Families have long vacationed in Western Montana to reconnect and find adventure together. This place has a way of turning simple moments into unforgettable memories. Come float a gentle river (or a wild one), pick cherries under the summer sun, spot wildlife in the woods or try something new—like kayaking on Flathead Lake, riding horseback through mountain trails, flying along a zip line or joining the fun at a small-town fair—Glacier Country is ready for your family’s next adventure.
WATER FUN
You’ll find more than mountains here. Western Montana’s lakes and rivers are in abundance and prime for playing in. These waters offer an up-close and personal way to explore the landscape and catch a glimpse of wildlife. Get the whole family out on a boat tour, fish one of our numerous lakes or float down a river on a raft, kayak, stand-up paddleboard or canoe—there’s something for all ages. Rentals are available throughout the region, though we recommend going with a guide. Guides can customize your trip and ensure a smooth, safe experience. Another great way to cool off? Waterparks! Try Splash Montana in Missoula, Woodland Water Park in Kalispell or Big Sky Water Park in Columbia Falls.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Saddling up is a part of the western experience, and with thousands of miles of trails to explore, there are options (and lessons) here for every experience level. Horseback riding in Western Montana is a great way to see the countryside inaccessible to motorized vehicles, and kids can find their inner cowboy or cowgirl. Experienced guides can take you out for a lesson in the arena, a ride on a creekside trail or a daylong journey into Glacier National Park or the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Either way, your family’s Western Montana vacation is sure to be memorable from the vantage point of a saddle.
ROUTE OF THE HIAWATHA
This scenic rail trail offers one of the most unique outdoor experiences in the region. The Route of the Hiawatha is a 15-mile, mostly downhill biking route along a historic railroad route, complete with 10 train tunnels and seven towering trestles. The family-friendly ride includes a shuttle for the return trip. Bring your bikes (or rent on site) and don’t forget headlamps (which you can also rent on-site, along with helmets)—the first tunnel stretches more than a mile. Open during the summer months, this legendary ride promises views and fun worth the trip.
SMALL-TOWN ADVENTURES IN MISSOULA
Missoula is a vibrant university town with a multitude of kid-friendly activities that are unique to the community. A Carousel for Missoula is enjoyable for children and adults alike, with 38 hand-carved horses, 14 gargoyles and two chariots. Next to the carousel, Dragon Hollow playground provides an all-inclusive space for play and shaded rest areas for parents. The award-winning Missoula Public Library—named 2022 Public Library of the Year—features an entire second floor designed just for kids, with a science lab by Spectrum UM, water tables and a tiny tot village. The Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium at the Missoula Fairgrounds offers a colorful and interactive space to learn about bugs and butterflies. Also in town, catch a PaddleHeads baseball game or visit the Montana Natural History Center for exhibits and hands-on exploration.
ZIP LINES + TREETOP THRILLS
High-flying excitement awaits at several adventure parks across the region. Whitefish Mountain Resort is a summer playground with zip lines, an Aerial Adventure Park, alpine slides, Spider Monkey Mountain and more—plus lodging and dining on-site. In Columbia Falls, Glacier Zipline soars above the trees, while Glacier Highline, in Coram, features ropes courses, rock walls and swings for all levels. Montana Snowbowl, in Missoula, also offers summer zip line thrills. In Lakeside, don’t miss the Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster for a mountain-side coaster ride through the trees.
FARM EXPERIENCES + ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Farm visits and hands-on experiences are a great way to connect kids to nature and local food. The Flathead Valley is famous for its cherries, and late July marks the beginning of u-pick season. Stop at a roadside orchard or plan a trip to Aspen Grove Farm in the Bitterroot or Ren Hen Farm in Missoula to pick fruit and explore the grounds. Goats of Glacier offers a farm-adventure animal meet-and-greet, and Great Northern Llama Company and Swan Mountain Llama Trekking provide guided llama hikes for families. Farmers markets across the region round out the experience with local produce, baked goods, crafts, face painting and more—and they’re easy to plan into your trip.
FESTIVALS + EVENTS
Summer and outdoor events go hand in hand here, where one-of-a-kind experiences await. You won’t want to miss one of Glacier Country’s celebrations. Find one of our small-town rodeos or take the kids to a local fair for delicious fair food, carnival games and endless rides—each one of these events offers local flavor and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents recreate responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.
July 7, 2025
Related: Biking, Columbia Falls, Coram, Corvallis, Events, Family Fun, Farmers Market, Flathead Corridor, Flathead Lake, Food, Guided Tours, Horseback Riding, Kalispell, Kayaking, Lakeside, Missoula, Montana, Outdoor Fun, Parks, Saltese, Summer Fun, Vacation, Water Fun, Whitefish
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