Things to Do with Kids in the Flathead Valley (Whitefish, Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Coram)
- Montana Edit
- 13 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Flathead Valley is full of family-friendly activities: skiing, lakes, ziplines, mini golf, and a handful of indoor spots for when the weather doesn't cooperate. Here's our guide for things to do with your kids in Whitefish, Kalispell, Columbia Falls, and Coram!
Outdoor Adventures & Recreation
📍28 Scout Lane, Columbia Falls, MT
A delightful roadside attraction perfectly positioned between Whitefish and Columbia Falls, Scout & Gather combines outdoor mini golf, shopping, and dining into one fun stop.
Features:
The Mercantile
Curated fashion, gifts, and home decor with Northwest Montana sensibility
Montana-made products and local items
Great for souvenirs
Mini Mountain Golf
18 epic mini golf holes with Montana flair
Courses wind through caves, over rivers, past yetis and bears
Beautifully themed and challenging for all ages
Perfect for families of all skill levels
On-Site Dining:
Ranger Joe's Pizza: Award-winning New York, Detroit, and Sicilian deep-dish pizza
Cowgirl Coffee: Bold Montana coffee and drive-thru service
📍10265 Hwy 2 E, Coram, MT
A unique family entertainment complex 7 miles south of the West Glacier entrance to Glacier National Park, Amazing Fun Center has been delighting families since 1987 with attractions you won't find anywhere else.
Attractions:
The Maze
Miniature Golf Course
Bumper Boats
Bankshot Basketball
Go-Kart Track
📍1015 Glades Drive, Whitefish, MT
A year-round mountain resort with different offerings depending on the season.
Summer:
Aerial Adventure ParkAlpine Slides & Tubing
Scenic Lift Rides
Spider Monkey Mountain
Mountain Biking
Winter:
Beginner-friendly ski terrain for families
Kids Center with lessons for all agesValue pricing compared to other western resorts
📍Various public access points
The largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, with multiple state parks and public access points.
Summer Activities:
Swimming: Multiple beaches and swimming areas
Fishing: Lake trout, whitefish, pike, and rainbow trout
Boat Tours: Scenic cruises and wildlife viewing tours
Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Rentals available throughout the valley
Water Sports: Parasailing, tubing, jet skiing
Picnicking: Multiple state parks with picnic facilities and camping
📍7211 Hwy 2 E, Columbia Falls, MT
Montana's largest waterpark, with waterslides of varying heights, a wading pool for younger kids, mini golf, bumper cars, volleyball, and concessions on site.
📍Various entrances
Glacier National Park, just 30 minutes from Whitefish, is a family playground with:
Easy interpretive trails perfect for young kids
Scenic drives (Going-to-the-Sun Road)
Waterfalls and cascades
Wildlife viewing (bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, eagles)
Fishing
Picnic areas and scenic overlooks
📍10167 Hwy 2 East, Coram, MT
A canopy zipline tour with multiple lines at varying heights and speeds.
📍6808 U.S. 93 S, Lakeside
Race down the mountain on a bobsled-like coaster with incredible views of Flathead Lake and the surrounding valley.
📍Offers seasonal adventures throughout Flathead Valley
Summer Activities:
Lunch with a llama hikes
Horseback riding trail adventures
Fishing trips
Wildlife viewing tours
Fall Activities:
Scenic hiking and riding
Game viewing opportunities
Indoor Play & Entertainment
📍145 Central Ave, Whitefish, MT
Perfect for a rainy day! This community art center lets kids create and express themselves.
Activities:
Paint your own pottery
Make mosaics
Glass fusing
Summer art camps and workshops
Daily drop-in sessions
📍6570 US-93 South, Whitefish, MT
Bowling, a diner, a bar and casino, and a laundromat under one roof.
📍565 E Swift Creek Way, Kalispell, MT
Two towering climbing structures inspired by Montana's fire lookouts, a kids' climbing wall, ninja-style ramps, and a dedicated space for little ones. Grab a coffee, snack, or beer from the on-site café while the kids play.
📍Kalispell Campus
Check for family-friendly events, theater productions, and community activities throughout the year.