Thrifty Travel Fun: Jackson Hole, WY

Photo by Snowballfighters co uk / Flickr

During the winter months, families pour into Jackson Hole, and for good reason: it's a winter wonderland! Read on for ways to have some fun OFF the slopes, since even the best little skiiers and boarders need a break from time to time.

1. The Jackson Hole Children's Museum understands that museum admission shouldn't cut into your kids' college tuition fund: tickets are $7.50, and get you lots of bang for your buck. Be sure to take advantage of the Curious Kids Creativity Lab, held every weekday at 11:15; it's included with your admission, and kids will get to make fun, take-home art projects.

2. Trying to fit in the full range of winter sports? Strap on some skates at the Snow King Sports Center during public skating hours. If you time it right, you can stick around to watch the Jackson Hole Moose Hockey Club take over the ice.

3. Take in the local beauty with a kid-sized hike along Snake River: this suggestion comes from KJ Morris, founder and director of the Children's Museum:

"Turn off at Emily’s Pond (on the east side of the Snake River Bridge, approximately 4 miles west of Jackson on Highway 22), park at the trailhead and walk along the levee. The county grooms 2.2 miles of flat terrain plus the “lollipop loop” at the end. The pounded pathway is perfect for little feet in boots."

 She also suggests ending the day by fueling up at the Rendezvous Bistro, where family-sized booths come equipped with ample wiggle room and a good supply of crayons!