/ Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Travel

Things to Do in Jackson Hole in the Shoulder Season That Aren’t Skiing

Linda

Choosing where to stay in Jackson Hole with kids? We stayed at both Hotel Terra in Teton Village and The Cloudveil in downtown Jackson on the same trip. Here's our honest side-by-side comparison to help you decide which is right for your family.

Here is something most people planning a Jackson Hole trip don’t realize: even if you never put on a pair of ski boots, late September to December and April to May in Jackson Hole is an extraordinary place to be.

The shoulder season brings something peak season rarely delivers — space, quiet, and a town and valley that feel genuinely accessible. The wildlife is waking up. The crowds haven’t arrived. The prices are lower. And there is more to do off the slopes than most families expect. Here is everything worth knowing before you go.

Mormon Row in Grand Teton National Park — one of the most photographed spots in the American West. Historic homestead barns with the Teton Range rising directly behind them. Flat, paved, and completely accessible for all ages. Go early morning for the best light and fewest people.

1. Book a Wildlife Safari — The Best Thing We Did on the Entire Trip

If you do one non-skiing thing in Jackson Hole with kids, make it a wildlife safari. We booked a private full-day tour with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris and it was the highlight of our entire trip.

In early April we saw lots of elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, bison, coyote, bighorn sheep, bald eagles, a moose, and a grizzly bear deep in the dark timber. April is one of the best times of year for wildlife viewing — bears are emerging from hibernation, bison calves are being born, and migrating elk herds fill the valley.

Grand Teton National Park covers more than 300,000 acres. Without a guide, you can spend an entire day driving through it and see almost nothing. With an experienced naturalist who knows where animals will be and when, you see everything. It is genuinely that different.

A few April-specific notes: some inner park roads are still closed in early April, but experienced guides navigate around this seamlessly. The National Elk Refuge sleigh rides typically end in early April, so if that is on your list, check current dates before booking and time your trip accordingly.

Book in advance. Private tours fill up even in shoulder season. Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris (jacksonholewildlifesafaris.com) and Jackson Hole Eco Tour Adventures (jhecotouradventures.com) are both excellent options. If you have children under 10 years of age, a private tour is required for both companies.

Not every Grand Teton experience requires a guide or a plan. Pull over at Mormon Row for the most iconic barn and Teton Range view in Wyoming. Drive down to Schwabacher Landing for a flat walk along the Snake River with the Teton reflection in the water.

2. Explore Grand Teton National Park — Even With Roads Closed

Some families assume that because certain inner roads in Grand Teton National Park are still closed to vehicles in early April, the park isn’t worth visiting. This is completely wrong.

The most iconic stops in the park are fully accessible throughout April and absolutely worth making time for.

Schwabacher Landing — Our personal favorite stop of the entire trip. A flat, easy path runs along the Snake River with the Teton Mountain Range reflected in the still water. Zero effort, completely jaw-dropping, and genuinely wonderful for kids who can walk right up to the river’s edge. Go midday if you want fewer people — sunrise and sunset bring the biggest crowds here. The road was open during our early April visit, though it can be weather dependent. Check conditions before you go.

Mormon Row — Historic barns with the Teton Range directly behind them. Flat, easy, no hiking required. One of the most photographed spots in Wyoming and it takes about 20 minutes. Keep an eye out for Uinta ground squirrels — they are everywhere and kids lose their minds watching them pop in and out of their holes.

Snake River Overlook — Ansel Adams photographed this iconic view of the Teton Range and Snake River from roughly this vantage point.

Oxbow Bend — Oxbow Bend is home to a variety of birds and animals, including pelicans, Great Blue Herons, muskrats, otters, moose, and bear. On calm days, Mount Moran can be seen reflected on the surface of the water. One of the best wildlife spotting pullouts in the entire park and completely accessible in April.

Jackson Lake — The largest lake in the park with the full Teton Range in the backdrop. Beautiful at any time of year and a great place to simply stop, look, and breathe.

Tip: Download the Grand Teton Gypsy Guide app before you go. It’s a self-guided audio tour that tells you exactly what you’re looking at as you drive through the park — great for keeping kids engaged between stops.

Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, Grand Teton National Park. Ask the park rangers questions — they know everything about this valley and love sharing it. Explore the wildlife and geology exhibits with the kids and stop at the gift shop — genuinely one of the best souvenir stops in the Jackson Hole area.

3. Visit the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center

This is a stop families consistently underestimate and then wish they had spent more time at. The 22,000-square-foot space houses fascinating exhibits on everything from history to wildlife, along with ranger-led programs, park films, and trail information — Free with park entry.

Note that how you pay for park entry depends on how you arrive. If driving your own vehicle, the fee is $35 per vehicle for 7 days, covering all occupants — children are always free. If 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 to visit multiple national parks.

Ask the park ranger at the desk for a Junior Ranger activity booklet. It’s free. Your child works through the activities during the visit and at the end receives an official Junior Ranger badge. Our kids were completely absorbed by this — it turned a museum visit into a mission. The exhibits on animals, geology, and park history are genuinely engaging for young children, not just adults.

