25 Family-Friendly Things to Do with Kids

If you’re looking for things to do with kids, you’ll find plenty of family activities in Gillette and Wright, Wyoming. From outdoor spaces and parks to indoor fun zones, you’re sure to find ways to keep the whole family entertained.

Grab the gang and head down to Dalbey Memorial Park for pet-friendly family fun in Campbell County! In addition to a well-designed playground, the park is packed with unique features that make it one of the best things to do in Gillette, WY, for families (and fur babies). Situated on the picturesque Gillette Fishing Lake, it allows visitors the opportunity to spend a peaceful day fishing on the waterfront. For the athletes among us, they’ve got on-site sports facilities ready to host basketball, volleyball, frisbee golf, and more. Challenge yourself with a game of horseshoes, or fire up the barbecue and take advantage of the spacious picnic area.

Calling all artistic minds of any age or ability! Hands On Pottery in Gillette is a paint-your-own-pottery and art studio offering various creative activities, including canvas painting, glass fusing, and using a pottery wheel. If you’re looking for some direction to broaden your artsy horizons, they have a full schedule of classes that cover everything from the basics to more advanced techniques. Be sure to like and follow Hands On Pottery on Facebook to stay up-to-date on upcoming courses and plan your visit to make unforgettable memories at one of the most unique things to do in Wyoming with kids.

Enjoying the breathtaking Western backdrop at a local park and immersing yourself in the great outdoors is always one of the best things to do in Gillette, WY, for families. At City Park and Pool, visitors can splash, play, and spend quality time together in an open-air haven. There’s a playground for little ones, sports for bigger ones, and a pool and picnic areas for the whole family to unplug and enjoy the summer sun.

City Park includes:

Parking (street & lot)
ADA-compliant facilities
Horseshoes
Near city swimming pool (reopening summer 2025)
Outdoor barbecue
Outdoor lighting
Power outlets
Pet-friendly (pets must be leashed)
Picnic tables
Playground
Restrooms
Volleyball
Water fountain

Enjoying the quiet serenity of an outdoor park is always one of the best Wyoming summer vacation ideas. In Campbell County, you can couple that with memorable wildlife watching. McManamen Park provides many amenities that make a peaceful day in a green space comfortable, with an exceptionally restful atmosphere that sits along Burlington Lake. The nearby water makes for rare wetlands in Northeast Wyoming, and the park is an excellent birdwatching location, providing a stop-off point for our feathered friends on their annual migration routes. Take a quick hike on the trail that loops around the lake, and check out a side of wildlife that you wouldn’t usually get to see in the Cowboy State.

Nothing says “kid things to do near me” quite like bowling a few frames — the lights, the pins crashing, and the playful competition scream fun for the whole family. In Gillette, Camelanes Bowling Center has been a staple of Campbell County’s bowling community for the past 55 years. Boasting an impressive 20 lanes, the alley has plenty of room for everyone, and their lounge and coffee shop offer a variety of refreshments and relaxation between strikes. From standard frames to glow bowling on Friday and Saturday nights, you can truly play your way. Plus, there are party spaces available to rent for special occasions so that you can strike up some fun with all your friends and family.

Do you have an eye for art? What about a sweet tooth? Well, Downtown Gillette is the place for you! Home to many beautiful sculptures and murals on and around Gillette Avenue, the Downtown Gillette Arts & Sweets Trail gives exploring local culture a distinctly delicious flavor. While viewing the many public art installments, you’ll have the opportunity to try a sweet treat from one of our incredible community eateries, such as mind-blowing cakes at Momma Johna’s Bakery and the fan-favorite chocolate fried cinnamon roll at Breanna’s Bakery. If creamery goodies are calling your name, check out the Ice Cream Cafe or ascend to freshly baked heaven at Mary’s Mountain Cookies.

State-of-the-art sports come alive in Campbell County, and one of the best athletic things to do with kids in Wyoming is right here in Gillette. The Energy Capital Sports Complex provides visitors of all ages an excellent opportunity to get up and move indoors and out! Bring all your sports enthusiasts, and you’ll find fields for soccer, softball, and baseball, with 2.4 miles of hiking and biking trails just outside. Coming by in the scorching heat of summer? Pop into the playground and splash pad for a fun family cool-down, and top off the day with a tasty meal at their picnic area.

