Perhaps it’s the falling snow that puts us in mind of snow days of old — the pure joy to a kid’s heart to hear that school is canceled and fun is the day’s directive. Or maybe it’s the magic of the holiday season, carrying the promise of sweets and surprises, that brings out everyone’s inner kid at this time of year.
Whether you’re experiencing Jackson Hole with actual kids, or you’re just a kid at heart, here’s a day that promises to deliver smiles.
Start with a Kid-approved breakfast
As someone who spent her actual childhood in Jackson Hole, I can assure you there’s one favorite place to start the day. What’s better is that it is the same place that was my favorite as a kid. And the menu? Filled with longstanding classics for all ages.
Have you guessed it? It’s The Bunnery. A cozy and thoroughly family-friendly spot, The Bunnery is one of the oldest eateries in the valley. Open seven days a week, its surprisingly extensive breakfast menu includes impressive iterations of eggs Benedict, omelettes and hearty classics like biscuits and gravy. Of course, the lineup of French toast, pancakes and waffles is not to be overlooked.
My age-old favorite? The Bakery Scramble: flawlessly-scrambled eggs and a healthy chunk of house-made coffee cake. Simple. Absolutely perfect, even decades later.
Experience the Wild Side
Head just up North Cache Street from The Bunnery to the National Elk Refuge Visitor Center. Snag some tickets for an unforgettable National Elk Refuge Sleigh Ride. (If you’re there a bit before your sleigh ride departs, browse the awesome exhibits that tell you all about local wildlife and more.
Once you’re out there enjoy incredibly up-close encounters with wild elk. It’s an experience like no other. Pro tip: while the sleighs do have blankets for your lap, definitely plan to bundle up for the ride.
After your tour of the herd, head just further north to the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Here, you’ll get to see wildlife from a different perspective. And no, it’s not some stuffy high-brow kind of place. Some days have hands-on kid-friendly activities, and every day kids can enjoy the Kids’ Gallery — an interactive space that invites young ones to play, read, learn and create art of their own.
An Iconic Lunch
By now, kids are hungry. Trust me, so are grownups. While Palate is always a great option since you are up at the museum, you can also zip back into town and park on the Town Square for a bit of the afternoon. On the northwest corner, across from the iconic antler arches, you’ll discover another longstanding Jackson Hole establishment: Jackson Drug.
I have fond memories of popping into the store with my grandfather when I was young. We would always perch at the lengthy counter and order milkshakes. And today, while the milkshakes are still tough to beat, Jackson Drug now serves exceptional burgers and more. The signature burger is made with locally-raised beef, or grab a hearty and warming bowl of chili or a crisp salad.
But seriously, save room for a milkshake, especially a huckleberry one. Or chocolate. I would never mislead you about something this important.
Snowy Excitement (Or A Distinctive Dip)
Fully charged by a filling lunch at Jackson Drug, it’s time for some afternoon fun. I haven’t met a kid yet who isn’t thrilled for an afternoon at Snow King Resort’s King Tubes. Bundle up and get ready for sledding at the highest degree.
You’ll hop onto cushy, inflated tubes while a tow rope hauls you to the top of the groomed tube run. From there, it’s the ride of your life headed down. It’s pure fun for kids of all ages (and grownups, too).
If you find that you’ve had enough outdoor adventure for the day — and hey, it happens — small folks get cold! Consider a trip to nearby Astoria Hot Springs to warm up. A short drive south of Jackson, this naturally-warm constellation of pools is enjoyable year-round thanks to its geothermal source.
It’s a fun contrast to experience the snow-crusted hills that flank the Snake River while soaking in blissfully-warm water. Be sure the make reservations ahead as time slots can fill up quickly. A truly unique experience that will bring smiles all around!
Dinner Time
While there are truly precious few eateries in Jackson Hole that don’t warmly welcome (relatively well-behaved) kids, there are some that are more likely to keep kids just as happy as adults.
If you’re in the mood for a relaxed, casual dinner but with super-satisfying fare, head to none other than “Jackson’s Living Room,” the iconic Snake River Brew Pub. While downstairs is reserved for patrons of legal drinking age, upstairs is welcoming to guests of all ages. The family-friendly eatery is the ideal spot for grownups to sample award-winning locally-crafted beer, and the menu includes something for everyone.
Order a wood-fired pizza (from simple as cheese and pepperoni to distinctive as BBQ Pig & Peach), hearty bison and beef chili or a perfectly-cooked burger. Don’t worry if you’re still in your snowpants — half the folks here are, too.
Do the kids still have energy to spare? Head to Sidewinders in town or on the Westbank and let them burn of their remaining steam in the on-site game rooms. Take in your favorite game, while enjoying one of their menu craft beers on tap alongside their infamous pretzel with your favorite pizza toppings, an app that both kids and adults alike can’t get enough of! Insider Tip: you can join the waitlist before arriving via the yelp link on their website.
However, if you’re craving an experience and menu more on the refined side — but still welcoming to families — aim for The Bistro in The Cloudveil hotel. A long-standing local eatery that has a sterling reputation for exceptional European-inspired fare as well as a warm, community atmosphere, The Bistro is beloved for good reason. Plus they have crayons and paper for the kids to drawl on at the table.
Don’t-miss entrees include moules frites (Prince Edward Island mussels, garlic herb butter, pommes frites), braised short rib (carrot nage, vegetables a la grecque, soy lime vinaigrette, vadouvan curry crunch, sweet herbs) and steak frites au poivre (certified angus 12 ounce New York strip steak, peppercorn sauce, pommes frites). Other options that are both approachable (for palates of any age) and still exceptional include roasted chicken, Bistro meatloaf and the Bistro burger.
The Perfect End to a Kid’s Day
Depending on what your kid (or kid-at-heart) is into, there are an array of options in Jackson Hole by way of evening entertainment. If your little ones have any energy left, consider one of the following options:
- See what’s on the stage at the Center for the Arts! From stunning dance displays to internationally-celebrated musicians, you never know what you’ll discover on the calendar.
- Is your kid a skilled skier? Check out night skiing at Snow King Resort. Under the glow of the mountain’s lights, it’s a unique twist on the alpine classic.
- Get on the ice. Head to the Town Square and rent a pair of skates to enjoy the ice rink at the heart of downtown.
- Catch the hometown team Jackson Hole Moose in a hockey game. This boisterous family-friendly event at the Snow King Arena is a rowdy and fun way to spend the evening.
A Kid’s Paradise
No matter what your kids’ age or interests, they’re destined to find plenty that’s fascinating and fun in Jackson Hole. Whether they’re hitting the snowy slopes, learning about local wildlife on a wintertime safari or simply reveling in the magic of wintertime in the mountains, Jackson Hole is unforgettable for kids of all ages.
Every kid — or kid-at-heart — will discover plenty of excitement in Jackson Hole.
