Tetons

Our kids were allowed electronics in the car (when not in parks) and when the generator was charging batteries. This means they averaged several hours a day anyway. Plenty enough to keep their spirits up.

4runnerguy wrote:

dodge guy wrote:
BTW, my kids will be 15 and 16.

Got back a couple of weeks ago from 10 days at our cabin where there's no cell service, WIFI, or any other connection. We had out 14 and 16 year old nieces with us and like always, they had a ball. Going to places like GTNP is to expose them to a whole 'nother lifestyle. Maybe head into West Yellowstone or Jackson every few days so they can get their electronics fix.

Few know the park like Ken - and it's funny as long as they are busy they really don't miss the electronics - let them stop and then they look - Kids are just GREAT!

While we are not in the mountains we have our 6 Granddaughters and 7 cousins at the beach for 14 days and and that energy level is just contagious - hard to beat - if you have the energy just enjoy every minute as those smiles will pale any scenery you have and the memories will last forever. Take Picture, lots of pictures because they - the kids - love seeing their parents when they were kids - And the band plays on.

The moral of the story - IMHO - there are no wrong choices, as long as you are all out there together.

Enjoy the trip,(Take lots of Pictures)

JMHO,

dodge guy wrote:
BTW, my kids will be 15 and 16.

Got back a couple of weeks ago from 10 days at our cabin where there's no cell service, WIFI, or any other connection. We had out 14 and 16 year old nieces with us and like always, they had a ball. Going to places like GTNP is to expose them to a whole 'nother lifestyle. Maybe head into West Yellowstone or Jackson every few days so they can get their electronics fix.

Thanks again! I just booked at Colter Bay RV Park this morning. So I`m all set now. all the info is very helpful. BTW, my kids will be 15 and 16.

We take the ranger guided hikes whenever we visit Yellowstone and Tetons. Nine year old grandson really enjoys them. The narrated boat tour across Jackson Lake is great. Our guide told us about a plane crash that occurred on top of one of the mountains, showed us an Osprey nest, explained their hunting habits and abilities, etc., all things children as well as adults would find interesting. We attended an exhibition of raptors and their habits at Jackson Lake Lodge. We also attended a talk about Grizzlies, also at Jackson Lake Lodge. Our grandson listened with rapt attention to both presentations. There are so many things to do for all ages, the Junior Ranger program is excellent for younger school age children. There are dinner picnics where you ride the boat over to an island and many other evening activities. Many of the campgrounds offer evening talks at their amphitheaters and every one we have attended has been quite worthwhile. Best wishes for a fun and interesting trip for all.

2gypsies wrote:

dodge guy wrote:
I would definitely love to stay for he week, but I know the wife and kids will get bored! They are already upset that cell service will be spotty to nothing!

Wow! I think you need to take separate vacations! :) Why even go to national parks if a drive through is too boring? Perhaps take away all their electronics?

That does sound good ;) however I'm sure that won't work. I may be exaggerating a bit on how bored they'll be. I do intend on doing some ranger led stuff. I'll be looking into more things to do next year before I go.

dodge guy wrote:
I would definitely love to stay for he week, but I know the wife and kids will get bored! They are already upset that cell service will be spotty to nothing!

Wow! I think you need to take separate vacations! :) Why even go to national parks if a drive through is too boring? Perhaps take away all their electronics?

Take the family to the ranger programs, etc.... Get them involved in things, not just driving & looking, although, that is a must too. Take the hike to Hidden Falls, via shuttle ($) across the lake. Take them to swim in the lake..ice cold, but the view is indescribable! They may not appreciate it now, but they will later, I think!

Rangerman40 wrote:

dodge guy wrote:
Thanks Richard. I wish I had more time. I would definitely love to stay for he week, but I know the wife and kids will get bored! They are already upset that cell service will be spotty to nothing! :R

I hope to spend 3 days on the west upper loop and east lower. And see the east upper on the way in. Stopping along the way to see the falls and other sites. I'll check out the west lower loop on the way to the Tetons.

Yes I do plan on being up early and back by dinner.

The west lower loop is home to Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, Norris Geyser Basin, the paint pots, and numerous other thermal features.... We spent 2 days on that portion alone. It is not an "on the way to the Tetons" section. That would be the upper east loop.... Cell reception isn't terrible all things considered. It's pretty good at all of the major stops and visitor centers.

Yes, I got my loops mixed up. I was thinking the road from the loop into the Tetons!

And thanks tragusa3. That kinda sounds like what my wife and kids will get out of it! Unfortunately. I'm hoping they will be shocked by how beautiful it is once they're there.

Yellowstone, we spent a day on each quarter loop. It was enough to see the roadside sites at a pretty fast clip. The SW loop, in particular, will take sunrise to sunset with no down time at all. Although, if your crew is not particularly interested in geothermal features, I could see doing only two stops...the stop with Grand Prismatic and the one with Old Faithful. If you do the longer hike at Old Faithful, you will see several dozen thermal features, and that might be enough. My kids did comment that they all started looking the same. I might agree, if you've seen 30, will 100 of them make it better? I thought so, but tech kids likely won't.