We just returned from a week in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with our two young daughters in early April, and I’m still thinking about it. Not because everything was perfect β shoulder season comes with its quirks β but because it delivered something peak season rarely does: no crowds. Empty lift lines. Wildlife-filled mornings with almost no one around. A mountain town with no wait times.
Here is everything you need to know before you go.
Why April in Jackson Hole?
What you get in April that you don’t get in peak season:
- No lift lines. Seriously, not a single one.
- Lower hotel rates and lift ticket prices
- Wildlife emerging from winter β bears, bison calves, migrating elk
- Grand Teton National Park without the summer crowds
- A laid-back, unhurried version of one of America’s most spectacular destinations
What to know going in: some inner park roads in Grand Teton are still closed in early April. The inner roads of Teton National Park were not yet open during our first week of April visit. Wildlife tour operators know exactly where to go regardless, and honestly we barely noticed the limitations. Some restaurants operate on reduced hours or take a break between ski season and summer. Always check ahead.
Getting There: Flying Into Jackson Hole Airport
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is the only commercial airport in the United States located inside a National Park β Grand Teton, specifically. The airport is small, easy, and one of the most unique arrival experiences in the country.
Your first three moments in Jackson Hole: landing inside Grand Teton National Park at JAC airport, driving wide open Wyoming roads with the Tetons in your rearview mirror, and walking under the famous antler arches on Jackson Town Square.
Where We Stayed: Teton Village + Downtown Jackson
We split our stay between two very different bases, and both were excellent for different reasons.
Hotel guest perk: guests receive free admission to the National Museum of Wildlife Art with their Cloudveil room key. The museum is the nation’s only museum solely dedicated to wildlife art, open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am to 5pm.Β
The Highlight of Our Trip: Jackson Hole Wildlife Safari
If you do one thing in Jackson Hole with kids, make it a wildlife safari. We booked a private full-day tour withΒ Jackson Hole Wildlife SafarisΒ (jacksonholewildlifesafaris.
Pricing:Β For a private safari for a family of 4, we paid approximately $1,250 (not including gratuity). The tour includes breakfast (fresh muffins, orange juice, water), snacks throughout the day, and lunch at a restaurant. Barry took us to theΒ Silver Dollar Bar & GrillΒ at the historic Wort Hotel, one block from Town Square β a place we never would have stopped by on our own. The chili and French dip were excellent, and they had a kids menu.
- If you have children under 10 years of age, you are required to book a private tour (not a group tour). This is actually a bonus β you set the pace.
- The full day tour is 6 hours. Long for little ones but Barry was attentive about bathroom breaks and knew exactly where every restroom in the park was located, which saved us significant time.
- Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris also offers 3-hour tours if a full day feels too long for your family.
- In winter, the tour includes a sleigh ride from the National Elk Refuge. By early April, the sleigh rides had ended for the season.
- Because inner park roads were not yet open in early April, Barry navigated alternative routes including Kelly and Mormon Row. We didn’t feel limited at all β he knew exactly where the wildlife would most likely be, other sightings were due to pure luck.
Approaching Teton Village and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for the first time hits differently in person β the scale of the mountain is impossible to prepare for. April's final ski week brought melting snow and thin coverage after a low snow season, but end of season pricing, zero lift lines, and the Aerial Tram views more than made up for it. The tram ride alone β 4,139 vertical feet of Jackson Hole valley stretching out below you β is worth the trip up whether you ski or not.
Skiing Jackson Hole with Kids in April
Zero lift lines.Β Not exaggerating. We walked straight onto every single lift, every single time. For families who have experienced the chaos of peak season ski resorts, this alone is transformative.
Ski school:Β We enrolled our younger daughter in a group ski lesson at the Kid’s Ranch, located right next to the Bridger lift. The class had only one other child β effectively a private lesson at group lesson pricing. The lesson cost $279 and included their lunch.Β
Children 4 and under ski freeΒ at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and their free lift ticket includes free tram access to Corbet’s Cabin for waffles at the summit.
The Aerial Tram:Β We took the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain at 10,450 feet. The views are extraordinary. At the top, Corbet’s Cabin serves hot waffles β crispy on the edges, soft and airy in the middle. They are worth the trip up alone. Note: last waffle is served at 2:30pm. The sightseeing-only pass (without a lift ticket) is approximately $55. If you already have a lift ticket, tram access is included. The tram is free for children 4 and under.
Grand Teton National Park with Kids in April
Schwabacher LandingΒ was our personal favorite stop of the entire trip. Located 16 miles north of Jackson, it’s famous for the reflection of the Teton Mountains in the stillness of the Snake River. There is a flat, easy path that runs along the river β completely accessible for young children. We didn’t hike the full trail, just took a short walk along the river and snapped some of the most beautiful photos of the trip. The road into Schwabacher Landing was open during our early April visit, though it can be weather dependent. Go midday if you want to avoid the biggest crowds β sunrise and sunset bring the most visitors.
Mormon RowΒ was a quick stop with a big visual payoff. Historic barns with the Teton Range directly behind them. Flat, easy, zero effort required. Keep an eye out for prairie dogs β they are everywhere and kids go absolutely wild watching them pop in and out of their holes.
Grand Teton National Park entrance fees vary depending on how you enter. If driving your own vehicle, the fee is $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass covering all occupants β children are always free. If you are entering as part of a commercial wildlife tour, the fee is $20 per person for adults, with children 15 and under free. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass at $80 covers both scenarios and is worth it for families planning multiple park visits during the year. For our vehicle, our guide already had his own pass so we only had to pay for two adults as the children were free.Β
The Visitor CenterΒ (Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose) was a wonderful stop with the kids. Ask the park ranger for aΒ Junior Ranger activity bookletΒ β it’s free. Once your child completes it, they receive an official Junior Ranger badge. The wildlife exhibits inside are genuinely engaging for kids and the gift shop is one of the best places in the valley for souvenirs.
