What better way to spend time with you kids than to have an "out of car experience"?
This blog is for all my fellow parents out there that want to share the magic of Glacier with their kids, but need a few ideas on what to do.
In no particular order here's my top 10...
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This program is put on by the Park Service and is great because it can be done in conjunction with other activities (and the booklets can be done on a car ride or at camp). Just pick up a program pamphlet from a park Visitor Center. Once the activities in the packet are done, go back and a ranger will present your little one with an official looking badge they can take home with them. Kids love that they have accomplished something...and get to talk to a ranger!
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Add some adventure into your vacation with a river trip! There is nothing better on a warm day than to be on the water. The view is always changing and it can be a great way to see some animals. Glacier National Park has two Wild and Scenic rivers that make up the southern and western border of the park. The Middle Fork of the Flathead has both
scenic floats (minimum age of 3) and
whitewater trips (minimum age of 6). Trips are out of West Glacier, Montana and companies have 1/2 day,
full day and
overnight trips. Reservations are recommended.
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| Both scenic and whitewater trips are great for kids. |
LOCAL TIP: Avoid wearing cotton clothing since it does not keep you warm if it gets wet. Wear shoes that you can get wet, but avoid flip-flops (they are a good way to get an ankle injury). If you have glasses, invest in a strap so you don't lose them to the river. Check out our
packing list for rafting trips for more information.
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Glacier is known for it's phenomenal hiking and where you should go will really depend on the age of your kiddos (and their enthusiasm). Guided hikes, led by
Glacier Guides or the Park Service, are always great options to make the most out your hike. Kids (and adults) can learn a ton about the natural history, flora and fauna of the area while exploring the trail.
And remember, it's about the journey, not the destination.
If you have a small child, there are places to rent a child carrier.
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| It's little things that make kids happy! |
LOCAL TIP: Glacier is home to many animals from big to small. Please make sure your children are close by and within eyesight. Explaining to them what to do if they see bigger animals (don't run and give them space) as well as not allowing them to feed smaller animals, will help both the wildlife and your children stay safe.
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| Easy hikes are all over Glacier Park. |
Easy Hikes on the Westside - Avalanche Lake, Huckleberry Nature Trail, John's Lake, Hidden Lake. Easy Hikes on the Eastside - Paradise Point, Aster Park, Twin Falls and Upper Two Medicine Lake, St. Mary and Virginia Falls, Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trail, Red Rock Lake.
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Taking your kids out on the water is great fun. The 360 degree view is amazing from out there, and sometimes it gives your family a better chance to see animals (moose, bear, beavers, ducks) than from the shore. Glacier Park Boat Company has both boat rentals and tour boat rides on several different lakes within the park. Docks are located in Two Medicine, St. Mary, Many Glacier and on Lake McDonald.
Looking for boat rentals in the North Fork Valley?
North Fork Recreation Rentals offers river and lake kayaks, bikes and paddleboards in Polebridge.
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Boat tours are a great way to shave some miles off a longer hike,
or to just spend some time on the water. Photo by Tyrel Johnson. |
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So many people think of horses when they think of Montana (I think that "The Horse Whisperer" has something to do with that).
Swan Mountain Outfitters is the only business that offers horseback rides in the park. They offer rides lasting from 2 to 7 hours. Minimum age is 7. There are also trips that combine horseback riding and rafting ("
saddle and paddle").
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| Ride to Cracker Lake. Photo from Swan Mountain Outfitters. |
LOCAL TIP: Wear long pants, sturdy shoes, weather protection and bug spray!
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For the adventurous (and motivated) parents...there's camping. I have to say that this is one of my kid's favorite things to do. They love eating outside, roasting marshmallows on an open fire and jumping into their sleeping bags at night. There are
campgrounds inside the park (great views and usually by lakes or rivers, but have very minimal amenities) and several outside the park (usually in the woods and have extra amenities like showers, restaurants and sometimes even pools!). I will not sugar coat it though...it takes a lot of preparation. Having a list and being prepared for anything is imperative.
Here are a handful of things (beyond the basics) that you may want to bring:
- Tarp to hang over eating area (for rain or sun). Freestanding tarps are best so you don't have to rely on having trees around to hang them.
- Headlamps and a lantern (the battery operated ones are the best for kids).
- Cards, games, magnifying glass, etc...to keep them occupied while you set up camp or make dinner.
I found a magnetic dart game that we all love to play.
