5-Day Summer Itinerary for Families With Teens & Young Adults Visiting Teton Valley & Jackson Hole
Planning a summer trip with older kids or young adults can feel overwhelming, especially when everyone has different interests. The good news? Teton Valley offers the perfect blend of adventure, scenery, wildlife, relaxation, and small-town charm — all at a pace that works beautifully for families.
This 5-day itinerary is crafted specifically for families with teens and twenty-somethings. It includes adrenaline-filled outings, mellow afternoons, and classic Teton experiences that create unforgettable memories. Each day is designed to balance adventure with downtime so everyone stays happy.
🌄 Day 1 – Paddleboarding + Exploring Driggs & Victor
Morning: Stand-Up Paddleboarding on the Teton River
Start your trip with one of the most iconic summer experiences on the Idaho side of the Tetons — SUP on the Teton River.
The calm, slow-moving water makes it ideal for beginners, and advanced paddlers will love the wide-open scenery.
What teens love:
Warm, sunny summer mornings
Moose, otters, eagles & cranes
Easy, social, Instagram-worthy fun
Suggested launch spots:
Bates Bridge
South Bates
Afternoon: Victor Emporium Milkshakes + Explore Driggs
After a morning on the water, head into town for world-famous huckleberry shakes at Victor Emporium.
Wander Driggs afterward — local shops, gear stores, bakeries, and a relaxed small-town vibe.
Evening: Relax at the Cabin/Home
After a big first day, settle into your rental, enjoy the mountain air, maybe soak in a hot tub, and rest up for the adventures ahead.
🏔 Day 2 – Grand Teton National Park Highlights
This is your classic “Teton postcard day” — waterfalls, lake views, wildlife, and towering granite peaks.
Morning: Jenny Lake Shuttle → Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point
Take the boat shuttle across Jenny Lake, then hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.
This trail is extremely popular — arrive early for parking.
Why teens love it:
Stunning lookout points
Short but rewarding hike
Lots of photo opportunities
Midday: Picnic & Swimming at String Lake
One of the best summer picnic locations in the entire U.S.
Warm water, sandy edges, and views that never get old.
Bring:
Sandwiches or charcuterie
Sunscreen
Inflatables or paddleboards
Evening: Wildlife Drive
As the sun sets, animals start moving. Drive toward:
Oxbow Bend
Mormon Row
Moose-Wilson Road
Snake River Overlook
It’s common to spot moose, elk, bison, bears (from a distance), foxes, and sandhill cranes.
🎢 Day 3 – Snow King Adventure Day in Jackson
Snow King is an underrated summer gem — absolutely perfect for teens.
Morning: Cowboy Coaster
Ride Jackson’s mountain roller coaster. It winds through the trees with amazing views.
Midday: Alpine Slide & Zipline
These two activities are big hits with older kids:
The alpine slide is fast, smooth, and scenic.
The zipline is thrilling and totally safe — great for adventure-loving teens.
Afternoon: Gondola Ride to the Top
Ride to the summit for panoramic views of Jackson, the Tetons, and the Snake River Valley.
Evening: Dinner in Jackson
Great restaurants for families:
Hand Fire Pizza
Liberty Burger
Roadhouse Pub & Eatery
Merry Piglets (Tex-Mex)
Optional:
Walk around Town Square
Grab ice cream at Moo’s
Get photos under the elk antler arches
🛻 Day 4 – ATV/UTV Adventure + Hot Springs
This is often the favorite day for families with older kids.
Morning: UTV Rentals
Choose from:
Teton Canyon
Horseshoe Canyon
Big Hole Mountains
St. Anthony Sand Dunes (huge teen favorite)
This is high-energy, scenic, and ridiculously fun.
Afternoon: Hot Springs Soak
After dusty trails, a soak feels amazing.
Top picks:
Heise Hot Springs – fun vibe, pizza, diving boards
Astoria Hot Springs – beautiful modern facility outside Jackson
Perfect for sore legs or just unwinding after a big day.
🚡 Day 5 – Grand Targhee Resort
A perfect finale: relaxing mountain lifts, wildflowers, and mellow adventures.
Morning: Scenic Chairlift Ride
Ride to the top of Fred’s Mountain for:
Wildflowers (July–Aug)
Teton views from the Idaho side
Easy ridge walks & great photos
Afternoon Options:
Downhill mountain biking — one of the best bike parks in the Rockies
Hiking — nature trails for all skill levels
Disc golf
Live music (sometimes available on weekends)
Evening: Dinner in Victor
Great options:
Big Hole BBQ
The Knotty Pine (locals’ favorite)
Grab one more huckleberry shake if you didn’t get enough earlier in the week!
