Jackson Hole has a reputation for being expensive — and in many ways, that's earned. But there's a meaningful free layer to this valley that most families miss. Use it to anchor your days, and the paid experiences feel much more sustainable.
Completely Free Activities
Jackson Town Square
Jackson Town Square is free to visit and genuinely worth your time. The four elk antler arches at each corner of the square are iconic — kids love posing under them. Open green space for running around, boardwalk shops for browsing, and free summer events including concerts. Budget $0 for the square itself, though the ice cream shops will test your willpower (~$20–40 for snacks if you indulge).
National Elk Refuge Visitor Center
National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center — free, 4.7-star rating, 1,885 reviews. Wildlife displays, maps, and rangers who know exactly what's been spotted where this week. Make this your first stop in Jackson Hole. It takes 30–60 minutes and orients your whole trip.
Drive-Through Elk Viewing
National Elk Refuge drive-through viewing is completely free year-round. In winter, 7,000–11,000 elk. You don't need to pay for the sleigh ride to see an extraordinary number of animals. Bring binoculars. The paid sleigh rides ($25/adult, $15/child) get you into the herd — worth it if you can swing it — but the free drive is still genuinely impressive.
R Park
R Park in Wilson is a Jackson Hole Land Trust conservation property along the Snake River. Free access. Trails, wildlife watching, 4.8-star reviews for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Bring binoculars for bird watching along the river corridor. Plan 1–3 hours.
Emily Stevens Park
Emily Stevens Park — free, 4.8-star rating. One of Jackson Hole's most scenic community parks. Mountain views, open fields, trails. Bikes and scooters work well here on the flat terrain. Bring a picnic. Plan 1–3 hours.
Teton Boulder Park
Teton Boulder Park is a free outdoor bouldering park at the base of Snow King Mountain. No admission. Bring climbing shoes if you have them — chalk helps but isn't required for beginners. Plan 1–2 hours. Pairs naturally with Snow King Mountain activities next door.
Jackson's Neighborhood Parks
All free, all genuine energy-burn stops:
- Miller Park — Jackson's central neighborhood playground. Bring a picnic from nearby shops.
- Munger View Park — South side of Jackson. Quick stop playground.
- May Park — East Jackson near Hansen Avenue. Ball-friendly open lawn.
- Powderhorn Park — West Jackson. Local feel, not touristy.
- Phil Baux Park — Base of Snow King Mountain. Combine with Snow King activities for a full day.
Budget Picks (Under $70 for a Family of 4)
Teton Raptor Center — $40–70
Teton Raptor Center is a nonprofit that rehabilitates injured raptors and introduces visitors to ambassador birds. Kids get within feet of great horned owls, hawks, and falcons. The close encounters are unlike anything at a typical zoo. Plan 1–1.5 hours. Your admission directly funds their work — this is a good-value, good-cause stop.
Save: No tricks needed. The admission is already modest. Just show up.
Jackson Hole Children's Museum — $40–60
Jackson Hole Children's Museum — $40–60 for a family of 4 (under 1 typically free). The only indoor option in Jackson specifically designed for the under-8 crowd. Hands-on exhibits, building, experimenting. Plan 1.5–2.5 hours.
Save: Membership pays off if you're staying 3+ days. Check if your home children's museum has a reciprocal program.
History Jackson Hole — $30–50
History Jackson Hole | Jackson Hole History Museum — $30–50 for a family of 4. Small museum, tight focus: Native American culture, fur trade, frontier life, and the wildlife that defines this valley. Kids who've been watching bison and elk all week connect with these exhibits. Plan 1–1.5 hours.
Save: Check the website for free admission days. Small enough to pair with the Town Square in one morning outing.
GG's Playland — $40–70
GG's Playland in Green River, Wyoming — 4.8-star indoor playground. Soft play, slides, climbing. Plan 2–3 hours. Great for toddlers through age 8.
Save: Ask about punch cards or multi-visit passes. Weekday visits are less crowded.
Fun Zone (Afton, WY) — $40–70
Fun Zone in Afton, Wyoming — 4.4-star amusement center serving the Star Valley area. Call ahead to confirm hours before making the drive.
Jackson Hole Indoor — $40–80
Jackson Hole Indoor sports complex — $40–80 depending on membership status. Check the website for drop-in rates. Solid option for a rest day from outdoor activities.
Almost-Free: Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park — $35 vehicle pass covers your entire family for 7 days. That's the full park: all trailheads, wildlife viewing pullouts, Jenny Lake, String Lake, Jackson Lake. Add $50–150/day for food, depending on whether you pack a picnic (do this — concessionaire food is overpriced).
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers Grand Teton plus every other national park for a year. If you're hitting more than one park on this trip, buy it before you arrive.
Quick Reference: Free vs. Paid
| Activity | Cost (Family of 4) | |---|---| | Jackson Town Square | Free | | Elk Refuge Visitor Center | Free | | Elk Refuge drive-through viewing | Free | | R Park | Free | | Emily Stevens Park | Free | | Teton Boulder Park | Free | | Miller Park | Free | | Neighborhood parks (4) | Free | | Grand Teton National Park vehicle pass | $35 (7-day) | | History Jackson Hole | $30–50 | | Children's Museum | $40–60 | | Teton Raptor Center | $40–70 | | GG's Playland | $40–70 | | Jackson Hole Indoor | $40–80 |
Bottom line: You can build a genuinely full day in Jackson Hole for under $50 — national park entry, a raptor center visit, an hour at Teton Boulder Park, and a walk through the Town Square. The free wildlife viewing alone (elk refuge, Teton wildlife) is something families in most cities can't replicate at any price. Use the free layer strategically and the paid experiences feel like treats rather than expenses.