Staying at Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park in West Yellowstone offers the perfect base for exploring the natural beauty and fun activities that this region has to offer. Whether you’re traveling with young children, teenagers, or a mix of both, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained. Here’s a guide to the top 10 family activities that are easily accessible from Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park. Remember, our RV Park closes in the winter months, so be sure to check our availability before planning your trip.
1. Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
Just a stone’s throw from the RV park, the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is a must-visit for families. This wildlife park is home to grizzly bears, wolves, and birds of prey that have been rescued and cannot be returned to the wild. The center offers educational programs, live animal demonstrations, and the chance to observe these magnificent creatures up close.
Highlights:
- Bear and Wolf Exhibits: Watch bears forage and play in their naturalistic habitats and observe the wolf packs as they roam their enclosures.
- Keeper Kids Program: Children can participate in the Keeper Kids program, where they help hide food for the bears, learning about animal behavior and conservation.
2. Yellowstone IMAX Theatre
Located near the entrance to Yellowstone National Park, the Yellowstone IMAX Theatre offers an immersive cinematic experience that the whole family will enjoy. The theater screens a variety of films, including an epic documentary about the history, wildlife, and geothermal features of Yellowstone.
Highlights:
- Educational Films: Watch breathtaking films that bring the wonders of Yellowstone and other natural marvels to life on a six-story screen.
- Interactive Exhibits: Explore interactive exhibits in the lobby that provide additional context and fun facts about the park.
3. Yellowstone Historic Center Museum
For families interested in the history of Yellowstone and the surrounding area, the Yellowstone Historic Center Museum is a fascinating stop. The museum is housed in a historic Union Pacific Railroad Depot and features exhibits on the history of tourism, transportation, and early exploration in the park.
Highlights:
- Historic Exhibits: Discover the history of how visitors traveled to Yellowstone in the early days, including vintage automobiles, railroad cars, and early camping gear.
- Children’s Activities: Interactive exhibits and scavenger hunts keep younger visitors engaged while they learn about the park’s past.
4. Horseback Riding Adventures
Several outfitters in West Yellowstone offer guided horseback riding tours that take you through the scenic landscapes surrounding Yellowstone National Park. This activity is perfect for families looking to experience the area’s natural beauty from a different perspective.
Highlights:
- Scenic Trails: Ride through meadows, forests, and along streams with views of the surrounding mountains.
- Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as deer, elk, and birds while on horseback.
5. Hebgen Lake
Just a short drive from Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park, Hebgen Lake offers a variety of water-based activities that the whole family can enjoy. The lake is known for its excellent fishing, but it’s also a great spot for boating, kayaking, and swimming.
Highlights:
- Fishing: Hebgen Lake is stocked with trout, making it a popular spot for both novice and experienced anglers.
- Boating: Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and spend the day exploring the lake’s calm waters.
6. Playmill Theatre
The Playmill Theatre in West Yellowstone is a local favorite for live family entertainment. The theater hosts musical productions and plays throughout the summer season, offering a fun and cultural experience for families.
Highlights:
- Family-Friendly Shows: Enjoy high-quality, family-friendly productions that range from classic musicals to comedies.
- Interactive Experience: The intimate setting of the Playmill Theatre makes for an engaging and interactive experience, with performers often interacting with the audience.
7. Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre
If you’re looking for an afternoon activity, the Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre is another great option. This theater offers showings of nature documentaries and adventure films on a massive screen, providing an immersive viewing experience.
Highlights:
- Nature Films: Watch stunning films that highlight the beauty and diversity of Yellowstone and other natural wonders around the world.
- Interactive Lobby Exhibits: Before or after the movie, explore the lobby’s interactive displays that provide additional learning opportunities.
8. Yellowstone Aerial Adventures
For families with a sense of adventure, Yellowstone Aerial Adventures offers a thrilling zipline and ropes course experience. This adventure park is located right in West Yellowstone and provides fun for both kids and adults.
Highlights:
- Zipline Adventure: Fly through the air on a series of ziplines that offer a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding area.
- Ropes Course: Test your balance and agility on the ropes course, which features various challenges and obstacles suitable for different age levels.
9. Rendezvous Ski Trails
During the winter months, the Rendezvous Ski Trails offer excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The trails are well-groomed and cater to all skill levels, making it a perfect winter activity for families staying at the RV park. Don’t forget, we close in the winter months, so make sure you check our availability before planning your trip!
Highlights:
- Groomed Trails: Explore over 35 kilometers of groomed trails that wind through beautiful forests and meadows.
- Winter Fun: In addition to skiing and snowshoeing, the area offers opportunities for snow play and wildlife tracking.
10. Day Trip to Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring
No visit to West Yellowstone is complete without a day trip into Yellowstone National Park to see its most famous attractions. From the Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park, you can easily drive to the Old Faithful Geyser and the Grand Prismatic Spring, two of the park’s most iconic sights.
Highlights:
- Old Faithful Geyser: Watch the world’s most famous geyser erupt on a predictable schedule, thrilling visitors with its power and beauty.
- Grand Prismatic Spring: Marvel at the vibrant colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States, with hues of blue, green, and orange.
Conclusion
Staying at Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park puts your family in the perfect location to explore all that West Yellowstone has to offer. From wildlife experiences and historic sites to outdoor adventures and live entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re visiting in the summer or
