By Amelia Mayer
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Rainy days in Jackson Hole may be few and far between, but they do happen, and it’s good to have a backup plan for not-so-bluebird days. Before I share my family’s favorite local indoor activities, however, I want to stress that you shouldn’t underestimate the power of simply dressing for the weather and going outside anyway. Those less-than-ideal weather days are the best-kept secret for some of our very favorite adventures. They result in fewer crowds and fun conditions.
Venturing into the storm …
R Park
Grab your rain gear and head to R Park to walk the trails, do a little fishing, and say “hi” to Mama Mimi the troll, a Jackson Hole Public Art installation created by recycling artist and activist Thomas Dambo. Your kids will forget it’s even raining once they catch sight of her majestic beauty.
Hiking in Grand Teton National Park
Shh, don’t tell anyone — but hiking in the park is so fun when it’s wet out! We usually opt for Taggart or Bradley Lake and enjoy having the trails mostly to ourselves. Since the region’s weather shifts quickly, you may even luck out with some sun, too. I recommend full rain gear for the kids so they can climb, slide, and play to their hearts’ content.
Astoria Hot Springs
Soaking in the pools at Astoria on a rainy day is an unforgettable experience that no one will complain about because you’ll all be warm. Astoria offers pools of various sizes and temperatures, but plan ahead, as reservations are required to keep the number of guests per session low (a vital crowd-control measure).
Local’s Tip:
Need last-minute gear so you can adventure outside? Check out Skinny Skis, Teton Mountaineering, Hoback Sports, or REI to outfit your whole family.
If You Must Head Indoors …
Teton County/Jackson Community Recreation Center
The Rec Center is your best bet for getting your kids’ ya-yas out at the most affordable rate. A day pass gives you access to a multi-story rock climbing wall and the lap pool, kiddie pool, slide, and multiple gyms. If you don’t have climbing gear, rentals are available. Hit this venue early, as afternoon and evening crowds can be fairly intense.
Jackson Hole Indoor
Jackson’s indoor sports training facility, located south of town, offers a Kidspark area that’s similar to a playground, but indoors. Ideal for kids ages 9 and younger, this play area is worth the entrance fee when your kids just need to get out of the house and burn off some energy. It features a mini climbing wall, a playground, a bounce house, arts and crafts, and plenty of room to run.
Older kids and families can drop in and use the fields to play ball sports or run around. Call ahead to check availability.
Jackson Hole History Museum
Keep your kids occupied with hands-on touchable artifacts in the main gallery of the Jackson Hole History Museum. The museum also offers family activities, “Hands-on History in the Classroom” workshops for kids ages pre-K to second grade, and summer camps.
Jackson Hole Children’s Museum
We’ve been anxiously awaiting the reopening of the new and improved Jackson Hole Children’s Museum on Mercill Avenue. This action-packed indoor learning venue offers immersive, place-based experiences for kids in grades K through 5th. Check out the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) programs, complete with messy experiments. The museum’s summer camps are a favorite of local moms, offering art, science, and outdoor adventures, with a different theme each week.
Local’s Tip:
The Teton County Library offers one-day passes for some of the places above. It’s worth checking to save a little money.
