Tackling the Tetons: A Family Friendly Day in Grand Teton National Park

Idaho Falls is a growing and beautiful city. While there is much to do within the city limits, there are many places that can be explored on your day off. One of these places is that of Grand Teton National Park. Just a 2.5 hour drive from Idaho Falls, you will feel like you escaped to Switzerland as you are surrounded by the awe-inspiring Teton Mountain Range.

           This underrated gem is filled with lakes, hikes, animals, and family-friendly activities. When you enter the park through the south entrance, you will first come to a modern-designed visitor’s center. This visitor’s center has beautiful views, so even just stopping to walk around is worth your time. While at the visitor’s center, take a look around at the exhibits showing the history of the national park and the various animals that you might come across.

After leaving the visitor’s center you will then go through the park gates, don’t forget to ask for a map and a newspaper that informs you of the best family-friendly hikes as well as any roads that might be closed. They will also remind you to be “Bear Aware” as bears are often spotted throughout the park.

Depending on how much time you have will determine what stops you will want to make.

Some good family friendly hikes include:

• String Lake Trail (3.6 miles round trip, 240 ft. elevation change)
• Lakeshore Trail (2.5 miles round trip, 85 ft. elevation change)
• Inspiration Point Trail (1.8 miles round trip, 410 ft. elevation change)
• Phelps Lake Overlook (2 miles round trip, 400 ft. elevation change)

There are many hikes that are suitable for families with children of various ages. If you are like us, your toddler will be teething and throwing tantrums everywhere you go. We ended up going to the east Jenny Lake Viewpoint. This offers beautiful views of the lake while allowing you to go for an easier, more ‘family friendly’ walk/hike. There are many picnic tables and areas throughout the entire park so make sure to pack a picnic for your fun day away from Idaho Falls!