Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
What does a great family getaway entail?
The answer is different for everyone, but it's usually some combination of adventure for the kids, relaxation for the parents who have dealt with adventurous kids all day, scenic views dramatic enough to satisfy Utah standards and enough variety to prevent anyone from saying, "I'm bored!" before noon.
Adequate parking never hurts either.
That's where Thermopolis, Wyoming, comes in. This easy road trip combines two universally child-approved activities — dinosaurs and splashing around — with a laid-back pace ideal for supervising adults.
Its crown jewels are the famous hot springs and the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, but its outdoor recreation and small-town charm shouldn't go unnoticed. Combined, it's the perfect recipe for a memorable stay.
We'll cover the dinosaur center, the hot springs, nearby adventures, and a sample itinerary designed to keep everyone happy (for as long as possible).
The Wyoming Dinosaur Center
In Thermopolis, every child becomes an honorary paleontologist. Blame (or thank, actually) the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. Specifically, blame its enormous dinosaur skeletons and real fossil dig sites that have produced many of the fossils displayed in the museum. Some of the superstars include:
- The Thermopolis Archaeopteryx: A rare and important fossil showing the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and bird.
- Supersaurus "Jimbo": A 106-foot sauropod skeleton that is absolutely, positively, scientifically enormous.
- Kosmoceratops: A horned dinosaur with a dramatic and unusual crown of horns, because apparently some dinosaurs accessorized.
Even better, visitors can tour excavation sites or join hands-on dig programs, which is basically permission to get dirty in the name of science.
Bonus: You will be serenaded by dinosaur facts the entire way home. This is your reality whether you accept it or not, so be prepared.
The hot springs
"Thermopolis" is Greek for "hot city." If you guessed it was named after its abundant natural hot springs, you're absolutely correct! If you guessed it was a confident tourism slogan, you're… also maybe right?
The town's hot springs naturally flow around 135 degrees, then cooled down to more-human friendly temperatures. They're a perfect complement to a long day exploring dinosaur fossils.
A popular option is the free bath house at the formal Hot Springs State Park, which also brings a little history with the steam: established in 1897, it's Wyoming's oldest state park.
For families who want more splashing than soaking, Hellie's TePee Pools adds indoor and outdoor pools, slides, and a more kid-friendly waterpark vibe.
Scenic sights, small-town charm, and state park hikes
If you live in Utah, a non-scenic drive can feel foreign—scary even.
Luckily, the drive from Utah delivers big Wyoming energy the entire way, with dramatic rock formations and long cinematic stretches reminiscent of a John Wayne feature.
As a reward for your patience and safe driving, the last 40ish minutes of your journey take you through Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway, maybe the prettiest part of the entire trip.
Get to Thermopolis and you'll notice the easy-going pace, with limited crowds and stress-free parking.
This is not a place for rushing, and that's a wonderful thing for vacationers.
Downtown adds just the right dose of old-West charm and local shops to make wandering around feel worthwhile rather than a way to kill time before dinner.
Before or after soaking at Hot Springs State Park, families can hike around the area, spot bison roaming nearby or get out on the water with rafting, kayaking and fishing possible around the nearby Bighorn River.
A (loose) weekend itinerary
No need for a minute-by-minute plan when coming to Thermopolis. When planning your trip, make room for the stars of the show — dinosaurs and hot springs — and let the rest fall into place. Our suggested itinerary:
- Friday: Arrive, stretch your legs downtown, grab dinner and ease into vacation mode with an evening soak.
- Saturday: Visit the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, tour the museum or dig sites, then balance all that excitement with hot springs time at the state park's bath house or Hellie's TePee Pools.
- Sunday: Take a short hike, spot bison at Hot Springs State Park, grab breakfast or one last treat, then head home through that wide-open Wyoming scenery. Or to Grand Teton and Yellowstone if you're quite ready to come home yet. (More spectacular sights await if you do that.)
Ready for a weekend that combines adventure, relaxation and just the right amount of prehistoric obsession? Start planning your Thermopolis getaway today!
