Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science Schools

Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science Schools operates at the intersection of world-class guiding and formal scientific education — which makes it a rare and powerful resource for families who want more than a typical wildlife tour. Teton Science Schools is one of the nation's premier environmental education institutions, and Wildlife Expeditions is the field operation that brings the Schools' deep ecosystem expertise directly to visitors.

The guides who lead these expeditions are not just naturalists — many hold advanced degrees in biology, ecology, and natural sciences. They approach each outing as a field science expedition, with attention to tracking, ecological patterns, species identification, and the complex relationships between predator, prey, weather, and landscape. For kids who are into science — or who could be, with the right catalyst — this level of guided immersion can be genuinely transformative.

Tours range from half-day wildlife safaris of Grand Teton to multi-day residential programs at the Teton Science Schools campus. The half-day and full-day tours are the accessible entry point for visiting families, covering the classic Jackson Hole wildlife experience (moose, bison, elk, eagles) with significantly more scientific context than you'd get from a standard guiding operation. The multi-day programs go much deeper — tracking animal movements, examining habitat use, learning field science methods — and are exceptional for older kids and teens who want a real intellectual adventure.

A key advantage over competitor tour companies: the connection to Teton Science Schools means educational resources, curriculum materials, and ongoing programs are available. Kids who get excited on a half-day tour can be pointed toward the Schools' summer youth programs, where they can return for week-long residential science experiences.

For families who prioritize learning alongside adventure, this is the wildlife tour company in Jackson Hole.