Families visiting Cody will find plenty of adventures that blend Western history, wildlife, and outdoor fun. Spend a day exploring Buffalo Bill Center of the West, where interactive exhibits, Native Plains artifacts, and world-class museums keep both kids and adults entertained for hours. In the summer, families can catch the famous Cody Nite Rodeo for an authentic Wyoming experience complete with bull riding, barrel racing, and cowboy culture. Outdoor lovers can enjoy rafting on the Shoshone River, hiking nearby trails, or taking a scenic drive through Yellowstone National Park, just a short trip from town. From Old West attractions to unforgettable mountain scenery, Cody offers something memorable for every age.

1. Old Trail Town

Step back into the Old West at Old Trail Town, where families can explore authentic frontier cabins, outlaw hideouts, and historic buildings once used by legendary Western figures like Butch Cassidy. It’s a fun and immersive way to experience Wyoming’s cowboy history while walking through a real preserved Western town. After exploring authentic frontier cabins and outlaw history at Old Trail Town, families can dive deeper into the stories of the American West through interactive exhibits, firearms history, Native Plains cultures, and wildlife displays at the Center of the West. 

Old Trail Town

2. Wild West Spectacular Show

Wild West Spectacular brings the spirit of the frontier to life with music, storytelling, and live performances that celebrate the legends of the American West. It’s the perfect evening activity to pair with a day exploring Buffalo Bill Center of the West, giving families an entertaining and memorable look at Cody’s cowboy heritage both on stage and in the museum galleries. 

Wild West Spectacular Show

3. Draper Natural History Museum

At the Draper Natural History Museum inside the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, families can explore the incredible wildlife and ecosystems of the Greater Yellowstone region through immersive exhibits, interactive displays, and breathtaking mountain scenery. From grizzly bears and wolves to geology and conservation, the museum offers an engaging look at the natural wonders that make Wyoming so unforgettable. 

Draper Natural History Museum

Draper Raptor Experience

4. Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center

A visit to Buffalo Bill Dam & Visitor Center offers families stunning canyon views, fascinating engineering history, and interactive exhibits about one of the tallest concrete dams in the world when it was completed. Located just outside Cody, it’s a great stop for learning about the region’s water, power, and Western development while enjoying incredible scenery. 

Buffalo Bill Dam and Visitor Center

5. American Dream Drive-In

Families can enjoy a classic summer night at American Dream Drive-In, a nostalgic outdoor movie experience just outside Cody. With double features, fresh popcorn, and views under Wyoming’s wide-open skies, it’s a fun way to unwind after a day of exploring the Yellowstone region and Cody’s Western attractions.

American Dream Drive-In

6. Chuckwagon Dinner Experience

At 2 Mules Chuckwagon, families can experience an authentic Wyoming evening with a hearty cowboy-style meal, scenic Western setting, and warm hospitality. The chuckwagon atmosphere, paired with storytelling and classic frontier charm, makes it a memorable way to enjoy Cody’s rich ranching and cowboy heritage. 

Chuckwagon Dinner

7. Off-Road Adventures

Families looking for adventure can explore the rugged beauty of the Wyoming backcountry through off-road tours and ATV experiences around Cody. Guided off-road adventures offer breathtaking mountain views, wildlife sightings, and access to remote trails that showcase the wild landscapes surrounding Yellowstone and the Shoshone National Forest.

Off-road Adventures

Plan Your Next Family Trip

Plan your next family trip to Cody, where Western history, outdoor adventure, wildlife, and unforgettable family experiences come together in the heart of the American West. From museums and rodeos to scenic drives, chuckwagon dinners, and Yellowstone adventures, Cody offers something exciting for every generation.