10 Incredible Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park with Kids
Located just south of its sister park, Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park is filled with endless outdoor adventure, making it one of the best national parks to visit with kids.
At first glance, Grand Teton might seem like a destination geared toward serious hikers and photographers, but don’t let its rugged reputation fool you.
We found plenty of family-friendly adventures that kept our kids engaged from sunrise to sunset. Whether you’re hiking to waterfalls, splashing in alpine lakes, floating down the Snake River, or spotting wildlife, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences for families.
If you’re planning a trip, here are our favorite things to do in Grand Teton National Park with kids.
Read Next: 2 Day Grand Teton National Park Itinerary
1. Ride the Jenny Lake Ferry & Hike to Hidden Falls
If you only do one hike in Grand Teton, make it this one.
The adventure starts with a scenic ferry ride across Jenny Lake before hiking to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. The boat ride alone is a huge hightlight, plus it shortens the hike enough to make it manageable for families with littles in tow.
Hidden Falls is just under a half-mile from the ferry dock and is stunning! Continue along the trail to Inspiration Point for some epic views.
Don’t miss hiking back along the lakeshore trail and stopping by Moose Pond to search for wildlife!
👉 Read Next: Complete Guide to Visiting Jenny Lake with Kids
2. Spend the Afternoon at String Lake
Spending the afternoon enjoying String Lake is one of the top things to do in Grand Teton National Park with kids.
Unlike many mountain lakes, String Lake is much more shallow and calm, which makes it more kid-friendly (although the water is still freezing!). The crystal-clear water is perfect for swimming, floating, paddle-boarding, skipping rocks, or just relaxing on the shoreline.
Plus there is a great picnic area surrounded by trees, which makes it the perfect spot to spend an afternoon soaking up the views.
3. Go Wildlife Watching
Another one of the best things to do in Grand Teton National Park with kids is seeing all the wildlife that calls it home!
Keep your eyes peeled for:
- Moose
- Elk
- Bison
- Bald eagles
- River otters
- Pronghorn
- Black bears
Some of our favorite wildlife viewing locations included Oxbow Bend, Moose Ponds, and just the scenic roads throughout the park.
The best time for wildlife viewing is early in the morning or late in the evening. Make sure to bring a good pair of binoculars!
4. Float Down the Snake River
A scenic float trip is a must-do in Grand Teton National Park.
Floating along the Snake River with views of the Tetons while we searched for wildlife – this is definitely a must-do!
We spotted tons of bald eagles, osprey and pelicans, and kept out eyes our for beavers, marmots and even moose!
If you’re looking for a unique family adventure, this is a must do.
5. Explore Mormon Row
I don’t think you can visit Grand Teton National Park without at least making a quick stop by the iconic Mormon Row.
The historic barns are framed by the towering Tetons, and it truly is a sight to see! Plus it’s a fun place for kids to stretch their legs, learn about some of the history of the Grand Tetons, and keep their eyes out for more wildlife.
6. Rent a Boat on Jackson Lake
One of our favorite things we did during our trip to Grand Tetons National Park was renting a motorboat to explore Jackson Lake.
Being on the water offered completely different views of the mountains than we experienced from shore, and it was a unique way to spot wildlife.
If a motorboat isn’t your style, you can also rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards.
All are available to rent from the Colter Bay Marina (no reservations accepted).
7. Use the Guide Along App
The Guide Along app is one of the best ways to explore Grand Teton National Park! Purchase and download before your visit, and the narrator will navigate you through the entire park as you drive it.
It feels like having your own personal tour guide in the car with you, and my kids loved learning all the unique facts and stories about the park as we drove through.
8. Drive to Signal Mountain
The drive to the top of Signal Mountain doesn’t take long, but the panoramic views from the summit are amazing.
It’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Grand Teton National Park with kids – no hiking needed.
9. Visit the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center
If you’re traveling with kids, this is a great stop!
The exhibits help explain the geology, wildlife, and history of Grand Teton National Park, plus there are lots of hands on spots for kids to explore.
Make sure to grab and complete your Junior Ranger book (available at any of the Visitor’s Center within the park) to earn a free badge – this is a highlight of every national park visit for our kids!
10. Swimming & Skipping Rocks at Jackson Lake
One of our favorite spots in Grand Tetons, Jackson lake has an amazing swimming beach and hiking trails around it that are perfect for families.
We spent 2 different evenings just relaxing by the water and taking in the views.
This is an especially great spot to end your day if you are staying at Colter Bay Village.
Tips for Visiting Grand Teton with Kids
A little planning can make your trip much more enjoyable.
- Start your days early to beat the crowds
- Pack swimsuits & water shoes —you’ll definitely want to stop at String Lake
- Bring bear spray for hikes
- Download offline maps before arriving
- Pack plenty of snacks and water
- Stop often! Some of the best views are the ones that weren’t even on your itinerary
- Bring a good pair of binoculars for wildlife spotting
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grand Teton National Park good for kids?
Absolutely! While many people think of Grand Teton as a hiking destination, there are plenty of family-friendly activities, like scenic boat rides, short trails, wildlife watching, swimming, kayaking, and the Junior Ranger program.
How many days do you need in Grand Teton?
I recommend spending at least two full days exploring the park. This gives you enough time to hike, enjoy the lakes, spot wildlife, and experience many of the park’s highlights without feeling rushed.
Can you swim in Grand Teton National Park?
Yes! String Lake is one of the most popular swimming spots for families thanks to its calm, shallow water. Jenny Lake is also open for swimming, and Jackson Lake has a great swimming beach.
Is Grand Teton stroller friendly?
Several scenic overlooks, visitor centers, and lakeshore areas are stroller accessible, but many hiking trails are rocky or uneven. A child carrier is often a better option for younger children if you plan to hike.
We loved the Tula carrier for our babies/toddlers.
Final Thoughts
Grand Teton National Park is an amazing spot for families looking to connect with nature and spend some time together.
Whether your family is hiking to waterfalls, swimming in alpine lakes, floating down the Snake River, or just searching for wildlife at sunset, Grand Teton has a truly magical feel to it, and it left us dreaming of coming back sooner rather than later.
It’s easily one of our favorite national parks we’ve visited, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to families looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Related Reading:
- The Perfect 2-Day Grand Teton National Park Itinerary
- Visiting Jenny Lake with Kids
- Where to Stay in Grand Teton National Park
- Yellowstone & Grand Teton Family Guide
