Family vacations tend to need additional structure and planning. It is important to cater to everyone's interests and provide activities to entertain everyone involved. So, from toddlers to teenagers, here are some ways that you and your family can enjoy the beautiful Bozeman area together.
Full Day Suggestions
Yellowstone National Park
The beauty of the park is that it is a place where families can find many common interests, regardless of age. Kids can take part in a Junior Ranger program - pick up a Junior Ranger packet at any visitor center for $3.
$30 entrance fee – good for 7 days
Check out the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone and you are guaranteed live sightings of the bears and wolves.
Lewis & Clark Caverns
If you want to experience an unforgettable adventure, bring you and your family into what seems like a whole other world. The Lewis & Clark Caverns, resembling something out of a science fiction book, have limestone formations that have taken millions of years to form. You can take this one to the memory banks for sure!
More Info on the Caverns
Bozeman Fish Technology Center
Whether to view birds, walk the nature trails, picnic, or feed the fish, the Center is a popular destination in the summertime. Children enjoy feeding the trout in the pond and nature enthusiasts enjoy the outdoor setting along Bridger Creek.
Call (406) 587-9265 for details.
Bozeman Beach
This is a nice spot to come relax and enjoy a sunny day with the family. Lay on the beach, go for a swim, play volleyball, or scurry around on the new rock-climbing boulder.
From downtown Bozeman, head north on 7th Ave, turn right onto E Griffin Dr, left onto Manley Rd.
Half Day
Childrens Discovery Center
Designed for children up to 8 years, this portion of the Museum of the Rockies is a child friendly replica of Yellowstone National Park. Children can watch Old Faithful erupt, fish the Yellowstone River with magnetized poles and fish, and watch makeshift hot pots bubble over.
Find more information at www.museumoftherockies.org.
Children's Museum of Bozeman
This museum provides an opportunity for your children to learn while they play. Watch your babies play with blocks, tunnels and textures or your older children as they peer at aquarium fish or look at veterinary x-rays.
Call (406) 522-9087 for details.
Come experience the activities on a FREE Friday night from 5-8!
Emerson Center for Arts & Culture
The Emerson is bursting with entertainment. I love catching documentary films here, always leaving me wide-eyed and inspired. Learn something new with someone in your family, like one of their adult & teen pottery classes!
Check out their Event Calendar
Bouldering
Release some energy rock-climbing our boulders around town. Our parks are adorned with boulders that are made for climbers of all ages and climbing abilities! It's open to the public, FREE, and a great way to keep your family active.
Skatepark
Bozeman is loaded with parks. If you have a skater in the family, take them to the Northwest end of town and let them have their way with the bowls, ledges, and rails at Kirk Park.
The Dinosaur Playground
Bring your 2- 5 year olds to the ‘tot lot' so they can play in the sandboxes or crawl through the mazes. The main playground is designed for children up to 12 years old and features dinosaur bone yards, rock-climbing walls, and hanging bridges.
Located off of Davis St. and Vaquero (behind the new Fire Station).
Events
Farmers Market
A little something for everyone here. Dear to our community, this weekly event brings out Bozeman's finest growers, crafters, and musicians.
- Gallatin Valley Farmer's Market: Saturdays from late-June to early-September at the Haynes Pavilion at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds.
- Bogert Farmer's Market: Tuesdays from 5-8pm from early-June to late-September at the Bogert City Park.
Music on Main
Come early for the children's activities such as face-painting, balloon animals, and coloring. You and your family will feel welcomed with the high spirits of this community event.
Takes place every Thursday from 6–8 pm from early July to late August!
See who's playing.
Sweet Pea Festival
If you are here in early August, you'll quickly realize that our Sweet Pea Festival takes over the town. Aside from our Lindley Park festivities, events such as ‘Chalk on the Walk' and our parade down Main Street leaves every face with a smile.
More info on the Sweet Pea Festival
Shakespeare in the Parks
Shakespeare productions such as MacBeth and Julius Caesar are in full swing come June and July. Come enjoy a rendition of a Shakespeare play in one of our many city parks, free to the public.
See the Shakespeare schedule here.
Gallatin County Fair and Rodeo
Looking to channel your childhood? Grab some fair food and check out all the rides at the fair in late July. The Rodeo and Mud Bog draws a nice crowd every year too.
More info on the Gallatin County Fair
Evening Entertainment
Take a stroll around downtown Bozeman and discover for yourself the unique character of the town. Amazing art, galleries, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and shopping only add to Bozeman's allure.
Grab your camera, everywhere you turn is an opportunity to capture Montana at its finest, whether you are downtown or in Bozeman's big backyard!
Reservations
Transportation
Car rentals are available at the Gallatin Field Airport in Bozeman as well as in town. Several options for taxi and limo services are available, as well as a town bus service which offers free transportation in and around Bozeman on a regular basis.
Find Car Rentals
Lodging
As bustling as Bozeman is in the summer time, it is always a wise idea to book in advance. Find more information on activity providers and Bozeman Lodging accommodations.
