Montana is an outdoor lover’s paradise, and Whitefish, located close to the majestic Glacier National Park, offers endless opportunities for family-friendly adventures. From zipping through the air on a high-flying zipline to hiking among towering cedars, Whitefish is an ideal destination for families looking to explore, learn, and have fun together. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best Montana adventures for kids and families to enjoy in and around Whitefish.

Glacier Highline Adventure Park

For families seeking thrilling adventures, Glacier Highline Adventure Park is the perfect place to start. Located just outside of Glacier National Park, this park offers a variety of heart-pounding activities that will keep kids of all ages entertained.

• Zipline Glacier National Park: Experience breathtaking views as you zip across the treetops.
• Aerial Adventure Park: This park features a series of rope courses set high in the trees, perfect for kids to test their agility and bravery. There are various levels to suit different skill levels, so everyone can join in the fun.
• Inflatable Ground Course and Water Course: For some fun on the ground and water, check out the inflatable courses. These provide a safe and exciting space for kids to jump, climb, and splash around, ensuring everyone stays cool and active all day long.

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Big Mountain is the crown jewel of outdoor recreation in the area. Whether you’re looking to hit the slopes in winter or enjoy the mountain in summer, there are countless family-friendly activities to choose from.

• Alpine Slides: Zoom down the slopes on an alpine slide. This exciting ride down the mountain is perfect for kids and parents alike and provides great views of the area.
• Zipline Tours: Take in the beauty of the Whitefish Mountains while flying through the air. The resort’s zipline tours offer a thrilling way to see the mountain from a new perspective.
• Strider Bike Park: The Strider Bike Park is perfect for young riders who want to learn how to bike. This dedicated course helps kids improve their balance and bike skills in a fun, low-pressure environment.
• Summer Tubing: During the summer months, Whitefish Mountain Resort offers tubing on the slopes. It’s a blast for kids, as they can race down the hill while staying cool in the summer heat.
• Aerial Adventure Park: For even more high-flying fun, the aerial adventure park has obstacle courses, bridges, and zipline features, designed to challenge and thrill kids of all ages.
• Mountain Biking: For more adventurous families, the resort also offers mountain biking trails. With varied levels of difficulty, there’s a trail for every family member, from beginner to expert.
• Spider Monkey Mountain: Kids can enjoy this unique adventure playground with climbing walls, bridges, and ropes designed for endless exploration.
• Summit Nature Center: Learn about the natural history of the region at the Summit Nature Center. It’s a great way for families to connect with the environment while learning about the area’s flora and fauna.

Glacier National Park – Family-Friendly Activities for Kids

Glacier National Park, one of the most beautiful places on earth, is a must-visit for families. There’s so much to do, and kids can learn about nature while having fun.

• Junior Ranger Program: Encourage kids to earn their Junior Ranger Badge by completing a series of educational activities throughout the park. It’s a fun way to learn about the park’s wildlife, plants, and geology.
• Visit The Apgar Nature Center: Stop by the Apgar Nature Center to find educational exhibits, information on local wildlife, and interactive activities for kids.
• Park Family Backpack: Borrow a family backpack from the Apgar or St. Mary Visitor Centers. These backpacks come with fun, family-friendly activities to complete while hiking.
• Take a Red Bus Tour: Explore Glacier National Park in a vintage red bus, a fun and unique way to see the park’s most iconic sites. Kids will love the open-air experience and learn about the park’s history.
• Tree Key Identification: Print out a tree key and identify trees in the park. It’s a great way to engage kids with nature while helping them understand the unique ecosystem of Glacier.
• Take a Hike: Glacier National Park offers some of the best kid-friendly hikes in the country. Here are a few to consider:
• Trail of the Cedars: A short, easy hike through a lush forest of ancient cedar trees.
• The Rocky Point Trail: A scenic trail with beautiful views of the lake.
• The Oxbow Trail: A relatively flat hike along the river.
• Sections of the John’s Lake Loop: Perfect for younger hikers looking for a short and easy trail.
• Avalanche Lake: A stunning hike to a pristine lake surrounded by towering mountains.
• Hidden Lake Nature Trail: A family favorite that offers amazing views and the possibility of seeing wildlife.
• Baring Falls: A short, easy hike to a beautiful waterfall.
• Swiftcurrent Nature Trail: An easy hike with great views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
• Running Eagle Falls at Two Medicine: A short and sweet hike to one of the park’s most stunning waterfalls.
• Drive the Going-To-The-Sun Road: This iconic road offers breathtaking views and is perfect for a scenic family drive. Stop at the many pull-offs for a photo op.
• Take a Boat Tour: Explore Glacier’s lakes from the water on a boat tour, a relaxing and educational experience for the whole family.
• Visit Polebridge: For a quieter, more rustic adventure, head to the Polebridge area and explore the local sights, including hiking trails and local businesses. Don’t forget to grab a bear claw at the Polebridge Mercantile!

Book a Trip with a Local Outfitter

For families looking for a more hands-on adventure, consider booking a trip with a local outfitter. Whether you’re interested in fishing, whitewater rafting, or horseback riding, local outfitters provide exciting, guided experiences that are perfect for families.

• Fishing: Head out on a guided fishing trip for a fun and relaxing day on the water. Whitefish and the surrounding area offer excellent fishing opportunities, from lakes to rivers.
• Whitewater Rafting: For a relaxing and sometimes adrenaline-packed experience, go whitewater rafting down the Flathead River.
• Horseback Riding: Explore the stunning Montana landscape on horseback. Local outfitters offer guided horseback riding tours that are perfect for kids and families.

Spend a Day on the Water

Montana is home to some of the most beautiful lakes in the country, and Whitefish is the perfect place to enjoy water activities.
Visit Whitefish Lake: Spend a day on Whitefish Lake, a stunning spot to swim, picnic, and relax. The clear waters are perfect for families.

• Flathead Lake: Known as the largest natural freshwater lake in the western United States, Flathead Lake offers endless opportunities for boating, swimming, and relaxation.
• Tally Lake: A more secluded option, Tally Lake is perfect for families looking for a peaceful day on the water.
• Relax on the Beach: Each lake has several great beaches to relax at with paddle board and kayak rentals.
• Rent Paddle boards or Kayaks: For a more active day on the water, rent paddle boards or kayaks and explore the lakes at your own pace.
• Rent a Boat or Jet Skis: For families looking for a bit of speed, rent a boat or jet skis for a thrilling day on the water.
• Take a Boat Tour: Relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery with a boat tour on one of the nearby lakes.

Enjoy Time at Haymoon Resort

For a more relaxed day, stick around Haymoon Resort. All the great amenities that come with your cabin rental create a great place for everyone to come together at the end of a busy day.

• Play Yard Games: Challenge each other to a game of corn hole or other fun yard games.
• Pet the Horses: With parent supervision, kids will love spending time watching the horses and petting them from outside the pasture. For a more intimate experience, as us about our Happy Hour with the Horses.
• Go for a Walk: Explore the beautiful resort grounds and our nature trails with a leisurely walk.
• Enjoy S’mores at the Fire Pit: Gather around the fire pit and enjoy s’mores as a family.
• Relax by the Water: Grab a book and unwind by the water with a peaceful day of relaxation. You may even find yourself catching a much-needed nap.

Conclusion

Whitefish, Montana, offers an incredible variety of outdoor adventures for kids and families. Whether you’re ziplining, hiking in Glacier National Park, or simply enjoying a relaxing day by the water, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful corner of the world. Start planning your family adventure today and make unforgettable memories in Whitefish!