Offering a peaceful rural feel and an expansive market of beautiful luxury homes, Wilson, Wyo., is undeniably one of the best places to live in the Rocky Mountains. Although it’s a small village when compared with the larger developments in the Teton Valley real estate market, Wilson has a lot more to offer than just fresh air and white picket fences.
Wilson offers incredible access to outdoor experiences when it comes to small-town living. From year-round adventure to fun in the sun with the kids, there’s a ton of excitement for the entire family in Wilson. Teton Village and the most lavish Jackson Hole real estate are just a short drive away, but there’s also plenty to explore and appreciate about Wilson all on its own.
From wild safari rides to experiencing a bit of alpine adrenaline, the fun never ends. Below are six family-friendly activities in and around Wilson.
Snow King Mountain
Photo courtesy of Snow King Mountain
Snow King Mountain is easily one of the most popular year-round attractions near Wilson. The Snow King Mountain outdoor entertainment complex is in Jackson, Wyo., in the shadow of the geographical Snow King Mountain, which peaks at 7,808 feet above sea level after 1,571 feet of vertical gain. The mountain trail is too demanding for most children, so families are content to enjoy the Snow King entertainment complex.
The surest sign of Snow King’s long-term viability for families is the fact that it sells seasonal passes at different tiers for adults, high schoolers, older children, and younger children.
If it’s your first time at Snow King, you almost certainly will want to try the zipline. With numerous zipline tracks to explore in the summer months, you and the entire family can enjoy a swift 25-mile-per-hour slide through half-mile-long tracks. And with a minimum age of two years old, all of your children can enjoy the ride along with you.
Once you’re through for the day at the zipline, other exciting adventures await. The roster of summer activities includes:
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Cowboy Coaster, a mile-long roller coaster that goes through Snow King’s wildflower meadows and yields great views of the Tetons at its 456-foot vertical peak.
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Alpine Slide, the first of its kind in the Wilson area, descends 350 vertical feet and hurls you along banked and hairpin turns at speeds of 25 miles per hour.
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Scenic Gondola, a steep ascent in an enclosed cabin (not recommended for those with a fear of heights).
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Mini-golf, an 18-hole course with a smooth putting surface and wacky obstacles including a waterfall.
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Bungee Trampoline, an excellent and safe way for children ages three and older to burn off energy at the end of a long day.
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Amaze’n Maze, a competitive maze where maze runners must reach four checkpoints before exiting.
In the surrounding area, it’s possible to mountain bike the valley’s extensive pathway network (weather permitting). During the winter, Snow King transforms into a skiing and snowboarding venue. Beginners and experts can traverse over 500 skiable acres and enjoy terrain overlooking the Tetons. If you’re visiting for an extended stay, buy a 10-day pass and stay at the
Snow King Resort for a mini weekend trip.
Scenic safaris
With proximity to two national parks and superb local biodiversity, safaris are a hit near Wilson.
The town’s premier agency,
Backcountry Safaris, travels from Wilson to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. The guides pick you up from wherever you’re staying — close to 7 a.m. for the sunrise tour, and well before dusk for the sunset tour. In your Jeep or passenger van, you will advance through Grand Teton National Park under the helm your wildlife biologist, who will declaim in some detail on the wildlife, ecology, geology, and natural history of the region (these lecture are shaped by what you see on your safari). Together, you will leave the beaten path to scout out wild animals like bison, elk, mose, wolves, bears, sheep, and bald eagles. Snacks are provided (for people only), and so are HD binoculars.
Backcountry Safaris is just one agency serving the Jackson Hole area, known as a top destination for safaris in the continental U.S. Excursions depart through the summer and winter months, and vehicles vary from luxury vans to ATVs. Moreover, there are plenty of family-friendly options for children.
Barker-Ewing scenic float trips
While not your standard boat ride,
Barker-Ewing Scenic Float Trips are a family-friendly activity every Wyoming resident should experience once. Located in Grand Teton National Park, families can enjoy a float ride across Snake River led by an experienced guide. The float goes from
Deadmans Bar to Moose Village — the most picturesque segment of river in the valley.
Scenic and thrilling, this fan favorite spans 10 miles and is worth every minute. Along the way, you’re likely to witness the stunning biodiversity of the Tetons: bison, moose, beavers, bears, otters, wolves, and cougars make their homes here, plus over 300 species of birds. Animals favor the riverside for nutrition, swimming, and socializing. The round-trip lasts about three hours and departs daily from May through September.
If the Snake River is frozen, turn to
Scenic Safaris, which conducts snowmobile tours (ages six and up to ride, ages 16+ to drive). The company provides snowmobile gear and encourages you to layer up, wear gloves and a hat, and bring sunglasses.
Jackson Hole Aerial Tram
Photo courtesy of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
When it comes to family-friendly activities, it can be tricky to please the kids — and some may not be interested in an adrenaline rush. If you’re looking to lead the perfect family day filled with fun, considered the following more laid-back attractions.
The
Jackson Hole Aerial Tram is a must-see sightseeing tour that offers a 360-degree view of the Tetons from over 4,000 feet above the ground. Although it may sound a bit frightening for those afraid of heights, many families with kids enjoy the trip, especially the view from the very top of the mountains.
The tram also can serve as your jumping-off point for the network of trails.
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Tram Trails. Once you depart the tram, you are at an elevation of over 10,000 feet in the Southern Tetons. You also are at an ideal entry point for the network of trails connecting Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Bridger-Teton National Forest, and Grand Teton National Park. The Top of the World trail is the easiest, whereas your family may consider a moderate or difficult trail depending on your experience at altitude. Consult a trail map, tram hours, and plan your route accordingly.
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Bridger Trails. This section of trails is recommended for families with older children. The Casper Ridge Loop and Cirque Trail each end at the Bridger Gondola, also the site of The Deck, which serves trail-end refreshments.
Lower-altitude trails include:
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Teewinot Trails. These begin in Teton Village at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Ideal for casual hikes, photography, and jogs.
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Sweetwater Trails. These routes overlook the bike park The scenic Wildflower Trail leads to sustenance at the Rendezvous Lodge, whereas Holey Moley is a steep and challenging hike.
Wyoming stargazing
Wilson's residents are just a short drive away from some of the best stargazing in the country. Unlike other parts of the country, Wilson prioritizes astronomy, working hard to make the experience accessible to everyone. It’s a simple yet memorable experience, and the whole family can enjoy the night sky if you know where to look from.
To see the stars at their brightest, you can enlist the help of
Wyoming Stargazing, a non-profit organization offering private and public programs. Every
clear Thursday night, you can join the group for public stargazing at the Stilson Parking Lot in Jackson Hole. At these gatherings, which are free, astronomy educators help you find planets, stars, nebulae, and galaxies through a large-aperture telescope. Children will love the event, and the outer reaches of space are enough to inspire anyone.
Teton Raptor Center
If your family has a passion for animals, then you’ll find the
Teton Raptor Center to be a true joy. As a conservation center for wild birds, the nonprofit organization welcomes the community to visit their resident raptors. From falcons to owls to golden eagles, the entire family can find fun in learning about the conservation of Wyoming’s native wildlife. While the organization continues to make an impact year-round, you can visit their program events throughout the summer to get up close and personal with some of Wyoming’s resident raptors.
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