Healthy Families Initiative

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. Download the park newspaper for a complete list of guided ranger programs.

Visit our Ranger Programs page for a summary of programs throughout the year.

SUMMER OUTDOOR FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Families can enjoy the spectacular Teton landscape on foot, bicycle or rollerblades by traveling the park's multi-use pathway. Families may also spend a day on a lake canoeing or kayaking. Below are highlights of the park's family-friendly activities.

Multi-use Pathway
The 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-led hike and discovery the stories behind the awe-inspiring scenery. Check the Teewinot, the park newspaper, for schedule details. 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. TIME: 9:00 a.m. DURATION: 2 hours.

Inspiration Point Hike
Learn about this magnificent landscape on a hike to Hidden Falls and on to Inspiration Point. To reserve your space, please obtain a token for each member of your group at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center prior to meeting the ranger. This activity is limited to 25 on a first-come, first-served basis. We will take a shuttle boat across Jenny Lake (fee charged). ONE-WAY DISTANCE: 1 mile. DIFFICULTY: Moderate. MEETING PLACE: Jenny Lake Visitor Center Flagpole. TIME: 8:30 a.m. DURATION: 2½ hours.

Junior Ranger Program
Children 8-12 years old are invited to explore the natural world of Grand Teton National Park with a ranger. Make reservations at any visitor center. Wear play clothes and bring water, rain gear, insect repellent and curiosity. GROUP SIZE: 12. ROUNDTRIP DISTANCE: 2 miles. DIFFICULTY: Easy. MEETING PLACE: various visitor centers. TIME: 1:30 p.m. DURATION: 1½ hours. Parents, please pick up your children promptly at 3:00 p.m. at the meeting location.

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. TIME: 8:00 a.m. DURATION: 3 hours.

Nature Explorer's Backpack
Children learn the art of journaling while discovering the wonders of the natural world. 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 at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center. 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.