Where to go, how to park, and the must do at Glacier
If you’re wondering whether Glacier National Park with kids is worth the trip, the answer is an enthusiastic yes. In fact, it’s one of our favorite national parks for families. Between crystal-clear lakes, easy hikes, wildlife sightings, scenic drives, and unforgettable mountain views, Glacier offers adventures that kids and adults will be talking about for years.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning several days in the park, these are the experiences we recommend most for Glacier National Park with kids.
Drive the Entire Going-to-the-Sun Road
No visit to Glacier National Park is complete without driving the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Stretching approximately 55 miles from West Glacier to St. Mary, this scenic road is the only route that crosses the park from west to east.
Plan for the drive to take much longer than the mileage suggests. You’ll want to stop often for overlooks, wildlife sightings, and photos. Nearly every turn reveals another breathtaking view.
There are two visitor centers you’ll definitely want to stop at:
- Logan Pass Visitor Center (about halfway through the drive)
- St. Mary Visitor Center on the east side of the park
Both offer restrooms, exhibits, ranger information, and opportunities for kids to stretch their legs.
Family Tip: Bring plenty of snacks, water, and patience. Traffic can be slow during peak summer months, but the scenery makes every minute worthwhile.
Hidden Lake Overlook: Our Favorite Family Hike
If we had to recommend just one hike for families visiting Glacier National Park, it would be Hidden Lake Overlook.
Starting from Logan Pass Visitor Center, this trail is relatively easy thanks to its raised boardwalk sections and gradual elevation gain. Even younger hikers can complete it with a few snack breaks.
The reward? Some of the most spectacular mountain views in the entire park.
You’ll likely spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, or even wildflowers depending on the season. The overlook offers incredible panoramic views that make this one of the most photographed locations in Glacier.
Among our family, this was the unanimous favorite hike.
Highline Trail: Incredible Views for Adventurous Families
For families with older kids who enjoy hiking, the Highline Trail is unforgettable.
The trail begins at Logan Pass and continues for up to 11 miles one way, although most families simply hike out and back as far as they feel comfortable.
The first quarter mile is famous for its steep drop-offs, but don’t let that scare you away. The trail is wider than it appears in photos, and there’s a cable handrail along the exposed section. We simply held our daughters’ hands through this portion and felt comfortable continuing.
After that initial stretch, the views become absolutely spectacular. Snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and sweeping mountain vistas surround you almost the entire hike.
Explore Many Glacier
Many Glacier is often called the “Switzerland of North America,” and after visiting, it’s easy to understand why.
Keep in mind that this area is separate from the main Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor. You’ll need to drive to the east side of the park, then continue north before heading into Many Glacier.
Although it’s a longer drive, it’s absolutely worth dedicating a day to this section of the park if your schedule allows.
Hike to Grinnell Lake
One of the best family hikes in Many Glacier is the trail to Grinnell Lake.
Beginning near the historic Many Glacier Hotel, the trail passes beautiful Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine before reaching the stunning turquoise waters of Grinnell Lake.
Families can shorten the hike by reserving the historic boat shuttle across Swiftcurrent Lake (and optionally Lake Josephine). The boat ride is fun for kids and reduces the total hiking distance, but reservations fill quickly, so book well in advance if you’re interested.
The vibrant blue-green water at Grinnell Lake is every bit as beautiful as the photos you’ve probably seen online.
Take a Boat Tour on Lake McDonald
If your family enjoys relaxing between hikes, don’t miss a scenic boat cruise on Lake McDonald.
Departing from Lake McDonald Lodge, these narrated tours offer a unique perspective of Glacier’s largest lake while teaching visitors about the area’s history and geology.
Kids often love being out on the water, and the reflections of the surrounding mountains are unforgettable.
Avalanche Lake: One of the Best Family Hikes in Glacier National Park
Avalanche Lake quickly became one of our favorite hikes.
The trail is moderate, well-maintained, and incredibly scenic. Along the way you’ll walk through beautiful cedar forests before arriving at an alpine lake surrounded by waterfalls cascading down towering cliffs.
One important tip: Don’t stop where most people do.
Nearly everyone reaches the lake and turns around immediately. Continue another half mile along the shoreline to reach the far end of the lake. The views become even more spectacular, and you’ll often find fewer people there.
During our hike we actually spotted both a grizzly bear and a black bear. Wildlife encounters are common throughout Glacier, so always carry bear spray, make plenty of noise on the trail, and follow all park safety recommendations.
Trail of the Cedars
Before or after hiking Avalanche Lake, take the very short Trail of the Cedars.
This accessible boardwalk loops through towering old-growth cedar trees and crosses beautiful turquoise water. Kids love exploring this trail, and it’s one of the easiest walks in the entire park.
Baring Falls Trail
Looking for a quick stop with a big payoff?
The Baring Falls Trail is only about a 20-minute walk round trip from Going-to-the-Sun Road.
The waterfall is beautiful, making this a perfect option for families who want a shorter hike or need a break from the car.
Upper McDonald Creek Trail
This peaceful trail follows McDonald Creek through beautiful forests and alongside rushing water.
The hike is relatively easy, making it another great option for families with children who enjoy exploring but aren’t ready for long mountain hikes.
The scenery along the creek is gorgeous, especially in the morning when the light filters through the trees.
Lake McDonald Trail
For another quieter hike, consider the Lake McDonald Trail near the Fish Creek area.
This trail offers gentle elevation changes and beautiful views overlooking the lake. It’s often much less crowded than many of Glacier’s more famous hikes while still providing incredible scenery.
Wildlife Tips for Visiting Glacier National Park With Kids
One of the highlights of visiting Glacier is seeing wildlife.
Keep an eye out for:
- Mountain goats
- Bighorn sheep
- Marmots
- Moose
- Black bears
- Grizzly bears
Always maintain a safe distance, carry bear spray when hiking, make noise on the trail, and never approach wildlife for photos.
Seeing animals in their natural habitat is one of the experiences your kids will remember most.
Don’t Skip Hungry Horse Dam
Just outside Glacier National Park sits Hungry Horse Dam, one of the tallest concrete dams in the United States.
If you’re driving from the west side, it’s an easy stop that offers beautiful views and an interesting glimpse into the area’s engineering history.
It’s a fun way to break up the drive before entering the park.
Spend an Evening at the Columbia Falls Rodeo
One of our biggest surprises wasn’t even inside Glacier National Park.
The Columbia Falls Rodeo ended up being one of our favorite family memories from the trip.
The atmosphere was incredibly family-friendly, the events were exciting, and it gave us a fun taste of Montana culture after several days of hiking.
If your schedule allows, we highly recommend adding it to your itinerary.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Glacier National Park With Kids
Glacier National Park is one of the most incredible places we’ve ever visited as a family. Every day brought something new—towering mountains, turquoise lakes, wildlife sightings, waterfalls, and hikes that were just challenging enough to feel like an adventure without being overwhelming for kids.
If you’re planning a family trip to Glacier National Park, prioritize Going-to-the-Sun Road, Hidden Lake Overlook, Avalanche Lake, Many Glacier, and a boat tour on Lake McDonald. Add in a few shorter hikes, leave room for spontaneous wildlife sightings, and you’ll create memories your family will cherish for years.
Glacier truly earns its reputation as one of America’s most beautiful national parks—and it’s even better when experienced with kids.
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