R ParkΒ β Teton County’s first nonprofit-run park β was an unexpected favorite. Free and open to the public. When we visited they had an egg hunt with clues to collect around the park, once completed they were to input the secret code to unlock a treasure chest of their prize. Great place to let kids run and release energy after long car rides through the national park. Also known as a great stargazing spot at night.
Where to Eat in Jackson Hole with Kids
Still West Brewery and GrillΒ β Our first meal of the trip and a great one. Located in town across from Snow King Resort, with indoor and outdoor seating and mountain views. The Nashville hot chicken sandwich was surprisingly excellent β moist, flavorful chicken. The wings were a great starter. Kids menu available. (Insert link into name:Β www.stillwestbreweryandgrill.
Silver Dollar Bar & Grill at the Wort HotelΒ β Our wildlife guide brought us here for lunch and it was a blast from the past. One block from Town Square. Great chili, excellent French dip, kids menu available. A local institution we would have missed entirely without Barry.
Jackson DrugΒ β Lunch on our downtown day. A few minutes walk from the Cloudveil. Great kids menu (cheeseburger, tenders, grilled cheese, hot dog, mac and cheese). We shared the Caliente Cowboy Melt and the Green Goddess Bowl β both were outstanding. Also great place for milkshakes and ice cream.
Corbet’s Cabin at the SummitΒ β Hot waffles at 10,450 feet. Crispy edges, soft and airy in the middle. Worth taking the tram for. Last waffle served at 2:30pm. Bundle up β it’s cold up there.
Million Dollar Cowboy SteakhouseΒ β Dinner on our downtown night. Same entrance as the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar but take an immediate right down the stairs to the restaurant. We ordered the Winter Salad, Cast Iron Pan Fried Trout, and a 17oz Cast Iron Ribeye. Everything was prepared with care and full of flavor. For the adventurous: elk tenderloin and bison flank steak are on the menu.
Cowboy Coffee Co.Β β Multiple locations around Jackson. Became our daily ritual. My personal favorite coffee stop of the entire trip, and I went back nearly every day. Don’t skip it.
Nora’s Fish Creek InnΒ β We didn’t make it this trip but it’s on every local’s list. A James Beard Award-winning family-owned restaurant in Wilson, Wyoming, about 20 minutes from Jackson. Famous for huevos rancheros and banana bread French toast. Where locals go β expect a wait and consider it worth it.
Again, depending on when you go, be sure to check on the hours of operation.
More Things to Do in Jackson Hole with Kids in April
Phil Baux ParkΒ β Located right next to Snow King Resort. A park with a playground with slides, swings, and rock climbing. Our kids discovered this on Day 1 after lunch and didn’t want to leave. Completely free. Highly recommend as a first-day activity since it’s so conveniently located.
Town Square and the Antler ArchesΒ β A must. Walk the square, take photos under the antler arches. One thing I didn’t know before visiting: there are antler arches at each corner of Town Square β four in total β which means much shorter waits for photos than you’d expect.
Teton Toys and Yippy I-O Candy StoreΒ β Both in downtown Jackson and both kid magnets. Yippy I-O is exactly what it sounds like and the kids were in heaven. So many types of candy to choose from!
Lee’s TeesΒ β A 5,000-square-foot store in Jackson Town Square selling all things Jackson Hole. Great selection, on the pricey side. Worth a browse but shop around before committing.
Made BoutiqueΒ β Across from the Cloudveil. A small-town gift boutique with beautifully curated items. One of the best gift shops in town.
Mursell’sΒ β A chocolates and sweets shop with one of the best collections of confections in Jackson Hole. Don’t leave without stopping in.
Snow King Observatory and PlanetariumΒ β Take the new gondola to the summit of Snow King for a guided stargazing experience at this state-of-the-art facility. Children 5 and under are free. We didn’t make it this trip but it’s on our list for next time.
Become a Junior RangerΒ β Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park both offer Junior Ranger programs. Pick up the free activity booklet at any visitor center, complete it, and earn an official badge. Our kids loved it.
Practical Tips for April in Jackson Hole
Weather:Β Unpredictable in the best way. We experienced snow, sunshine, and everything in between sometimes within the same day. Pack layers β snow boots AND sunscreen are not mutually exclusive in April.
Bear spray:Β Required if you are hiking in the park. Pick some up in town.
Inner park roads:Β Some roads in Grand Teton National Park remain closed to vehicles in early April. Your wildlife tour guide will navigate around this seamlessly. Check the NPS website for current road conditions before you go.
Grocery shopping:Β There’s an Albertsons in Jackson, plus Whole Foods, Target, and Smith’s nearby. If your accommodation has a kitchen, stocking up saves significantly on dining costs. We cooked several dinners in our Hotel Terra kitchen and it made a real difference on the budget.
Astoria Hot Springs:Β Closed on Wednesdays. Book a time slot in advance. Located about 20 minutes south of Jackson town with hot spring pools including one dedicated to children.
Driving:Β A rental car is non-negotiable in Jackson Hole. The distances between Teton Village, downtown Jackson, and the national park make public transit impractical for families with gear and young kids.
The airport:Β Sit on the right side of the plane on both arrival and departure for Teton views. Both times we flew, the right-side seats had direct views of the mountain range. For standard 3-3 or 2-2 seating, that’s typically seats labeled F or D.
We came home with wildlife memories our kids will carry for years, waffles at 10,450 feet, empty ski runs that felt like they belonged entirely to us, and a town that surprised us at every turn. It’s one of the most complete family destinations in the United States β and in April, you get all of it with room to breathe.