The Energy Capital Sports Complex features:

Four 215-foot softball/baseball fields with bullpens
Four batting cages with electricity
Announcing capabilities per field and all call zone
Assisted listening system for the hearing-impaired
Electronic scoreboards
Mist station
Concession stand
Outdoor lighting
Power outlets
Parking lot
Picnic tables
Restrooms
Water fountain
Three multipurpose fields
State-of-the-art ADA-compliant playground
Water splash pad

Discover a world of history and education at the High Plains Energy Equipment Display, an unforgettable nod to the coal mining, railroad, gas, and oil industries with roots in Campbell County. This hands-on experience features various “retired” pieces of machinery from across these fields, affording visitors the rare experience of seeing them up close and personal. Let the kids climb aboard an old-school train locomotive, sneak a peek into a coal haul truck, or take in the many equipment displays from days gone by.

Unleash your kiddos (or inner kiddo) and get your trip rocking at the Campbell County Rockpile Museum! Maintaining an educational focus, the museum serves as a cultural hub, allowing families to explore the local legacy of the coal mining industry. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be hands-on! The museum features VR coal transportation and rock blasting, video tours, performances, rotating exhibits, and more. Enjoy the history of the Powder River Basin as it comes to life in Gillette.

Step into a world of nostalgia in the Frontier Auto Museum, where room after room is a trip back in time by way of oil and gas memorabilia, Americana-style. Light up your family trip with vintage neon signs, classic cars, old-fashioned gas pumps, and more. Beyond just the old-school auto, the museum features a drive-in-style theater that plays old films and retro commercials all day long. Museum admission gets you a seat at the movies, and you can purchase drinks and snacks at the Relics Store to munch while you watch, making this one of the most fun things to do in Gillette, WY, for families.

You may expect your Cowboy State getaway to be all outlaw history and Wild West fun, but one of the most interesting Wyoming attractions for families is a little more futuristic. At Area 59 in Gillette, adults and children alike can experiment with laser cutters, 3D printers, and all things STEM in a community-oriented space that encourages hands-on learning. Grab the family and explore technology and robotics in the wilds of Wyoming.

When visiting Wyoming and thinking of kid things to do near you, two activities are a surefire win: ranches and pizza. You can combine the two in Gillette at Pizza Ranch & FunZone Arcade, an all-you-can-eat buffet with arcade games and tons of family fun. Swing by, grab a pizza pie, and treat yourself to a salad bar, chicken wings, dessert pizza, and more. Once your belly is full, you’ll love hitting the arcade and letting your kiddos play to win great prizes.

Revel in the magic of a day at the movies with every member of your family! Gillette Theatres boasts an incredible audiovisual experience, comfy chairs, and a wide variety of films to choose from with something for everyone. Give the crew the classic big-screen experience (complete with popcorn and candy), and enjoy a summer visit to the theater’s Kiddie Matinee Series on Wednesdays at 1 p.m.

All aboard for fast-paced family fun at Iron Horse Skateway in Gillette! This Western take on the quintessential roller rink lets visitors of all skill levels glide and spin to their heart’s content. Housing the area’s only skate shop, Iron Horse offers roller skating accessories, roller derby gear, and even skateboards to help everyone get moving. There are few better things to do in Wyoming with kids, so check out their open skate times and events calendar to see what special activities they have waiting for you.

In such a vast and vibrant state, it can feel hard to find Wyoming attractions for families that are a one-stop shop with entertainment for everyone. In Gillette, you can have it all at the CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Center, a 1,000-acre multi-use facility with everything from rodeo grounds and a race track to a fine arts theater. When you arrive, check their calendar of events, and you’ll find live sports, monster truck rallies, concerts, ballets, and more. Have a blast at a show, and then enjoy quality family time in their 21-acre park and picnic area.

