Exploring Montana with Kids
The supreme nature of Montana sets the stage for a holiday full of unforgettable childhood experiences and encounters. Wide-open landscapes let the imagination run free, and the Western spirit evokes a sense of adventure far from home. Between the scenery, wildlife, adventures, and activities, Montana will leave kids with core memories for life.
Is Montana Good for Kids?
Any adult would be lucky to experience Montana through the eyes of a child. The free-flowing nature and friendly communities that value early education create a transformative experience for kids in the Treasure State. The same Western intrigue that has attracted explorers, artists, and conservationists to Montana tends to spark a child’s imagination too.
The state offers a wide selection of family-friendly hiking trails, accessible campgrounds, and easy ways to explore the outdoors without needing to be an outdoor enthusiast. Moreover, Montana is a treasure trove of history, making it fun to immerse yourself in its museums, ghost towns, and frontier aura.
However, don’t underestimate the size of Montana; every experience here has a grandeur that qualifies even a community river trail as a small-scale adventure. This imprints Montana on your mind long after visiting but also leads to accidentally overstuffing itineraries. Therefore, it is wise to plan for a couple of extra days.
Where in Montana is Best for Kids?
The university cities of Bozeman and Missoula are excellent bases for kid-friendly vacations, featuring easy access to family hiking trails, outdoor adventures, and various community attractions suitable for all ages. Additionally, Montana’s other major cities, including Great Falls, Billings, and Helena, are home to children’s museums and accessible nature experiences.
Best Things to Do in Montana with Babies and Toddlers
1. Relax at Whitefish City Beach
Bring the baby bonnet and sunscreen for a relaxing day on the shores of Whitefish Lake. Abundant sand and shaded grass invite all-day lounging overlooking the mountains, while older kids can enjoy quick dips in the water or paddle around in the kayaks available for rent in season.
2. Family Fun on the Missoula Riverfront
Mountain landscapes and family attractions line both sides of the Clark Fork River in downtown Missoula. Caras Park serves as the core destination for free community events, adjacent to the hand-crafted Carousel for Missoula and the multi-story Dragon Hollow Playground.
Best Things to Do in Montana with Kids
1. Ride the Hiawatha Bicycle Trail
The 15-mile Route of the Hiawatha is a crown jewel of Montana’s rail-to-trail conversions, featuring seven trestle bridges and 10 railroad tunnels. As the trail is mostly downhill, pedaling is minimal, making it suitable for almost all ages.
2. Meet the Residents of the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
West Yellowstone serves as the gateway to Yellowstone National Park and a prime spot to see wildlife. For guaranteed sightings in a controlled environment, visit the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center to observe bears and wolves that cannot survive in the wild. Families should arrive early for the Keeper Kids program, a chance to hide the bears’ food and watch them hunt for it.
3. Spend a Starry Night in Glacier National Park
Adventure by day and explore by night in Glacier National Park. Snag a campsite or lodge room to experience what it means for Glacier to be an International Dark Sky Park, with free nightly astronomy programs occurring throughout July and August.
4. Uncover Montana’s Prehistoric Past at the Museum of the Rockies
Kids and adults can explore the late Cretaceous era at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, which boasts one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of North American dinosaurs. Alongside a mounted T. Rex, this Smithsonian-affiliate museum features a popular planetarium and engaging exhibits.
5. Explore Underground at Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
Discover the depths of Montana’s first state park at Lewis and Clark Caverns, known for its extensive limestone caverns. Guided tours through the paved and lit passageways are available to see the incredible stalagmites. Reservations are recommended.
Best Things to Do in Montana with Teens and Tweenagers
1. See Some Mountain Goats in Jewel Basin
The uphill hike offers immediate fantastic views. Begin at Camp Misery Trailhead for an easier hike into the Jewel Basin Hiking Area, defined by alpine lakes and a herd of resident mountain goats.
2. Flyfish Blue-Ribbon Waterways
Teach a teen how to fly fish, particularly in Montana, known for its excellent blue-ribbon trout fishing. Hiring a local guide is a great way to simplify the logistics of a river trip.
3. Wander Around Garnet Ghost Town
Explore Garnet Ghost Town, one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the state. For a small fee, visitors can roam between the general stores and boarding houses, experiencing life during the gold rush.
Planning Tips
Montana’s cities are generally more walkable and stroller-friendly when staying near the center. However, a personal vehicle is often necessary for exploring outside town, especially with gear. Montana experiences four distinct seasons, with extreme variations in temperature throughout the year. Planning ahead is essential, particularly for accommodations in popular destinations like Glacier National Park.
