Raising kids can be expensive, but taking them on a family vacation doesn’t have to be. Family trips are a wonderful way to build memories to last a lifetime, but not everyone wants to still be paying for the trip when the kids leave for college. Luckily, Wyoming offers many affordable family vacation options. The state’s wide-open spaces let kids use their outside voices—and let parents keep money in their wallets.
1. Dinosaur adventure
If words like Parasaurolophus and Pachycephalosaurus pepper your kid’s dinner conversation, a Wyoming dinosaur-filled adventure is a very budget-friendly way to spend a family vacation. Many towns offer free paleontology museums, including the University of Wyoming Geological Museum and the Tate Geological Museum at Casper College. Families can dig for fossils with the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis or walk in dinosaur footprints at the Red Gulch Dinosaur Track site. Fossil Buttes National Monument near Kemmerer is an ancient lakebed where kids are sure to spot an aquatic fossil or two.
2. The family that camps together stays together
Disconnecting from screen time and reconnecting with each other on a family camping trip is an economical way to see Wyoming. Whether you spend a nominal fee and sleep in an established campsite in one of many state parks or disperse camp for free in one of the national forests, sleeping under the stars doesn’t break the bank. Specific parks, like Curt Gowdy State Park, offer scenic views, water sports and kid-friendly trails perfect for family exploration. Families can enjoy paddleboarding, fishing or hiking on well-maintained paths that are great for all ages . Wyoming really shines when it comes to cheap or free vacation activities that come naturally to the outdoors.
3. Boots, buckles and budget-friendly rodeos for families
The Cowboy State is famous for its rodeos, and families looking for an authentic Western experience will find plenty of budget-friendly options across Wyoming. Rodeos aren’t just about the thrill of bucking broncos and barrel racing; they’re also opportunities for families to connect with Wyoming’s cowboy culture. While Cheyenne Frontier Days—the “Daddy of ’em All”—offers world-class rodeo action and free events like Grand Parades, pancake breakfasts and Behind the Chutes Tours, smaller, family-friendly rodeos throughout the state provide a more intimate and affordable experience.
For example, the Cody Nite Rodeo, held nightly during the summer, allows kids to meet cowboys, take photos and even participate in special activities like the calf scramble. The Sheridan WYO Rodeo and Laramie Jubilee Days also host events tailored for families, including kid-friendly rodeo competitions and interactive exhibits. These smaller rodeos often feature less expensive tickets, shorter wait times and plenty of opportunities for children to learn about rodeo animals and traditions up close.
Whether you’re visiting a local rodeo or the larger annual events, Wyoming’s rodeos deliver action-packed, affordable entertainment for the whole family, creating unforgettable memories rooted in the spirit of the West.
4. Family-friendly ski trips
Many families might assume a ski vacation is out of reach, but Wyoming offers several family-friendly and affordable ski areas that make hitting the slopes both accessible and enjoyable. Areas like Hogadon Basin ski area near Casper, Snowy Range Ski Area near Laramie, and Meadowlark Ski Lodge near Ten Sleep are known for their affordable lift tickets—some less than $50 a day—along with smaller crowds and more budget-friendly lodging options nearby. These resorts also cater to families with beginner-friendly ski schools, where kids and first-timers can gain confidence on the slopes under expert instruction. Additionally, rental discounts available at many of these locations make it even easier for families to gear up without breaking the bank. Whether your family is full of seasoned skiers or hitting the slopes for the first time, Wyoming’s ski resorts deliver memorable winter adventures without the hefty price tag.
5. Sleep in a treehouse, a yurt or a sheep wagon
Sometimes accommodations can eat a large portion of a vacation budget, but Wyoming has several unusual lodging options that are surprisingly affordable and sure to generate priceless memories. Imagine what your kids would tell their friends after spending a night in a sheep herder’s wagon. Keyhole State Park has a treehouse families can rent and Sinks Canyon State Park offers yurts. The state is dotted with cabins and forest service lookout towers that also make memorable places to stay.
