Planning a family trip to West Yellowstone sounds like a blast, right?
This tiny town is a treasure trove of fun experiences for all ages, whether you’re just swinging by for the weekend or making it a pit stop on a larger Yellowstone National Park adventure, where you can stop and take in the scenes at the west thumb geyser basin, Yellowstone Lake and Lamar Valley.
From wild west entertainment to getting out into nature, here are the top 5 West Yellowstone family activities to add to your to-do list.
1. Catch a Show at the Westgate Theatre
Purchase tickets to a show at a West Yellowstone theater. Westgate Theatre provides shows that combine Old West charm with modern storytelling, and it’s especially great for families. This place is more than just a theatre – it’s an all-out live entertainment experience that’s perfect for families looking to mix up their outdoor adventures.
You can expect a rotating lineup of performances including comedies, plays and sometimes even special productions that’ll have everyone in stitches. It’s a great way to get the kids and parents in on the fun while still getting a break from all that hiking and exploring. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to cap off a busy day in the great outdoors.
- You can stay dry inside – perfect for when the weather decides to turn on you
- The shows are guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained
- It’s just a great way to unwind after a long day and make some memories together
This place is a must-add to your evening plans. Located close to the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park, find more information here.
2. Explore Yellowstone National Park
Let’s get real – the main event here is Yellowstone National Park. Right in West Yellowstone’s back yard (well, technically just a few minutes away) is a whole park full of geysers, hot springs, and wildlife galore. Your kids will be totally amazed by all the cool stuff they get to see.
Start your journey at the Yellowstone Historic Center, then you can move on to Geysers like Old Faithful, spectacular waterfalls, plus the chance to catch a glimpse of bison, elk, and even bears (don’t worry, from a safe distance, of course), make it a nature lover’s dream come true. Just bring your bear spray!
The family-friendly highlights:
- There are these awesome boardwalk trails around the geysers that provide an excellent view
- There’s this super fun Junior Ranger Program just for kids
- Take a scenic drive and stop whenever you want to take it all in
- Go horseback riding (more information here)
- Stay at some cozy cabins
3. Visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
If your family loves animals, you’ve got to check out the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. This educational place lets you observe grizzly bears, wolves and birds of prey in their naturalistic habitats, allowing you to really take in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Not only is it super fun, but it’s also super educational, which is always a win for the kids.
What makes it great:
- You get up close and personal with some of the coolest wildlife around
- The interactive exhibits are super engaging
- Get to learn from the experts with keeper talks and demonstrations
4. Go on a Family Adventure Tour
If your family is looking for something a little more action-packed, consider booking a guided tour. West Yellowstone has heaps of options depending on the season.
In the summer, you can hit the trails on horseback or take a UTV tour. In the winter, take a snowcoach tour to explore the snowy landscapes in a totally magical way.
Some popular options:
- Ride horses through the beautiful countryside
- Zoom around on an ATV or UTV
- Cruise through the winter wonderland in a snowcoach
5. Stroll Around Downtown West Yellowstone
Don’t forget to take some time to enjoy the charming downtown area in West Yellowstone. It’s the perfect spot to slow things down and just hang out as a family.
Grab some ice cream, browse the local shops, and enjoy a casual meal together. By the end of the day, you’ll be totally relaxed and ready for a well-deserved rest.
Some ideas:
- Treat the kids to some ice cream and other sweet treats
- Browse the souvenirs and local shops
- Just grab some food and enjoy each other’s company
Plan Your Perfect Family Trip to West Yellowstone
From the hilarious shows at Westgate Theatre to the unforgettable experiences in Yellowstone National Park, there’s no lack of cool things to do in West Yellowstone.
Whether you’re traveling with tiny tots or teenagers, this place has got the perfect mix of adventure, learning and entertainment. So if you’re building your itinerary, start with these five activities – you’ll be making memories with the kids that’ll last a lifetime.
