Jackson Wyoming: City Guide
Jackson, Wyoming is such a unique destination, especially for nature lovers! The area is known for its top-rated skiing, fishing, rafting, ranches, and even their fine dining. This adventurous city is truly beautiful in all its splendor with so many different options for families.
When to visit depends entirely on what you want to do. If you want to experience their pristine skiing, visit in the winter. For an incredible hiking vacation, take a trip in the summer.
The vast Teton and Gros Ventre mountains magnificently transform every season, and the region is also surrounded by the Snake River, which flows from its origins in neighboring Yellowstone National Park, another huge attraction for those seeking to experience the incredible fauna that resides there.
BEST ACCOMMODATIONS FOR FAMILIES
1. The Wort Hotel
The Wort Hotel masterfully captures the beauty of the ancient West paired with sleek elegance and modern facilities.
This premium boutique hotel provides free internet access, as well as a television and mini-fridge in every room. Custom furnishing, concept art, and luxury bedding are also available.
The hotel’s restaurant, The Silver Dollar Bar Grill, serves local dishes prepared with regional catches and fresh produce with live, weekly music. The lobby offers high tea, espresso, and cookies throughout the ski season.
2. The White Buffalo Club
The White Buffalo Club boasts a spa and fitness center as well as accommodations with free internet and on-site dining.
The rooms are elegantly decorated with hardwood details and offer a television, teapot, and an espresso machine. The hotel also provides a laundry room for added convenience.
You will also find Cellar’s Premium Steakhouse on-site, home to a delicious and expansive selection of meals and a comprehensive wine collection.
3. The Lexington Hotel
The Lexington Hotel offers a minibar and oven to all guests. Its rooms come with a kitchenette equipped with an espresso machine and a fireplace. The family-friendly suites have a sitting room and two televisions.
You will also be able to relax at the indoor pool and hot tub after a long day of adventuring!
TOP THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS
1. Visit The Grand Teton National Park
Just outside the town of Jackson, Grand Teton National park is a major attraction in Jackson Hole. Its rugged snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and pristine lakes offer incredible views.
Be sure to keep an eye out for caribou, antelope, and bull! Hiking, mountain climbing, cross-country skiing, and fishing are also available in the park.
2. Hike Hidden Falls Trail
The trek begins with a boat cruise across Jenny Lake, offering stunning views of the always snowy peaks on the lake’s western end. The trail quickly ascends to Hidden Falls, a deafening cascade of water that rains down the rocky cliffs, and then continues upward to Inspiration Point, worthwhile for its excellent lake views and the Gros Ventre Rockies to the eastern end.
This 3.2km hike is better suited for older travelers, and we recommend hiking in the summertime.
3. Experience White Water Rafting
More of a summertime activity, a rafting tour is a fun way to see Jackson’s ecology and natural beauty. There are many different tours in the area on the Snake River. Several sections of the river run through Grand Teton National Park, offering more tranquil rides.
Just make sure to keep your eyes out for bald eagles, ospreys, moose, and elk!
4. Ski or Snowboard
The entire Jackson Hole region is ideal for any snow adventure during its winter months. There is no question that the area offers pristine skiing and snowboarding for novice and veteran skiers. You don’t have to be an experienced skier to ski here, the mountains offer less demanding, milder slopes for little ones.
Jackson’s in-town hill is Snow King Ski Area & Mountain Resort, which provides hourly lift passes, snow sledding, and nighttime lit routes, giving you flexibility in your schedule and lots of options for all ages!
5. Winter Sleigh Ride
A wintertime sleigh ride is such a magical way to take in the breath-taking snowy landscape and see the wildlife in its natural habitat.
We recommend the Mill Iron Ranch supper sleigh trips, where you will be taken along a state-managed elk feeding site. If you’re looking for a more romantic ride, try the Spring Creek Ranch.
6. Relax on The Gondola Ride
If you’re planning a summertime visit, don’t miss the Bridger Gondola ride! This scenic, 10-minute ride offers the most serene ride to a nearly 10,000-foot overlook, offering the perfect spot for a picnic and fun photos! The overlook also offers lunch and refreshments.
7. Ropes and Zipline Courses
Both Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King Mountain Resort offer ropes adventure courses in the summertime.
Snow King’s “Treetop Adventure” is for kids ages 12 and up, but also offers a lower-to-the-ground option “Flying Squirrel” for kids 7 and up. Each course offers a variety of ziplines, balance beams, cargo nets, and other challenges.
8. National Museum of Wildlife Art
If your family needs a break from all the adventuring, take a trip to the National Museum of Wildlife Art. The museum offers a Children’s Gallery, made up of a self-directed area for kids that features a hands-on artist’s studio, a life-size diorama, animal costumes, a reading nook, and a puppet theater.
TIPS
- Mid-November to early March is the best time for serious powder skiing.
- Least crowded in the spring; great time to witness lots of wildlife but unpredictable weather.
- Summer boasts full rivers and rising lake temperatures.
- Most hiking trails are only open in the summer.
- Summer theater and Grand Teton Music Festival in the summer.
- Frequent afternoon thundershowers in the summer – pack for rain.
- Fall is a quieter version of summer; Fall Arts Festival.
- Fall marks the beginning of hunting season; excellent fishing and hiking.
GET EXCITED BEFORE YOU GO
Picture Book
This charming story follows Wilfred and his pet Moose. His moose is very well-trained except when it comes to following Wilfred, so the two make a compromise that keeps both of them happy. This cute story is beautifully illustrated and makes for a light-hearted bedtime book.
This sweet book takes you for a walk through the mountains with a bouncing melody, just like a summer camp song. Little ones will love the lullaby toons and the adorable illustrations.
Chapter Book
Highlighted as an NPR Best Book of the Year, this historical fiction book tells a touching story set in the context of the Great Depression. Ellie’s family is forced to leave their home in town and start over in the untamed wilderness of Echo Mountain. After a brutal family accident, Ellie must seek help from a woman who only exists in legends and myths.
Watch
- An Unfinished Life (2005)
- Spencer’s Mountain (1963)
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
- Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
- Did You Hear About the Morgans? (2009)
- Druid Peak (2014)
- Monte Walsh (2003)
Who is Christina?
Christina Vieira, a Traveler, a Planner, and a Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists. After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation too.
She specializes in Disney, Caribbean, Europe and has helped dozens of families have magical vacations that they will always remember. She loves traveling with her four-year-old daughter, Annabelle. Her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with everything that goes into Planning a vacation?
If you are ready to have the family vacation you’ve been dreaming of, without spending time researching, planning, and making it happen, schedule a call today. I’m here to help busy working Moms plan, organize and book the perfect family vacation. With me, all you have to worry about is enjoying your well-earned time away with your family. If you are ready to stop trying to do everything on your own and see how I can help you schedule a complimentary trip planning session now.
