14 Incredible Things to do in Grand Teton National Park with Kids
We just spent a few days in Grand Teton with kids and are still on a bit of a high from this incredible place. From hiking to boat rides to rafting to lake, there are really so many things to do in Grand Teton National Park with kids for the whole family to enjoy.
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And no matter if you have time for 2 of these activities or all of them, you’ll get to see the immense beauty this beautiful park offers from everywhere you go.
Grab your shoes, swimsuit, camera, and get ready for an incredible list of activities in Grand Teton National Park with kids!
In full disclosure, we did a lot in Grand Teton, but we didn’t have time for every single one of these family-friendly activities. So they are on our list for the next visit.
Best Things to do in Grand Teton National Park with kids
I could send you on some epic hikes with million-dollar views, but I am making this list assuming your kids don’t want to hike 10 miles, or you have little ones with you that couldn’t make that trek.
So while there are hikes on this list, I’ve made an array of both hikes and fun activities in the Tetons so the kids will walk away telling you how awesome that family vacation to Grand Teton was.
1. Scenic Float on the Snake River
I really really wanted to do this, but we just didn’t have the time in our packed 2 days in Teton. So I’m putting this as number 1 so next time we visit, it will be at the top of the list.
I’ve always heard that the best way to see a place is from the water. This is often true, and it’s often the most relaxing and exciting way as well.
Imagine floating down the Snake River with your guide controlling the raft. You take in views of Grand Teton mountain range, wildlife roaming around and soaring above.
This company even gives you a blanket on chilly mornings so you can enjoy the views in comfort.
You’ll float about 13 miles down the Snake River just outside of Jackson for this specific float trip. It’s highly rated and highly enjoyed by past guests.
2. Paddle Board on String Lake
One of the reasons we didn’t have time for a float trip was because we KNEW we wanted to paddle board on String Lake. This is the main reason I said to make sure to pack a swimsuit for your Teton visit!
This lake is beautiful, with the mountains coming down on the far side of the lake.
No paddle board? No problem. You can still dip in the lake and enjoy the cool, refreshing waters. Though I highly recommend a paddle board making it onto your Grand Teton packing list if you can!
String Lake is gorgeous. Certain times of day gave it beautiful turquoise hues. The lake isn’t very deep off the shoreline, making it perfect for kids to safely hop in and splash around.
But if you can manage to bring a stand up paddle board, I highly recommend it. There’s something about being on the water in such a scenic spot.
Need a paddle board? We LOVE having our own to take with us. Here’s an affordable one I recommend.
ROC Paddle Board
- Affordable
- Highly Rated
- Dual Action Pump (quick inflation)
- Wide Platform
- 3 Year Warranty
- Kayak Seat (optional)
3. Take The Jenny Lake Scenic Boat Tour
Jenny Lake is one of the most popular areas of the park. One way to experience it is on the water with this scenic boat tour.
This scenic tour is run by Jenny Lake Boating right in the park. The tour lasts about an hour and takes you around Jenny Lake, directly under the Cathedral Group mountains.
You’ll get more than just awesome views. You’ll also get a guide to tell you about the geology of the area, local plants and animals, and answer questions or give suggestions.
👉🏼 Book your scenic cruise ahead of time. (No penalty if canceled at least 24 hours before.)
4. Hike to Hidden Falls
*Popular thing to do in Grand Teton National Park with kids!
Hidden Falls is located on the other side of Jenny Lake from the parking area. The hike from the trailhead to the falls is about 2.5 miles one way. Because of this, there are a few options to getting there:
- Hike to Hidden Falls and hike back
- Take the boat shuttle to Hidden Falls and hike back
- Hike to Hidden Falls and take the boat back
- Take the boat to and from Hidden Falls
Basically, you can take a round-trip or a one-way (either way!) to/from Hidden Falls. Once you get off the boat, it’s only about a half-mile up to the falls, cutting 2 miles off of your hike.
If you choose to hike to the falls and boat back (which is what we did), you simply hike in, go down to the boat when you’re done seeing the falls, and pay when you exit the boat.