✨ Why This Itinerary Works So Well
This 5-day plan creates the perfect pace for families with teens because it:
✔ Mixes high adventure days with mellow ones
✔ Includes must-see national park highlights
✔ Blends Idaho and Wyoming experiences
✔ Caters to different interests (hiking, shopping, relaxing, thrills)
✔ Leaves room for downtime so no one gets burned out
It’s the ideal snapshot of everything that makes a summer mountain vacation unforgettable.

While there are no hot springs directly in Teton Valley, several excellent options are located within a short drive. Most of these hot springs make for a perfect day trip, rather than a quick soak after an activity, as they require some travel time. However, Astoria Hot Springs, located just south of Jackson, WY, is an exception—making it a great spot to unwind after a day exploring Grand Teton National Park or skiing in Jackson Hole. Whether you’re looking for a developed resort with modern amenities or a secluded backcountry soak, these hot springs near Teton Valley offer a variety of experiences for every kind of traveler. Astoria Hot Springs – A Riverside Retreat 📍 Location: Hoback, WY (Near Jackson) 🌡️ Water Temperature: 95-105°F 💰 Entry Fee: $18-22 for adults (reservations required) 🔗 Website: Astoria Hot Springs Astoria Hot Springs is a family-friendly, well-maintained hot spring located along the Snake River, just south of Jackson, WY. The modern facility features multiple soaking pools filled with natural mineral water, offering a comfortable and relaxing experience with stunning views of the river and mountains. Why Visit? ✅ Year-Round Access – Enjoy a warm soak in the winter or a relaxing dip in the summer. ✅ Modern Amenities – Changing rooms, picnic areas, and well-kept facilities. ✅ Scenic Setting – Overlooks the Snake River, creating a serene and unforgettable experience. Pro Tip: Reservations are required, especially during peak seasons. Book online to secure your spot! Granite Hot Springs – Wilderness Soaking at Its Best 📍 Location: Bridger-Teton National Forest, WY 🌡️ Water Temperature: 93°F (summer), up to 112°F (winter) 💰 Entry Fee: $8 for adults, $5 for kids 🔗 Website: Granite Hot Springs For those looking for a more remote and adventurous hot spring experience, Granite Hot Springs is a must-visit. Nestled deep in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, these naturally heated pools are surrounded by towering pine trees and dramatic mountain scenery. Two Unique Experiences: ❄️ Winter (December – April) – Accessible only by snowmobile, skis, or fat bike, making it a true backcountry adventure. Soaking in the steaming water while surrounded by snow-covered trees is an experience you won’t forget! ☀️ Summer (June – October) – The pools are accessible via a bumpy dirt road, making it a perfect stop after a hike or scenic drive. Pro Tip: Bring cash, as card payments may not be available in this remote location! Green Canyon Hot Springs – A Hidden Gem in the Foothills 📍 Location: Near Newdale, ID (1 hour from Teton Valley) 🌡️ Water Temperature: 95-115°F 💰 Entry Fee: $10-12 for adults 🔗 Website: Green Canyon Hot Springs Located in a beautiful valley near the Idaho-Wyoming border, Green Canyon Hot Springs is a historic family-owned hot spring offering a mix of hot soaking pools and cooler swimming pools. This off-the-beaten-path hot spring is a great option for those looking for a laid-back, no-frills experience with both hot and cold water options. Why Visit? 🔥 Variety of Pools – Hot soaking pools, a warm swimming pool, and even a cold plunge! 🌿 Remote & Peaceful – Surrounded by nature, offering a more secluded feel. 🏕 Camping Available – Stay overnight at the on-site campground for a full hot spring retreat. Pro Tip: Green Canyon is family-friendly and affordable, making it a great option for a fun and relaxing day trip. Heise Hot Springs – A Family-Friendly Classic 📍 Location: Ririe, ID (1.5 hours from Teton Valley) 🌡️ Water Temperature: 92-104°F 💰 Entry Fee: $12 for adults, $10 for kids 🔗 Website: Heise Hot Springs For a relaxing soak with modern conveniences, Heise Hot Springs is a great choice. This historic resort has been welcoming visitors for over a century and offers multiple pools, including a hot mineral pool, a large swimming pool, and even a water slide in the summer. What Makes Heise Special? 🏊♂️ Multiple Pools – Hot soaking pools and a large swimming pool for all ages. 🎢 Summer Fun – Features a water slide and picnic areas. ⛺ Camping & Activities – Stay at the on-site campground or play a round of golf nearby. Pro Tip: Open year-round, making it a reliable option no matter the season! While Teton Valley doesn’t have its own hot springs, there are plenty of fantastic options just a short drive away. Whether you’re looking for a modern, family-friendly resort like Astoria or Heise, a secluded wilderness soak at Granite Hot Springs, or a budget-friendly, rustic retreat at Green Canyon, there’s a perfect hot spring for every kind of traveler. So, next time you’re in the area, grab your swimsuit, take a scenic drive, and soak in the magic of these natural wonders! 🏔️♨️💦


