Family Vacation in Jackson, Wyoming

Jackson, Wyoming, also known as Jackson Hole, is a lovely little mountain town that gives traveling families great access to nearby natural attractions.

Stay

Unless you’re booking your Jackson stay well in advance, it’ll be a bit difficult to find accommodations both comfortable and budget-friendly. If you’re not working with a budget, you can have your pick of Jackson’s many unique boutique properties, but if you are working with a budget, consider Mountain Modern Motel. While, yes, the “motel” aspect does mean each guestroom opens up to the outdoors, the hotel itself has a charming, fun vibe perfect for young families. The rooms are stylish, yet functional, with open floorplans, an apartment-like design and lots of storage. Kids will love the platform bunk rooms outfitted like a modern-day cabin with queen beds and bunks over top.

Play

When it comes to play, staying in Jackson is all about getting out of Jackson, so you’ll likely want to rent a car for your explorations of the surrounding attractions.

Jenny Lake, with the Grand Teton Mountains, Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Photo: Jeffrey Holcombe | Dreamstime.com

During the summer, Grand Teton National Park beckons with Jenny Lake and plenty of hiking. If your children aren’t yet old enough to hit the trails, you can still take a stroller to the Jenny Lake visitor’s area and explore the paved paths that give you great views of the crystalline waters. The short driving loop around Grand Teton National Park is also suitable, as it has plenty of stopping points that serve the best views in the park, whether you’re interested in snapping photos of the beautiful mountains or the native wildlife, including herds of bison.

The winter requires a little bit more activity, so you may want to wait until your kids are older before visiting Jackson in the snowy months. Once you do, though, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly activities suitable for active adventurers, from skiing and snowmobiling to dog sledding and snowshoeing.

Whatever season you visit, though, make sure your family gets a photo op in Jackson Town Square, where the iconic antler arches flank each street corner.

Eat

There are plenty of delicious eateries around downtown Jackson, so you won’t have any problem grabbing breakfast, lunch or dinner in town before or after heading out on your explorations of the area. Try Jackson Drug for a quaint, diner-style atmosphere and unbeatable milkshakes alongside behemoth burgers and tasty margaritas; for local beers, a brewpub menu and a lively atmosphere, go to Snake River Brewing; and for delicious barbecue and outdoor dining, try Big Hole BBQ Jackson.