Explore the best of Montana—from luxury dude ranches and guided trips to iconic parks and hidden lakeside getaways for families
Montana’s Flathead Lake is peacefully tinted gold at dawn. Fishing lines glisten as children buzz with anticipation for that initial catch, while grandparents, ensconced in canvas chairs on the nearby beach, swap tales from yesteryear, smiling happily. The scene: warm, comfortable weather, stunning natural beauty, and plenty of things to do during Montana family vacations or multigenerational reunions.
One of Big Sky Country’s many state nicknames, the ‘Treasure State,’ refers to a wealthy mining history; these days, though, for families seeking a mix of outdoor excitement and comfort for all ages, Montana is a treasure trove of diverse activities. Suppose you hunger for the great outdoors, are organizing an outdoor expedition for the entire family, or simply wish to relax in charming but comfortable towns. In that case, Montana is the ultimate family travel haven, a perfect mix of nature, culture and relaxation.
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Why Montana Is Perfect for Family Vacations
Montana is a jack-of-all-trades travel destination that delivers on every level—there is always an experience to add to a family vacation travel itinerary. These are adventures in welcoming towns, natural wonders, educational insights, and historical sites, set against the stunning backdrop of Montana’s breathtaking scenery. There’s a place for everyone, whether it lies in beautiful towns with a Wild West charm or the vibrant beauty of the seasonal adventure zones in the great outdoors.
Top Montana Family Vacation Resorts & Ranches
The Ranch at Rock Creek (Philipsburg)
Picture arriving in historic Philipsburg for your long-awaited Montana family vacation or reunion at The Ranch at Rock Creek, where 6,600 acres of Montana wilderness become your playground. Surrounded by majestic mountains and complemented by modernized amenities, this intimate yet luxurious ranch provides guests with all-inclusive, intergenerational and personalized services and activities for everyone. Named a ‘5-star’ guest ranch by the Forbes Travel Guide and the ‘Best in Specialty Lodging in Montana’ by TripAdvisor, for history enthusiasts, the ranch is located 20 miles from the historic town of Phillipsburg, where guests can explore historical mining sites and antique stores.
- Location: 79 Carriage House Ln, Philipsburg, MT 59858
- Sporting: Horseback riding, fly fishing, biking at the lakeside, and gun ranges
- Kid-Friendly Experiences: Educational Flint’s Forest Rangers day program, interactive nature activities, and the Little Grizzlies Club
- Multigenerational Family Activities: Spa treatment, historic Philipsburg trips, archery, swimming pool, shuffleboard, and a bowling alley
Flathead Lake Lodge (Bigfork)
Flathead Lake Lodge prioritizes a more traditional and classic Montana family vacation if you wish for a more rustic and cozy change of pace. Water-based activities at Flathead Lake are the specialty, where they focus on creating an environment where families can connect and spend time together through the accessible location and itinerary. Standouts are sports, relaxation, kid-friendly programs, and the wondrous view of Flathead Lake, all of which are affordable.
- Location: 150 Flathead Lodge Road, Bigfork, MT 59911
- Sporting: Sailing, horseback riding, finishing, water skiing, wake surfing, kayaking, and canoeing
- Kid-Friendly Experiences: Kids’ rodeo, slip and slide, arts and crafts, and horseback riding lessons
- Multigenerational Family Activities: Heated pool, hot tub, disc golf, shuffleboard, karaoke, board games, and bowling
Big Sky Resort (Big Sky)
Imagine a Montana family vacation where the clear and pristine Big Sky features pure white snow, perfect for skiing, while kids learn to carve the slopes and adults enjoy mountain biking on scenic trails. Look no further than Big Sky Resort, which offers activities year-round for all four seasons, all age groups and every interest. The flexibility to enjoy a variety of activities that suit your family’s preferences is guaranteed, and the all-inclusive offerings ensure you create cherished memories that last a lifetime.
- Location: 50 Big Sky Resort Road, Big Sky, MT 59716, and 1015 Glades Drive, Whitefish, MT 59937
- Sporting: Skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, fly fishing, archery, and paddle sports
- Kid-Friendly Experiences: Kids’ ski school, guided wildlife walks, and play programs
- Multigenerational Family Activities: Zip-line tours, chairlift rides to sightseeing areas, and guided hiking adventures
Paws Up Montana (Greenough)
Glamping is becoming increasingly popular nowadays, blending the comfort of modern-day amenities with the luxury of being in nature. Paws Up Montana is a Two MICHELIN Key resort providing a luxury glamping experience with climate-controlled canvas tents and king-size beds. You can choose from a variety of sites—from the amazing cliffside views overlooking the Blackfoot River to the picturesque meadows where you can stargaze under the Big Sky.
