Grand Teton National Park

Kid Tips

Babies: Bring a sturdy stroller and a baby carrier, as not all areas are paved for easy baby-friendly access.

Toddlers & Pre-K: Rangers recommend keeping little kids close, as anything from rocky hiking trails to oversized carnivores can pose a risk to unattended children.

School-Age Kids: For a $1 donation, kids can pick up a copy of The Grand Adventure [http://www.nps.gov/grte/forkids/beajuniorranger.htm], fill it out, and receive a Grand Teton Young Naturalist patch while learning all about the park.

Pre-Teens & Teens: There's plenty for older kids to occupy themselves with (or to bond with Mom and Dad) here, from horseback riding to rock climbing lessons to hikes into breathtaking mountain valleys. Put a moratorium on the MP3 players and get them moving outdoors.

Planning Notes

• Don't lose your receipt. When entering the park, you'll pay an entrance fee, good for seven days' admission to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. If you lose that little white receipt, you'll have to pony up another $25 every time you re-enter the park.
• Respect bear country. Strict rules are in place to protect both visitors and the park's wild residents, particularly black and grizzly bears.
Carefully read the rules regarding proper food storage, feeding (short answer: don't), and interacting with wildlife in your copy of the Teewinot, the official news bulletin of Grand Teton National Park.
• Respect the speed limit. Rules of the road are strictly enforced within National Park boundaries; push the speed limit at your wallet's peril (and that of the resident wildlife).
• Take advantage of free guides. There are many ranger-led hikes and campfire talks at every major stop within the park; check your issue of the Teewinot for places and times.
• Altitude adjustment. Grand Teton National Park sits at about 6,800 feet above sea level, so it may take a few hours to adjust to the thinner air (keeping hydrated helps).