Jackson Hole, Wyoming and specifically, the town of Jackson can be a family friendly vacation destination. You can find great things to see and do for all the members of your family regardless of their ages. From those year-round activities, to those specific to a particular season, there is always something fun, interesting and exciting. Jackson is the place where you will want to “rise and shine” and get “out and about”.

Year-round Attractions

National Museum of Wildlife Art
If you love wildlife and artwork of wildlife, do not miss this Museum. The building was constructed of native rock and blends into the surrounding landscape. The building, in and of itself, is a piece of art. It is great Museum and rather you have limited time or all day, it is well worth the time to go inside. You can even get a good lunch here at the Rising Sage Café. It is also a great place to view the Elk Refuge. 

• Open daily from May to October, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
• Closed: Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day
• The Museum is wheelchair accessible through the main entrance with an elevator to the right of the mezzanine.

National Elk Refuge
Founded in 1912, the National Elk Refuge is the winter grazing home to over 6,000 elk that come down from higher elevations in late November or early December and stay on until late March or early April. Horse-drawn sleighs depart from the Jackson Hole Greater Yellowstone Visitors Center at 532 N. Cache Street carrying visitors on a winter wildlife adventure.

• Sleigh Rides: Mid-December to April
• 7 days a week except Christmas Day
• Every 30 minutes from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Fee charged

But, even in the summer, without the elk, the National Elk Refuge is a wonderful place to hike and explore. The range hosts about 175 species of birds through the year and you may see bald eagles, hawks, and ravens.

Town Square/Elk Antler Arches
The town of Jackson may be best known for its unique town square with huge antler arches on each corner. This attraction is unique, free and the enclosed park area provides a great place to eat a sandwich in the summer or to let the kids run off a little steam any time of year.

Beautiful all year round, the Town Square takes on a magical air in the winter when each of the four arches and all of the pine trees in the square come alive with thousands upon thousands of little lights. It truly is a sight to behold.

Center for the Arts
This building is dedicated to creativity and education. It hosts a variety of events including concerts, theater performances and dance recitals. Check on site to see what may be happening while you are in town. More on the Center for the Arts.

Jackson Hole Tram
Although usually crowded with skiers in the winter, you can also take a passenger ride in the tram any time of year. Summer may be the better bet for those who do not ski.

“Big Red” is Jackson’s iconic aerial tram. You can enjoy a quick ride up over 4,000 vertical feet in only nine minutes. “Big Red” can accommodate 100 passengers at a time. You can enjoy 360-degree views of the Snake River Valley and Grand Teton National Park as you make the trip. Call ahead for ticket prices.

Summer Fun

White Water or Scenic Float River Trips
You cannot come to Jackson and not experience the thrill of a white water rafting trip. However, if a leisurely float down the river is more your style, you can do that. There are a variety of vendors who would be happy to give you a wet suit and “send you down river”. There is an age limit on children so be sure and check ahead if you are bringing younger members of your family. Whitewater rafting info.

Jackson Hole Rodeo
Starting on Memorial Day and ending on Labor Day, you can take in an action packed rodeo every Wednesday and Saturday night. For two hours, starting at 8:00 pm you can watch cowboys and cowgirls test their skills against rodeo stock and each other. It is western fun at its best!

Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum
If you ever wondered how it all began here in Jackson Hole, take the time to visit the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum. Currently the Museum portion of the organization is only open seasonally because the building it is housed in is a part of the history – Pap Deloney’s original General Store that was built in 1906. The Museum features great exhibits, wonderful history and interactive experiences for the kids. For more info call (307) 733-2414.

• Open daily from May to September, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• The Museum is wheelchair accessible.

Jackson Hole Shootout
The longest continuously running shoot out takes place every Monday through Saturday night on the Jackson Hole Square. Come enjoy the fun and watch the lively reenactment of frontier justice.

• Shows from Memorial Day through Labor Day at 6:00 PM
• Free to the public

Snow King
Although it is the first ski enterprise to be established in the area, Snow King is now home to many fun summer activities including an alpine slide, a mountain coaster, ropes course and a scenic chair lift ride. Check locally for times of operation and prices.

Winter Fun

Snow, snow, snow and lots of it. Skiing is the main reason that travelers make their way to Jackson in the winter, but there are other attractions to enjoy while you are in the area.

Tubing
It’s a bit of a different thrill to hurl your body down a steep mountain with just an
inflated inner tube between you and the snow. This is great family fun or grab a group of friends and go check it out! More info on Tubing.

Dog Sledding
Do you ever wonder what it must be like to participate in the Iditarod? Well, it is not really the same, but you can get close to it by taking a dogsled ride. The length and time of the rides vary depending on vendor, but you can take a couple hours to a couple days riding through the mountains and forest behind a team of dogs. MUSH! More info on Dog Sled Tours.

National Elk Refuge
Don’t forget the winter sleigh rides on the Elk Refuge. Horse-drawn sleighs depart from the Jackson Hole Greater Yellowstone Visitors Center at 532 N. Cache Street carrying visitors on a winter wildlife adventure.

• Sleigh Rides: Mid-December to April
• 7 days a week except Christmas Day
• Every 30 minutes from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Fee charged