Spring Break, Montana Style: Staycations & Road Trips for Families
- Montana Edit
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Spring break doesn't have to mean airports and expensive theme parks. In Montana, families can trade the chaos for wide-open spaces, quiet cabins, and unforgettable road trips. And here's the secret: spring is actually one of the best times to explore the Treasure State. You'll find fewer crowds at popular destinations, shoulder-season pricing on lodging, and special moments you can't get any other time of year.
Staycation Ideas for Families
1. Soak & Stay at a Montana Hot Springs Resort
Quinn’s Hot Springs (Paradise, MT) – Their family lodges and mountain cabins are just steps from the mineral pools. Kids love the warm pools, and parents can take turns sneaking into the adults-only soak.
Harwood House Restaurant – Located at Quinn’s, this historic dining destination brings the West’s culinary traditions to life. Expect locally sourced steaks, seasonal seafood, organic produce, and an award-recognized wine list—plus a children’s menu in a setting that feels both elegant and warm.
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort (Anaconda, MT) – With indoor and outdoor pools, a waterslide, and a family-friendly restaurant, Fairmont is a spring break classic for a reason.
O'Bella - Everything is made from scratch—hand-tossed pizza with house-made dough and sauce, fresh pasta, and legendary breadsticks that locals rave about.
2. Explore a New Town
Bigfork – Book a suite at The Cottages at Bigfork with a kitchen and fireplace. Dine at Pocketstone Café – classic breakfasts and big cinnamon rolls.
Livingston – Stay at The Brick House—a charming historic mansion in downtown Livingston. Dine at Gil’s Goods – serves up wood-fired pizza, hearty breakfasts, and fresh-baked pastries with cozy indoor seating and a casual, family-friendly vibe.
Red Lodge – Stay right on the creek in a suite at Rock Creek Resort. Dine at Bogart’s – great for tacos, pizza, and a kids’ menu they'll love.
3. Unplug in a Cabin or Yurt
Lone Mountain Ranch (Big Sky) – For a splurge-worthy Montana experience, book a few nights at this iconic guest ranch nestled at the base of Lone Mountain in Big Sky. Stay in cozy western-style log cabins with wood-burning fireplaces, front porches with rocking chairs, and rustic-luxe interiors that feel authentically Montana. Spring brings quieter trails, incredible wildlife viewing (moose, elk, and even grizzlies in the area), and a genuine ranch experience without summer crowds.
American Prairie (Northeast Montana) – For an adventure unlike anything else in Montana, book one of American Prairie's huts or campgrounds on the vast prairie grasslands. Our selection of huts and campgrounds provide basecamps for any type of adventurer. See wildlife, explore miles of trails on foot or bike, and experience some of the darkest skies in the country for incredible stargazing. It's a true off-grid experience with modern comforts.
Family Road Trips
1. Glacier National Park (Early Season)
Spring is ideal for:
Biking the closed-to-cars sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road near Lake McDonald.
Throwing rocks in the lake, spotting wildlife, and hiking short, snow-packed trails.
Staying at a hotel in the Flathead Valley or renting a cabin in West Glacier.
Eat Here:
Eddie’s Café & Mercantile (Apgar)– Great for lunch, coffee, and Glacier souvenirs.
Belton Chalet (West Glacier) – A more upscale dinner if you want to treat the crew.
2. Missoula to the National Bison Range Loop
This is a laid-back, animal-filled day trip (or overnight) for all ages.
Drive north from Missoula to Arlee, Ronan, and St. Ignatius. Stop for lunch, photos of the Mission Mountains, and a scenic loop through the National Bison Range.
Bring a spotting scope or binoculars—bison, elk, deer, and maybe even bears!
Stay at Ninepipes Lodge for comfortable rooms and unbeatable views.
Eat Here:
Lynn’s Drive-In (Ronan) – A fun stop for classic drive-in eats
3. Bozeman to Yellowstone Family Loop
Make this a multi-day trip or a big day loop if weather allows.
Start in Bozeman and head to Livingston, stopping at Sacajawea Park and the Yellowstone Gateway Museum. Drive through Paradise Valley to Gardiner for early access to Yellowstone’s North Entrance. Spring is great for spotting bison calves and bald eagles.
Stay at Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone (Gardiner) – Individual cabins with fire pits and space for families.
Eat at Wild Flour Bakery (Emigrant) – Casual and delicious for breakfast and sandwiches.
Montana's spring break magic lies in its variety: world-class national parks without summer crowds, baby animals everywhere you look, authentic Western experiences, and the freedom to roam. So skip the airport security lines, load up the car, and discover why Montana families know that the best spring breaks happen right here in the Treasure State.
