Top Things to See and Do Near Grand Teton National Park
Top Things to See and Do Near Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park may sit in Yellowstone’s shadow, but do not make the mistake of skipping it! The Tetons are absolutely breathtaking, and the combination of crystal-clear lakes, wildlife, outdoor adventures and the charming town of Jackson makes this one of our favorite areas in Wyoming.
Whether you only have a day or an entire week, these are our personal “do not miss” things to see and do near Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole.
Take the Jenny Lake Boat to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
If you only have time for one adventure inside Grand Teton National Park, make it Jenny Lake.
Take the scenic boat ride across the lake and then hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. The trail to Hidden Falls is relatively easy and family-friendly. Continuing to Inspiration Point requires a little more climbing, but the views are worth the extra effort!
This is one of the most iconic experiences in Grand Teton National Park, which also means it can become very crowded. Arrive early to find parking, avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy cooler hiking temperatures.
Paddle or Swim at String Lake
String Lake was one of our favorite discoveries in the Tetons!
The lake is absolutely stunning and typically feels less crowded than nearby Jenny Lake. Its calm water and incredible mountain backdrop make it a beautiful place to paddleboard, kayak, swim or enjoy a picnic along the shoreline.
We brought our paddleboards and spent a fun day on the water with friends. It was easily one of the highlights of our time in the area.
Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon for your best chance of finding a parking spot. Bring your paddleboards, swimsuits, snacks and plenty of time—you may not want to leave!
Drive the Grand Teton Scenic Loop
The Grand Teton Scenic Loop is an experience all by itself.
Around nearly every corner, you will find another breathtaking mountain view, wildlife sighting or scenic pull-off where you will want to stop for pictures.
Do not rush this drive. Give yourself plenty of time to stop at the overlooks, watch for wildlife and take in the scenery.
Keep your eyes open for bison, elk, moose, pronghorn and bears. Always stay a safe distance away and follow the park’s wildlife guidelines.
Some of the best memories can happen when you slow down and simply enjoy the views along the way.
Take a Snake River Float Trip
Seeing the area from the Snake River gives you a completely different perspective.
Choose a relaxing scenic float trip if you want beautiful views, a calmer ride and opportunities to spot wildlife. Families looking for more excitement can book a whitewater rafting trip instead.
Either option is an unforgettable way to experience the scenery surrounding Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park.
We participated in a group float during our visit, and it was such a fun way to enjoy the river while spending time with other families.
Explore Downtown Jackson
Leave time to walk around downtown Jackson and explore its locally owned shops, restaurants, galleries and Western-style storefronts.
Jackson is touristy, but it is still a fun town to explore. You can shop for souvenirs, enjoy a great meal and experience some of the area’s Western atmosphere.
One of our favorite places to eat was Hand Fire Pizza, located inside a beautifully restored historic theater. The pizza was delicious, and we loved the atmosphere.
Helpful tip: Hand Fire Pizza gets busy! Join the waiting list through Google before heading into town so you are not standing around waiting when you arrive.
Take a Picture Under the Antler Arches
You cannot visit Jackson Hole without taking the iconic picture underneath the famous antler arches in Jackson Town Square!
The arches are made from naturally shed elk antlers and have become one of the most recognizable landmarks in Jackson.
It is a quick stop, but it is one of those classic pictures you will definitely want from your trip.
Attend the Jackson Hole Rodeo
We did not get a chance to attend the Jackson Hole Rodeo, but we heard from several people that it is a fun and memorable family experience.
The rodeo is a great way to experience Wyoming’s cowboy culture and would make the perfect evening activity after spending the day exploring Grand Teton National Park.
Check the schedule before your trip because rodeo performances are offered on select nights during the summer.
Catch a Concert at the Top of Snow King Mountain
This may be one of Jackson Hole’s best-kept secrets—for now!
We saw Jordan Davis at the top of Snow King Mountain, and it was one of the coolest concert experiences we have ever had.
You take a gondola up the mountain to an intimate outdoor concert venue overlooking Jackson and the surrounding mountains. The ride to the top is part of the experience, and the mountain setting makes the concert feel completely different from a traditional arena or amphitheater.