The hike itself is fairly easy both in navigation and terrain. The elevation will slightly go up and down as you keep along the Jenny Lake perimeter (pictured). As you near the falls, it will start to ascend quicker, but it’s relatively short compared to the entire hike.
Now, for the waterfall… it is truly breathtaking. You’ll hear it before you see it as this 100 foot waterfall has tons of water crashing down and into Cascade Creek. You’ll be able to feel the mist rising up to the viewing area, and the temperature will have a noticeable drop with all the moisture in the air.
Do NOT miss seeing Hidden Falls, whether you choose to hike over or shuttle over.
5. Oxbow Bend
There are a few iconic views of Grand Teton National Park, and Oxbow Bend is one of them. Oxbow Bend is a great place for a glimpse of this beautiful park, and a photographer’s dream. You can find the pull-out a few miles north of the Moran entrance.
Oxbow is actually the name of this great formation. By definition, an oxbow is a crescent-shaped lake that forms when a curve of the river is cut off, likely due to erosion.
Basically, the oxbow here creates a really cool shape and setting for a scenic overlook. Oxbow Bend may also grant you a peek at some wildlife, as they like to hang out here occasionally.
6. Schwabacher’s Landing
Schwabacher’s Landing is another great scenic spot to take your chance at some wildlife spottings. It’s so pretty that many people actually plan their wedding here.
The site is named after Albert Schwabacher, the man who bought bought a ranch in Jackson Hole in 1927. He enjoyed fishing here on the Snake River.
7. Mormon Row
Mormon Row is another of those iconic spots within Grand Teton. While most top spots seem to include lakes or water of some sort, Mormon Row is more about history.
Mormon Row was a little community (originally named Grovont) settled by Mormon Pioneers back in the 1800’s. Today, a few of the barns and buildings remain and are a top tourist attraction for park-goers.
T.A. Moulton Barn is the most photographed barn in the country thanks to its rustic appeal and Teton backdrop. The lighting didn’t work great when we went (pictured above), but it’s typically another photographer’s dreamy location.
This is one of the easiest things to do in Grand Teton with kids since you really don’t have to hike anywhere!
8. Phelp’s Lake Overlook (hike)
This is another family hike in Grand Teton that’s great for kids as it’s only 2 miles roundtrip. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the time to check this one off the list.
This trailhead can be found on the opposite side of highway 191 as Mormon Row. You’ll park at Death Canyon Parking area (lovely name, I know) and then hike on the Valley Trail for a mile until you get to the overlook for Phelp’s Lake.
Often our hikes end eye-level with lakes we want to view. So this one is unique as you’ll be above the lake looking down.
9. Colter Bay Village
Colter Bay Village is cool little area within the park, and it’s located along Jackson Lake. Most of the parks we’ve been to require you to pack in everything you need for the day (or at least most of what you need.)
At Colter Bay Village, they’ve got a general/grocery store, restaurants, and a visitor’s center. It’s a cool place for grabbing lunch (try the pizzeria), grabbing some souvenirs, or getting some snacks to fuel your hike.
Colter Bay Village is also one of the spots you can purchase a permit for your paddle board (or kayak or boat…whatever you’ve got). You can do this at a walk-up window at the visitor center.
Colter Bay is also one of the best places to stay around Grand Teton if you happen to be able to snag a reservation.
10. Lakeshore Trail
One of the best hikes for little kids in Grand Teton is the Lakeshore Trail. This trail is only 2 miles (though you can make it shorter) and pretty flat the whole way around.
👉🏼 Two miles too much? Check out the best child carriers to bring on your hike!
It also has a spot where the lake bottlenecks the trail, giving you a great stopping point for dipping your feet in or throwing a few rocks.
Lakeshore takes you into the woods and along the lake. The perfect combo for a day with kids in Grand Teton! You’ll have plenty of opportunities to feel the water along the trail. That’s always my kids’ favorite part 🙂
The beginning of the trail is pretty smooth and packed down, but then it turns into a more rugged, natural surface.
