Glacier Park, Flathead Valley Kids Winter Fun

Montana's winter recreation opportunities can be enjoyed by kids of all ages in and near Glacier National Park and Flathead Valley.

Overview

Summer is popular for family vacations but consider a Winter vacation with the kids in or near Glacier National Park and enjoy family time together with fewer crowds and a unique, magical perspective of Montana’s wilderness.

Tour National Parks, Forests, and Wilderness Areas

• Glacier National Park
  Kids can participate in educational and volunteer activities to earn service club badges and become a “Junior Ranger” by completing particular Junior Ranger activities during a ranger-led program.
• Waterton National Park
  Known for its many gorgeous lakes, Waterton National Park offers spectacular sightseeing.
• Bob Marshall Wilderness
  As the 2nd largest wilderness area in the lower 48 US states, Bob Marshall hosts a variety of wildlife and sightseeing opportunities.
• Lolo National Forest
  Tour this forest where Lewis and Clark and the Nez Perce once trekked.

Winter Picnics

Little and older kids alike will be delighted to stop for a family winter picnic (no ants!) featuring hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows.

Nature and Wildlife Viewing

Introduce your kids to taking pictures in one of the most beautiful places on earth! Keep your distance as you watch for wildlife like bears, mountain goats, bison, moose, elk and coyotes either on a scenic drive or nature trail.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Kids mature enough to be on their own or those traveling with family and friends can enjoy skiing (kids under a certain age ski FREE), cross country skiing, and snowboarding at Glacier National Park area ski resorts and nordic centers including:

• Whitefish Mountain Resort, featuring the Fishbowl Terrain Park
• Fernie Ski Resort, featuring Fernie Alpine Resort Rail Park
• Blacktail Mountain Resort, featuring Independence Terrain Park
• Castle Mountain Resort, featuring 3 terrain parks (Progression, Rawhide, and Big Hit)
• Glacier Nordic Club on Whitefish Lake Golf Course
• Bigfork Community Nordic Center
• Glacier Outdoor Center
• Stillwater Nordic Center

Icefishing

Flathead Lake is a great place to introduce kids to icefishing for lake trout, whitefish, northern pike and rainbows.

National Bison Range

See where nearly 500 buffalo roam on protected grasslands and stop at the Visitor Center for videos and other related information.

Snowshoeing

The whole family can get some great exercise and access extraordinary terrain on snowshoes. Consider employing a guide knowledgeable in winter survival as well as area history, ecology, and geology of the northwestern corner of Montana.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is not permitted inside Glacier Park boundaries, so consider a snowmobile tour and guide service from those listed on this page, and you’ll be climbing hills and zipping through 200-plus miles of groomed trails in the Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park area.

Sleigh Ride Dinners

Enjoy a spin in a sleigh ride and hear your guide’s stories and learn about the Glacier National Park region before enjoying a great Montana, country-style dinner.