1. Ranger Programs in Grand Teton National Park
The park boasts an amazing collection of year-round programs, including hikes, campfire presentations, bear safety and more. Take free ranger-led tours of the historic Murie Ranch Center and Menor's Ferry district or enjoy "Critter Chat" and "Map Chat" informational presentations. There is also a fun Junior Ranger program for kids where they can earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing various activities. Check the schedule.
2. The National Elk Refuge and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center Center
Learn more about Jackson Hole and its environs at our visitor center. Located on the north end of the town of Jackson, the center offers exhibits and programs and activities for all ages. Among other things, kids can earn patches through the Junior Blue Goose Ranger Program. The center is also where winter sleigh rides on the National Elk Refuge depart from.
3. Visit the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve
Located on Moose-Wilson Road, this 1,106-acre refuge within Grand Teton National Park features an 8-mile trail system and a LEED-certified visitor’s center with unique, multi-sensory exhibits ranging from innovative videos and photography to a meditative soundscape room. The preserve offers a number of ranger-led programs for adults and children. The hiking trails lead to pristine Phelps Lake, where you can swim, picnic or take a thrilling leap from the “Jumping Rock.” They also connect to more extensive trails leading to other parts of Grand Teton National Park. The preserve is car accessible from May 1 to October 31, and the center is open from late May through September. Parking is limited and often full from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
4. Gaze At Stars
Wyoming Stargazing offers free, year-round, public stargazing events on Thursdays in the northwest corner of the Stilson parking lot off Hwy. 390 and 22, behind the bus hut where there are no lights. Astronomy educators use one of their large aperture telescopes to show you planets, stars, planetary nebulae, galaxies, and more. There is no need to reserve your spot in advance; just come and go as you please.
5. See a Raptor Up Close
On Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the summer, the Teton Raptor Center offers presentations at 5 p.m. on the Village Commons in Teton Village. Each week, avian educators from the center bring two birds of prey, such as great horned owls, eagles, and hawks. It is a special treat to learn about these amazing birds and see them up close.
6. Boulder at the base of Snow King Mountain
Open year-round, the Teton Boulder Park features three large boulders for climbers of all ages and skill levels. During the summer on Tuesday nights watch or participate in (for a small fee) the Town Pump competition that generates money for climbing holds for the boulder park. A youth division is available for climbers under age 14. The adjacent Phil Baux Park includes picnic tables, horseshoe pits and a playground. Visit jhtownpump.org.
7. Play Disc Golf
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s free 18-hole disc golf course starts uphill from the base of the gondola. The course begins short and technical, with tunnel and treed shots. It winds back and forth up the lower Gros Ventre and Tramline trails, shooting in open fields and tightly wooded areas. The course design incorporates three loops, each going a bit higher up the mountain. Innova discs are available to purchase at JH Sports in the Bridger Center—or bring your own!
8. Walk the Sculpture Trail at the National Museum of Wildlife Art.
Complementing the museum’s inside offerings, the ¾-mile Sculpture Trail is an outdoor art venue that winds up and over the sage-covered hillside that overlooks the National Elk Refuge. It is populated with magnificent multi-medium replicas of moose, bison, bighorn sheep, an eagle, and other wildlife. The cutest additions to the trail are two kid-sized, solid granite buffalo, which are perfect for climbing on, and "Cub, Sitting," a bright green sculpture inspired by origami.
9. Play at Rendezvous Park
Rendezvous Park—or "R Park" as it's known locally—has ponds, meadows, knolls, public art and trails for visitors to explore through a variety of recreational activities including cycling, walking, swimming, SUP boarding, kayaking, fishing and picnicking, all for free. The family can also check out the interactive art installation by JH Public Art: "Mama Mimi," the giant troll. Centrally located in Wilson (Wyoming) just off the Village Road (Rte. 390).
10. Jackson National Fish Hatchery
Located four miles north of the town of Jackson, the National Fish Hatchery welcomes visitors daily (except on federal holidays) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a close-up view of Snake River cutthroat trout. Observe fish in several indoor tanks and view photographic displays of spawning and stocking. There is also a small fishing pond that is open to children and first-time anglers. Non-resident children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult with a license.
Bonus Fun Freebie
Tim McLaurin — a.k.a. "Jackson's Biggest Rockstar" — has kept Town Square bumping for three years with sweet moves and a contagious smile. Tim, who has Down Syndrome, started daytime dancing publicly on March 31, 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown. He has received recognition from a number of big names, including Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish and fellow Jackson resident Nikki Sixx from Mötley Crüe. Tim doesn't have set hours for his daily dance sessions (he works at Vertical Harvest when he's not entertaining), but dance and rock out he does, no matter the weather. Keep an eye and ear out for him during your visit!