Where to Go in Wyoming with Kids

Right at the mouth of Shoshone Canyon, the Buffalo Bill Dam is a must-see if you’re in Cody. When it was finished back in the early 1900s, it was actually the tallest dam in the world—pretty wild, right? These days, it’s still an epic piece of engineering history. You can dive into the full story at the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center, which has tons of exhibits and a short film about how it was built.

The visitor center is open daily from May through September, and if you don’t feel like walking from the lot, a free shuttle will take you right up to the entrance.

Highlights:

• Historic dam once tallest in the world
• Educational exhibits and short film at the Visitor Center
• Scenic walk across the top of the dam
• Free self-guided audio tours
• Complimentary shuttle from the parking area

Pro Tip:

Go early in the day for cooler temps and fewer crowds—the views from the top are even better when you’ve got the place mostly to yourself.

4808 N Fork Hwy, Cody, WY 82414, Phone: 307-527-6076

If you're into Old West history and cool local stories, the Campbell County Rockpile Museum in Gillette is definitely worth a stop. It focuses on the history and heritage of Campbell County and the Powder River Basin, with tons of interesting stuff from fossils to frontier life.

You’ll find everything from Native American artifacts and saddles to an actual homestead shack and a sheepherder’s wagon.

Highlights:

• Extensive collection of Native American artifacts and fossils
• Historic homestead shack and sheepherder’s wagon
• Interactive coal mining exhibits with videos
• Horse-drawn vehicles, tools, and weapons
• Fossilized tree that’s 50 million years old

Pro Tip:

Bring the kids—there are hands-on exhibits and plenty of space to explore. Bonus: admission is free!

900 W 2nd St, Gillette, WY 82716, Phone: 307-682-5723

If you’ve ever wanted to explore the stars without leaving your seat, the Casper Planetarium is your go-to. They’ve got full-dome shows that’ll transport you across the universe, thanks to their super high-tech Mediaglobe-II system. It’s like stepping into space without the space suit.

Highlights:

• Immersive full-dome shows with HD animated graphics
• Live talks about current night sky events
• Interactive science-themed exhibits and displays
• Presentations for school groups
• Summer Astronomy Camps for kids

Pro Tip:

Check the schedule online before you go—showtimes can vary, and some programs fill up fast, especially on weekends.

904 N Poplar St, Casper, WY 82601, Phone: 307-577-0310

For Spending Time Outdoors

Looking for a peaceful, scenic spot to wander around and soak up some nature? The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is a total gem tucked inside Lions Park. Sitting at 6,200 feet, it’s got hardy outdoor gardens that thrive in the Wyoming climate, plus three greenhouses full of veggies, tropical plants, and more.

Highlights:

• Beautiful outdoor gardens and tropical greenhouses
• Fun features like the Garden Labyrinth and Zigzag Walkway
• Historic locomotive and tractor on display
• Interactive areas like the Discovery Pond
• Rotary Century Plazas with plants from Cheyenne’s history

Pro Tip:

Don’t miss the conservatory inside the main greenhouse—it’s warm, lush, and a great spot to escape the wind on chillier days.

710 S. Lions Park Drive, Cheyenne, WY 82001, Phone: 307-637-6458

Want to get the lay of the land and hear some wild Old West stories while you’re at it? Cody Trolley Tours is the way to go. You’ll cruise around town on a charming vintage trolley with guides who are part historians, part entertainers, and full of fun facts.

You’ll hear tales of Buffalo Bill, legendary bank robberies, and local mysteries while riding past Cody’s coolest landmarks—think historic homes, art galleries, and the Buffalo Bill Dam and Reservoir.

Highlights:

• Entertaining, story-packed trolley ride through historic Cody
• See major landmarks, including the Buffalo Bill Dam
• Learn about Buffalo Bill, bank heists, and local legends
• Interactive experience with photos, relics, and audio clips
• Runs daily from late May through late September

Pro Tip:

Grab a seat near the front if you want to hear the guide best—these folks are hilarious, and you won’t want to miss a word.

