Montana Family Friendly Activities
August 1, 2024 | Posted in: JHMG
Planning a family trip to Montana this summer? Glacier National Park, near the picturesque town of Whitefish, is an amazing destination offering breathtaking views, endless trails, and a variety of activities for the entire family to enjoy. Here’s a guide to six of our favorite family-friendly things to do near Glacier National Park that will make your trip truly unforgettable.
Rock Climbing
Explore the vertical world with our American Mountain Guides certified guides from The Mountain Guides Montana. For families who love exploring off the beaten path and discovering new sports together, rock climbing near Glacier National Park promises an exciting and rewarding experience. Come join us at The Mountain Guides Montana for a fun-filled day on the rocks. Our full-day and half-day rock climbing adventures are the perfect summer activities for all ages and experience levels.
Our American Mountain Guides Association certified guides are ready to take you on your own private tour. We can customize all trips to your family’s goals and objectives, whether you’re looking for a half-day of cragging, an introduction to the sport of climbing, or a family-friendly adventure. During our trips, we provide foundational skills as an introduction to the sport of climbing. Whether you are a new climber looking to learn the basics and build a foundation to tie knots, belay, and learn basic climbing movements, or a proficient climber looking to lead climb with the guidance of an experienced guide, we are here to help create a space for you to learn and feel comfortable and confident while exploring the vertical world. Come enjoy a quiet day by the river in the shade of the cedar trees and explore your vertical limits.
Sign your family up for a half day rock climbing adventure with The Mountain Guides!
Explore the Park on a Family Hike
hrough lush forests, dip your toes in crystal-clear lakes, and capture the sights of stunning mountain vistas. So, grab your family, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore the enchanting trails of Glacier National Park!
Recommended Trail
Check out the Trail of the Cedars. This 0.9-mile loop is perfect for families, featuring a boardwalk through a serene forest of ancient cedar trees
Take a Scenic Boat Tour on Lake McDonald
Lake McDonald is the largest lake in Glacier National Park. Experience tranquil forests, mountain and lake views of Glacier National Park, and experience leisure on this 1-hour round trip scenic tour.
Tip
Glacier Park Boat Company offers guided boat tours on Lake McDonald and will guide children to spot wildlife and learn about the park’s natural wonders.
Visit the Apgar Nature Center
Located near the west entrance of Glacier National Park, the Apgar Nature Center is an educational and entertaining stop for families. The center features interactive exhibits about the park’s wildlife, geology, and ecology. Kids can create a puppet show, identify birds by song, feel a grizzly bear’s fur, sculpt a moldable landscape, discover unique plant life, and more. Learn from experts and share environmental stewardship to the entire family.
Highlight
The Junior Ranger Program is a hit with kids!
Enjoy a Day at Whitefish Mountain Resort
Just a short drive from Glacier National Park, Whitefish Mountain Resort offers a variety of outdoor summer activities perfect for families.
Activities
The resort features an alpine slide, zip line tours, a mountain biking park, and scenic lift rides with panoramic views of the surrounding area. The resort also has a kid-friendly ropes course that provides a fun challenge for younger adventurers. Want to apply your ropes course skills to natural rock? Join The Mountain Guides for a half or full day rocking climbing adventure near Whitefish.
Have a Picnic at Les Mason State Park
For a more laid-back family outing, head to Les Mason State Park, located on the eastern shore of Whitefish Lake. This peaceful park is ideal for a family picnic, hosting 585 feet of sand and gravel lakeshore, excellent swimming opportunities, and nearby tables for a picnic.
Activities
Tamarack Ski & Lake Shop offers rental stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats.
Glacier National Park and its surrounding areas offer a variety of adventurous and recuperating family-friendly activities. Whether you’re learning to rock climb with experienced guides, relaxing on a scenic boat tour, or learning about Montana’s natural surroundings, there’s something for everyone. So pack your bags, gather the family, and get ready to create unforgettable memories in this wild part of Montana.