- Location: 40060 Paws Up Road, Greenough, MT 59823
- Sporting: UTV/ATV tours, horseback riding, fishing, archery, skiing, and dogsledding
- Kid-Friendly Experiences: Kids’ adventure club, pony rides, snow tubing, tennis, and pickleball
- Multigenerational Family Activities: Scenic electric bike tour, pontoon cruise, island lodge, hat customization, and geocaching
National Parks & Guided Family Tours
Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks
Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks are excellent choices for Montana family vacations and reunions, offering breathtaking views, clean glacial lakes and majestic mountains that appeal to visitors of all ages. Adventurous families seeking a planned schedule with ample time to enjoy nature together will especially enjoy trips here. The best time to visit these national parks is between July and early September, as it’s when the weather is most reliable, the trails are snowless and it’s perfect for wildlife watching.
- Accessibility: Hiking, boardwalk trails, boat tours, and raft trips offer a range of opportunities to explore hundreds of thousands of acres, or you can set your own exploration goals without worrying about mobility or a lack of adventure.
- Educational & Family-Friendly Opportunities: People of all ages and interests can marvel at the many scientific wonders in national parks, such as on-field courses run by nonprofits, historical sites, or wildlife sightings—Montana’s national parks have over 260 species of birds and 70 species of mammals.
- Accommodation: RV parks are widespread in both national parks, and choosing the right one involves considering location, convenience, and your family’s needs. Many parks offer great options with playgrounds for kids, clean restrooms for grandparents, and scenic views for parents.
Discover more national parks with Destination Reunions’ in-depth article: Best National Parks for Families Reuniting Away from It All
Travel Montana’s Guided Red Lodge Itinerary
The Guided Red Lodge Itinerary is a curated, multi-day road-trip plan for Montana family vacations. You’ll find the guide helpful in getting an oversight of the potential destinations, their locations, the activities, and, of course, pricing.
The guide is very flexible and ditches the rigid, strict time management needed by timetables that dictate family vacations, but instead encourages families to explore for themselves and choose where to go according to the family’s needs and availabilities.
Key highlights of the Guided Red Lodge Itinerary include:
- Popular and local Red Lodge restaurants
- Whitewater and scenic rafting sites
- Activity suggestions for Yellowstone National Park
Off the Beaten Path in Montana
Wild Horse Island (Flathead Lake)
Wild Horse Island is the largest island on Flathead Lake, which is also the largest freshwater lake in Montana. Though Flathead Lake is frequently visited, Wild Horse Island is generally less known among tourists, but there are plenty of activities to do with the family on the island!
- Sightseeing Opportunities: Pristine beaches, bighorn sheep, a small herd of wildhorses, and the grassland hillsides are perfect for photography or birdwatching
- Recreational Activities: Jet skiing, hiking, paddleboarding, swimming, kayaking, and fishing
- Important to Note: Wild Horse Island has a pack-it-in/pack-it-out policy, so visitors are only permitted on the island during the day unless they own property on the island.
Bigfork (Bigfork)
Bigfork is located near Glacier National Park, so planning a Montana family vacation could include a day trip to Bigfork, a charming town with the beauty of the natural landscape surrounding it. Specifically, Bigfork is an excellent location to bring the family to see the Northern Lights, particularly at Flathead Lake State Park.
- Cultural Landmarks: Bigfork Inn, Restaurant & Bar, local art galleries, specialty boutiques, live theater, and quaint local restaurants
- Recreational Activities: Hiking at Swan River Trail, Wayfarers State Park Loop, Aeneas Loop, and Crater Lake Water activities
- Easy to Access: 30-minute drive from Glacier Park International Airport, or a more extended but still panoramic journey on Amtrak’s Empire Builder
When to Go & What to Expect on Montana Family Vacations
Summer in Montana invites families for a classic American vacation in the great outdoors, where they can connect in cozy cabin accommodations and recount a day of watersports, hiking or horseback riding. Even the family is big on watersports or cooling off from the heat, summers in Montana can get particularly busy, as it is widely known as the best time to visit. A summer family vacation to Montana helps to make the most out of ranch-life, water activity, and the exploration of Montana’s national parks without the blocking of snow.
Winters are also an incredible time to visit Montana if the family prefers winter sports or less hot weather. Big Sky Resort is renowned for its extensive and phenomenal list of mountain activities, featuring extreme skiing slopes for adventurous adults and cozy cafes or skiing lessons for grandparents and kids.
The adventure does not stop at Summer or Winter. Spring and fall can also be great times to visit Montana. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, staying in the off-season can bring a more peaceful atmosphere, free from the crowds and heavy traffic that come with peak season.
Planning Tips for Families
- A multigenerational family vacation should focus on balance, as individual tastes and preferences differ from person to person and generation to generation.
- Book well in advance if you visit Montana during peak seasons, as luxury resorts are popular during the summer and ski resorts during the winter. Plan accordingly to secure accommodation that suits your family’s needs and ideal vacation.
- Curate activities or ask a guide to organize itineraries with plans and activities for every age group while still leaving time for family bonding.
- Built-in downtime and flexible scheduling make Montana a great place for the adventurous and the leisurely. You could consider leaving the timetables and itineraries for a half-day to explore as a family or to let everyone cool down.
- If you plan to visit national parks, reserving a multi-seat vehicle or shuttle service can be more efficient, saving money from guided tours and potentially serving as accommodation at RV parks.
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By Kristy Chan, Contributing Writer
