Wyoming

Day-Trip to Jenny Lake at Grand Teton National Park With Kids

Jenny Lake With Kids: Boat Shuttle, Hikes & Weather Tips

Come along for our Jenny Lake day-trip story: lake views, a boat shuttle, mountain paths, and a weather surprise we still remember.

Our full Jenny Lake and Yellowstone day-trip film · Full film (11 min 32 sec)

▶Watch full film 11 min 32 sec

The full film includes Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park and later wildlife and geothermal scenes in Yellowstone, a separate park. The short scenes in this article focus on the Jenny Lake visit. Our written trip memories and the film are not assumed to be the same visit.

If you haven’t yet been to Grand Teton National Park, know you are in for a treat! We’ve traveled the world with five kids in tow and still find Grand Teton breathtakingly beautiful.

We made our first trip to Grand Teton last year and loved it. With only one day to visit Grand Teton National Park, we opted for Jenny Lake based on recommendations from friends and followers.  We enjoyed incredible views and were surprised by some freaky weather!

*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Opinions shared are my own, and I only endorse products I support. By clicking on any of the links below, I may get a small commission if you purchase at absolutely no additional charge to you. I appreciate your support.*

Watch our original day-trip video on YouTube

Our day-trip film begins at Jenny Lake, where we took a boat across for a hike in the Tetons. Later in the same long day, we drove to Yellowstone; the elk, bison, geyser areas, and Old Faithful later in the film are in Yellowstone, a different national park. Here I’m focusing on our Jenny Lake experience.

Getting to Jenny Lake

We found having a car useful for our day; transportation options and services can change by season. Check current Grand Teton trip-planning information before relying on a shuttle, and verify any service with the transportation provider linked here.

In a car, it’s easy to Google Jenny Lake as it’s a pretty popular spot! It took us only an hour from the town of Jackson Hole. Unfortunately, we got a bit of a late start, so we arrived in the afternoon.

You do have to pay to enter the park. Our original notes listed an entrance fee of $35 per vehicle; this is a historical figure, not a current quote. If you plan to visit Yellowstone too, check how the current park fees and passes apply to your route at the NPS fees and passes page.

Parking at Jenny Lake

There was plenty of parking when we went to Jenny Lake. However, we were late in the day, and I’ve heard it can be hard to snag a parking spot. Come early or late (like us!)

You also have the option to wait for someone to leave OR park on the road and walk some extra steps.

Amenities at Jenny Lake

Outhouse toilets are available next to the parking lot and a gift shop. The Jenny Lake Lodge has some delicious dining; you’ll need a reservation.

Before swimming or launching a boat, check the park’s current Jenny Lake guidance and water-safety rules; conditions and permitted activities can vary.

Depending on the time of year, Kayak and canoe rentals are available.

The gift shop is excellent, and I recommend you come and visit it! But, watch out because you might spend too much!

Enjoying the Lake Views

Arriving at Jenny Lake and exploring the shore · Scene from our family film (20 sec)

▶Watch scene from our family film 20 sec

Jenny Lake is stunning and worth the drive to take pictures near the parking lot. Kids can play by the shore while you snap a million photos for remembrance. Even with the impending bad weather, the view was still stunning. 

One of the best things about coming to Jenny Lake is you can fit your activity into your family. Playing by the lake is fun for little ones, or you can take the boat across. If you are up for hiking, unique and beautiful hikes are easily accessible.

Note: Opting for a tour can take a lot of stress out of your vacation. You’ll learn from a local, see hidden gems, and not worry about the logistics.

Boat Shuttle At Jenny Lake

Two ways to enjoy hiking at Jenny Lake are taking the ferry across or walking around the lake. We opted for the scenic shuttle boat. On our visit, it cost about $70 for our family, and the children thought the crossing was an adventure. That is our historical trip cost; check the current boat operator information for fares and service. We had a great time!

Quick facts about the shuttle:

• Boat service is seasonal; check current operating dates with the Jenny Lake Boating operator before your visit.
• On our visit, roundtrip tickets were $18 for adults and $10 for kids, and seniors received a discount. These are historical prices; check the current operator page for fares.
• On our crossing, the ride took about 12 minutes; time on the water and service details can vary.
• Boat frequency varies; check the current operator schedule for your visit date.
• Boat service hours are seasonal and can change; check the current NPS Jenny Lake page and boat operator for service, fare, and final departure details for your date.

Hiking To Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point At Jenny Lake

When you are across the lake, you have a few options for hiking.  We opted for Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.  We enjoyed the gorgeous views; the route to Inspiration Point includes steep sections, so consider your children’s abilities and current trail conditions.

Rocky paths and a mountain stream on our hike · Scene from our family film (15 sec)

▶Watch scene from our family film 15 sec

Hidden Falls

Hidden Falls may be the most popular hike in the park for a good reason. It’s easy, lovely, and an excellent little tour from the boat ride. The trail is relatively flat.

We found this a manageable family hike on our visit, with beautiful bridges and streams along the way. The current NPS distance depends on your starting point: Hidden Falls is 5 miles roundtrip from the visitor center, or 1 mile roundtrip from the west boat dock if you take the shuttle boat. Check the NPS Jenny Lake page for current trail information before you go.

Pay attention to the return time of the last boat shuttle. You probably won’t want to walk around the lake at the end!

The National Park Service recommends carrying bear spray in Grand Teton and asks visitors never to approach wildlife. Read the current NPS bear-safety guidance before your trip.

Inspiration Point

After Hidden Falls, the trail continues to Inspiration Point. While the distance is not very long, the course changes dramatically.

Going onto Inspiration Point took us about another 25-30 minutes and is much more demanding, elevation-wise. You’ll climb some steep stone stairs and need to hold little hands. Bribing younger kids works well for us, and I’d recommend you carry toddlers in a toddler carrier.

The NPS lists Inspiration Point at 6 miles roundtrip from the visitor center or 2 miles roundtrip from the west boat dock for shuttle-boat users. The starting point changes the distance, so check the current NPS Jenny Lake trail information before you set out.

Watch the Weather

When we arrived at Jenny Lake, it looked like it would rain, and I would not be swayed from hiking (even though my family was ready not to), so we pushed forward. It got a bit colder as we walked, and when we got to the top of Inspiration Point, we could see a storm coming.

We booked it down as fast as we could to the lake shuttle. When we arrived at the lake, it had started to snow! We were very unprepared for such a drop in temperature and froze as we waited for everyone else to get to the shuttle. The kids were crying and miserable!

We ran back to the car and fought the 5 inches of snow that fell in September!

Watch our original day-trip video on YouTube

Other Hikes in Grand Teton

While we didn’t try them ourselves, Taggart Lake Trail and Brandley Lake were both recommended to us by our followers.

Where To Stay?

Here are some of the accommodations nearby that you can check:

• Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa is a charming place to relax after your day in Grand Teton National Park. It’s close to several local landmarks and other outdoor activities such as snow tubing and snowmobiling.
• Hotel Terra Jackson Hole is located in the mountains and is close to some of the area’s attractions including the Alpine Slide of Jackson Hole and Teton Ice Park.
• Modern Alpine Retreat in Driggs, Near Grand Targhee is perfect if you’re looking for an entire house to rent.

All the best!

Leslie

Additional Reading

Things to do in Jackson Hole, WY with Kids in Summer

10 Best Things To Do During Your Day Trip To Chartres, France with Kids

30 Amazing Things To Do In The Azores With Kids: Ultimate Family Guide To São Miguel Island