Top 4 Things to do in
Grand Teton National Park with Kids!
To read our full blog about trip to Grand Teton and Jackson Hole click here
Visit Jenny Lake.
Plan a full day for this, maybe even two! Especially in the summer months, make sure to arrive early, as the parking situation becomes very crowded! Since you’ll likely leave your car for a few hours, make sure to pack lots of water, sunscreen, and a picnic lunch!
Take the ferry at Jenny Lake to the west boat dock and follow the trails to the Cascade Canyon trail leading to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. This saves a 4 mile round trip hike, which is worth it for families with little kids! You can catch the ferry at the east boat dock, which costs $15/adult – $8/child – $12/senior (free for ages 2 and under) for a round trip ticket. There’s also a $9/adult – $6/child option for a one-way ticket if your kids can handle a little more hiking. The ferry departs every 10-15 minutes.
*We had planned this itinerary above, but the trails were both closed on the day we went.
Hike to Moose Ponds.
From the Jenny Lake Visitor Center, the hike to Moose Ponds is a little over one mile. A quiet little pond rests in the shadows of a Teewinot Peak and Grand Teton. Although not guaranteed, you will likely spot a moose or two around the area! We were lucky to see a moose and her calf. A couple of hikers by us caught sight of a momma bear and her cubs going up the mountain!
On your hike back from Moose Ponds, plan a picnic right along the shore of Jenny Lake. It’ll be the best views you’ve ever had for a picnic lunch! The kids (and you!) will enjoy the break and have fun splashing in the water.
Take a drive up Signal Mountain … and search for BEARS!
A park ranger gave us the recommendation to drive up Signal Mountain Road to have the best chance to spot a bear. In hot weather, they’ll likely be more active in early morning or later in the evening. Even if you don’t spot a bear, the views at the top are amazing!!
Take a swim in Jackson Lake.
Park at Colter Bay Campground, which has excellent facilities for changing clothes and bathroom breaks. Make sure to pack a picnic blanket and lunch, sunscreen, and water shoes. And enjoy the views! Our kids had a blast swimming in the water, but it is very tricky to walk along the rocks, which is why water shoes are a MUST! The water is chilly but the remarkable views make it worth it on a hot summer day!
–We only spent two days in Grand Teton National Park, so this list is of our top picks for the time we had there!
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