- Camp chairs (picnic tables are provided at each site, but are not very comfortable for long).
- Firewood and s'mores fixin's.
For those people looking to backpack with their children, I recommend making sure that your kids are very comfortable with car camping first.
Custom guided hikes can be a great way to take the stress out of planning an overnight trip.
LOCAL TIPS: Only a few of the park campgrounds take reservations, the rest are first come - first serve. Also, most have a generator free area. This is great for those without RV's. I do recommend that the children be potty trained for sleeping in a tent. Glacier is bear habitat and diapers can be an attractant. For those with infants (or kids that aren't potty trained), you may opt for a hard sided camper (or a cabin). If you want to backpack, you must have a permit for all backcountry campgrounds.
*Don't have the gear? There are places that you can
rent camping equipment.
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Glacier is known for it's spectacular vistas, but the views are sometimes even more amazing once the sun goes down. The park has several
"night sky" programs throughout the summer. Maybe you'll even be lucky enough to see the northern lights!
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| Photo by Brian Sorg Photography |
LOCAL TIP: It does not get dark until very late in the summer months. Make sure your kids take naps so that they don't have a meltdown by the time the stars finally come out!
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| My kids could just sit and throw rocks into the water all day. |
I don't know about everyone else's family, but I know that my kids love to play in the water! Whether it is splashing around (swimming can be tough in our cold waters) or skipping rocks. What kid doesn't like to throw rocks? Grab some food and plan a picnic.
Fishing is also a great past time for families in the park. There are
guided fishing trips on the river, or pick up a brochure about
fishing policies inside Glacier (no permit required) at the park entrances.
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| Photo by Glacier National Park. |
LOCAL TIP: The head of Lake McDonald and Dollar beach on St. Mary has perfect skipping rocks.
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Many people enjoy riding bicycles in Glacier. For the experienced, the Going-to-the-Sun road is the most unique rides. There are some restrictions on when you can ride the road in the middle of the summer because of how busy the road becomes mid-day. If you are looking for something short, the bike path from Apgar to park headquarters is nice. No bikes are allowed on trails within the park, although Waterton Park does allow them in selected areas.
Bicycle Rentals can be found at the
Tamarack Lodge (Coram),
North Fork Recreation Rentals (Polebridge),
Great Northern Cycles and
Glacier Cyclery (Whitefish).
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| Riding on the Inner North Fork Road. |
LOCAL TIP: In springtime, many locals love to bike along roads that have not been open yet to vehicles (Inner North Fork, Going to the Sun, Bowman).
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There is a reason why bears love huckleberries...because they are so tastey!! In August (and sometimes in to September) picking huckleberries can be a fabulous way to spend some time with kids. Save one, eat two, save one, eat two....You can pick up to one gallon of huckleberries per person (Park Service policies).
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| It's great when you find a good patch! |
LOCAL TIP: There are lots of berries that are edible in the park (huckleberries, serviceberries, strawberries, raspberries), and there are lots that are not. Make sure they can identify what they are eating and have them check with you before they eat anything new. Also, make sure you are always keeping your eyes, ears and nose open for animals!
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It's all about the journey, not the destination. It's okay if you don't get very far, as long as they enjoy being out there.
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Make sure they are comfortable. I find that my kids are much happier when they are warm enough, fed enough, not thirsty or cold and don't have sun in their eyes, etc...
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Be cautious with children around water. Creeks are cold and often fast flowing. Not to be a "Debbie Downer", but drowning is the number one cause of death in the park. The park cannot put signs and railings in all places with water hazards, so it is up to you to keep your child safe.
- Share with them the rules of the woods. Get the kids learning at an early age by teaching them
Leave No Trace Principles, water safety and how to be
"Animal Aware".
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Bring an extra set of clothes and shoes for afterwards. You'll be happy you did.
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| Fun usually involves dirt and water! |
Since the weather can change at any moment, please remember these things for your children on any outdoor excursion:

- raingear
- extra layer and hat for warmth
- food and water
- sunscreen and sunglasses
- bug spray (the all natural kind, so your kid doesn't grow a third arm).
- garbage bag for trash (diapers)
Optional: binoculars, magnifying glass, Junior Ranger program booklet.
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There it is...my two cents.
I love Glacier, and I love experiencing the park with my children.
I hope that this list helps you to do the same.
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| PS. It's worth the extra effort...the memories are priceless! |