Jackson Hole Playhouse

Finding evening entertainment that genuinely works for the whole family — from restless 7-year-olds to teens who think everything is embarrassing — is surprisingly hard in Jackson Hole. The Jackson Hole Playhouse solves that problem spectacularly. It's been a Jackson institution for decades, and for good reason: Western dinner theater done right is one of the most reliably fun family experiences you can have.

Here's how it works: you arrive, sit at communal tables, and family-style dinner arrives while the cast warms up the room. The food is ranch-style BBQ — chicken, ribs, beans, cornbread, the kind of hearty spread that feeds even hungry teenagers. Then the show begins: an original musical comedy with a Western theme, featuring singing, dancing, comedy, and enthusiastic audience participation.

The cast is talented and the material is genuinely funny rather than cringe-worthy, which matters when you're trying to keep mixed-age kids engaged.

What makes the Playhouse special for families is the interactivity. Cast members weave through the audience during the show, and kids often end up onstage or participating in bits. For shy kids this might sound terrifying, but the cast is skilled at reading the room — they make audience participation feel fun rather than forced.

Kids who get pulled up for a bit are typically the ones talking about it all the next day.

Practical notes: this is 100% an advance-reservation situation. In summer, shows sell out weeks ahead, especially weekends. The venue is a cozy converted building on a side street off the Town Square — small enough that every table has a decent view.

Dress is casual (it's Jackson Hole; nobody wears anything fancy). Ticket prices include dinner, which makes the per-person cost feel more reasonable when you factor in what you'd spend at a restaurant otherwise.

Best for kids 6 and up — younger kids may struggle with the sitting-still requirement during the show portion.