Looking for a family-friendly itinerary for Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park? Here’s how we spent three days exploring scenic hikes, small-town charm, and one unforgettable river float—all with kids in tow.

After three days in Yellowstone National Park, we drove south for the next leg of our family road trip: Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

This part of our trip offered a great mix of adventure and rest—gorgeous mountain views, easy hikes, good food, and a fun downtown area that’s perfect for families. If you’re planning a Jackson Hole vacation with kids, here’s everything we did over three beautiful days:

Day 1: From Yellowstone to Grand Teton National Park

The drive from Yellowstone to Grand Teton was full of scenic pullouts and photo ops. One highlight? A classic Wyoming bison traffic jam—a truly wild and memorable moment for the kids.

We made it to the Grand Teton Visitor Center, which turned out to be a great stop for the kids. It’s full of interactive exhibits that explain the park’s unique habitats and wildlife. Definitely worth a visit before hitting the trails.

Lunch was at Dornan’s (we ate at the Pizza & Pasta spot), and the views here are hard to beat. The restaurant overlooks the Tetons, and the food was just what we needed—hearty, fresh, and delicious.

Our main adventure that day was hiking around Jenny Lake. We took the shuttle boat across (a fun ride for the kids!) and hiked to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. The hike is about a mile each way, and while it’s moderately steep in parts, it’s very doable for families. The views at the top make the effort worth it. A friend gave me a hot tip to go either right at opening or to go much later in the day (4 pm), so we went around 4:30. It was perfect because it wasn’t crowded at all and were able to get the shuttle boat back with a minimal wait time.

From there, we drove into Jackson, where we’d be staying for the next two nights. We checked into the Mountain Modern Motel. I was a little apprehensive because of the word “motel” but it was clean, adorable, and roomy enough to sleep 8 of us. The property was very well-located, had laundry, a pool, fire pit, and restaurant on site.

Day 2: Exploring Downtown Jackson Hole with Kids

We started the day with breakfast at Triple M Café, tucked inside the beautifully curated Mountain Modern Motel. Their coffee was delicious, and the waffles were a hit with both grown-ups and kids.

After breakfast, we spent the morning walking around downtown Jackson Hole. The wooden sidewalks, unique shops, and iconic antler arches in Town Square made it such a charming place to explore. We let the kids burn some energy at Miller Park, a playground just a few blocks away, before lunch.

Lunch was at Hatch, a stylish spot serving modern Mexican fare. The tacos and guacamole were fantastic, and the kids’ menu made it easy for everyone to enjoy.

We continued wandering the town in the afternoon, popping into local boutiques and souvenir shops. The adults stopped for drinks (and a little Wild West atmosphere) at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. It’s definitely a must-see—even just to sit on the saddle bar stools!

We finished the day by picking up dinner and eating at the hotel. We picked up s’mores kits at the grocery store and made s’mores around the communal fire pit before calling it a night, because we had a very early start the following day.

Day 3: Scenic Snake River Float Trip & Saying Goodbye

On our final morning in Jackson, we took a peaceful Snake River sunrise float trip with Triangle X Ranch. It was the perfect way to soak in the scenery—drifting along the river with the Tetons rising in the background. We spotted bald eagles, listened to stories from our guide, and enjoyed the quiet, reflective pace of the water. Quick note though, even in the summer, it was VERY cold out on the water. We wore beanies, gloves, and light puffer jackets over sweatshirts. Our guide also had blankets for us in the raft, and we did use them!

After one last breakfast at Triple M, we packed up and hit the road again, heading to Idaho Falls to continue our journey.

Tips for Visiting Grand Teton & Jackson Hole with Kids

• Book the Jenny Lake shuttle in advance during peak season to avoid long lines. If you don’t book it in advance (we didn’t), you can just book it there. Another suggestion is to go very early in the morning or later on in the day.
• Lunch with a View: Dornan’s is a top pick for good food and a casual, kid-friendly vibe.
• Stay Walkable: Downtown Jackson is very pedestrian-friendly—ideal for families with strollers or young kids.
• The Snake River float is relaxing and scenic—perfect for kids and adults alike. Bring sunscreen and layers!
• Pace Yourself: This part of Wyoming invites you to slow down and enjoy the view—don’t feel like you need to overbook every moment.

Is Jackson Hole Worth Visiting with Kids?

Absolutely. From wildlife sightings and scenic hikes to small-town charm and outdoor adventure, Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park offer an unforgettable experience for families. Whether you’re road-tripping through the national parks or planning a standalone visit, this area is well worth the time.

If Yellowstone is where you go to be amazed by nature’s drama, Grand Teton and Jackson are where you go to breathe deeply, enjoy the view, and let the quiet moments sink in.

xoxo,