Sure barbecues and lemonade bring to mind the summer season, but nothing quite says summer out West in America like all the fun to be had at the Teton County Fair in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Billed as “Horns & Hides, Laughs & Rides” the Fair takes over Jackson for ten fun-filled days and nights from July 18^th – July 27.

 Teton County Fair Annual Events

Pig wrestling is an annual tradition in Jackson Hole and it’s a fun spectator sport. Watch as different teams and ages try to catch a slippery pig in the mud. Sounds easy enough, but it’s not as hijinks are sure to ensue. This event will provide laughs when it’s held Thursday, July 24^th at 7pm. Tickets are $10 to $15, but are really priceless because you aren’t the one getting covered in mud from head to toe.

The Jackson Hole Rodeo, where the West is still wild, is an integral part of this great summer tradition. Catch all the excitement from the grandstands on Saturday, July 23^rd at 8pm. They have cowboys and cowgirls, clowns, bulls, broncs, and more. It’s sure to be a fun filled evening for the family taking in all the competition of the old west. Tickets run $10 to $20.

You’ve seen all the livestock, now be amazed by the horsepower and excitement of the Figure 8 Races. Brave, daring, and maybe a bit crazy, these drivers navigate a figure 8 track that intersects at the crossover. Big time crashes are par for the course and to be expected. See the sparks and dust fly on Sunday, July 27^th at 7pm. Tickets for one of the biggest events of the Fair are $10 to $20.

After you’ve done all that people (and livestock) watching get in on the action yourself and enjoy the carnival rides at the Teton County Fair. From the tame to the gripping a fair just isn’t a fair without them. If you are all about lapping the rides and want the ultimate riding experience grab a Mega Pass for $100 and enjoy any ride, any time the rides are running. Another great option if you just want to hit up the rides for a bit is to buy a 4-hour pass for $18. Or just try out a few of the ones you really want and pay per ride.

Free Things to Do at the Teton County Fair

The Teton County Fair offers a ton of free things to do as well. Check out an entertaining and educational rattlesnake show by none other than Rattlesnake Dave. In the mood to laugh make sure to catch Matt Baker’s comedy act. There is also a free juggling act, a clown to delight the children, and even a ventriloquist. You’ve seen plenty of animals, now the kids can get a chance to interact with them as well at the Freckle Farm Petting Zoo.

The Teton County Fair also offers up some free music concerts to set the mood for the night. The Black Lillies and Craig Campbell perform at Snow King Ball Park Friday, July 25^th at 5:30pm.

This year’s Fair is filled with so many fun and exciting options to do, consider yourself lucky that it runs for ten nights. With plenty of tasty treats as well as livestock competitions and numerous exhibits to see you just may have to go back again and again to cram it all in.

If you are planning a visit to Jackson Hole, WY then contact Jackson Hole Reservations for your accommodations. Their knowledgeable and expert staff will make sure that your visit to Jackson Hole is a hootin’ hollerin’ good time.

Come see why Jackson Hole is a national treasure and a number one summer time destination for a family vacation. With so many fun and kid friendly activities you may not want to leave. Don’t worry though if you don’t cram in all the adventure Jackson has to offer, you can always come back and visit us next summer.

Snow King Mountain
The snow might be gone but you can still get your need for speed fix, or go slow and enjoy the scenery, by sliding down the mountain on the Alpine Slide, $15 for adult and juniors, children 2-6, $3 per ride. If the slide doesn’t interest you, just ride the chairlift up for the best view in town. Children must be at least 2 years old to ride the lift. When you get back down from the mountain, squeeze in a round of 18 at the Alpine MIni-Golf course at the base. Rounds start at $5 for kids and $8 for adults. After you’ve worked up an appetite from all your alpine adventures relax with a picnic in the park with a playground and bouldering park right near by for the kids to play in.

Water Activities
Cool off from the sun, which if you haven’t noticed can be intense at high altitude by taking a dip at the Aquatic Center located in the Recreation Center. Family passes for up to five people cost $23 for the day. Swim lessons are also available. Or stay outdoors and find one of the countless breath taking lakes and rivers in or out of the National Parks and dip your toes in some refreshing mountain water. Another great way to beat the heat during your family vacation is to take a scenic float down the Snake River with any of the numerous rafting companies in town. Sit back, feel the breeze off the river, and look for wildlife in what is the summer Jackson experience. There are many type of trips and times, including morning, afternoon, or sunset, so pick a time that works best for your family vacation. Rates will vary by rafting company.

Educational Activities
Escape the sunshine or occasional thunderstorm by heading indoors and checking out some culture. If you are having little luck spying wildlife check out the National Museum of Wildlife Art where you are guaranteed to see some wildlife art. The museum boasts an impressive permanent collections as well as rotating featured exhibits. Kids will surely gravitate towards the Children’s Discovery Gallery and Critter Cases, a fun interactive way to explore the museum. Open daily, adult tickets $12, ages 5-18, $6, and kids 5 and under free. The Jackson Hole Children’s Museum is another sure bet for the kids. It’s chock full of interactive hands on exhibits that incorporate the arts, sciences, ecology, and history. It even has outdoor exhibits. The museum is a fun place to engage kids and get them interested in learning while having a blast. Open Tuesday – Saturday, Entrance fee $7.50, children 2 and under free.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, in Teton Village, WY is just as great in the summer as winter with plenty of options for the family. First things first you gotta take the tram to the top of the valley. Family passes are $79. The views are jaw dropping and from the top you can explore via hiking trails. Also, make sure to stop at Corbet’s Cabin for a drink and one of their famous waffles.

When you get back to the valley floor let the kids cool off at the Pop Jets, located in the Village Commons. It’s free and they will love playing in the water fountains. The resort also offers children day camps, adventure guides, and a Techtonics camp that includes the Bike Park, nature discovery, and individual projects. The Grand Adventure Park lives up to its name with offerings such as the Aerial Adventure Course, which is a series of elevated rope and ladders and the Bungee Trampoline will get you up in the air and doing tricks. Or check out the Wall, a 25 foot climbing wall, at the base of the Clock Tower and the bike park to get your blood pumping. Entrance fees per activity or buy a Grand Adventure Pass.  

Family Friendly Restaurants
Your family is going to need plenty of energy for all the adventures that you have planned, so refuel with any of the numerous family friendly restaurants in town. What kid doesn’t like pizza? Pinky G’s is a hands down local favorite and some of the best New York style thin pizza that you’ll find outside the Big Apple, with plenty of salads and specialty pizzas, to choose from or keep it classic with a slice of pepperoni. Grab some great Mexican food at El Abuelitos which offers traditional favorites like tacos, enchiladas, and burritos, as well as combination plates. Merry Piglets offers traditional Mexican cuisine, as well as some new twists such as rice bowls and wraps. Bubba’s Bar-B-Que has some of the best barbecue around and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also have one of the biggest and best salad bars in town for the vegetarians in the family.

Jackson Hole Shoot Out
Welcome to the last of the Old West and before you leave your family vacation make sure to check out the Jackson Hole Shootout. See a little bit of how Jackson was back when the west was still wild. A Wyoming tradition since the 50’s,