(In no particular order because, honestly, they were all amazing!)
If your kid is anything like mine, it can feel impossible to wear them out. Even more so when you’re in a place where every activity comes with a price tag—and somehow, it’s still not enough to burn all their energy. That’s why, before every trip, I create a laundry list of free activities. Then, I tuck it away in my back pocket for when I need it most.
Maybe you’re traveling on a budget, maybe you just need to get them out of the hotel room, or maybe you’re just desperate to tire them out before bedtime. No matter the reason, this list of free things to do is your new best friend for a winter trip to Jackson Hole.
Now, let’s talk about the elephant (or maybe the moose?) in the room: Jackson Hole is expensive.
Like, really expensive. It’s currently ranked as one of the most expensive towns in the U.S.! The median home price in Jackson hovers around $7M! It’s a playground for billionaires and celebrities, and let’s just say, I was slightly concerned that every single activity would reflect that price tag.
And honestly? It kinda does—if you let it. Yes, there are luxury resorts, fine dining, and more money in some neighborhoods than I can even comprehend. But there are also tons of affordable (and FREE) things to do if you know where to look!
So whether you’re looking for budget-friendly adventures or just need some low-cost energy burners between your pricey excursions, here are some kid-approved free activities in Jackson Hole during the winter.
Miller Park
We ended up at Miller Park multiple times during our short visit, and it was the perfect energy burner. The park has:
✅ A playground
✅ An open grassy area
✅ Basketball and pickleball courts (when weather permits)
But in winter? It’s prime for snowball fights, snowman building, and general winter chaos. My daughter—who had never experienced real snow before this trip—was obsessed.
For those of you who already live in snowy climates, this might not be as exciting. But for us Texans, it was pure magic.
Teton Boulder Park
Tucked at the base of Snow King Mountain, Teton Boulder Park is small but packed with action.
✔ A playground (smaller than Miller Park’s but still fun!)
✔ Rock climbing boulders designed for kids (and adults!)
The climbing walls were built as a collaboration between the city and the Teton climbing community to encourage kids to fall in love with climbing.
Unfortunately, when we visited, there was way too much snow to climb safely (the photo attached was not from this visit)—so instead, my kid kept herself entertained with handstands and snow angels. Not a bad backup plan.
National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center
Okay, full disclosure—we did the sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge, and it was an amazing experience. But it’s not free (and it can also be very cold—plan accordingly!).
What is free?
✔ The Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, which has:
- Educational exhibits on elk migration
- Life-sized animal displays
- A kids’ section with coloring & dress-up activities
✔ The second-floor viewing deck, which overlooks the southern part of the refuge and is a perfect place to soak in the views (without freezing on a sleigh).
Oh, and parents—you’ll be happy to know there’s a gift shop downstairs for a little souvenir browsing while the kids explore.
Santa on the Square
If you’re in Jackson Hole between mid-December and Christmas Eve, don’t miss Santa on the Square.
We visited on December 22nd, and let me tell you—the experience was next level compared to the multi-hour lines we’re used to in a big city. There was no line. None. We walked right into Santa’s adorable little cabin, met the big guy himself, and walked out with hot cocoa and a giant M&M cookie.
It was basically a Christmas miracle. 🎄
(Side note: My holiday links in this section are already out of date…to find this year’s holiday schedule, hop over to Google and search: Jackson, Wyoming Holiday Events. There were a ton of great activities from Thanksgiving till New Years when we visited!)
Dog Meet & Greet at Call of the Wyld
So, pro tip: If you want to book a dog sled tour in Jackson Hole during the winter, do it AS SOON as you have your travel dates. They book fast.
Unfortunately, I dropped the ball on that one. But I still wanted my daughter to meet the sled dogs, so we visited Call of the Wyld’s free dog meet & greet (Wednesdays-Mondays from 12-1 PM currently only available at the Jackson Hole location).
✔ You get to meet the sled dogs 🐶
✔ Give them ALL the belly scritches
✔ Learn about dog sledding and different breeds
My daughter loved it so much that she offered to stay in Jackson to scoop poop if it meant she could keep hanging out with the dogs. (Not kidding.)
Oh, and if you visit, be sure to say hi to Disko for us—a three-legged Greenland Husky who totally stole our hearts. 🐾
P.S. – I know I said these weren’t ranked, but this was hands-down our favorite among the list of free things to do in Jackson Hole! We all loved meeting the dogs!
Snow Castle in Teton Village
If there was one place we could have dropped off our child and come back hours later, knowing she’d still be entertained, it was the snow castle in Teton Village.
This thing is a masterpiece. Climbing, sliding, crawling—it’s a kid’s dream. And clearly, they designed it to keep adults out because the openings are conveniently too small for us to fit through. (Smart move, honestly.)
If you visit during Winter Fest, you might even score free ice skate rentals for the rink next to the castle. Definitely worth checking out!
(Side note: My link to Winter Fest is already out of date! Be sure to visit the Jackson Hole website closer to the dates of your trip to find the most recent calendar!)
Final Thoughts
Our trip to Jackson Hole was quick but unforgettable. We packed in all the paid activities we planned but balanced it with plenty of free fun. And honestly?
Some of our best memories from this trip were made during these free adventures. 💙❄️
Also, if you’re debating whether to venture to Teton Village while visiting Jackson—do it. Between the snow castle, skating rink, and Call of the Wyld meet & greet, it’s absolutely worth the trip!
🚗 Need to know how to get around Jackson without a car? Check out my guide here!
Did you find any additional noteworthy parks and playgrounds in Jackson? Or have some great free family activity you want to share? Tell us about it in the comments and remember, find joy in the journey!
Closing thought on Jackson’s high prices: There’s been plenty of negative press about the skyrocketing cost of living in this idyllic small town. But despite that, we still had an amazing family vacation. And no, we aren’t anywhere close to being among the 1%. Living here? Unattainable for most, including us. But visiting? Absolutely possible. With a little planning, smart budgeting, and thoughtful time management, Jackson Hole’s unmatched beauty is within reach. The unforgettable experiences? Absolutely worth it.
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