What to do with kids in: Jackson Hole (summer edition)

Mt. Moran, Grand Teton National Park. Photo: iStockphoto

Our series of fam-friendly travel guides

The popular winter ski destination, just a short distance from both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, is just as fun to visit in the summertime.

Get your fill of wildlife
This area is teeming with all manner of wildlife, from moose and bears to trumpeter swans and bald eagles. A guided tour by an outfitter offers easy options with little ones, and the expertise of guides who know where to spot creatures. Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris offers tours in the both national parks and safari/river combo tours with an age requirement of eight. Jackson Hole Adventure Center has tours for younger kids, as well as horseback riding and kayaking options.

Ride the Snake River
Choose a water activity that floats your boat, from peaceful scenic rides to adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting expeditions. Lewis & Clark River Rafting offers options for kids as young as three years old.

Enjoy the outdoors in Teton Village
The epicenter of winter apres ski activity morphs into a warm weather playground every summer, thanks to a 25-foor climbing wall, bungee trampoline, nine-hole disc golf course. There are also seven miles of mountain biking trails adjacent to the ski slopes. Kids from six months to 11 years old can also participate in summer camps here, which can be booked by the day.

Take a gondola ride to a mountain-top meal
Free gondola rides from the bottom of Teton Village take you to restaurants with stunning mountain views. Choose from everything from waffles and tacos to foie gras and waygu beef.

See a reenactment of frontier justice
Crowds gather in the Jackson Town Square at 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays between Memorial Day and Labor Day to see the Jackson Hole Shootout. The free performance is a fun peak at the old days of the Wild West.

Circle ’round a chuckwagon for dinner
Dinner and a show western style means a meal cooked over an open fire paired with yodeling, singing and wagon rides. Popular options include the Bar T 5 Covered Wagon Cookout, Grand Teton Chuckwagon Cookouts and the Bar J Chuckwagon.

Ride the Alpine Slide at Snow King Mountain
Open from Memorial Day through the week after Labor day, this 2,500-foot-long slide allows you to go as fast or slow as you please through woods and wildfires.

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Tagged: Family time