Glacier National Park and Whitefish, Montana are the perfect destinations for families who love nature, adventure, and exploring. From hiking to wildlife watching, there are countless activities that both kids and adults can enjoy.
We’re sharing some of the top things to do in Glacier National Park and Whitefish with kids!
Hiking in Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is a hiker’s paradise with over 700 miles of hiking trails that offer stunning views of mountains, lakes, and glaciers. However, not all trails are suitable for kids, so it’s important to choose the right ones.
Some great options for families with kids include the Trail of the Cedars, the Hidden Lake Trail, and the Avalanche Lake Trail. These trails are relatively short and easy, and offer beautiful scenery that kids will love.
The Hidden Lake Trail is our family’s top pick for a hike with kids. The trail head begins at the Logan’s Pass Visitor Center.
In order to reach it from the more popular west entrance, you must first travel up the Going to The Sun Road. By the time you arrive at Logan’s Pass, your adrenaline is pumping from the views, the cliffs, and, perhaps, the fear that someone in your vehicle is about to vomit from motion-sickness.
The next challenge is to secure a parking spot, but, by that point, it will feel like a true lottery win, and your family will be ground-kissingly excited to begin your hike!
If you attempt this hike before the Fourth of July weekend, you are likely to hit some snow. One year, we were sweating in West Glacier and showed up to a snowy Hidden Lake Trail wearing only hiking sandals. We never made it to the actual “Hidden Lake,” but the memories (and the photos) were worth the pain!
Aside from the views and the adventures to get to this trail head, the most important reason we think it’s the best family hike is that we always, always, always see exciting wildlife on this trail! Mountain goats are nearly guaranteed, and, if you take some binoculars, you will have a great chance at viewing bears on the distant mountain sides.
The bonus for any parent attempting this hike with the kids is that the Logan’s Pass Visitor Center has flush toilets and SNACKS!
Water Activities
If you’re visiting Glacier National Park in the summer, there are many water activities that you can enjoy with your kids. Every time you drive past a lake or river, you will be stunned by its beauty. The stone bottoms make them look like scenes from an expensive health spa.
Glacier National Park offers several boat tours on various park lakes. They also offer small water craft rentals such as kayaks, canoes, and small boats.
Lake McDonald is a particularly popular spot for water activities, with boat rentals available at the Lake McDonald Lodge. (Pro tip: if you have any piano players in your family, playing on the antique instrument inside the Lake McDonald Lodge creates a special memory!)
White water rafting is also a popular activity in and around Glacier National Park. There are numerous outfitters with tours for all skill levels. Our family has never taken a rafting trip that didn’t leave us all with smiles.
We have loved the fun and professionalism of Wild River Adventures.
Visit Whitefish, Montana
While Glacier National Park is the main attraction in this area, the town of Whitefish is also worth exploring. It is located about forty-five minutes from the West Glacier entrance to the Park.
This charming mountain town offers a variety of kid-friendly activities, including the Whitefish Mountain Resort, which has a range of activities for kids, such as zip-lining, alpine slides, and a mountain bike park. This is a great way to balance out the hiking and National Park play with other thrilling kid-ventures!
The town also has a variety of excellent restaurants, shops, and galleries that offer something for everyone. For those of us that need a regular pizza fix, we suggest the Mackenzie River Pizza Co. It is downtown along the main strip.
Visit the Stumptown Historical Museum
If you’re interested in history, the Stumptown Historical Museum in Whitefish is a great place to visit. This museum offers a glimpse into the town’s past with exhibits on logging, mining, and early settlers.
Kids will love the hands-on exhibits which include a model train set and a historic schoolhouse. If weather becomes challenging, head here for some indoor fun.
Go to A Festival, Camp, or Event!
Whitefish knows their audience and caters well to families and tourists. They offer numerous events throughout the year that are family-friendly and full of FUN!
- Brash Rodeo Summer Series
- Attend the Glacier Symphony
- Sign-up those kiddos for a short camp sponsored by the Glacier Institute
- Attend the Summer Art Fest at the end of June
- Attend Huckleberry Days in August
Our family have enjoyed the lovely festivals in Whitefish. There are always plenty of special activities and treats to keep the kids engaged. They also enjoy seeing the booths with so many unique crafts.
If you are in town during a festival, it is a great way to break up your big, nature adventures in the park. Enjoy the food trucks. Buy your souvenir from the person who hand-created it. It will be a lovely experience to round out trip!
Enjoy Winter Activities
Glacier National Park and Whitefish are both great destinations for winter activities. In the park, you can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even ice fishing. Whitefish Mountain Resort is also a popular winter destination. It offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
The town of Whitefish also has a variety of winter activities, including sleigh rides and ice skating. You can fly in and out of Kalispell, Montana and enjoy fewer crowds than many other winter vacation spots.
Glacier National Park is one of our family’s favorite places to visit. From the hikes with breath-taking payoffs, to the animal viewing, to the water fun, and all the way to Whitefish, every family can find their perfect vacation in these mountain destinations.
