While visiting family in Montana, we made a last-minute decision to head up to Glacier National Park—and it ended up being one of the best parts of our trip! This stunning national park is the perfect family destination, offering kid-friendly hikes, unforgettable wildlife sightings, and epic mountain views.

Whether you have toddlers or tweens, this guide will help you plan the ultimate Glacier National Park family trip—with the best activities, travel tips, and places to stay.

Top 7 Things to Do in Glacier National Park with Kids

1. Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road

No Glacier family itinerary is complete without a drive along this breathtaking 50-mile highway. With dramatic views of alpine valleys, waterfalls, and towering peaks, it’s a highlight for all ages.

Keep in mind the time of year you are traveling and watch the weather and road conditions closely. When we visited the area in June there was still snow covering the road towards the top of the drive and we couldn’t go all the way through.

Family Tip: Stop often for short walks and scenic lookouts. Bring binoculars for spotting mountain goat and bighorn sheep!

2. Explore Lake McDonald

Located near the West Glacier entrance, Lake McDonald is the park’s largest lake and ideal for family fun. Enjoy water activities like kayaking, canoeing, or a scenic boat tour. Or simply relax by the shore with a picnic and skip stones.

Our kids loved collecting the lake’s famous colorful pebbles and skipping them on the calm waters!

3. hike the Trail of the Cedars and avalanche lake trail

Looking for the best kid-friendly hike in Glacier National Park? The Avalanche Lake trail is a top pick for families! This 4.5-mile round-trip hike begins on the easy Trail of the Cedars, then follows Avalanche Creek through lush forest to a stunning alpine lake with waterfalls and mountain views.

Perfect for kids of all ages, the trail offers plenty of nature spotting and fun stops along the way. Plan 2–3 hours, pack water and snacks, and start early to avoid crowds. This hike was our kids favorite on the trip!

4. make the trek to Hidden Lake Overlook

Got older kids (6+)? The Hidden Lake Overlook trail is a 2.7-mile round-trip hike starting from Logan Pass. Expect wildflowers, snow patches, and incredible views of Hidden Lake below.

Wildlife Tip: This trail is a top spot to see mountain goats and marmots up close—pack your camera!

5. Visit the Many Glacier Area

Often called the “heart of the park,” the Many Glacier area offers families a more remote, scenic experience. The Swiftcurrent Lake Nature Trail is an easy loop, and the dual-lake boat tour is a fun way to explore without too much hiking.

Wildlife sightings (moose, bears, and deer) are common—especially in the early morning or evening.

6. take boat tour on Saint mary lake

St. Mary Lake, located on the east side of Glacier National Park, offers some of the most scenic boat tours in the park. Operated by the Glacier Park Boat Company, these tours provide breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, waterfalls, and pristine forests.​

Wildlife Viewing: Spot various wildlife species in their natural habitat.​

Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

Tour times typically start at 9 AM and run every hour during the day. Depending on the tour, you can embark on guided hikes to nearby sites as well.

7. Join the Glacier Junior Ranger Program

Want to make your visit educational and fun? Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet from any visitor center. Kids will complete nature-focused activities and earn a badge at the end—plus bragging rights!

Perfect for curious kids ages 5 and up. To learn more about, visit the Junior Ranger Program web page.

Tips for Visiting Glacier National Park with Children

1. Plan Ahead

• Check trail, road, and weather conditions daily
• Download offline maps (cell service is spotty)

2. Pack Smart

• Make sure to pack essentials: Snacks, refillable water bottles, sunscreen, and bug spray,
• Since the weather can change quickly depending on your elevation, make sure to also pack layers, hats, and rain jackets!

3. Stay Bear Aware

• Always carry bear spray with you. We purchased ours at Costco when we arrived in the area.
• Hike in groups
• Make noise on the trails to help deter any bears or other larger wildlife

4. Slow Down and Explore

• Glacier isn’t a race. Allow time for rest, snacks, and spontaneous exploring.
• Encourage kids to observe nature, skip rocks, or look for animal tracks

Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park with Kids

The ideal time to visit Glacier National Park with children is during the summer months—from late June to early September. During this window, most trails and roads are fully open, including the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road (which typically opens in late June or early July and closes by mid-October).

Pro Tip: Always check the NPS road status page before your trip, especially if you’re traveling early or late in the season.

Where to Stay Near Glacier National Park with Kids

West Glacier

• Closest to Lake McDonald & Going-to-the-Sun Road
• Great for first-time visitors and shorter stays
• Belton Chalet is a great historic hotel option in the area

St. Mary & Many Glacier

• Best access to the east side of the park
• Ideal for hiking, boating, and wildlife sightings
• Check out St. Mary Village for staying close by

Columbia Falls, Whitefish, & Kalispell

• Family-friendly towns with shops, restaurants, and lodging options
• Great base for exploring both the park and the surrounding area
• Check out TownPlace Suites in Whitefish for a hotel room suite with kitchenettes – perfect for families!

• If you are looking for an VRBO accommodation in Columbia Falls, check out this Tiny Red Farmhouse! We loved our stay here!

Final Thoughts: A Family Trip to Glacier You’ll Never Forget

From scenic drives and crystal-clear lakes to wildlife sightings and kid-friendly trails, Glacier National Park with kids is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you spend one day or an entire week, you’ll leave with memories of laughter, discovery, and awe-inspiring beauty.

So pack your bags, grab your bear spray, and get ready to explore one of America’s most stunning national parks—together as a family.

Has your family been to Glacier National Park before? What were your favorite activities to enjoy? Let me know in the comments below!