Find Family Fun
2-Day Itinerary
Welcome to your Central Montana playground! With adventure around every corner and treasures hidden in between, Central Montana and its wide-open spaces were made for family memories. Let’s get yours started!
Great Falls, MT | Winding alongside the mighty Missouri River, Great Falls is the perfect basecamp for your family adventure. With the city as your hub, learn about the epic journey west, venture into the nearby mountains, and watch your children come alive as they explore both art and adventure in a whole new way!
Mermaid Brunch | It wouldn’t be a family adventure without seeing the mermaids. If you’re visiting on the 1st or 3rd Sunday of the month, start your morning with brunch and an unforgettable experience at the legendary Sip ‘N Dip Lounge.
Can’t make it for brunch? Head next door for breakfast at Clark & Lewie’s or get nostalgic at Tracy’s Family Restaurant, a retro diner and local favorite.
Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center | In Great Falls, every landscape tells a story. Learn about the surrounding area and Lewis & Clark’s epic journey at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center – a selfguided exhibit with hands-on activities for the whole family.
Pro Tip: Head outside to the interpretive trail and make your way down to Giant Springs State Park – home to the world’s largest natural spring, shortest river, and a pretty cool playground. This is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic.
Choose your afternoon adventure:
It’s been a full morning, but the adventure is in your hands! Take to the mountains with a nearby hike, cool off with a water activity, or keep exploring as you discover Great Falls’ namesake.
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Hike the Sluice Boxes | Once a mining area, Sluice Boxes State Park off ers two family-friendly trails with breathtaking views and wildlife. If visiting in warm weather, bring your swimsuit and take a dip in Belt Creek!
Splash at the Water Park | Cool down and splash away at the Electric City Water Park. Float the Lazy River, ride the Power Tower slides, or swim and play in Mitchell pool. Fun for all ages!
See the Falls | Great Falls didn’t get its name all on its own! Embark on a leisurely adventure as you travel around town looking for “the falls” that make it so great. Can you find all five?
Pack up for your stay at White Sulphur Springs.
White Sulphur Springs, MT | After a day in the Electric City, we’re heading south to the heart of the Smith River Valley for the kind of fun that can only be found in a small, storied mountain town.
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Spa Hot Springs | Few things say Montana like natural hot springs. Experience a fi rst together as a family as you soak away the day and breathe in the mountain air at Spa Hot Springs & Motel. Your kids will love this outdoor “hot tub”!
Dinner at Bar 47 | Delicious burgers, handmade milkshakes, shareable plates, and a family-friendly atmosphere – find it all (and fill their bellies) at Bar 47.
Get Cozy at The Edith | The Edith Hotel offers affordable rooms for every family size, including suites! Visiting in winter? Be sure to check out the nearby ski hill, Showdown Montana, and ask for discounted rates.
The beauty of the mountains is the pace. Let them slumber while you grab coffee downstairs at The Edith coffee bar before packing up and heading out for another day of family fun.
Local breakfast spots: Bob n’ Kelli’s Cafe or Wild Oats Baking Castle
Castle Museum | Surprised to see a castle on the itinerary? We’re not! Central Montana is full of unique history, including an 1892 mansion that is now home to Meagher County Museum. So, go ahead – channel your favorite Disney movie (yes, that one) and spend the morning exploring this Victorian landmark.
Choose your outdoor excursion:
First, we learn and then we take to the outdoors! Where will your afternoon lead?
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Newlan Creek Reservoir | Just a short drive away, Newlan Creek Reservoir is the ideal waterfront for families with littles. Teach them to fish, walk along the shoreline, float on the water, or simply enjoy nature on the surrounding trails.
Memorial Falls Trail | Winding along a creek and surrounded by lush vegetation, this well-maintained trail is a simple, one-mile round trip – leading you to two scenic waterfalls! Great for all hiking abilities.
Pro Tip: As you make your way back to Great Falls, grab a quick and affordable bite at Bob’s Bar & Dining in Neihart.
Belt Museum | Is there anything cooler than a historic jail? Built in the booming years of the coal mines, the Belt Museum is housed in an old jail building – featuring a jail cell, coal mine exhibit, and various records & photos. Even your teens will love this stop!
Visiting in June? Cowboy up and check out the dates for this year’s Belt PRCA Rodeo!
Great Falls, MT | Is there anything cooler than a historic jail? Built in the booming years of the coal mines, the Belt Museum is housed in an old jail building – featuring a jail cell, coal mine exhibit, and various records & photos. Even your teens will love this stop!
Voyagers Baseball Game | Take them out to the ball game – where they’ll have the summer evening of their life! Indulge in ballpark food, catch a foul ball, and cheer for the home team at a Great Falls Voyagers independent baseball game.
Hi-Line Climbing Center | When you can’t hike outside, climb inside. Located in downtown Great Falls, the Hi-Line Climbing Center offers indoor rock climbing for all ages.
Stargazing at Rainbow Dam | You can’t leave Central Montana without a little stargazing. Peer into the milky way, uncover constellations, watch a shooting star, or catch a glimpse of the magnificent Northern Lights!
Trip Add-Ons
Add a day, swap an adventure, or continue your way through Central Montana – the adventure is in the journey.
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