The Best Family Friendly Activities In Bozeman
Local Blog Charlotte Durham August 16, 2023
Local Blog Charlotte Durham August 16, 2023
Bozeman is full of fun things to do for families, no matter the season. In the winter, kids will love skiing, sledding, or spending some time indoors at the climbing gym or trampoline park. When it’s nice out, check out a farm tour or hit the river for rafting and tubing. From museums, to outdoor activities, to adorable animals, there’s plenty to do in this beautiful mountain town. Check out the best family friendly activities in Bozeman below!
See Dinosaur Fossils at the Museum of the Rockies
The Museum of the Rockies is popular for a reason: it holds the most dinosaur fossils found in Bozeman and throughout nearby Montana. Kids will love the giant T-Rex skeleton and collection of Triceratops horns.
Older children will enjoy watching a show at the planetarium, while younger ones will want to check out Explore Yellowstone, the museum’s immersive Yellowstone National Park experience.
Prepare to spend at least a few hours here, especially if your children love dinosaurs – there’s an endless number of things to see!
Experience the Montana Grizzly Encounter
If your kids want to see grizzly bears up close, head to Montana Grizzly Encounter. This grizzly sanctuary is home to a number of rescued bears that can’t be released back into the wild.
You’ll be a safe distance from the bears, but will have an unobstructed view with no bars or cages. Because grizzlies are solitary creatures, only one bear is out in the viewing area at a time – but it’s still amazing to see a giant grizzly bear in action!
Plus, staff members are around to answer questions about the bears and give presentations on bear safety.
Explore Gallatin County Regional Park
Gallatin County Regional Park has plenty of family friendly activities, no matter the time of year! In the winter, the large hill turns into the perfect location for sledding. Or, you can walk the trails and marvel at the snow-covered landscape and frozen ponds. Maybe even start a surprise snowball fight!
In the warmer months, kids will love swimming at Bozeman Beach, biking the dirt pump track, scampering up the climbing boulders, or playing on the giant playground. If you’ve brought pups with you, you’re in luck – it’s also home to a dog park!
After that, the summer markets begin. You’ll have two to choose from: the Gallatin Valley Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings and the Bozeman Farmers Market at Lindley Park on Tuesday evenings.
Ski at Bridger Bowl
If you’re lucky enough to visit Bozeman in the winter, you can “Ski the Cold Smoke” at Bridger Bowl, the local ski area! Located only 30 minutes from downtown Bozeman, Bridger Bowl offers private and group lessons, a terrain park, and plenty of easy, intermediate, and black diamond runs.
Teach your kids to ski or snowboard in the beginner area, complete with two moving carpets and a large, gentle green run. With several lodges throughout the resort, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate.
Don’t forget to look for the old ski lift at the Sinclair gas station on your way up! It’s located on the left of highway 86 (right across from Story Mill Park). It’s iconic!
Soak in Bozeman Hot Springs
A day at Bozeman Hot Springs is fun – and relaxing – for everyone! There’s plenty of space within the 12 different pools, all of varying temperatures. When you’re done soaking, head to the wet or dry sauna for even more relaxation.
At night, the multi-colored lights surround the pool. If you’re looking for entertainment, head to the springs on Sunday or Thursday evening for live music!
Recreate at Hyalite Reservoir
Spend a day at Hyalite Reservoir, located only about 30 minutes from Bozeman. Not only is the scenery beautiful, but there’s plenty to do in every season. In the colder months, you can watch people ice fishing on the reservoir or ice climbing up frozen waterfalls. Hit the trails and walk around the reservoir, or hike to Palisade Falls – just don’t forget microspikes if you’re visiting in the winter!
When the lake thaws, it’s a popular hangout for kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, hiking, rock climbing, and fishing. And of course, swimming! It’s usually cooler here since it’s higher in elevation, making it the perfect place to spend at least one of Bozeman’s hot summer days.
Have Fun at Jump Time Bozeman
Jump Time Bozeman is exactly what it sounds like: an indoor trampoline park! Kids will have fun playing extreme dodgeball, jumping from Storm Castle Tower, navigating the Ninja Warrior course, and so much more.
Younger children also welcome, and will love the Toddler Zone, complete with an obstacle course and trampoline court.
Learn at Montana Science Center
There’s plenty of entertainment at the Montana Science Center! See small reptiles at the Critter Corner, catch and learn about native Montana fish at the Fish Pond, or create a skyscraper model at Building Brainstorm.
With numerous exhibits that connect science and play, every child is bound to find something they love!
Take a Farm Tour
Both Alpacas of Montana and Montana Llama Guides offer farm tours, where you can visit the farm, learn about the animals, and even give them treats. You can even go for a day hike in a pasture at Montana Llama Guides, or shop for goods at the Alpacas of Montana store. Visit in the summer for the cutest sight of all: baby animals!
You may even get lucky and see one being born.
Rock Climb at Spire Climbing and Fitness
Climbing is fun for all ages! And at Spire Climbing and Fitness, you can schedule a private lesson for you and your family or buy a day pass and rent climbing equipment.
With several large bouldering areas and 31 top rope routes, it’s practically impossible to get bored here. And if you don’t have belaying experience, there are 13 auto belays!
Hike the M or Drinking Horse Mountain Trail
The M and Drinking Horse Mountain Trails are located right across the street from each other, just a 10 minute drive from downtown. While short (about 2.4 miles), the M Trail is steep but offers amazing views of Bozeman
Drinking Horse Mountain is 2.2 miles round trip and brings you to several spots with amazing views of Bridger Canyon and the Gallatin Valley. In the late spring and early summer, be on the lookout for wildflowers! Both trails are also doable in winter, just remember to wear microspikes.
Float or Raft Down the River
There are several rivers near Bozeman: the Madison, the Gallatin, and the Yellowstone. Because the Madison River is so calm, it’s a great place to spend the day floating! Rent a tube or book a day trip with Madison River Tubing, and you’ll be ready to enjoy a relaxing day on the river!
If your family is a little more adventurous, try white water rafting. Raft the Gallatin River, located in the beautiful Gallatin Canyon, with Geyser Whitewater Expeditions. Choose from half day or full day trips that range from Class 1 to Class 4 whitewater. Know that the water on the Gallatin River can be cold, especially in May and June. Fortunately, Geyser Whitewater provides wetsuit rentals – but you’ll be so filled with adrenaline that you probably won’t even notice the chilly water!
Enjoy the Views at Peet’s Hill
Take a leisurely stroll at Peet’s Hill, with amazing views of Bozeman the entire way. People love to walk, run, and mountain bike at this park, and it’s also a great spot to watch the sunset.
The trail is still accessible in the winter, and is definitely doable without microspikes. It’s also a popular area for sledding, but the hill is quite steep. However, it’s entertaining to watch, even if you don’t partake!
Regardless of what you choose to do, your family is sure to have a great time in Bozeman. To learn more about Bozeman, go to VisitBozeman.com or DowntownBozeman.org.
If you’re interested in learning more about Bozeman luxury homes for sale, please reach out! I look forward to hearing from you!
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