17 Things to do at Glacier National Park with Kids. Glacier National Park is one of the best National Parks in the country and it’s great for all ages. While there are so very long extreme hikes there is plenty of short hikes, lookouts scenic drive, and more to keep even the youngest of junior ranges having fun.
1. Check out the Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is a great resource. It usually has maps and a Ranger available to answer questions. There are several visitor centers in Glacier National Park. Each one will provide specific information about the area it’s located in.
2. Participate in the Junior Rangers Program
The Junior Rangers Program is an Educational Program for all ages. Complete select activities in a booklet and earn a Junior Rangers Badge
3. Enjoy the Museum
Many National Park Sites have a small museum that houses artifacts and information about the Area. The small museums are usually within the visitors center. Some Parks have outside informational displays.
4. Go for a Hike
Hiking is a great way to see amazing views of Glacier National Park. The park is massive and most of the road travels around the perimeter of the park with the going to the sun road passing through the middle. there are extremely long hikes in this park that will take you to the interior not accessible by road but there are also short more family-friendly hikes.
5. Get on the water
Bring your kayaks, and paddleboards, or rent a boat. If it’s too cold to get in the water you can always get on the water for some fun. We love bringing our inflatable kayaks and paddleboard when we travel. While we won’t take them in the ocean there are often calmer places to kayak near the ocean. Make sure you read the rules about watercraft inspection before launching your own. Lake McDonald also offers kayak rentals. You can also enjoy a shuttle ride at Many Glacier that takes you across the lakes even if you don’t want to continue on with the hike.
6. Go Fishing, Clamming, Scalloping, or Crabbing
My kids love fishing. If you bring your own equipment it can be more affordable but make sure you follow local laws and get any permits you may need for fishing in Glacier National Park.
7. Learn About History
National Historic Sites are part of the National Park System, through a variety of presentation material you can learn about the history of our nation. You can learn about the history of Glacier National Park at the visitors center and also by speaking with a ranger.
8. Look for Wildlife
Wildlife is all around us and the National Park system is a great way to preserve their homes. You can often spot wildlife in many of the national parks. We enjoyed finding a Moose on our trip to Glacier National Park but we also saw black bears and a fox.
9. Learn About Natural Science
There is so much to learn at National Parks especially Natural history. It’s so interesting to understand how the various landscapes in our country were formed and how they ultimately lead to what the land looks like today. At Glacier, you can see remnants of the Glaciers that once carved through the mountains and left behind the lakes we see today.
There are so many sports options you can play at the beach. Football, soccer, dodgeball, kickball, volleyball, or pitch and catch are just a few.
10. Have a Picnic
Having a picnic can be a lot of fun. It can also save you from having to wait in long lines at the limited dining options within a Large National Park. You can also add some games to your picnic or spend time talking about what you have done or the wonderful view you have. Make sure you picnic in specified picnic areas and clean up afterward as there are bears in the park.
11. Climb Rocks
I don’t mean Rock Climbing although that can be an option. But Rock Scrambles is a lot of fun for families. At Glacier, it’s more fun to explore the river rocks along the streams that pass through the park.
12. Go For a Drive
One of the easiest ways to see what a National Park has to offer is to drive through it. Of course along the way you probably want to stop at some scenic points, for a hike, or even to look for animals. Glacier National Park is massive. One of the best ways to see the park is to drive going to the sun highway right through the center of the park and stop at the many overlooks.
13. Hop in the Water
National Parks sites usually have water although you may not always be allowed in it. The water in Glacier National Park is freezing so I do NOT recommend actually hoping in the water but we did have fun briefly wading in while we explored.
14. Take in the Views
Some of the most amazing views in the country are in our National Parks. Make sure to snap a few selfies too. You can also have fun taking some perspective shots that make fantasy look like reality.
15. Attend a Ranger Lead Program
Some National Park Sites offer Ranger lead Programs. This is a great chance to get in-depth information and also ask questions.
16. Stamp your Passport
Get a Passport Stamp. No, I do not mean your International Passport, although we have seen people do this and you should absolutely NOT do that. You can purchase a National Parks Passport in most gift shops. Then as you travel throughout the country to various National Parks you can stamp your books. Since there are several visitor centers, you can collect multiple stamps at Glacier National Park.
17. Let the Kids be the Navigator
Hand the park map to the kids and let them be the navigators. Whether they are leading a hike on a trail or exploring the edge of a river or lake, allowing your kids to explore while you follow along is a lot of fun for all.
17 Things to do at Glacier National Park with Kids Summary
17 Things to do at Glacier National Park with Kids. Glacier National Park is one of the best National Parks in the country and it’s great for all ages. While there are so very long extreme hikes there is plenty of short hikes, lookouts scenic drive, and more to keep even the youngest of junior ranges having fun.
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