As for must see activities, I think you should take the boat across Jenny Lake to the other side of the Tetons and at least hike from there to Hidden Falls or to Inspiration Point. The Tetons up close are a must see. You should also take the ride up Signal Mountain for a view across to the Tetons and below of the Snake River.
In Yellowstone, obviously you will have to face the crowds at Old Faithful, and you must go up and see the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
As for some stuff off the beaten path, here's one, but you'll have to ask someone how to get there because I cannot quite remember. In the Rockefeller Parkway between Yellowstone and the Tetons there are these hot springs called Huckleberry Hot Springs. It's a very short hike (though you ford a small creek at one point), and very few people (often no one) goes to them. The water there (the temperatures sometimes change) is like bath water, and it's really amazing.
Also, if you want to stay closer to the main road but want to swim (and no crowds), just as you enter Yellowstone, there's a waterfall called Moose Falls. It's near a roadmarker called Crawfish Creek. Most tourists don't know there's a 30 foot waterfall there. The water is a little cool, but people swim in it.
I hope that's a start. If you have in mind specific activities, please let me know.
Yellowstone has crowds, but I deal with worse crowds here on the subway every day. While you won't have enough time to find some of the best places to avoid crowds, there are still plenty of places to go.
Happy travels,
Jim
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Replying to:
We're planning a trip with my 7 yr old daughter and 9 yr old son. We live in Atlanta and this will be our first trip to the area. We plan to stay at the Snake River Lodge & Spa in Jackson Hole. We will have five days to explore the area and I want to make the best use of our time (without spending hours in the car each day). I know there are a couple of "must do/see" activities, but I would like to avoid every activity being where crowds of people are. I would love to know what the "must sees" are then what activities are fun without driving a great distance (i.e hikes, rafting, fishing), and would be less crowded than perhaps the most widely promoted areas. Also dining recommendations would be great. Thanks
