Things to Do with Kids in Billings, Montana
- Montana Edit
- 7 days ago
- 6 min read
Montana's largest city is packed with family adventure! From Montana's only zoo to massive indoor play spaces, world-class museums to riverside nature trails, Billings offers the perfect blend of big-city amenities and Montana wilderness. Whether you're a local family looking for weekend fun or visitors exploring the Treasure State, here's your complete guide to making unforgettable memories with kids in the Magic City!
Table of Contents:
Museums & Educational Attractions
📍3024 2nd Ave N
📞 (406) 702-1280
This hands-on STEM-focused children's museum is where learning meets play in the most spectacular way. Designed for kids ages 1-13, Wise Wonders encourages curiosity, creativity, and scientific exploration through interactive exhibits that kids can touch, climb, build, and explore.
What Kids Love:
Water Table: Kids can experiment with water flow, pumps, channels, and dams for hours
Giant Building Area: Oversized Lincoln Logs and construction materials
Imagination Stations: Dress-up areas, play market, creative exploration zones
Wind Tunnels: Learn about air power while launching scarves and objects
Microscope Station: Examine specimens up close
Art and Craft Areas: Rotating creative activities
Car Section: Mechanical play and exploration
Sandbox Play: Tactile sensory experiences
Special Programming:
Daily themed activities and science demonstrations
Birthday party packages available
Field trip programs for schools
Seasonal camps and workshops
Pro Tip: The museum emphasizes mess-making and hands-on interaction—dress kids in play clothes! Check Groupon for admission deals.
📍2100 S. Shiloh Rd
📞 (406) 652-8100
Montana's only zoo is a 70-acre zoological and botanical park that's become one of the state's premier family attractions. Home to over 80 animals from 56 species, ZooMontana focuses on wildlife from the 45th parallel—animals adapted to northern climates.
Star Animals:
Winston the Sloth: The undisputed crowd favorite!
Red Pandas: Playful and adorable
Amur Tigers: Majestic Siberian tigers
Grizzly Bears: Multiple bears including new cubs that rotate throughout the day
River Otters: Energetic and entertaining
Wolverines: Rarely seen in other zoos
Canada Lynx: Native Montana predator
Takin: Unusual Himalayan animals
Wolves: Pack dynamics on display
Main Areas:
America's Waterways - Otters, waterfowl, and aquatic species
Asia - Tigers, red pandas, takin
Discovery Area - Hands-on learning and close encounters
Homestead Barn - Farm animals and petting area
Rocky Mountain Adventure - Grizzlies, wolves, wolverines, lynx
Additional Features:
Beautiful botanical gardens and Yellowstone Arboretum
Canyon Creek runs through the zoo creating naturalistic habitats
Large playground and climbing structures
Educational programs and animal encounters
Walking trails throughout 70 acres
Birthday party packages with animal ambassador visits
📍401 N. 27th St
📞 (406) 256-6804
Montana's premiere contemporary art museum offers rotating exhibits, hands-on art activities, and family programming in a beautiful downtown location.
Family Features:
Free admission Thursday evenings 5-8pm
FAM at the YAM: First Friday of each month - create art alongside professional artists
Children's art activities and workshops
Diverse collection from contemporary to Western art
Gallery hunts and educational programs
📍2822 Montana Ave
📞 (406) 256-6809
Explore the history and culture of the Yellowstone River Valley through engaging exhibits, artifacts, and rotating displays. Focus on Native American heritage, pioneer history, and regional development.
Indoor Play & Entertainment
📍5000 Southgate Dr
📞 (406) 206-2688
One of Billings' newest and most popular attractions! This massive tropical-themed indoor play oasis opened in 2025 and has instantly become a family favorite. Designed for all ages, Lava Island offers nonstop energy-burning fun rain or shine.
Epic Features:
Trampoline Park: Wall-to-wall trampolines including dodgeball courts
Foam Pits: Jump and dive safely
Towering Slides: Multi-story slides for serious thrills
Ninja Obstacle Course: Challenge your agility and strength
Climbing Walls: Various difficulties for all skill levels
Sprawling Jungle Gym: Maze-like play structure
Toddler Zone: Separate safe area for little ones
Café: Pizza, wings, smoothies, and more onsite
Special Features:
Sensory-friendly sessions available
Birthday party packages with themed rooms
All-day admission passes available
Clean facilities and attentive staff
Perfect for rainy days or winter fun
Pro Tip: Weekday mornings are less crowded. Parents can join in—this place is fun for adults too!
📍1400 S. 24th St W
📞 (406) 813-3291
Another trampoline park option with wall-to-wall bouncing, foam pits, and ninja obstacles. Popular with tweens and teens.
