The Ultimate Family Vacation Guide to Wyoming
About an hour north of Jackson, Grand Teton National Park offers families an unforgettable blend of rugged mountain scenery and accessible outdoor adventure. The Jenny Lake Loop Trail is a perfect introduction for all ages, winding about 7.5 miles around the shimmering lake at the foot of the towering Tetons. For those wanting a shorter trek, the shuttle boat across Jenny Lake saves time and effort, allowing explorers to hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, spectacular overlooks that reveal the park’s iconic peaks mirrored in crystal waters. The sheer granite spires and abundant wildlife—moose, bears, and bald eagles among them—set this park apart. Late spring and early fall bring vibrant wildflower blooms and fewer crowds, while summer evenings offer long daylight perfect for picnics under wide-open skies.
Near the northeastern corner of Wyoming, about two hours from Sheridan, Devils Tower National Monument rises dramatically from the rolling prairie. This unique geological feature, a massive column of igneous rock, captivates visitors with its sheer vertical cliffs and the famous Tower Trail circling its base. This easy 1.3-mile loop trail invites families to get close to a sacred site revered by Native American tribes and featured in classic films. Rock climbers add a lively dynamic during warmer months, scaling the columns with ropes and chalk. The tower glows golden at sunrise and sunset, making early morning or late afternoon hikes ideal for stunning photographs. The visitor center also offers hands-on exhibits about the tower’s volcanic origins and cultural significance, enriching the experience beyond the landscape.
In Laramie, about an hour west of Cheyenne, the University of Wyoming Geological Museum offers an engaging indoor escape with a fascinating collection of dinosaur skeletons and fossils unearthed from the region. Families can marvel at the full-size Allosaurus and Triceratops mounts, while interactive exhibits explain Wyoming’s rich prehistoric past. The museum’s blend of hands-on learning and impressive displays makes it a unique stop for kids and adults eager to understand how the landscape formed over millions of years. Open year-round, it’s ideal for chilly winter days or any time when outdoor adventures call for a break from the elements.
The historic town of Cody, roughly two hours east of Yellowstone National Park, is a gateway to the Old West and home to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. This sprawling museum complex, consisting of five interconnected museums, immerses visitors in cowboy lore, Native American culture, firearms history, and Western art. Kids will enjoy the lively demonstrations at the Cody Firearms Experience, while the Plains Indian Museum introduces families to the traditions and crafts of the region’s indigenous peoples. The center’s proximity to the Shoshone River offers opportunities for a post-museum stroll or a picnic by the water. Summer evenings bring rodeos and festivals to Cody’s streets, adding an authentic Western atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere.
About 45 minutes north of Casper, the Sinks Canyon State Park invites families to explore a dramatic natural phenomenon where the Popo Agie River disappears underground into a limestone cavern before reemerging downstream. The park’s hiking trails, like the moderate 2.5-mile Sinks Canyon Trail, follow the river and wind through rugged canyon walls, offering chances to spot bighorn sheep or bald eagles. The unique geology here provides a hands-on lesson in karst landscapes, while the river’s cold, clear water is perfect for fishing or simply cooling off on a warm summer day. Fall colors transform the cottonwoods and aspens lining the canyon into a brilliant mosaic, making autumn a particularly magical time to visit.
If your family loves horses, the town of Sheridan, about 50 miles north of Buffalo, is a vibrant spot to experience Wyoming’s ranching heritage firsthand. The Trail End Historic Site is a beautifully preserved mansion set amid gardens that tell the story of Sheridan’s early 20th-century prosperity. Nearby, families can visit working dude ranches that welcome visitors for horseback rides through rolling foothills and pine forests. The local rodeo events in summer showcase traditional skills like bull riding and roping, offering an authentic taste of cowboy culture. Sheridan’s friendly downtown boasts historic saloons and western shops where kids can find cowboy hats and boots, making it a lively place to soak in Wyoming’s spirited past.
In the southwestern corner of the state, the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area extends across Wyoming and Utah, about three hours south of Jackson. This vast reservoir, carved by the Green River, captivates families with its deep turquoise waters framed by steep red rock cliffs. Boating, fishing, and guided kayak tours are popular ways to explore the gorge, while hiking trails like the Red Canyon Overlook Trail provide breathtaking views from above. The area’s unique geology and abundance of wildlife, including eagles and mountain goats, make it a memorable outdoor classroom. Spring and early summer bring wildflowers to bloom, while the calm fall months offer peaceful water time away from the summer crowds.
For a truly immersive family experience steeped in Wyoming’s frontier history, the town of Thermopolis, about two hours south of Billings, Montana (just across the state border), is home to Hot Springs State Park. The park’s mineral-rich hot springs feed a large bathhouse and several soaking pools perfect for relaxing after a day of travel or hiking nearby trails. The park also boasts dinosaur dig sites and a bison herd, offering educational opportunities alongside natural relaxation. The warm waters are especially inviting in colder months, providing year-round comfort. Nearby, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center offers fossil exhibits and interactive digs that fascinate children and adults alike, linking the area’s natural wonders with its deep prehistoric past.
Just a short drive from Cheyenne, Curt Gowdy State Park is a family favorite for its mix of scenic hiking, mountain biking trails, and water activities, situated about 30 minutes west of the city. The park’s two reservoirs offer kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, while trails like the 5-mile loop around Crystal Lake provide moderate terrain ideal for energetic kids and adults to explore pine and juniper forests. The park’s proximity to Wyoming’s capital city makes it a convenient outdoor escape with stunning views of the Laramie Mountains. Late spring through early fall is the best time to visit, when wildflowers bloom and the weather invites long days of activity in the fresh mountain air.