The gift shop is also one of the best souvenir stops in the valley. Better selection, better prices, and more interesting items than the tourist shops in town.

Hours: Typically open daily. During the off season they are closed for some time. Check the NPS website for current hours as they vary seasonally.

Location: Moose, Wyoming — near the southern entrance to Grand Teton National Park.

4. Soak at Astoria Hot Springs

https://astoriahotspringspark.org
After days of skiing, hiking, and driving through the park, a long soak in natural mineral waters is exactly what tired family legs need. Astoria Hot Springs was on our list and we wish we had made it — it was simply a matter of running out of time.
Astoria Hot Springs features six different soaking pools filled with natural thermal waters, controlled at different temperatures in each pool, situated within Astoria Park and along the banks of the Snake River. It is located 20 minutes south of Jackson, past Hoback Junction on Highway 89, across the historic red bridge.

Critical booking notes:

Astoria Hot Springs is closed every Wednesday for pool cleaning and maintenance.
Reservations are strongly recommended. Weekend, afternoon, and evening sessions usually sell out in advance.
Sessions run 1 hour 45 minutes, with the first session at 9am and evening sessions available through 8pm.
Bring your own towel and bathing suit. Towel rentals are available on site. Bring flip flops for walking between pools.

Note on Granite Hot Springs: Granite Hot Springs is another option in the area, but the road to Granite Hot Springs is not open to cars from November to April. In early April it is accessible only by snowmobile or dogsled. Astoria is the right choice for families visiting in April.

5. Explore Downtown Jackson Town Square

Downtown Jackson is genuinely one of the most enjoyable town squares in America for families and it costs nothing to explore. Give yourself at least an afternoon here.

The Antler Arches — There are antler arches at all four corners of Town Square, not just one. This is something most visitors don’t realize until they arrive. Four arches means four photo opportunities and much shorter waits at each one. Let the kids run between them.

Teton Toys — A wonderful toy store that kids will immediately gravitate toward. They have so much variety and something for every personality. Budget time and patience.

Yippy I-O Candy Store — The cutest candy store with so much variety and unique choices.

Lee’s Tees — A 5,000-square-foot store selling all things Jackson Hole. Great selection on the pricier side — worth a browse before committing to purchases.

Made Boutique — Across from The Cloudveil hotel. A beautifully curated small-town gift shop, one of the best in town for quality souvenirs.

Mursell’s — A chocolates and sweets shop with one of the best collections of confections in Jackson Hole. Don’t leave without stopping in.

Cowboy Coffee Co. — Multiple locations including right on Town Square. Voted Best Coffee Shop in Jackson Hole for 10 straight years. Became our daily ritual. Go here first, then explore.

6. Phil Baux Park — The Surprise Hit of Day One

We stumbled onto this completely by accident on our first afternoon and it became one of the kids’ favorite moments of the entire trip.

Phil Baux Park is located right next to Snow King Resort at the end of town. It is a fully equipped playground with slides, swings, and rock climbing structures — free and open to the public. Our kids played here after lunch on our first day and genuinely did not want to leave.

What makes it special: The location is perfect for an easy first-day stop after lunch at Still West Brewery, which is directly across the street. Walk across, let the kids burn energy, and you’ve made Day 1 feel productive without any planning at all

R Park, Teton Village, Jackson Hole. Free nonprofit park open year round with ponds, sculptures, art installations, and wide open space for kids to run. Check for seasonal events before you visit.

7. R Park — Teton County's Nonprofit Park

We discovered this on our second-to-last day and wished we had found it sooner. R Park is Teton County’s first nonprofit-run park, free and open to the public, and genuinely one of the most charming family stops in the valley.

When we visited in early April, the park had an at your own time egg hunt with clues and a treasure chest with a prize at the end. Our kids spent nearly an hour exploring the park, the ponds, the art installations, and the sculptures hunting for each clue. It was completely unplanned and they loved exploring the park this way.

R Park is also well known as an excellent stargazing spot at night — a great option for families on a clear evening.

Location: Near Teton Village. 4270 River Springs Dr, Wilson, WY 83014
Cost: Free.

8. National Museum of Wildlife Art

The National Museum of Wildlife Art is located on a bluff overlooking the National Elk Refuge, 2.5 miles north of the town of Jackson. The 51,000-square-foot building features 14 galleries, a sculpture trail, museum shop, restaurant, and a children’s discovery gallery.

For families, the standout feature is the Children’s Discovery Gallery, which includes a puppet theater, animal costumes, and a reading nook — genuinely interactive and engaging for young kids. The outdoor Sculpture Trail winds nearly a mile through the sage-covered hillside with stunning views of the National Elk Refuge and the Gros Ventre mountains.

Cloudveil guest perk: If you are staying at the Cloudveil, present your hotel room key for free admission any day of the week.

Location: 2.5 miles north of Jackson Town Square on the way to Grand Teton National Park — a perfect add-on stop before or after a park day. 2820 Rungius Rd, Jackson, WY 83001

9. Snow King Observatory and Planetarium

(This wasn’t open in April but opens late May for their summer season. Check https://snowkingmountain.com/ for up-to-date information).