11. Taggart Lake (hike)
This is another gorgeous hike to take in Grand Teton. It’s less kid-friendly than Lakeshore thanks to some inclines, but it’s still relatively easy. There were plenty of kids on the trail, including our 4 children.
Taggart Lake is a 3 mile roundtrip hike. You can also loop around the lake once you arrive, but we opted to just find a large boulder and enjoy a snack with a view.
This hike takes you through open, shrub-filled areas and then a forest of tall skinny trees towards the end. After you’ve been in the trees a short time, you’ll start to see the lake come into view.
The lake reminds me a little of Bear Lake at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, as it’s a great mountain lake with big boulders to sit on, with a scenic backdrop.
If you feel so inclined, you can wear your swimsuit and jump in!
12. Enjoy the Wildflowers
This is less of a specific place to go, but still a wonderful thing to do in Grand Teton with kids. There are wildflowers everywhere if you visit in summer!
See how many colors you can find on a single hike. You’ll be surprised!
13. Moose Ponds (hike)
Here is another easy hike in Grand Teton with kids. You’ll find this trail along the same trail for getting to Hidden Falls.
Begin at Jenny Lake and take the trail to the left/counterclockwise. You’ll eventually come to a sign for Moose Ponds.
You can get to the ponds in just a mile, but you also have the option to hike around the ponds which adds another .6 miles. Your choice.
14. Horseback Ride
Taking a horseback ride through a national park is an experience of a lifetime. There are a few places within the park that offer horseback rides:
- Grand Teton Lodge Company – different departure points in the northern part, must be 8 years old
- Triangle X Ranch– as part of the Dude Ranch experience, you can stay at this ranch located in the southeastern part of the park
If neither of those work out or are booked up, you can also consider a horseback ride in Jackson Hole, but not necessarily in park boundaries. Turpin Meadow Ranch offers rides in the back country for those ages 9 and up.
Where to Stay When Visiting Grand Teton
Stay IN the Park:
Check out these lodging options in the park. They book FAST!
Stay in Jackson
(right outside the park, though can be expensive) :
The Wyoming Inn- This beautiful mountain resort has an upscale feel to it without being in the thousands-per-night like many rival upscale properties nearby.
The Wort- Another upscale property with a beautiful mountain feel to it. The Wort offers 2 restaurants available for 3 meals per day, and is just steps from Jackson Town Square.
Stay in Victor and Driggs, Idaho
(Longer drive to the park but more affordable) :
The Lodge at Bronze Buffalo Ranch– This 4-star hotel in Victor, ID is a true retreat, offering a large pool, spa, golf, and yoga on site.
Super 8 Hotel – This is the Budget-Friendly pick located in Driggs, ID. Guests were still happy staying here though! Even though it’s not a luxury resort, it offers a (more) affordable option for somewhere to stay near Grand Teton National Park.
👉🏼 Find the most affordable lodging options here (yes, even a couple in Jackson!)
Best Things to do on a Family Vacation to Grand Teton
That was basically my entire personal list of what I had researched and wanted to do when we visited Grand Teton with the kids. While we didn’t get to everything, we covered a lot of it on our 2 days in the park.
If you’re not sure what to do in Grand Teton with kids, this should make it very easy. Choose from easy, short hikes, fun experiences in a boat or on a horse, incredible waterfall and lakes, and many great viewpoints. Keeping it easy will make for a much more fun family vacation to Grand Teton.
I could have listed every single thing to do in the park to make this list longer, but I really wanted to keep it ideal and practical for what families could do together without being overwhelming. And I really wanted to keep it to the best things to do in Grand Teton with kids, not just all the things to do.
Hopefully this has made your planning much easier and quicker so you can enjoy every moment in this beautiful park!
👉🏼 Find Grand Teton 1 day and 2 day itineraries to make it easy!
Where to Next?
Check out more National Parks ideas:
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How to spend 1 day at Great Sand Dunes National Park
Fun, Easy Hikes with kids in Rocky Mountain National Park
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The BEST National Parks to visit with kids!
2 Week National Park Road Trip ideas
