Saratoga, WY - 11 Toddler-Friendly Activities
Saratoga, Wyoming, is a charming small town with tons of potential and beauty. Nestled in the Platte Valley, this accessible town offers a mix of nature, history, and family-friendly activities that make it a wonderful destination, especially families with toddlers. We stayed in our RV at Deer Haven RV Park and it was such a treat - clean sites right on the river, with many friendly people to meet!
Here’s a recap of our favorite experiences in Saratoga and why we think it’s worth a stop on your next family adventure!
Hobo Hot Springs
Hobo Hot Springs is one of Saratoga's iconic attractions, offering a unique natural hot springs experience. The springs feature "hot pots" of water surrounded by rocks in a tributary of the North Platte River, where the natural hot water meets the cooler river water. These pots are perfect for toddlers to explore and splash around.
In addition to the hot pots, there are three concrete pools at the springs. While they looked super inviting, they were too hot for us to enter, especially with the kids. The exact temperatures (listed on a dry erase board at the top of the main pool) in early July were 112°F, 113°F, and 118°F. That said, we still had a great time enjoying the river area and soaking in the hot pots, which offered just the right mix of warmth and fun for our family.
These hot springs are free and can be accessed to the left of the community pool. Just head down the path and you’ll dead end at the pools and river.
Kathy Glode Playground
Every travel family knows the value of a playground, and Kathy Glode Playground (the only community playground in Saratoga) had everything we needed! With a variety of play equipment and plenty of space to run around, this spot was a hit with our kiddos. It’s also conveniently located, making it a perfect place to let the kids burn off energy before or after other activities. The playground is not fenced, has mountain views, covered picnic tables, clean restrooms, and offers some shade around the playground perimeter.
Saratoga National Fish Hatchery
The Saratoga National Fish Hatchery was a delightful and educational stop for our family. The kids loved running between the various buildings and stations, expending some energy while taking in the sights. For us parents, the informational posts were incredibly detailed and fascinating, giving us a deeper appreciation for the work being done to support aquatic life. The friendly and knowledgeable staff added to the experience, happily answering our questions and sharing insights.
One unexpected highlight was the overlook, where we spotted antelopes grazing in the distance! The kids were excited to get stamps in their National Park Passport Books (in the other section!). While there weren’t many hands-on opportunities for toddlers (at least at the time of our visit), the combination of open spaces, wildlife spotting, and educational tidbits made it a worthwhile visit for the whole family.
Fly Fishing in the North Platte River
Fly fishing in the North Platte River was a fun and memorable experience for our family! Bonus, we could access it just steps from our campsite (and therefore after bedtime!). While Luke and I took turns fishing during the day, the kids had a blast practicing their casting skills with their own child-friendly rods. We brought along practice rods made by Shakespeare, which have a plastic fish on the end instead of hooks. These rods are not only safe but also perfect for teaching little ones how to cast, even if the technique is a bit different from traditional fly fishing.
Though our toddlers weren’t actually fishing, they loved being part of the activity and mimicking what Mom and Dad were doing. The serene river setting and their excitement over every successful "cast" made this a special family memory.
Saratoga Lake
Saratoga Lake was a mixed bag for us, but it still provided some enjoyable moments. We took our paddleboards out from Saratoga Beach, which was a fun way to cool off and practice paddleboarding with the kids. While the experience on the water was enjoyable, we didn’t find the beach or the water itself particularly stunning. It could have been the overcast weather or the fact that the beach was littered following the Fourth of July holiday, but it didn’t quite live up to the beauty of other lakes we’ve visited.
That said, it’s still worth checking out! The kids had fun, and it’s a convenient spot to escape the heat and enjoy some water activities, even if it’s not the most picturesque destination. If you go, manage your expectations and focus on the fun you can have together.
Watching Private Planes at the Saratoga Airport
This was an unexpected favorite! We discovered the small Saratoga Airport and spent some time watching private planes take off and land. Our little guy was especially thrilled—it’s the perfect spot for kids who love vehicles or planes.
Visit Two Medicine National Forest
Located about 40 minutes from Saratoga, Two Medicine National Forest left such an impression on us that we made the drive twice during our stay—it’s spectacular! The trails we explored offered a mix of adventure and stunning scenery. We hiked the Lakes Trail (1.75 miles), the short but beautiful Lake Marie Falls Trail (0.25 miles), and part of the Canyon Trail (over 5 miles). Each trail provided unique highlights - peaceful forests, breathtaking views of the crystal-clear lakes and rivers, and rugged mountain snow-capped peaks.
Even in early July, there was still snow on some parts of the trails, adding to the adventure. We also noticed many anglers fly fishing in the mountain lakes and streams!
The Lakes Trail has rocky paths and the Canyon Trail has cliff edges, so if you're hiking with toddlers, a hiking carrier is essential. Don’t forget to pack bug spray—there were SO many bugs! Despite that, this spot is worth it.
If you're in the Saratoga area, this is a must-visit. The drive and effort are well rewarded by the pristine beauty and serenity of the forest. Whether you’re hiking, fishing, or simply taking in the views, Two Medicine National Forest is a destination you’ll remember.
Paddleboarding on the North Platte River
Paddleboarding (or even tubing) on the North Platte River is an absolute blast, especially with kids! One of my favorite memories was paddling from Hobo Hot Springs back to our campground with my daughter (and a few campground neighbors). The shallow river made it perfect for paddleboarding with a toddler, and we removed the fin from the boards to make navigating the shallower spots easier.
We also paddled around from the Treasure Island access point, which is another great spot to explore. While we didn’t commit to a full paddleboarding trip from there due to the distance and logistics, it was still fun to get out on the water, traverse the wooden suspension bridges, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Saratoga Museum
The Saratoga Museum gave us a glimpse into the town’s history. From railroad artifacts to local memorabilia, it’s a quaint stop that even toddlers can enjoy, thanks to the outdoor and open spaces.
Walk & Taste the Town
Saratoga’s downtown is small but full of charm. We strolled the streets, admired the historic buildings, and popped into local shops while cruising on our Nui Electric Scooter. We particularly enjoyed burgers along the river at The Malt, all natural ice cream selections at Lollipops, and the Biergarten at the Snowy Mountain Brewery & Pub.
Saratoga Community Pool
The Saratoga Community Pool is a lifesaver on a warm day! It’s clean, family-friendly, inexpensive, and has shallow areas for little swimmers. Plus, it’s a great way to unwind after a day of outdoor adventures.
Saratoga’s small-town vibe, combined with its abundance of family-friendly activities, made it a standout destination for our travels. The mix of nature, history, and simple pleasures kept our toddlers entertained while allowing us to relax and connect as a family. While the town has tons of potential to grow, its charm lies in its quiet, off-the-beaten-path feel. If you’re planning your next Wyoming trip, add Saratoga to your list—it’s a little slice of Wyoming that you won’t forget!
Do you have any other Saratoga recommendations to add?!
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