Buffalo Bill Center of the West

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is an incredible complex housing five world-class museums under one roof, making it perfect for families who want variety without the hassle of multiple stops. Kids can explore authentic Wild West artifacts, marvel at stunning Native American beadwork and regalia, get up close with taxidermied wildlife in natural history dioramas, and learn about firearms history through interactive displays that bring the Old West to life.

• ✓Life-size wildlife dioramas featuring grizzly bears, wolves, and bison in the Draper Natural History Museum
• ✓Authentic Lakota tipis and intricate beadwork in the Plains Indian Museum that kids find mesmerizing
• ✓The Cody Firearms Museum with interactive exhibits explaining gun mechanics (fascinating for older kids interested in history)
• ✓Buffalo Bill's personal artifacts and Wild West show memorabilia that bring the legendary showman to life
• ✓Hands-on activity carts and discovery drawers throughout the museums designed specifically for young learners

1. 1.Plan for a full day,this is legitimately five museums, so trying to rush through in a few hours means you'll miss amazing exhibits. Consider visiting over two days if your schedule allows.
2. 2.Start with the Draper Natural History Museum where kids can see massive wildlife displays, then move to the Plains Indian Museum which features stunning artifacts that captivate young imaginations.
3. 3.Download the free Center app before your visit for interactive scavenger hunts and kid-friendly audio tours that keep children engaged throughout.
4. 4.The museum is huge and can be overwhelming,grab a map at the entrance and let older kids help navigate to their must-see exhibits first.
5. 5.Pack snacks and take advantage of the courtyard seating area for breaks, as little legs will need rest between museums.

Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) right when they open at 10 AM for the smallest crowds and freshest young explorers. Summer is peak tourist season in Cody, so expect more visitors June-August, but the museum is spacious enough that it rarely feels overcrowded.

Admission is $21 for adults and $16 for kids 6-17 (5 and under free), with tickets valid for two consecutive days,a great value given the size. The museum has a café on-site, plenty of restrooms, stroller accessibility, and free parking.

Open year-round with consistent hours. The museum hosts special family events during summer months and occasional living history demonstrations. Winter visits (November-March) offer a quieter, more intimate experience with shorter lines.

Cassie's Supper Club (1.5 miles away) offers Western atmosphere and a kids' menu in a historic venue, or try The Irma Hotel Restaurant downtown for burgers and comfort food in Buffalo Bill's own historic hotel.