1192 Sheridan Ave, Cody, WY 82414, Phone: 307-527-7043

Ready to cross dog sledding off your bucket list? Continental Divide Dogsled Adventures is the real deal. Run by Iditarod veteran Billy Snodgrass, this outfit offers unforgettable sled trips through the snow-covered beauty of the Teton and Shoshoni National Forests near Jackson Hole and Yellowstone.

Highlights:

• Dog sledding trips led by an experienced Iditarod musher
• Scenic routes through Teton and Shoshoni National Forests
• Options for half-day, full-day, or multi-day adventures
• Overnight stays in yurts or log cabins
• All gear, meals, and transportation included

Pro Tip:

Dress in layers and don’t forget sunglasses—the snow glare is real. Also, book early—these tours fill up fast in peak season!

4338 US-26, Dubois, WY 82513, Phone: 307-455-3052

If you're looking for a place that checks *all* the outdoor boxes, Curt Gowdy State Park is the spot. Nestled between Cheyenne and Laramie at the base of the Laramie Mountains, this 3,395-acre playground is perfect for hiking, biking, fishing, paddling, or just soaking in some killer views.

Highlights:

• Over 35 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding
• Three beautiful reservoirs for fishing, boating, and kayaking
• Rock climbing, archery range, and rockhounding spots
• Seven distinct landscape zones full of wildlife and views
• Horse-friendly camping with a public corral at Aspen Grove

Pro Tip:

Bring your mountain bike—the trails here are super popular for a reason. And if you’re camping, book early, especially in summer weekends—they go fast!

1264 Granite Springs Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82009, Phone: 307-632-7946

For Quick Day Trips

If you’re road-tripping through Wyoming, make sure to stop at the legendary Devils Tower. This massive rock formation rises 867 feet straight out of the prairie and is impossible to miss—it’s not just stunning, it’s also the very first National Monument in the U.S.

Highlights:

• Iconic 867-foot-tall rock formation and U.S.'s first National Monument
• Sacred site for Native American tribes with ongoing ceremonies
• Popular spot for rock climbing and hiking
• Epic night skies perfect for stargazing
• Visitor center with geology, history, and culture exhibits

Pro Tip:

Visit in the early morning or near sunset for fewer crowds and the best lighting for photos. And if you’re there in June, you may see prayer cloths tied near the trails—please respect these sacred offerings.

WY-110, Devils Tower, WY 82714

History buffs, this one's for you. Fort Caspar is a fully reconstructed frontier outpost that gives you a real feel for what life was like in the wild days of mid-1800s Wyoming. It’s named after Caspar Collins, a U.S. Army officer who died in a battle here in 1865, and yep—that’s where the town of Casper gets its name (though the spelling got a little mixed up).

Highlights:

• Fully reconstructed 1800s military post and frontier outpost
• Replica Mormon ferry and stockade
• Interactive exhibits and videos in the Interpretive Center
• Artifacts documenting Casper’s first 100 years
• Scenic setting along the North Platte River

Pro Tip:

Don’t skip the video at the Interpretive Center—it’s a quick way to get the full story before exploring the grounds. And plan for extra time outside—the views are pretty great!

4001 Fort Caspar Rd, Casper, WY 82604, Phone: 307-235-8462

If you're into frontier history or just want to step back in time, Fort Laramie National Historic Site is a must-visit. Just outside the town of Fort Laramie, this place was originally a fur trading post back in 1834, and later became a major military outpost and key stop along the Oregon, Mormon, and California Trails.

Highlights:

• Historic military and trading post from 1834
• Site of major treaty negotiations with Plains tribes
• Self-guided or ranger-led walking tours available
• Visitor center with educational displays and a 30-minute film
• Key stop along the Oregon, Mormon, and California Trails

Pro Tip:

Wear comfy shoes—there’s a lot of ground to cover, and the buildings are spread out. If you’re into history, catch a ranger talk for extra insight—they’re super engaging.

965 Grey Rocks Road, Fort Laramie, WY 82212, Phone: 307-837-2221