year-round for a wonderful vacation. At the foot of two national parks and featuring plenty of luxury accommodation options, Jackson Hole offers an appealing combination of access to two national parks and luxury accommodations.

But the question faced by every parent when planning a vacation still stands: What do we do once we get there? Kids will only gaze in awe at beautiful scenery for so long. Fortunately, we have a long list of fun things to do in Jackson Hole regardless of what time of year you visit.

Favorite Activities for Year-Round Fun for Families in Jackson Hole

Your trip to Jackson Hole will look a little different depending on what season you visit. Here are some ideas for things to do in both warm and cold weather, as well as our top season-specific tips.

Warm Weather

National Park hopping. After a long winter, Jackson Hole’s unique ecology springs to life as the months grow warmer. The big draw, of course, is Yellowstone. Yellowstone National Park is within day-trip distance of Jackson Hole, although reaching its famous geothermal attractions requires several hours of driving each way. Plan for a full day, and consider a guided excursion or an overnight stay closer to the park if Yellowstone is a priority.

Only minutes from downtown Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park is not to be missed as well. Consider booking a morning safari experience, during which it is possible to see bison, elk, moose, antelope, fox, coyote and bears.

Horseback riding. Riding is popular in this area, particularly in the summer months. We love the variety offered in Jackson Hole; there are plenty of trails to suit any riding style and skill level, and both commercial and family-owned ranches to choose from. While most are designed for kids 8 and up, younger children can do lead-arounds on ponies to whet their appetite for riding in the future. It is quite common for families to pair a few days in Jackson Hole with a longer stay at a nearby dude ranch . 

Rafting. The Snake River winds its way through this area and there are multiple ways to enjoy it. A whitewater rafting experience is thrilling for kids who meet age and size requirements, while younger kids will enjoy a scenic float trip down the river. Regardless of the level of difficulty, the views of the Tetons make the experience breathtaking. Our trusted luxury travel partner in the region can even arrange for a cookout right on the riverbanks after rafting.

Rodeo. Attending a rodeo isn’t for everyone, but for those who crave Wild West-style entertainment, the Jackson Hole rodeo is one of the most famous in the world. It dates back more than 100 years to when cowboys roamed this land. It is only offered from Memorial Day through Labor Day, typically two or three times a week, so plan trip dates accordingly if this is a priority. 

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With more time in Jackson Hole, there are so many additional outdoor pursuits to consider. ATV rides outside Grand Teton, half-day guided mountain biking tours, rock climbing and fly fishing lessons have all proven popular with active families.

After all that fresh air and exercise during the day, one evening activity stands out: private guided stargazing at night. The Jackson Hole area has low light pollution, so it is a perfect opportunity to look for constellations and more. Our Family Travel Advisors can arrange this and many other special experiences when planning bespoke trips to the area — there’s really no limit. 

Cold Weather

Skiers flock to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in the colder months, where the jagged mountain peaks are reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. Expect steep terrain that challenges even the most skilled skiers, but also runs that can accommodate beginners. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is legendary for its steep terrain, dramatic scenery and challenging runs, but it also offers ski lessons and designated beginner terrain for families. Although the resort is known for substantial snowfall, conditions vary throughout the season, so families with less experienced skiers should plan accordingly.

But when visitors need a break from the slopes, there are tons of other activities offered here. Dog sledding, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, snow tubing and multiple ice skating rinks are the most popular with families.  A private guided snowshoe hike deep into the woods has been a highlight for Ciao Bambino clients — it’s a fun adventure but also a nice respite from skiing and snowboarding, and it’s an active way for families to immerse themselves in the stunning landscape, away from the ski resort atmosphere.

This is also an ideal time of year to see Yellowstone by booking a snowcoach tour of the park. It can make for a long day, so we don’t advise it with young kids, but it is an exceptional experience for nature and wildlife lovers. Snowmobile and wolf-viewing tours in the park are also common in winter.

Our Family Travel Advisors can put together a great ski package that combines plenty of other activities in and around Jackson Hole.

Any Weather

If it’s raining or you just need a bit of a break from all that fresh air, Jackson Hole still offers plenty of options for getting out and about to explore.

One great choice for a full day of fun is to combine the National Museum of Wildlife Art with the National Elk Refuge nearby. Make time to eat in the cafe in the museum, as it overlooks a gorgeous meadow. The museum has a dedicated children’s gallery and a puppet show theatre. 

The National Elk Refuge is especially rewarding in winter, when thousands of elk migrate down from the surrounding mountains. From roughly mid-December through early April, families can take horse-drawn sleigh rides for an up-close look at the herds. The refuge is worth visiting in other seasons, too, although elk sightings are less predictable and visitors may spot birds, pronghorn and other wildlife instead.

For younger kids who need a break from outdoor adventures, the Jackson Hole Children’s Museum is a terrific option. Its new downtown home, which opened in 2026, features 15 interactive exhibits inspired by the region’s natural environment, with plenty of opportunities for hands-on play, creativity and discovery.

While you’re there, make time to explore Jackson Hole’s downtown. It offers a mix of classic (and a little kitschy) Western charm and modern conveniences. Be sure to get a family picture under the iconic antler arch in the town square! Downtown is quite walkable and only about 15 minutes from Teton Village, where many families stay. There is also a nice variety of fine dining and casual options for food, plus good grocery stores — handy for parents who want to stock up on snacks for car rides into Yellowstone or to satisfy hungry skiers.

Insider Tips for Each Season

Spring: If you’re considering Jackson Hole during spring break, be advised that water activities are unpredictable as the rivers are usually swollen from runoff. On the plus side, animals emerge from their winter hibernation and are quite active at this time of year, which makes for incredible viewing opportunities in the parks (plus, the summer crowds have not arrived yet!). That said, expect muddy hikes. The ski season typically runs through March and ends by early April.

Summer: There’s no way around it — summer in Jackson Hole will be crowded. But it is fantastic for experiencing the nature and wildlife that this area is famous for, as temperatures will be ideal for outdoor fun.  Because animals are best observed at dusk and dawn, our travel partner can arrange private guided sunrise trips into Yellowstone before most visitors arrive at the park.

This is the time of year when it is essential to invest in private activities and guides who can help you avoid the worst of the crowds — you’ll find it is well worth the expense. Be sure to book your accommodations well in advance if you’re visiting in the summer, as luxury options sell out quickly. 

Fall: Autumn can be the least predictable time of year to visit because of the weather (it is possible to get snow as early as September), but also the quietest in terms of crowds. Yellowstone is gorgeous in the fall, and the animals are quite active preparing for the colder months. For families with younger kids who have the flexibility of a trip that’s not tied to school schedules, this is a great time to come.

Winter: If your cold-weather trip to Jackson Hole revolves around skiing and winter sports, we suggest staying right in Teton Village for the easiest logistics. In winter, most of Yellowstone’s roads are closed to regular vehicles, but visitors can explore designated areas by guided snowcoach or snowmobile tour. The road connecting the North and Northeast entrances remains open to cars year-round, weather permitting. Winter excursions from Jackson Hole require advance planning, as access and operating dates are limited. 

While there is so much to do in Jackson Hole that families can easily spend a week here and still not do it all, it is also easy to combine a few days here with a dude ranch experience, a trek into Montana , or a South Dakota road trip through the Black Hills and Badlands.

Relevant Links:

Browse all family-friendly accommodations and activities in Jackson Hole on Ciao Bambino 

Must-See stops on a Yellowstone and Grand Teton itinerary

Beyond expectations: A fantastic luxury cabin in Jackson Hole

Best American national parks to visit in winter

Sleep inside a piece of history at these storied hotels

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.