free kid and family activities in jackson hole

This post isn't only about Jackson Hole.  I think it could cover just about any mountain resort town.  But since I live here, it is easy for me to be specific about my town.  Most of this stuff is FREE or super cheap.  I am only writing about year 'round activities since festivals and concerts are too date specific.  Good thrills to keep your energetic toddler and kids entertained for a few hours to an afternoon of fun.  Family time without the stress.  BTW, I have been thinking of starting a Jackson Hole Kid's Calendar on this blog.  A weekly review of activities and special events geared towards families.  Thoughts?

• Playgrounds - an obvious choice but I specifically like the playgrounds at the local elementary schools.  TIP:  schools are much easier than playgrounds to find via mobile searches and are guaranteed to have an interactive play area.  You never know if the town park will have age appropriate play equipment so why risk driving around a town you don't know?  My favorite in Jackson is the Davy Jackson Elementary School located in town next to the Teton County Rec Center, just off the Town Square. Additional note regarding Jackson playgrounds - this town rocks!  We have lots of great parks for kids of all ages to enjoy.  If you want a list with pros and cons and location of our parks leave a comment below.
• Base of the ski mountain - During peak months (December to March and June to August) you will find lots of activities geared towards families and kids at the base of any ski hill.  The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort did a great renovation to the base of the hill with a large stone patio, play ground and (in summer) a water fountain perfect for running and splashing.  New for 2010 they added Sunday night concerts that are free and family oriented. In the winter this area becomes a snow castle and small sled area.
• Library - The Teton County Library is in town and easy to access.  On Tuesday and Thursday mornings they offer story time in the main meeting room.  This is one great library that understands that kids are energetic - they have converted a back room off of the kid's area to house toys, interactive games and large plush animals for lazing about while reading.  There are tables near the back wall with little chairs for kiddos while the shelves are lined with stuffed characters of their favorite books.  Puzzles, games, free computers, and video add to the fun. 
• National Museum of Wildlife Art - Toddler art is on Monday mornings offering all kinds of hands-on activities that finish with a fun piece to take home.  Stay on afterwards to explore the museum's galleries and check out the kid's area.  Loaded with books, animal costumes, drawing, stamping and more, this is a great way to spend the morning.  If you happen to be there during lunch they offer a fantastic restaurant with some of the best views in the valley.  There are museums in most towns - check them out as they will offer some type of fun for all ages.  For more information, check out their website.
• Airports - the Jackson Hole Airport (or any small airport) is fantastic place for fullfilling a toddler's obession of planes and trucks.  A couple of times a year we head up to the airport to watch planes land and take off then hit the cafe to nosh on grilled cheese and french fries.  Large windows provide a perfect view from any angle and the parking is free.  What more could a kid (and parent) ask for??
• Visitor's Center - our favorite is the Grand Teton Visitor's Center.  It is located before entering the park so it is free to explore.  Inside you will find hidden animals and creatures (great for I-Spy), interactive displays, fun videos of rivers and streams in the floor along with a good movie and well stocked gift shop.  Afterwards, take them outside for some amazing photo ops in front of the Grand Teton Mountains.  Check out the website for times as they adjust with the seasons.
• Wilson Bridge at the Snake River - The river is all but absent on the South side of the bridge this year (changes yearly but you can always find an easy and safe access point somewhere along the north and south parking areas) so we like to head down to the river to collect rocks, throw some in the slower moving water and dig in the sand.  A drift wood teepee was created this summer which provided endless fun of crawling inside and then out, in and out, in and out, in and out...you get the idea.  I take a small shovel and bucket, good water shoes and a change of clothes since little ones will be guaranteed to get wet and dirty!  Great for spring, summer and the fall.  Lining both sides of the river is a wonderful walking path for mountain strollers, doggies and excited kiddies.  This path is accessible in the winter months as well.  The views heading north are unbelievable with unobstructed views of the Tetons.
• Recreation Center - what would the list be without the Teton County recreation center?  Offering a year 'round indoor lap pool and kiddie pool with two slides, it is available for open swim starting at 1pm daily.  They also provide toddler swim and toddler gym most mornings.  Check out their website for exact dates and times.