Special Times:
Club Air: Friday and Saturday nights 7pm-10pm
Toddler Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am-noon, Sunday 8am-10am
📍1801 Majestic Ln
📞 (406) 839-9283
Experience year-round indoor fun at Montana's largest indoor water park—the size of a football field!
Features:
Barracuda Blaster: Three-story water slide
Tropical Twister: Another three-story thrill ride
Lazy river for floating relaxation
Shallow splash zones for little ones
55,000 gallon wave pool
📍801 14th St W, Suite A
📞 (406) 860-8243
Perfect for older kids and families looking for problem-solving adventures. Various themed rooms with different difficulty levels.
Pro Tip: Reservations are required.
📍1121 Shiloh Crossing Blvd
Yes, a sporting goods store made the list! This massive Scheels location features a working Ferris wheel INSIDE the store—a completely unexpected attraction that kids absolutely love. Browse sporting goods, ride the Ferris wheel, and check out the impressive aquarium.
Outdoor Adventures & Parks
📍7026 S. Billings Blvd
📞 (406) 294-5099
This 54-acre nature preserve along the Yellowstone River is where nature meets play. The perfect blend of wildlife viewing, hands-on exploration, and outdoor adventure—all within city limits!
What Families Love:
Over 1 Mile of Walking Trails: Easy paths through diverse habitats
Shepard Nature Play Space: ADA-accessible outdoor play area
Three Ponds: Scientific research and wildlife observation
Canoeing Opportunities: Explore the river and ponds
Wildlife Viewing: Turtles, birds, fish, beavers, and more in natural habitats
Connection to Yellowstone Greenway: Part of growing trail system
Educational Programs: Nature walks, bird watching, family workshops
Regular Programming:
Open House: Every Sunday 2-4pm year-round (FREE!)
Summer camps and youth programs
School field trip programs
Naturalist-led family exploration programs
Preschool programs
Bird walks and seasonal activities
Pro Tip: Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing. The Center is beautifully situated for spotting local birds and other critters. You can even book birthday parties here!
📍2300 Lake Elmo Dr
A 64-acre reservoir right within city limits offering swimming, fishing, paddle boarding, and picnicking. Beautiful sandy beach area perfect for families.
Summer Activities:
Swimming in designated area
Fishing (stocked with trout)
Paddle boarding and kayaking
Picnic areas with tables and grills
Walking trails around the lake
📍7332 S. Billings Blvd
Adjacent to Montana Audubon Center, this expansive park features a large pond, walking paths, open green spaces, and connections to the Yellowstone Greenway trail system. Great for family strolls and wildlife viewing.
📍3rd St W. & Parkhill Dr
Historic park with multiple amenities perfect for families.
Features:
Playground equipment for various ages
Wading pool (seasonal)
Tennis courts
Frisbee golf course
Creek access for water play
Large open areas for running
Picnic facilities
Features a FREE splash pad in summer months—perfect for cooling off on hot days! Playground equipment and green space for picnics as well as a basketball court.
The Rimrocks
Billings' iconic geological feature offers hiking trails with spectacular views of the city and Yellowstone Valley. Multiple trails of varying difficulty levels.
Popular Family Hikes:
Black Otter Trail: Walk on top of the Rims with panoramic views
Zimmerman Park: Hiking and mountain biking trails
Various access points with shorter trail options
Connected to Riverfront Park, this island in the Yellowstone River offers a unique exploration opportunity with trails and wildlife viewing.
📍3401 Coburn Rd (7 miles southeast)
Explore caves containing ancient pictographs (rock paintings) created by prehistoric people 2,000+ years ago. Educational interpretive trail with archaeological significance.
Features:
Three caves to explore: Pictograph, Middle, and Ghost Caves
Paved trail (0.25-0.5 miles)
Visitor center with exhibits
Stunning views
Sports & Entertainment
📍Dehler Park 2611 9th Ave N
Nothing says summer in Billings like a Mustangs game! Pioneer League baseball with a family-friendly atmosphere that's pure Montana fun.
Why Families Love It:
Affordable tickets
Bouncy houses for kids
Snow cones and ballpark snacks
Great baseball action
Sunday games are especially popular with families
Simply Local Night and themed events throughout season
Season: Summer (typically May-September)
Pro Tip: Arrive early for pre-game activities. The park atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming for kids of all ages.
📍308 6th Ave N
📞 (406) 256-2400
This multipurpose venue hosts family-friendly events year-round including concerts, rodeos, ice shows, monster truck rallies, and more. Check the calendar for upcoming family events.
