The Best Family Friendly Hikes in Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is famous for its dramatic mountain scenery, but you don’t have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy its beauty. There are tons of family friendly hikes in Grand Teton – perfect for explorers of all ages.
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, elementary-aged kids, or adventurous teenagers, there are plenty of options in Grand Teton for you to experience waterfalls, alpine lakes, wildflowers, and mountain views at your own pace.
Here are some of our favorite family friendly hikes in Grand Teton National Park:
Before You Hit the Trail
Hiking in Grand Teton is an unforgettable experience, but how much you enjoy your experience correlates directly to how prepared you are.
The park is home to black bears, grizzly bears, moose, and other wildlife, so it’s important to carry bear spray, stay aware of your surroundings, and make plenty of noise while hiking (typically no problems when hiking with kids!). Always keep a safe distance from wildlife, pack more water than you think you’ll need, and remember that mountain weather can change quickly—even during the summer.
Many of the park’s most popular trailheads also fill early, so arriving before 8:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. is one of the best ways to beat both the crowds and the afternoon heat.
While you will often find bathrooms and water refill stations near the most popular trails, many have limited or no amenities. Make sure to come prepared with snacks, water and sun protection.
Shop my hiking with kids essentials here
1. Hidden Falls
Distance: 1 mile round trip from the ferry dock (approximately 2.2 miles each way if hiking from the visitor center)
Difficulty: Easy
If you’re only hiking one trail in Grand Teton National Park, make it Hidden Falls.
Start this trail with a short yet scenic boat ride across Jenny Lake before following a well-maintained trail through the forest to one of the park’s most beautiful waterfalls. Once you arrive at the falls, there’s a great area to sit and rest for a bit before heading on. Tickets for the ferry cannot be purchased ahead of time, and be prepared to wait to board the ferry as this hike is very popular.
For families with younger children, this hike offers an incredible payoff with relatively little effort, plus the ferry ride makes it extra special.
Why kids love it:
- Ferry ride across Jenny Lake
- Beautiful waterfall
- Wide, easy trail
- Plenty of places to stop and explore
- Lots of chances to spot wildlife
Read my full guide to exploring Jenny Lake with Kids here
2. Inspiration Point
Distance: About 2 miles round trip from the ferry dock, or a little less than 1 mile past Hidden Falls
Difficulty: Moderate
If your family has a little extra energy, continue past Hidden Falls to reach Inspiration Point.
The last section of the trail is a bit steep and rocky, but the panoramic views overlooking Jenny Lake is incredible.
This is a great option for families looking for a bit of a challenge but without committing to a long distance.
3. String Lake Loop
Distance: Up to 3.8 miles (or shorten it as needed)
Difficulty: Moderate
Sitting at the base of the Teton mountain range, String Lake is one of the most stunning spots in the entire park.
The trail follows the shoreline of this crystal clear lake, offering incredible mountain views almost the entire way.
You can easily shorten the hike and turn around at any point, making it one of the best family friendly hikes in Grand Teton.
It’s important to note that String Lake can still be accessed without the hike, and should not be missed! The shallow, crystal-clear water makes it one of the best places in Grand Teton for kids to cool off and enjoy a dip.
Just know that the water is snow melt runoff from the mountains, so it is chilly even in the summer!
Why kids will love this trail:
- Beautiful views the whole way
- Cool off with a swim afterwards
- Flexible distance
- Mostly flat terrain with minimal incline
4. Moose Ponds Trail
Distance: About 3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
If spotting wildlife is at the top of your family’s bucket list, add Moose Ponds to your itinerary.
This forest trail branches off from the Jenny Lake area and leads to several small ponds where moose are frequently seen feeding.
We weren’t lucky enough to spot any during our visit, but we did see several deer and a few bald eagles.
This trail is a quieter alternative to hiking the popular Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point trails.
Also note, if you are hiking back from Hidden Falls via the Jenny Lake trail, this is an easy spot to add on, as you will walk right past the path leading directly to the pond.
5. Taggart Lake Trail
Distance: About 3.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Taggart Lake is often recommended as one of the best family friendly hikes in Grand Teton National Park, thanks to its flat terrain and stunning lake.
The trail climbs gradually through forests and meadows before reaching the stunning alpine lake with views of the Teton Range.
It’s a great option for families looking for a little more distance without taking on a strenuous uphill climb.
Pack your swimming suit and take a dip in the refreshing water before hiking back.
6. Lakeshore Trail at Jackson Lake
Distance: 2.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
This highly underrated trail starts at the Colter Bay Marina and takes you through a mix of wooded forest areas and along the shoreline of Jackson Lake, with amazing views of the Teton range.
The trail is mostly flat and has lots of spots to easily access the water, which makes it perfect for families looking for an easy evening stroll.
Bring binoculars—there is lots of wildlife living in this area!
7. Schwabacher Landing Trail
Distance: 0.5 mile out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
This short, flat trail offers a lovely stroll alongside the wetlands of the Snake River. The views of the Teton range are stunning, and it can be a great spot to search for wildlife.
It’s a great spot for kids to explore, and there are a few benches along the path to sit and relax. I highly recommend catching a sunrise or sunset here!
Looking for More of a Challenge?
If you’re traveling with older kids or teenagers who love hiking, Grand Teton has plenty of longer adventures to consider.
Some of the park’s most popular advanced hikes include:
- Cascade Canyon – 9.4 miles, rated moderate
- Delta Lake – 7.6 miles, rated hard
- Phelps Lake – 7 miles, rated moderate
- Surprise & Amphitheater Lake – 10.3 miles, rated hard
Download AllTrails to see the full length of each trail!
Tips for Hiking Grand Teton with Kids
A little preparation goes a long way.
- Start hiking early to beat the crowds + heat
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it
- Bring more water than you think you’ll need, especially when hiking with kids
- Pack plenty of snacks—kids always hike better with snack breaks!
- Dress in layers since temperatures can change quickly
- Download offline maps before entering the park as cell service is very limited
- Make sure you have the right gear to keep everyone happy and comfortable
Which Hike Is Right for Your Family?
If you’re short on time, here’s where I’d start:
Best Overall Hike: Hidden Falls
Best Waterfall: Hidden Falls
Best Scenic View: Inspiration Point
Best Lake Trail: String Lake Loop
Best for Spotting Wildlife: Moose Ponds
Best Longer Trail: Taggart Lake
Best Short Trail: Schwabacher’s Landing
Best Evening Stroll: Jackson Lake Lakeshore Trail
Final Thoughts
One of the things we loved most about Grand Teton National Park was that there were so many adventures that felt perfect for our family.
Some of our favorite hikes were short and sweet, giving us plenty of time to enjoy a swim, spot wildlife, and take in the incredible views.
Whether you’re hiking to a waterfall, exploring the shoreline of an alpine lake, or soaking up the mountains, Grand Teton has something for everyone.
If you’re visiting with kids, don’t feel like you need to conquer the biggest trails to have an incredible trip. Start with these family friendly hikes in Grand Teton, take your time, and enjoy every step along the way.
Related Reading:
- The Perfect 2-Day Grand Teton National Park Itinerary
- Visiting Jenny Lake with Kids
- 10 Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park with Kids
- Where to Stay in Grand Teton National Park
- The Ultimate Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Park Guide
