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There is so much to do at Grand Teton National Park. Here are our top picks for kids. Make sure to check our instagram for daily updates from our National Park to Park Highway trip.
Bike to Jenny Lake The paved bike path from Jackson to Grand Teton is a 26 mile scenic trail through some of the prettiest scenery on earth. Obviously 26 miles is way more than me and my tots can handle but the path joins the multi use path at the Moose Entrance inside Grand Teton National Park. There it crosses several pullouts and parking areas, allowing for an adjustable length adventure. We took a ranger’s advice and drove to Windy Lakes pullout just past the Moose Entrance to avoid the steepest hill.
Boat on Jenny Lake A shuttle boat takes hikers across Jenny Lake to Inspiration Point trailhead every 10-15 minutes in the summer for $15.00 per adult round trip. In addition you can rent canoes, kayaks or take a 1 hour scenic boat ride to explore this beautiful glacier lake.
Swim in String Lake Just north of Jenny Lake is a great picnic area surrounded by tall pines. Enjoy your meal then head to the water to splash. The shallow water is great for swimming, paddle boards, or canoes. Keep all your food locked up to be Bear Aware.
Visit the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve This modern style museum is beautifully situated at the base of the Tetons. Parking is limited so it’s best to plan your visit to arrive before 10 am or after 3 pm. Several beautiful hikes start from here including my favorite the Woodland Trail to Phelps Lake.
Hike to Phelps Lake This 3 mile round trip hike walks along a river to Phelps Lake. We loved swimming in the clear water, but especially loved the scenery. It’s hard to beat the pine trees and mountains around the lake.
Enjoy Inspiration Point Take the ferry across Jenny Lake and then enjoy the less than a mile long hike up to Inspiration Point. The views are amazing, but so are the crowds. This is one of the most popular hikes in Grand Teton National Park so don’t go expecting solitude. You can also explore hidden falls, the trails connect.
Check out a Naturalist Backpack At the Craig Thomas Discovery Center and Laurence S Rockefeller Preserve you can check out a naturalist backpack complete with nature journal, drawing materials and everything you need to make a plaster cast of an animal track.
Take a Scenic Drive Teton Park road passes alpine lakes and offers great views of the Teton mountain range. For another good scenic drive try the Moose-Wilson road toward the south of the park. Parts of this road is not appropriate for RV, Truck or Trailer use.
Travel Back in Time The Historic District at Grand Teton National Park has several wild west buildings still in use. A chapel built in the early 1900s, Menors Ferry and General Store and a little further on Murie Ranch. If you’re a history buff you won’t want to miss this.
Watch for Wildlife You drive through the Elk Refuge when you approach Grand Tetons from Jackson. Watch for wildlife including bison and elk especially in the mornings and evenings. Be aware that the speed limit is 55 during the day and 45 at night.
Raft the Snake River Okay so this one might be easier just outside of Grand Teton National Park but the Snake River has some great whitewater rapids and makes for a fun day trip or leisurely float. Several rafting companies are based in nearby Jackson Hole, WY.
