Things to Do with Kids in Montana

Montana offers an incredible range of experiences that keep kids engaged, curious, and connected to the great outdoors. Whether you're raising kids in Montana or planning a family vacation, this guide will help you discover the best activities, attractions, and adventures across the state.

Explore Montana’s Cities with Kids

Montana's cities and towns each offer their own family fun. We've created comprehensive guides to help you discover the best activities in each region.

Billings

Read the full Billings guide

Bozeman

Read the full Bozeman guide 

Great Falls

Read the full Great Falls guide

Helena 

Read the full Helena guide

Missoula

Read the full Missoula guide

Montana’s Best Museums for Kids

Dinosaurs & Natural History 

• Museum of the Rockies - Bozeman

• Great Plains Dinosaur Museum - Malta

Hand On Science & Discovery

• Wise Wonders Science & Discovery Museum - Billings

• spectrUM - Missoula

• Montana Gems of Phillipsburg - Phillipsburg

Art & Culture

• Montana Museum of Art & Culture - Missoula

• Yellowstone Art Museum - Billings

• Glacier Art Museum - Kalispell

History & Western Heritage

• Montana Historical Society - Helena

• Western Heritage Center - Billings

• Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center - Great Falls

Outdoor Adventures by Season

Summer 

Swimming & Water Play

• Glen Lake Rotary Park - Bozeman

• Lake Elmo State Park - Billings

• Oasis - Billings

• Big Sky Waterpark - Columbia Falls

• Ridge Waters Water Park - Butte

• Splash Montana - Missoula

Hiking for Families

• Palisade Falls - Bozeman

• Rattlesnake National Recreation Area - Missoula

• Giant Springs State Park - Great Falls

• Mount Helena Trails - Helena

Check out our Guide to Huckleberry Picking in Montana and The Ultimate Hidden Gem for Outdoor Adventure! 

Winter 

Skiing & Snowboarding

• Bridger Bowl - Bozeman

• Big Sky Resort  - near Bozeman

• Whitefish Mountain Resort - Whitefish

• Discovery - near Butte

• Showdown Montana - near Great Falls

Ice Skating

• Stumptown Ice Den - Whitefish

• Great Falls Ice Plex - Great Falls

• Glacier Ice Rink - Missoula

• Gallatin Ice - Bozeman

• Centennial Ice Arena - Billings

• Woodland Ice Center - Kalispell

• Steed Arena - Helena

• Butte Community Ice Rink - Butte

• Valley Event Center - Glasgow

Spring & Fall

Fishing

• Pelican Point

• Fort Peck Lake

• Georgetown Lake

• Stickney Creek

• Full list of fishing access sites Montana FWP - Family Fishing Waters map

Wildlife Viewing

• Montana Grizzly Encounter - Bozeman

• ZooMontana - Billings

• CSKT Bison Range - Charlo

• Wild Horse Island - Flathead Lake

Unique Montana Experiences for Families

Authentic Dude Ranches

• Lone Mountain Ranch - Big Sky

• The Resort at Paws Up - Greenough

• Sweet Grass Ranch - Big Timber

• Covered Wagon Ranch - Gallatin Gateway

Fossil Hunting

• Makoshika State Park - Glendive

• Two Medicine Dinosaur Center - Bynum

• Egg Mountain - Choteau

Try the Montana Dinosaur Trail - Self-guided tour connecting 14 museums and fossil sites

Explore Ghost Towns

• Bannack State Park

• Nevada City & Virginia City

• Elkhorn State Park

• Garnet Ghost Town

Rainy Day & Indoor Options

Indoor Play Centers

• State of Play - Bozeman

• Lava Island - Billings

• Jump Time - Bozeman

• Get Air - Billings

• Spire Climbing - Bozeman

• Honey Hippo Play Cafe - Great Falls

• Get Air - Missoula

• Flippin Family Fun - Great Falls

• Bitterroot Bouncers - Missoula

Public Library Activities

• Missoula Public Library

• Great Falls Public Library

• Bozeman Public Library

• Billings Public Library

• Lewis & Clark Library

• Lewistown Carnegie Public Library

• Hearst Free Library

• Butte Silver Bow Public Library

• Whitefish Community Library

• Phillipsburg Public Library

Seasonal Events & Festivals

Fall

• Harvest festivals across the state

• Pumpkin patches and corn mazes

Check out our guide to Fall Activities in Montana for a full roundup of activities

Winter

• Christmas Stroll events in most towns

• New Year's Eve torch light parades at ski resorts

• Winter carnivals

Check out our Guide to the Holidays in Montana. 

Glacier National Park with Kids

Montana's crown jewel deserves its own mention. Glacier National Park offers many family-friendly experiences.

Easy Hikes

• Trail of the Cedars 

• Running Eagle Falls 

• Hidden Lake Overlook 

Junior Ranger Program

Free activity booklets turn park exploration into an educational adventure. Kids earn badges by completing activities.

Scenic Drives

Going-to-the-Sun Road offers jaw-dropping views accessible by car. Stop at pullouts for photo ops and wildlife viewing.

Lake Activities

Lake McDonald, St. Mary Lake, and Two Medicine Lake offer swimming, boat tours and rentals, and kayak rentals.

Wildlife Viewing

Mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and even bears can be spotted from the road. Carry binoculars!

Check out our Guide to Visiting Glacier in the Fall. 

Yellowstone National Park’s Montana Entrances

While most of Yellowstone lies in Wyoming, three of five entrances are in Montana:

North Entrance - Gardiner

Only entrance open year-round to vehicle traffic. Gateway to Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley (best wildlife viewing).

Northeast Entrance - Cooke City

Access to Lamar Valley and beautiful Beartooth Highway (summer only).

West Entrance - West Yellowstone

Most popular Montana entrance, closest to Old Faithful and major geyser basins.

Check out our Guide to Visiting Yellowstone Before the Crowds. 

Have a favorite Montana family spot we should add? We'd love to hear from you! Send us a note here or comment on Facebook or Instagram!