One of the newest and most genuinely surprising additions to Jackson Hole’s activity lineup. The Snow King Observatory and Planetarium opened in June 2024 at the summit of Snow King Mountain, reached via the Snow King Gondola. The 4,400-square-foot facility features a 38-seat planetarium dome, a Science on a Sphere exhibit, classroom theater, and a state-of-the-art one-meter PlaneWave telescope.

It is the only observatory on a North American ski area. During the day, catch an immersive planetarium show, explore the Science on a Sphere exhibit, and look through the solar telescope. Kids love the Science on a Sphere exhibit and the immersive dome shows — there is enough hands-on content to keep them engaged throughout the visit.

Evening sessions offer stargazing through the telescopes on the observing deck with guided programming from staff astronomers — a genuinely special experience on a clear night.

Access: Via the Snow King Gondola, just a few blocks from Town Square.
Best for: Rainy or cold afternoons, curious kids who love science, families who want something genuinely different from the usual outdoor activities.
Tip: Check the Snow King website for current session times and ticket prices before you go, as programming varies by season.
Location: Top of Snow King Gondola, 100 E Snow King Ave, Jackson, WY 83001

10. Jackson Hole Children's Museum

jhchildrensmuseum.org

A perfect rainy day or rest day option, especially for younger kids. The Jackson Hole Children’s Museum encourages local and visiting families to examine the world together through interactive, hands-on exhibits and educational programs in the arts, sciences, literature, and history.

Located in downtown Jackson, close to Town Square. A low-key, genuinely engaging option when energy is low or the weather turns. Check their website for current hours and programming as these can vary in shoulder season.

Note: Grand Opening of the new museum May 29, 2026.
Address: 105 Mercill Ave, Jackson, WY 83001

11. Bike or Walk the Teton Park Road

One of the most underrated things you can do in April in Jackson Hole is also one of the simplest — and completely free.

One unique and memorable activity only available this time of year is biking or strolling on Grand Teton National Park roads while they’re still closed to vehicles. Teton Park Road typically opens to bikes in early April. With no cars, you have a wide, paved road through one of the most beautiful landscapes in America entirely to yourself. Bike rentals are available in both Jackson and Teton Village.

This is one of those April-specific experiences that you simply cannot replicate in summer, when the road is full of traffic. Take advantage of it.

12. The Aerial Tram and Corbet's Cabin Waffles

Even on a non-skiing day this is worth doing. The Jackson Hole Aerial Tram rises 4,139 vertical feet in under 12 minutes to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain at 10,450 feet. The views are extraordinary — the Teton Range, the Jackson Hole valley, and on a clear day Idaho in the distance.

At the summit, Corbet’s Cabin serves what may be the most famous waffles in skiing — made to order with toppings like brown sugar butter, Nutella, peanut butter, and bacon. Crispy edges, soft and airy in the middle, and absolutely worth the trip up.

Sightseeing pass: $55 per person. Children 4 and under ride free. If you already have a ski lift ticket, tram access is included.
Waffle timing: Last waffle is served at 2:30pm. Plan your visit for midday or earlier.
Weather note: It is always cold at the summit. Bundle everyone up regardless of how warm it is at the base.

Planning Your April Days: A Simple Framework

April in Jackson Hole works best when you mix active and relaxed. Here is a rough framework that worked well for our family:
Morning: Wildlife safari, Grand Teton National Park, or the Teton Park Road bike path — these benefit from early starts when wildlife is most active and light is best for photos.
Midday: Town Square, lunch, Corbet’s Cabin waffles, R Park, or the Children’s Museum — lower-key activities that work well when kids need a break from the car.
Afternoon: Hot springs, the National Museum of Wildlife Art, the Observatory, or simply driving the park roads and stopping at pullouts.
Evening: Dinner in town, the Cloudveil happy hour, or a stargazing session at Snow King Observatory.

April-Specific Tips to Keep in Mind

Weather is unpredictable. Pack layers for every single day — snow in the morning and a t-shirt by afternoon is genuinely possible. Sunscreen is non-negotiable at altitude even in April.
Some roads are still closed. Inner Grand Teton National Park roads are not yet open to vehicles in early April. Check the NPS website before you go for current road conditions. Your wildlife tour guide will navigate around closures seamlessly.
Some restaurants have reduced hours or are closed. Shoulder season means some places operate on limited schedules or take a break between ski and summer seasons. Always call ahead or check the website before building your day around a specific restaurant.
Book Astoria Hot Springs before you arrive. Sessions sell out, especially on weekends. This is not a walk-in experience during April.
Bear spray is required if you are hiking. Pick some up at a gear shop in town before heading into the park.

Skiing Jackson Hole in April is extraordinary. But the truth is, even if you never touched the mountain, April in Jackson Hole would still be worth the trip.
The wildlife, the national park, the hot springs, the town, the tram, the waffles, the observatory, the parks — there is enough here for a full week without ever clipping into a ski boot. The shoulder season gives you access to all of it with a fraction of the crowds.

Plan a couple of dedicated ski days. Fill the rest with everything on this list. You will not run out of things to do, and you will absolutely not be disappointed.

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Posted On: April 29, 2026