Grand Teton National Park has no shortage of beautiful places to spread out a blanket, but String Lake is the spot we return to when we want a relaxed picnic with kids. The setting feels wonderfully wild, yet the experience is manageable for families who need bathrooms, easy shoreline access, and a few ways to fill the afternoon after lunch.
The lake sits beneath some of the park’s most recognizable mountain views. Mount Saint John rises above the water, the Cathedral Group appears in the distance, and the shoreline gives children room to explore without requiring a long hike. It is the kind of place where a simple meal can turn into an entire family outing.
String Lake is especially appealing because everyone can enjoy it differently. One child might look for smooth rocks, another may want to wade at the edge, and adults can settle into the view with a sandwich and coffee. With a little planning, this picnic area becomes one of the easiest ways to enjoy Grand Teton with children.
The biggest advantage is the balance between access and scenery. String Lake is close to the Jenny Lake area, and the road leads to a day-use area with picnic tables and nearby facilities. Families do not need to carry lunch for miles or commit to a strenuous trail before earning a beautiful view. That makes it practical for toddlers, grandparents, and children whose energy changes by the hour.
The shoreline is also more inviting for young explorers than a lookout where everyone must remain behind a railing. Kids can watch ducks, examine pinecones, skip stones where permitted, and enjoy the sensation of being near the water. Adults should stay close, since the lake can be cold and conditions can change quickly, but the setting naturally encourages outdoor play.
Another benefit is the variety nearby. A picnic can remain the main event, or it can be paired with a short walk along the String Lake Loop Trail, a paddle on the water, or a drive through the Jenny Lake area. You can build a full day around the lake without packing every minute with activities.
For the most peaceful family picnic, arrive in the morning or later in the afternoon. Parking areas around popular Grand Teton attractions can fill quickly during summer, and String Lake is particularly appealing on warm days. An early arrival gives you a better chance of finding a convenient space, enjoying calmer water, and choosing a picnic table before the busiest hours.
Late afternoon can be lovely as well, especially when the light begins to soften across the mountains. Pack a warm layer for everyone, since temperatures near the lake may drop even when Jackson is hot. If you plan to stay near sunset, check the park’s current hours, road conditions, and weather forecast rather than relying on a city forecast.
Midday still works when it fits your schedule, particularly for families with young children who need lunch at a predictable time. Just expect more visitors and stronger sun. A lightweight shade option, hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water make a noticeable difference when there is limited shelter at the picnic area.
The best picnic foods are simple, sturdy, and easy to eat outdoors. Sandwiches, wraps, fruit, sliced vegetables, cheese, crackers, and muffins hold up well in a cooler. Individual portions reduce arguments and make it easier to serve children at different times. Bring extra snacks because mountain air, walking, and water play can make everyone hungrier than expected.
A soft cooler is usually easier to manage than a large hard-sided one, especially if you plan to walk along the shoreline after lunch. Reusable containers prevent crushed food and help keep small items organized. If you are planning several days in the region, our guide to packing for Yellowstone includes family-friendly ideas that work well for a Grand Teton road trip too.
Keep hot food optional unless you are prepared to carry it safely. A thermos of soup or cocoa can be wonderful on a cool morning, while cold food is simpler during a busy summer visit. Bring napkins, hand sanitizer, utensils, and a small bag for collecting every scrap and wrapper before you leave.
| Family need | What String Lake offers | Helpful preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Easy access | Nearby parking, picnic areas, and a relatively simple shoreline experience | Arrive early during peak summer |
| Mountain scenery | Clear views of the Teton Range from the lake | Bring a camera and a layer for changing weather |
| Kid-friendly activity | Water’s edge, wildlife watching, and nearby walking paths | Pack water shoes only if appropriate and supervise closely |
| Flexible schedule | Picnic, short walk, or paddle can fit into one visit | Keep the afternoon open rather than overplanning |
| Outdoor safety | Developed day-use facilities within the national park | Follow wildlife, water, and food-storage rules |
A relaxed schedule helps the lake feel like a treat instead of another stop to rush through. Start with a short walk from the parking area and let the children choose a few natural details to notice: unusual rocks, reflections, birds, or wildflowers viewed from the trail. Giving them a small mission can make the walk feel like an adventure without turning it into a formal hike.
Set up lunch before everyone becomes too hungry. Once the food is packed away, allow time for shoreline play or a walk on part of the loop. You do not need to complete the entire trail to enjoy the area. Turning around when the youngest child is ready often makes the outing more successful than pushing toward a mileage goal.
If your family rents a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, treat that as a separate activity and check current park regulations and local rental availability. Young children should wear properly fitted life jackets, and all paddlers need to be prepared for cold water and changing weather. A picnic can remain enjoyable even if the water is too windy or chilly for paddling.
Grand Teton weather can shift quickly, so layers are more useful than a single bulky jacket. A fleece, rain shell, sun hat, and spare socks can save the day when a child steps into shallow water or a breeze moves across the lake. Comfortable shoes with good traction are helpful on uneven ground, and a small first-aid kit belongs in every family day pack.
Wildlife deserves plenty of space, even when the animal looks harmless or far away. Never leave food unattended, and keep snacks secured while walking. Follow park signs about food storage, fishing, swimming, pets, and seasonal closures. The landscape is home to bears and other animals, so family safety includes keeping children close and teaching them to observe quietly.
Leave the picnic area cleaner than you found it. Pack out food scraps, wipes, and packaging, and avoid feeding birds or squirrels. Resist the temptation to take rocks, flowers, or other natural objects home. These small habits help preserve String Lake for the next family and give children a clear, positive way to participate in caring for a national park.
String Lake pairs naturally with other sights in the northern Jenny Lake area, but families do not need to see everything in one visit. A short scenic drive, a stop at Jenny Lake, or a brief viewpoint visit can complement the picnic. Choose one additional activity based on your children’s energy rather than creating a long checklist.
For a different perspective, consider taking the Jenny Lake scenic drive or stopping at a viewpoint along the Teton Park Road. Morning light is often beautiful on the peaks, while afternoon clouds can create dramatic shadows. Even a quick pullout can provide a memorable photo without asking young children to complete another trail.
If the kids are tired, simply return to your accommodations after lunch and keep the lake as the highlight. Grand Teton rewards a slower pace. A family memory of throwing pebbles, sharing watermelon, and watching clouds move over the mountains can matter more than squeezing in another famous landmark.
Our favorite thing about String Lake is that it feels special without being complicated. You can arrive with an ordinary cooler and a few snacks, then find yourself surrounded by water, forest, and enormous mountain views. The outing works for a first visit to Grand Teton, a repeat family road trip, or an unplanned afternoon when everyone needs time outside.
Before your next park adventure, save String Lake as a family picnic stop, check current Grand Teton National Park conditions, and prepare a meal that travels well. Leave room for wandering, quiet moments, and the possibility that the children will remember the shoreline more vividly than any scheduled attraction.