Affordable Family Fun in Jackson Hole

Adventurous families and nature lovers may already have Wyoming on their radar. Tackle the wildly beautiful locale on a budget in Jackson Hole. Scope out hotel deals by season, check out Airbnb and competing sites like Flipkey and VRBO and start planning your adventurous family retreat.

For those looking to white-water raft, warm-weather hike and cook out, the summer months will be the busiest and most expensive. Winter brings ski bunnies and snow resort prices, so the fall may be your best bet for a wide variety of fun at its most affordable.

Now that you’ve booked, here’s how to keep your days affordable:

Fuel up for a big day of exploring at the Bunnery Bakery and Restaurant in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. With everything from sweet starts, like pastries and pies, to savory items, like loaded omelets ($12–13) to pancakes and waffles ($6-9), good luck choosing. Vegetarian options abound as well as smaller, cheaper dishes for kids.

Downtown Jackson Hole in Wyoming © F11photo | Dreamstime.com

Now that you’re filled and ready to explore, enjoy a hike through Grand Teton National Park for $15, or upgrade to the Yellowstone bundle for $50. The price may be steep, but it lasts seven days and you’d be remiss to skip a national park hike while in Jackson Hole. Military and young children visit for free. Opt for a free ranger program and get the most out of your visit.

See the sights from a free gondola ride, beginning daily at 4:30 p.m., at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Take in the incredible view with the family while the older kids enjoy a drink and everyone grabs a small bite during happy hour on The Deck.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming © Chase Dekker | Dreamstime.com

If you didn’t get enough walking in at the park, trek along the Sculpture Trail. The walk is less than a mile resembling an outdoor museum. Conveniently located overlooking National Elk Refuge, you may even see some impressive wildlife.

Stargazing in Wyoming is easy and free, but more enjoyable on the lawn of the Center for the Arts during a public stargazing event. Every November through May, every other Friday, 7:30–9:30 p.m., visitors and locals flock to the downtown venue to view astrological wonders by telescope.

You’ve had an affordable and active day with the family so treat yourselves to dinner at the Snake River Café. Share a few plates for $14–19, or choose from the filling main courses, $21–45, including trout, halibut, pork shank and wagyu zabaton steak.