Golf enthusiasts will feel right at home at Golf Zone, a bar and grill that’s equipped with six top-of-the-line golf simulators. Choose from a selection of more than 200 courses as you practice your swing. Golf Zone is in the same building as Flight Zone, featuring a trampoline park and obstacle course, so there are plenty of options for things to do with kids at this hub for family fun.

Embrace your competitive spirit and spend a day making family memories at the Campbell County Recreation Center. Carefully curated to suit all ages, the center focuses on whole-body health, providing guests with an indoor pool for all-season use, exercise machines, and an indoor track. There are designated spaces for volleyball, indoor soccer, and racquetball, plus a special area for babies and toddlers to stimulate imagination through active play. Take advantage of this must-experience destination for athletic families!

Whether a campout is on your vacation itinerary or you’re simply looking for a great way to get the family out in nature, Burnt Hollow Outdoor Recreation Area on the Burnt Hollow Trail is one of the best Wyoming attractions for families. The trail itself is in Weston outside of Gillette, and this quiet and somewhat remote location makes the recreation the ideal place to unplug and decompress. The whole crew can take a leisurely hike along the easy 3.9-mile out-and-back trail, and free camping space is available onsite. Little ones will love to do some rockhounding, while older kids may enjoy backpacking or mountain biking along the trail, all with the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Cowboy State.

Hit the green and scope out some Wyoming wildlife at the Gillette Golf Club. A public course with nine holes, this scenic golf haven is a great spot for golfers of all ages to get a quick game in amid the natural beauty of the Western landscape. Small fairways and greens can pose an exciting challenge for those who want it. Plus, there’s a driving range for swing practice and the opportunity to spot the pronghorn antelope!

While initially designed to work in tandem with Campbell County’s public schools, the CCSD Adventurarium Science Center has grown to be a scientific resource for the entire community, opening its doors to visitors from near and far. This impressive 10,000-square-foot facility comprises many live animal displays and around 60 hands-on exhibits for immersive, interactive learning. Visiting littles can expect to see turtles, parrots, and more, many of which are rescues from the local community. Don’t miss out on all things science in a fun, educational, educator-led environment.

Checking out the great outdoors is always a fantastic Wyoming summer vacation idea, and making the trip to Keyhole State Park near Gillette opens the door to some of the Cowboy State’s most breathtaking sights. Dancing along the shores of the Belle Fourche River, the Keyhole Marina is a beautiful spot for a beach day or launching a boat ride. If your family loves to fish, you’ll be happy to hear that some of the state’s record biggest catches have been found right here, and there are plenty of places to camp, trail ride on horseback, and concessions for hungry little ones. Don’t forget to explore Wyoming’s very first tree house in the park, nestled away in the beautiful Black Hills.

Get in touch with your creative side at the AVA Community Art Center in Gillette, the heart of Campbell County’s vibrant artistic scene. A nonprofit organization, the center strives to inspire children and adults to explore the beauty and power of artwork in a fun and encouraging environment. Immerse yourself in their extensive list of classes for all skill levels, from pottery and painting to drawing and beyond. Enjoy exhibitions from local artists, and take home a truly unique souvenir from their artisan market.

What kid wouldn’t love to roam near the bison? On Durham Bison Ranch‘s sprawling 55,000-acre space, you can get a close-up view of these famous Wyoming residents on guided tours across the property. More than 3,000 bison currently call the ranch home, and your family can view their grazing area and working facilities. Hunting opportunities in season and special events throughout the year make this one of the most memorable things to do in Wyoming with kids.

Campbell County is power country, and that is certainly evident at the Eagle Butte Coal Mine. Let the energy industry come to life for your family while enjoying guided tours and immersive exhibits, including enormous dump trucks and machinery larger than anything they’ve ever seen! Find out more about coal’s pivotal role in the state’s history, and take advantage of experiencing one of the only tourable mines in the area.

When planning your Wyoming summer vacation ideas, make sure you work in an engaging, educational trip to the past at the Wright Centennial Museum. Take a peek at pioneer possessions from home goods to covered wagons, find out more about Campbell County’s notorious outlaws, and explore the energy industry that made this area what it is today. Aside from its permanent collection and exhibits, the museum hosts fun events throughout the year, including root beer float giveaways and chili cookoffs.