The Top Kids Activities Cody Offers for Every Family
If you have plans to visit the western gem that is Cody, Wyoming, then you’re in for a real treat. There’s a ton to do and see, from historical sites to up-close-and-personal rodeo action as well as stunning scenic vistas.
This list of the six best kids activities Cody has to offer is for families who want to make the most out of their time together and enjoy a vacation full of cherished memories. Whether the kids need a break after a long day in the car or you’re looking to fill out your schedule with a full day of adventure, this list includes something for everyone.
Read on to learn about the kids activities Cody visitors love most.
1. Cody Nite Rodeo
The iconic Cody Nite Rodeo is a must-see for visitors staying overnight in Cody. If your kids have been looking forward to their western adventure in the Yellowstone region, they’ll remember this rodeo for the rest of their lives.
Running each night from June through August, the Cody Nite Rodeo bills itself as the longest-running and only nightly rodeo in the world. No matter where you’re staying in Cody, getting to the rodeo grounds is simple and almost always takes less than 10 minutes, or less than five minutes if you’re staying on the west end of town.
Kids can get their pictures taken sitting atop “Mongo,” the live rodeo bull, and get their faces painted by the rodeo clowns. There’s even an opporunity to learn to rope like the real cowboys and cowgirls!
The rodeo itself features everything from bareback riding to saddle broncs, breakaway roping, and a calf scramble featuring kids 12 and under.
Although all seating is general admission, the organizers recommend purchasing your tickets online before you arrive at Stampede Park.
2. Wild Bunch Gunfighters Show
Visitors to Yellowstone National Park often enjoy staying in Cody because the spirit of the American West is truly alive and well in this little town. Perhaps the best evidence of this is the gunfight that breaks out six nights a week just outside the historic Irma Hotel in downtown Cody.
The Wild Bunch put on a skit and gunfight that you have to see to believe. It’s great for younger children, but even the adults get a kick out of it, as you may well discover for yourself.
The show starts at 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and admission is free. It’s the perfect after-dinner entertainment for visiting families, and there are plenty of great places nearby to find a delicious dessert once the smoke clears.
3. Old Trail Town
When you travel through historic towns in the Yellowstone region, it’s easy to see character of the old west, even well over a century later.
But it’s just not the same as it was back then. Unfortunately, you can’t turn back time and experience these western towns as they were in their heyday.
Or can you?
Old Trail Town in Cody is widely acknowledged as a top family-friendly destination for those traveling the American West. It’s a collection of rare, authentic buildings and furnishings that were taken apart, transported, and reassembled at Old Trail Town — the site where Buffalo Bill himself laid out the original town of Cody in 1895.
When you walk Old Trail town, you’ll see the original cabins used by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, plus thousands of historic artifacts. You’ll also the grave sites of a few western legends, including the mountain man John Johnston, who you may know as “Jeremiah Johnson.”
Old Trail Town is an incredible opportunity to immerse your little cowboys and cowgirls in the true history of the American West.
4. River Runners of Wyoming
So far, we’ve covered some uniquely engaging kids activities Cody visitors are sure to appreciate due to their distinct western flavor. But what if you need a detour — something a little different to keep your vacation fresh?
Look no further than River Runners of Wyoming. They have two trip options: a two-and-a-half hour family adventure and a half-day whitewater raft trip on the North Fork of the Shoshone River.
Rafting isn’t just an exhilirating adventure and one of the best kids activities Cody has to offer. It’s also a superb way to experience a portion of the river canyon that leads to Yellowstone National Park’s East Entrance — an area President Theodore Roosevelt dubbed “the most beautiful 50 miles in America.”
So can you trust a portion of your vacation time to River Runners of Wyoming? Well, you know it’s a quality operation when it’s been featured on the Travel Channel. It’s easy to find positive reviews online. Plus, the company was established by Buffalo Bill’s great grandson in 1967.
5. Scenic Horseback Rides
Sure, you can book a horseback ride just about anywhere in the continental United States, but where else can you enjoy some time in the saddle surrounded by the same flora and fauna the pioneers encountered?
There are superb outfits in Cody where you can book a horseback ride, but don’t forget about the lodges along the highway between Cody and Yellowstone. Each lodge has a unique history and access to different trails. These rides offer an experience that’s truly off the beaten path.
Plus, these lodges have quality restaurants where you can enjoy a wonderful meal with your family before or after your ride.
For a ride that practically borders on Yellowstone National Park itself, check out Pahaska Teepee Resort. This is the closest place to Yellowstone that you can stay without being within the park boundary. Plus, the property includes Bufaflo Bill’s original hunting lodge — a historical site all Yellowstone visitors should see for themselves.
If you want something closer to the city of Cody, give Bill Cody Ranch a try. They offer rides lasting two hours, four hours, or even an all-day ride with a cookout. Plus, kids 6 and under can enjoy a 30-minute pony ride with the assistance of one of the wranglers.
Cody is an Unforgettable Western Destination
There’s no question that Cody offers a ton of fantastic kids activities. But you’ll also find a wide variety of adventures, history, and amenities that make it an ideal destination for all kinds of people.
Don’t miss out on Cody — be sure to at least make a stop here on your way to Yellowstone. If this list of kids activities isn’t right for you, check out our list of the top five reasons to stay in Cody on your way to Yellowstone. This list includes something for everyone, whether you’re bringing the whole family, embarking on a romantic adventure with your better half, or flying solo.
