Grand Teton National Park provides a variety of family-oriented programs as part of a national initiative to promote healthy family recreation in national parks. The program seeks to increase participation in recreational activities, encourage exercise, and develop healthy habits through outdoor recreation. See below for a list of special programs and view the park newspaper for a list of guided ranger programs.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE FEE-FREE WEEKEND SPECIAL EVENTS
Grand Teton National Park will mark its second fee-free weekend on July 18 and 19, by offering special ranger-led activities throughout the park. In addition to free admission into the park, several family-friendly programs aimed at providing education and promoting conservation are scheduled to help make the weekend a time to remember.
Learn more>>
SUMMER OUTDOOR FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Families can enjoy the spectacular Teton landscape on foot, bicycle or rollerblades by traveling the park’s new multi-use pathway from Dornan’s to the South Jenny Lake area. See below for highlights of the park's family-friendly activities.
Multi-use Pathway
The 8-mile-long paved multi-use pathway offers the chance to breath fresh air, get physical exercise, and soak in the beauty of the park’s dramatic scenery and wildlife. Because the pathway traverses a wildlife-rich corridor, special regulations apply. Visitors should stop and read the posted informational signs before proceeding along this route, and observe safety precautions such as: wear helmets and sunscreen; ride single file and maintain bicycle speeds that are reasonable to the numbers of other pathway users; be bear aware; and keep a safe distance from all wildlife. Pets are not allowed on the multi-use pathway and this route is closed from sunset to sunrise to protect park animals.
Take your family on a ranger-guided hike and discovery the stories behind the awe-inspiring scenery. Suggested family programs include:
Taggart Lake Hike
Hike with a Ranger along the scenic Taggart Lake Trail, where a variety of stories unfold. Topics vary. Bring water, binoculars, camera, sunscreen, and rain gear. ROUNDTRIP DISTANCE: 3 miles. DIFFICULTY: Moderate. MEETING PLACE: Taggart Lake Trailhead
June 1-Sept. 7, Offered daily at 9 a.m, 3 hours in duration
Junior Ranger Program
Children 8-12 years old are invited to explore the natural world of Grand Teton with a ranger. Make reservations at the CTDVC, Jenny Lake, or Colter Bay visitor centers. Wear play clothes and bring water, rain gear, insect repellent and curiosity. Parents, please pick up your children promptly at 3 p.m. at the same location. GROUP SIZE: 12. ROUNDTRIP DISTANCE: 2 miles. DIFFICULTY: Easy. MEETING PLACE: Jenny Lake Visitor Center flagpole (Junior Ranger programs are also provided in Moose and Colter Bay districts, see park newspaper for times and dates).
June 8-Aug. 14, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1:30 p.m., 1.5 hours in duration
Swan Lake Hike
Hike through forest and wetland communities and learn about the plants and animals living in the park. Bring water, binoculars, camera, rain gear, and insect repellent. ROUNDTRIP DISTANCE: 3 miles. DIFFICULTY: Easy. MEETING PLACE: Colter Bay Visitor Center flagpole
June 1-Sept. 7, Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 8 a.m., 3 hours in duration
Lakeshore Stroll
Take a leisurely stroll to enjoy panoramic Teton views and learn about the forces that shaped the landscape. ROUNDTRIP DISTANCE: 1 mile. DIFFICULTY: Easy. MEETING PLACE: Colter Bay Visitor Center flagpole
June 1-Sept. 7, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 a.m., 1 hour in duration
Nature Explorer's Backpack
Children learn the art of journaling while discovering the wonders of the natural world using a Nature Explorer’s Backpack. After a brief orientation by a ranger, each child receives their own nature journal and set of activities to take with them as they explore the Preserve trails.
Backpacks may be checked out beginning in mid-July at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center (hours: 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m). Please note that parking may be difficult during peak hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Recommended for children ages 6-12. Backpacks are limited, one per family please.
NATIONAL GET OUTDOORS DAY
June 13, 2009
http://www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org/
National Get Outdoors Day is a new annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. Prime goals of the day are reaching first-time visitors to public lands and reconnecting our youth to the great outdoors.
NATIONAL PARK AND RECREATION MONTH
July 2009
http://www.nrpa.org/content/default.aspx?documentId=2145
July is a great month to enjoy hiking in Jackson Hole. Most of the park's trails will be completely snow free (except for some mountain passes). Great family recreation activities in Grand Teton include: canoeing on Leigh or Jenny Lake (rentals available), hiking, biking on the multi-use pathway, rafting the Snake River, and enjoying kid and family-oriented exhibits at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose.
