The best things to do in Montana with kids – from toddlers to teenagers

06.10.2023 - 14:21 / lonelyplanet.com

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.

Any adult would be lucky to experience Montana through the eyes of a child. Between the free-flowing nature and the friendly communities that value early education, kids stand to have a transformative experience in the Treasure State. That same Western intrigue that has attracted explorers, artists, and conservationists to Montana tends to spark a child's imagination too.

The state has a wide selection of family-friendly hiking trails, accessible campgrounds, and easy ways to explore outside. But your family doesn't have to be outdoorsy to enjoy the Montana experience fully. The state is a treasure trove of history, and you can’t help but have fun immersing yourself in Montana’s museums, ghost towns, and frontier aura.

However, don’t underestimate the size of Montana – and not just in geographical terms. 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. The best bet is just to book a couple of extra days.

The university cities of Bozeman and Missoula are great basecamps for kid-friendly vacations. Each has easy access to family hiking trails, outdoor experiences, and various community attractions for every age. Similarly, Montana’s other big cities, like Great Falls, Billings, and the state capital, Helena, are also home to children’s museums and accessible nature.

Bring the baby bonnet and sunscreen for a relaxing day on the shores of Whitefish Lake, just a short drive or bike ride from the charming mountain town of Whitefish. Abundant sand and shaded grass invite all-day lounging overlooking the mountains, while older kids can enjoy quick dips in the cold water or paddle around in the kayaks that are available to rent in season.

Mountain landscapes and family attractions line both sides of the Clark Fork River in downtown Missoula. Caras Park anchors the public space as the core destination for free community events, adjacent to the hand-crafted A Carousel for Missoula and multi-story Dragon Hollow Playground. The stroller-friendly path connecting everything also has a great viewing platform for watching kayakers tackle Brennan’s Wave, a manmade wave on the Clark Fork River.

Spanning seven trestle bridges and 10 railroad tunnels, the 15-mile Route of the Hiawatha is well regarded as the crown jewel