The Best Jackson Hole Family Vacation (+ 3 Day Itinerary)

If you are looking to plan the best Jackson Hole family vacation, you will find the ultimate guide here.

As one of our favorite places to visit as a family, we have come up with a 3-day itinerary to make your vacation much more enjoyable.

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Jackson Hole Family Vacation

We love Jackson Hole because it’s a small town, with a population of a little over 10,000, in the middle of nowhere surrounded by mountains. A ranching community, the cowboy feel, and its natural beauty within the valley of two mountain ranges make it so appealing. Besides, in my opinion, it’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature and escape everyday stressors. 

And, a mountain town wouldn’t be complete without a river. The Snake River runs through the heart of the valley providing lots of water activities from rafting to fishing cutthroat trout in a drift boat. They are the coolest-looking boats, not anything you see in Minnesota!

Jackson Hole vs Jackson, Wyoming

Jackson or Jackson Hole? Which is it? You will hear people refer to this area interchangeably and I was so confused when I first visited the area. Jackson is the name of the town while Jackson Hole refers to an entire valley, including the town of Jackson, Teton Village, Wilson, the Aspens, Moran Junction, Moose, and surrounding areas.

Day One of The Best Jackson Hole Family Vacation

White Water Rafting the Snake River

One of the best memories of our first trip to the Jackson area was the one we took on the Snake River, white water rafting. We floated the Snake River with Dave Hansen Whitewater and Scenic River Trips and would recommend them and would take that trip over and over!

Besides, who wouldn’t want to be thrust down the river and jump into an ice-cold river (don’t worry, you are provided with wet suits to keep you warm)! We choose to book the 8 Mile Whitewater Rafting Trip (8 Person Raft). Plus, we wanted to experience the river and the rapids the best we could so we chose the 8 person raft. And for the price of the smaller raft, it wasn’t much more than the 16 person raft.

Plus, you will want to “ride the bull” on your rafting trip! Or in other words, sit over the edge of the front of the raft through the rapids. My kids had a blast riding the bull!

Best Pizza in Jackson Hole

Pinky G’s Pizzeria is hands down the best pizza in Jackson Hole, best since 2011! Plan to arrive early as the restaurant is small and lines tend to get long. Try the Margherita pizza!

Jackson Hole Shootout

Want to feel like you stepped back in time and witness a street gunfight in the old west? Well, you are in luck! Members of the Jackson Hole Playhouse present the Shootout in full costume and character Monday through Saturday at 6 pm. Free to the public on the northeast corner of Town Square. In fact, the Shootout is the longest, continuously running gunfight in the United States. It is so fun to watch!

Day 2 of The Best Jackson Hole Family Vacation

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

Head out of town to the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has all kinds of summer as well as winter activities. So many options to keep the whole family busy from bungee trampolines to paragliding in the summer to skiing in the winter.

First, ride the 12-minute aerial tram to the summit overlooking Jackson Hole, “The Top of the World”! Also, don’t forget to eat world-famous gourmet waffles at Corbet’s Cabin.

Next, take the Bridger Gondola. A 12-minute ride in a safe and private gondola cabin takes you over 2,700 vertical feet above the Jackson valley floor. Also, make sure to sit in the lounge chairs with a drink in your hand when you get to the top because you are sitting as close to heaven as you can get. Or, take full access to hiking trails and 3 restaurants while at the top.

In addition to enjoying the view in your lounge chairs, you can paraglide right off the edge. No experience necessary, fly tandem. Thinking I might make the jump when I return to Jackson Hole!

Plus, when you are done paragliding you can rent a mountain bike. My 9-year-old had a blast riding his own bike down, yes you can bring your own bike or rent one with all the gear. And bring your Go-Pro, connect it to your helmet, the videos are fun to watch especially if it’s your kiddo riding the trails without you. The ski lift takes bikers to the drop-off point and then ride at your own risk down the trails. Thrill-seekers will love this activity plus, it is great for all ages.

John Moulton Barn

The most iconic and sought-after photos have been taken at this Jackson location because I mean, check out the photo I took below! Not to mention photos like this are all over social media.

Located north of Jackson, the Morman Row Historic District, has many backdrops and photo opportunities, and don’t forget to read about the history of the barn while on site.

In addition, Morman Row Historic District is located on a busy gravel road with minimal parking.

Jackson Hole Fishing

There are many options to try your luck at fishing in Jackson Hole however the best place to see fish and actually catch one is at the Jackson National Fish hatchery.

The goal of the Jackson fish hatchery is to improve fish (trout) populations along the headwaters of the Snake River. Get a behind the scene glimpse into the fish production process, tours given by volunteers. Open daily 8-4 pm.

Sleeping Indian Pond at the hatchery is open for public fishing and is equipped with a disability-accessible observation/fishing deck. In fact, the pond is perfect for children and first-time anglers. Non-resident children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult with a license. There is a one-fish limit per license. And don’t forget your fishing pole as well as bait as they are not provided for by the hatchery.

Live Music Jackson Hole

Looking for some live music and some drinks to wind down from your day? Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in the heart of Jackson is the place you’ll want to be.

A unique Western drinking and entertainment venue was established in 1937. Celebrities, presidents, royalty, cowhands have stepped foot through the doors. The only downside if traveling with kids, is they are not allowed inside, must be 21 to enter. Needless to say, we have never stepped foot into the bar for that reason. Peek through the doors though, they are wide open to get a glimpse however it looks like a place I could spend some time in!

Day 3 of The Best Jackson Hole Family Vacation

Visit Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is located about 5 miles north of Jackson. Passes are required to enter the park which can be purchased online and also at the entrance.

Jenny Lake Hikes

Jenny Lake is the center of The Grand Tetons and is one of the most visited areas, sitting at the base of the Teton range. In fact, many popular trails can be hiked from Jenny Lake. Visitors can hike the loop of the lake, visit Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, or hike into the backcountry via Cascade Canyon.

Jenny Lake is very popular and parking fills quickly in the summer. So plan to arrive early or be prepared to walk as you will have to park on the road. Or be a “vulture” and follow people to their cars to grab their spot, kinda creepy but we have done it many times, ha!

• Jenny Lake Trail- This trail is a moderate trail looping around Jenny Lake. 7.9 miles round trip. Plan to be on this hike for a majority of the day. Short on time? Take the Jenny Lake boat acrross the lake.
• Cascade Canyon Trail- Antoher trail that follows Jenny Lake with little elevation gains. Taking you to Inspiration Point and other senic points. 9 miles round trip. Medium difficuly yet worth the views!
• Hidden Falls- Hike around either end of the lake or take a boat to access the falls. Round trip is 5 miles.  

Don’t forget to pack your bear spray and your water bottle. Bears are common on the trails so make sure you and your family are safe.

El abuelito

Enjoy your evening with some yummy authentic Mexican at El abuelito. Located within walking distance from Town Square, your cravings for some good Mexican food are sure to please.

Stagecoach Rides

To finish off the best Jackson Hole family vacation, ride in a horse-drawn stagecoach around town square in Jackson. Seats 4-6 passengers. In fact, the stagecoaches are everywhere downtown. Tickets are available at the Stage Stop at the Jackson Town Square.

Are you ready to plan the best Jackson Hole family vacation?

Safe adventures,

Brooke

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