Visiting Jenny Lake with Kids: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
If you’re planning a trip to Grand Teton National Park, you’ve probably heard about Jenny Lake.
With crystal-clear water reflecting the towering Tetons, multiple hiking options, a scenic boat rides across the lake, and plenty of opportunities for spotting wildlife, it’s easy to see why this is one of the park’s most popular destinations.
Whether you have toddlers who just want to throw rocks into the water or older kids ready to tackle one of Grand Teton’s most iconic hikes, Jenny Lake is one of the most beautiful spots in Grand Teton National Park and deserves to be explored.
If you’re planning your own visit, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Jenny Lake before you go.
Why Visit Jenny Lake?
Jenny Lake is often considered the heart of Grand Teton National Park, and after visiting, it’s easy to understand why.
The lake sits directly beneath the dramatic Teton Range, creating some of the most iconic views in the park. Unlike many scenic overlooks where you simply stop for a photo before moving on, Jenny Lake invites you to spend the day exploring. You can hike, swim, paddle, picnic, watch for wildlife, or just relax along the shoreline.
For families, it’s one of the best places in the park because it combines adventure with flexibility. You can easily spend an hour here—or an entire day.
Arrive Early or Late in the Day
If there’s one piece of advice I can give, it’s this: get here early. And I mean early.
Jenny Lake is probably the busiest area in Grand Teton National Park, especially during the summer months. Parking lots often fill before mid-morning, and traffic can quickly back up along the entrance road.
We arrived around 8:00 am during mid-July, and honestly wish we would have gotten there a bit earlier than that. While we were able to find parking, the line to get on the shuttle was already almost an hour wait, and there were lots of other people on the trail with us.
I think one of the best kept secrets for avoiding crowds is not to arrive early, but rather later in the day. By 4 or 5:00, the midday crowds have thinned and most people are out enjoying dinner. If you aren’t morning people, this is the ideal time to visit – cooler temperatures and less crowds.
If you’re visiting between June and September, I’d recommend arriving no later than 8:00 a.m. or after 5:00 pm, especially if you plan to take the shuttle boat.
Should You Take the Jenny Lake Ferry?
Absolutely!
The Jenny Lake Shuttle Boat isn’t just transportation—it’s part of the experience.
The 10 minute ride across the lake offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains while saving you about two miles of hiking each way. For families with younger children, this makes visiting Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point much more manageable.
The boat operates throughout the day during the summer season, and tickets can be purchased at the dock after you wait in line.
If your looking to combine Jenny Lake with a family-friendly hike, I recommend taking the ferry across the lake and then hiking back along the shoreline instead of riding the ferry both directions. That’s exactly what we did, and we loved finding spots to dip our toes in the water, stop for a snack, and spot wildlife.
The price for the shuttle boat is $20/adult round trip, or $15/adult one way. Child tickets are $15 for roundtrip or $12 for one-way.
Hike to Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point
Once you step off the ferry, it’s only about a half-mile walk to Hidden Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Grand Teton National Park.
The trail is wide, well-maintained, and relatively easy, making it a great option for families hiking with kids. The viewing area right by the falls provides a great place to stop for photos and a snack.
If you’re up for a longer trail with a bit of incline, continue another half mile to Inspiration Point.
The final section becomes noticeably steeper and rockier, but the panoramic view overlooking Jenny Lake is amazing.
Hike the Jenny Lake Shoreline Trail + Moose Ponds
Instead of hopping back on the ferry, we decided to hike the lakeshore trail back to the visitor center—and I’m so glad we did!
The trail hugs the edge of Jenny Lake, winding through the forest of pine trees while offering lookouts over the lake along the way. The trail feels much quieter than the main trail to Hidden Falls and gives you a chance to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
One reason I suggest hiking back along the shoreline trail is so that you can make a detour at Moose Ponds, one of the best spots for spotting moose in Grand Teton National Park.
We didn’t get lucky enough to spot one, but we did see a deer and bald eagle nearby!
Don’t Skip the Jenny Lake Visitor Center
Before leaving, make sure to stop by the Jenny Lake Visitor Center.
In addition to the exhibits and park information, it’s a great place to ask rangers about trail conditions, wildlife sightings, and grab your Junior Ranger book.
There’s also a great gift shop here if you are looking for souvenirs.
Can You Swim at Jenny Lake?
Yes—but the water is cold! The lake is fed by mountain snow melt, and rarely reaches temperatures above 60F.
There are several shallow areas right off the shoreline for swimming, such as the sandy beaches near the easy boat dock and Rock Beach.
Tips for Visiting Jenny Lake with Kids
A little planning will make your visit much smoother.
- Visit early or in the evening to avoid parking headaches & crowds
- Bring plenty of water—the elevation and dry air can be deceiving
- Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to hike to Inspiration Point
- Pack swimsuits and water shoes
- Keep binoculars handy—you never know when wildlife might appear!
- Always carry bear spray when hiking in Grand Teton National Park
- Make sure to leave no trace – pack out everything you bring!
Nearby Stops to Add to Your Day
Jenny Lake pairs perfectly with several other family-friendly destinations in Grand Teton National Park.
After your hike, spend the afternoon swimming at String Lake, one of the best beaches in the park for families. If you’re hoping to spot wildlife, head to Gros Ventre area or Oxbow Bend, some of the park’s most famous wildlife viewing areas.
Make sure to stop by Mormon Row for one of the most iconic views of the Tetons.
Read my full 2-day Grand Teton Itinerary here
Final Thoughts
If you’re only visiting one area of Grand Teton National Park, make it Jenny Lake.
Between the scenic boat ride, the epic hiking trails, plenty of wildlife, and the incredible mountain views, it really encompasses everything that makes this national park feel so special.
Whether you’re visiting with toddlers, teenagers, or somewhere in between, Jenny Lake is the perfect family adventure to add to your time in Grand Teton National Park.
Related Posts:
- The Perfect 2-Day Grand Teton National Park Itinerary
- Ultimate Guide to Yellowstone + Grand Teton National Park with Kids
- Best Family-Friendly Hikes in Grand Teton National Park
- Where to Stay in Grand Teton National Park
