Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park offers families an unforgettable wilderness adventure with over 700 miles of trails, stunning mountain vistas, and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Kids will be amazed by the park's pristine alpine lakes, glacially-carved valleys, and chances to spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and even grizzly bears from safe distances along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road.

• ✓Driving the spectacular 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road with numerous scenic pullouts and photo opportunities
• ✓Hiking to accessible waterfalls like Running Eagle Falls and St. Mary Falls
• ✓Taking a Red Bus Tour for narrated history and guaranteed wildlife spotting without driving stress
• ✓Visiting pristine Lake McDonald with opportunities for rock skipping and wading
• ✓Completing Junior Ranger activities and earning official park badges

1. 1.Arrive before 7 AM or after 4 PM during peak summer months (July-August) to avoid vehicle restrictions and massive crowds along Going-to-the-Sun Road
2. 2.Stop at a visitor center first to get kids enrolled in the free Junior Ranger program - they'll receive activity booklets and can earn badges
3. 3.Pack layers, rain gear, and sunscreen even in summer as mountain weather changes rapidly; temperatures can vary 30+ degrees from valley to summit
4. 4.Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting and keep all food secured - the park requires bear-proof food storage at all times
5. 5.Download the NPS app before visiting as cell service is extremely limited throughout the park

Late June through mid-September offers the best access when Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open and weather is warmest. Visit on weekdays and arrive early morning (before 7 AM) to avoid crowds and have better wildlife viewing opportunities when animals are most active.

Park entrance is $35 per vehicle (7-day pass) or free with America the Beautiful Pass. Limited food service available at lodges; bring your own snacks and meals. Some areas have accessibility options, but many trails are rugged and challenging.

Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens fully in late June/early July and closes by mid-October due to snow. Many facilities close after Labor Day. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds but limited road access and colder weather. Winter access is extremely limited with most roads closed, though the park offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Head to Whitefish (30 minutes from west entrance) for family favorites like Craggy Range Bar & Grill with kids' menus and casual atmosphere, or stop at the Polebridge Mercantile near the north entrance for their famous huckleberry bear claws and sandwiches.