Watching one of our favorite artists perform at the top of a mountain was absolutely unforgettable!
The venue is still fairly new, so many travelers do not even know it exists yet. Check Snow King Mountain’s event schedule while planning your visit. Catching a concert here is an experience you will not want to miss.
Visiting in the Summer? Check Out This Epic Family Camp
If you are visiting Grand Teton National Park or Jackson Hole during the summer, check the dates for Summer Camp for Families at The Park at Swan Valley.
The Park at Swan Valley is owned by the Jurgy family, who used to travel full-time in an RV before purchasing their own campground. This was their third annual Summer Camp for Families, and it was absolutely epic!
The camp began with a welcome dinner and a night our kids will never forget. Airplanes flew over the campground dropping chocolate from the sky, followed by a parachutist descending into camp.
It was definitely one of the most exciting ways we have ever kicked off a family camping event!
Throughout the camp, families floated together down the Snake River, spent a beautiful day paddleboarding and swimming at String Lake and gathered for a huge community potluck.
One evening, Arbor Season performed an outdoor concert at the campground. The campground is tucked into the mountains, creating the most beautiful natural backdrop. The acoustics were incredible, and the entire setting made the concert feel even more special.
To finish the experience, everyone came together for a giant hammock party—and we all helped break the world record for the largest hammock party!
The activities were incredible, but the best part was sharing the experience with other families who love travel, adventure and community as much as we do.
The camp gave our kids instant friends and turned our visit into so much more than a sightseeing trip. It created memories that our family will be talking about for years.
If your travel dates line up with the event, Summer Camp for Families is worth planning your Grand Teton and Jackson Hole trip around!
Important Tips for Visiting Grand Teton National Park
Download Offline Maps Before Entering the Park
Cell service throughout Grand Teton National Park can be weak, inconsistent or completely unavailable.
Download your Google Maps routes and save the Grand Teton area for offline use before entering the park. It is also helpful to download the National Park Service app and save Grand Teton National Park for offline access.
Do not wait until you are already inside the park—you may no longer have enough service to download anything.
Families With a Fourth Grader May Enter Free
Families with a current fourth-grade student may qualify for a free Every Kid Outdoors Pass, which provides access to participating national parks and federal recreation sites.
Complete the activity through the official Every Kid Outdoors program and print the paper voucher before leaving home. Your fourth grader must be present when using it.
We took our printed voucher to the visitor center. They asked our fourth grader to confirm that she was in fourth grade and had her sign her name on the pass.
It was a simple process and allowed our entire family to enter Grand Teton National Park for free!
Check the current program rules and valid dates before your trip because the pass is connected to the applicable school year.
Arrive Early
Popular locations such as Jenny Lake, String Lake and many trailheads can fill quickly during the summer.
Arriving early gives you a better chance of finding parking, avoiding the largest crowds and seeing wildlife while it is more active.
Late afternoon can also be a good time to visit some of the busier lake areas as morning visitors begin to leave.
Give Yourself More Time Than You Think
Grand Teton National Park is not a place you will want to rush through.
Even a simple scenic drive can take much longer than expected once you start stopping for pictures, wildlife sightings and overlooks.
Leave extra room in your schedule so you can slow down and enjoy the experience.
Our Grand Teton and Jackson Hole “Do Not Miss” List
Our favorite experiences included:
Taking the Jenny Lake boat across the lake
Hiking to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point
Swimming and paddleboarding at String Lake
Driving the Grand Teton Scenic Loop
Floating or whitewater rafting on the Snake River
Shopping and eating in downtown Jackson
Eating at Hand Fire Pizza
Taking a picture underneath the Jackson Town Square antler arches
Riding the Snow King gondola to a mountaintop concert
Attending Summer Camp for Families at The Park at Swan Valley
Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole offer the perfect combination of outdoor adventure, small-town charm, family experiences and unforgettable mountain scenery.
Even if Yellowstone is the main reason for your trip to Wyoming, make sure you leave room in your itinerary for the Tetons.
You may arrive thinking Grand Teton National Park is simply an extra stop—and leave realizing it was one of the highlights of your entire trip.
