Things to Do in Sheridan Wyoming with Kids — Family Activity Guide
Sheridan with kids is different from Sheridan without them — more riding, more animals, more stopping. It's actually better.
Dalton Goodyear · April 2026 · 8 min read
Sheridan with kids is different from Sheridan without them — more riding, more animals, more stopping to look at things adults walk past. Honestly? It's better. The town was built for the kind of slow, exploratory travel that families do naturally.
Free Activities
Kendrick Park is the centerpiece of family Sheridan. Splash pad, playground, walking paths, and massive cottonwood trees that provide genuine shade on 90-degree July days. Pack a picnic and plan for 1–3 hours. Downtown is a five-minute walk.
Story Fish Hatchery is 20 minutes south and completely free. The facility raises trout in outdoor raceways — kids love watching the fish, and the staff are happy to explain the process. Allow about 45 minutes. Easy parking, easy visit.
Big Horn Polo Club offers free Sunday afternoon matches from June through August. It's 15 minutes south of Sheridan, founded in 1898, and kids are mesmerized by the horses. Bring a blanket — the lawn seating is casual and family-friendly.
WYO Rodeo in July includes a free shuttle, a downtown parade, and kid-friendly events throughout the week. The rodeo itself requires tickets but is an unforgettable family experience.
King's Saddlery on Main Street has a free museum in the back that fascinates kids and adults equally. Western artifacts, saddles built for presidents, and craftsmanship that tells the story of Wyoming.
Outdoor Activities
Tongue River Canyon — the gentle end of the trail is manageable for kids 6 and up. The rocks along the river are the real attraction — kids will want to scramble and explore. Bring water shoes.
Sibley Lake is 45 minutes up the Bighorn Scenic Byway. Swimming, easy family hikes, and the kind of alpine setting that makes a half-day trip feel like a full vacation.
Horseback riding at Big Horn Equestrian Center is available for kids 7 and up. The rides follow trails through the Bighorn foothills — real riding, not pony rides.
Piney Creek in Story is perfect for catch-and-release fishing with kids. Easy bank access, shallow water, and the kind of quiet creek-side afternoon that doesn't require any equipment except a rod.
Rainy Day Options
The Museum at the Bighorns is free and has enough exhibits to fill a couple of hours. The WYO Theater runs matinees. The Sheridan County Library is surprisingly excellent — a genuine community space with kids' programming.
| Activity | Cost | Age Range | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kendrick Park | Free | All ages | Downtown | 1–3 hours |
| Story Fish Hatchery | Free | 4+ | 20 min | 45 min |
| Polo at Big Horn | Free | All ages | 15 min | 2.5 hours |
| Tongue River Canyon | Free | 6+ | 20 min | 2–4 hours |
| Horseback riding | $$ | 7+ | 15 min | 1–2 hours |
| Sibley Lake | Free | All ages | 45 min | Half day |
The best family vacations happen when you stop trying to check boxes and start following your kids' curiosity. Sheridan rewards that approach better than almost anywhere we know.
— Wyo Stays Team
Family Stay Tip
Our multi-bedroom properties include full kitchens — which means breakfast on your schedule, snack prep for hikes, and dinner at home when the kids are tired. The Pearl and downtown apartments are walkable to Kendrick Park and Main Street.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sheridan is excellent for families. The combination of free outdoor activities (Kendrick Park splash pad, Story Fish Hatchery, polo matches), easy hiking trails, and a safe, walkable downtown makes it one of Wyoming's best family destinations. Most Wyo Stays properties accommodate families with full kitchens and multiple bedrooms.
Kids can visit the Kendrick Park splash pad and playground, tour the free Story Fish Hatchery, watch free Sunday polo at Big Horn, explore King's Saddlery museum, hike the gentle end of Tongue River Canyon, swim at Sibley Lake, go horseback riding, and fish Piney Creek in Story. During WYO Rodeo week in July, there's a parade, free shuttle, and kid-friendly events.
Yes. Kendrick Park in downtown Sheridan has a splash pad, playground, and large cottonwood-shaded grounds. It's free, open during summer months, and a favorite for local families with young children.
The Story Fish Hatchery is approximately 20 minutes south of downtown Sheridan. Tours are free, the facility raises trout, and kids love watching the fish in the outdoor raceways. Easy parking and a quick visit — about 45 minutes is typical.
Plan Your Family Trip
Full kitchens. Multiple bedrooms. Walking distance to everything.
Browse Family Stays