If your crew is craving adventure, Missoula is packed with spots that guarantee big fun for kids and their grown-ups. Whether you’re looking for playgrounds, hands-on nature experiences, or creative escapes, the city delivers options that make it easy to keep boredom at bay.
Let’s get to it.
The M
Heading up to The M in Missoula is a local rite of passage. This trail packs a serious uphill challenge, gaining about 620 feet in just under a mile. The eleven switchbacks help make the climb doable even if you’re not training for a marathon. Along the route you’ll spot kids, college students, grandparents, and families pausing at every bench to “enjoy the view” (aka catch their breath).
No fees, no sign-up, and parking is free. You can hit the trail any time of day or year, though spring through fall is prime—wildflowers pop up and the weather usually cooperates. Bring water and good hiking shoes since parts of the path can get rocky or muddy after rain.
At the top you’ll find that massive concrete “M” overlooking the University of Montana campus. That’s your classic photo spot. From there, you get a clear shot of the Clark Fork River winding below and a sweeping view of Missoula. Stay alert for native prairie blooms and maybe a deer or two if you’re lucky. One tip: leave the stroller at home unless you’re up for a serious biceps workout carrying it uphill.
Caras Park
Right in the middle of downtown Missoula, Caras Park pulses with energy year-round. This isn’t just a green space… it’s where locals and visitors gather for quiet picnics, live concerts, and full-blown festivals.
On one side you’ll find Dragon Hollow, a storybook-style playground built for toddlers through almost-teens. Next to it sits A Carousel for Missoula, all hand-carved horses and cheerful music. Rides cost a couple of bucks but everyone agrees it’s worth it. Families spread out blankets on the grass while others stroll along the riverbank. Plenty of benches and picnic tables make it easy to settle in without missing any action.
Summer brings Out to Lunch lunch-hour concerts and Downtown ToNight evening events, both featuring live music and local food trucks. The Pavilion offers cover if the weather turns classic-Missoula soggy. You can also try river surfing at Brennan’s Wave or drop by one of the symphony’s instrument petting zoos. Open every day and always free, Caras Park really is downtown Missoula’s beating heart.
A Carousel for Missoula
Nestled under a big pavilion at Caras Park, A Carousel for Missoula feels like a community treasure. The hand-carved horses are beautifully detailed, a real showcase of volunteer craftsmanship. The pavilion keeps things going whether it’s blazing sun or a surprise Missoula rain shower.
Rides are just $1 for little kids and $2 for big kids and adults, plus people with disabilities ride free. If you’d rather relax, there are accessible chariots, safety gates, and staff keeping an eye on every rotation. A small gift counter lets you grab a souvenir without overspending.
Right next door you’ll find Dragon Hollow Playground, free to explore. During festivals—from superheroes and fairy tales to Haunted Hollow weekends—extra crafts and themed activities pop up around the carousel. It runs almost every day, only closing on Christmas Day and taking a short maintenance break in January. Private party packages are available too. Whether you’re a carousel enthusiast or just looking for affordable fun, this spot hits the sweet spot between nostalgia and accessibility.
Dragon Hollow Playground
Dragon Hollow Playground feels like the ultimate play spot for kids of all abilities. Tucked next to A Carousel for Missoula, it’s packed with dragon-themed carved nooks, a hidden time capsule egg designed by local children, and play structures that include slides, tunnels, climbing nets, and sensory panels.
Everything is built with accessibility in mind—smooth paths, wheelchair-friendly surfacing, special swings, and a double-wide merry-go-round for wheelchairs. You’ll also find a quiet retreat called the cozy cocoon if kids need a moment away from the bustle.
Benches and picnic tables are spread throughout so grown-ups can keep an eye on the action. Shade sails and a misting system make hot summer afternoons more tolerable. Seasonal events—fairy tale days, superhero costume parades, and holiday-themed crafts—add extra excitement. It feels more like a mini adventure park than a standard set of swings and slides. Best of all, it’s free to visit. Families often wander over to the carousel afterward for one more spin.
Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium
The Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium is a hands-on spot that surprises every age group. Step into the tropical butterfly greenhouse… it’s like summer inside no matter what the Montana weather is doing. Butterflies float around you as you walk among live plants.
Outside the greenhouse, you can check out arthropod exhibits featuring tarantulas, cockroaches, and other critters. You won’t handle every bug, but the viewing paths and glass enclosures bring you right up close. The whole facility is indoors, air conditioned, and wheelchair-accessible. Lockers are available so you don’t juggle backpacks or coats.
Daily demos include predator feedings at 3:30 pm and butterfly releases at 11 am (12:30 pm on Sundays). Educators lead those sessions with fun facts and close-up moments. Admission prices are reasonable, with discounts for kids, seniors, and SNAP/EBT cardholders. Butterflies live here year-round, so it’s a great escape in winter or summer. Group visits are welcome, and a small gift shop offers bug-themed souvenirs. It’s a neat way to spend an hour or two without breaking the bank.
Big Sky Arcadia
Tucked away in Southgate Mall, Big Sky Arcadia is a gaming spot where anyone over five can dive into hours of fun. They cover all the bases, from old-school arcade hits like Pac-Man to VR setups that turn you into a zombie hunter.
Everything runs on reloadable swipe cards, so you won’t be juggling quarters or spilling tokens. The staff is always around to help—whether your card is acting up at the kiosk or you’re aiming for a big prize at the redemption counter. And if you swing by Monday through Friday between five and six, you can score half-priced games.
Parents get a break too. While the kids play, you can kick back in a massage chair to recover from that Dance Dance Revolution session. Big Sky Arcadia also welcomes summer camps and group outings with fee waivers for a community-friendly touch.
With locations in Missoula, Bozeman, and Belgrade, it’s an easy drop-in during mall hours. No fuss, just casual gaming and friendly competition all year round. Perfect for afternoon hangs without any pre-planning.
Montana Natural History Center
When you step into the Montana Natural History Center, the focus is on hands-on learning rather than staring at glass cases. It’s the go-to spot in Missoula for anyone curious about wildlife, geology, or the natural world.
Inside, the Kids’ Discovery Room is packed with touchable specimens and interactive stations. The Naturalist Lab lets you explore with real tools without worrying about breaking anything. Outside, the Nature Adventure Garden is fully enclosed, so kids roam safely while tackling scavenger hunts and nature challenges.
They run programs all week long: Thursday morning miniNaturalist sessions for preschoolers, Saturday drop-in activities, and week-long camps that dive deep into subjects like bear exploration or animal winter survival. Each camp stays small—capped at around thirteen kids—so it never feels overcrowded.
If you need wheelchair access, snow gear, or other accommodations, they’ll sort it out smoothly. Admission is free for members, and ticket prices for drop-ins stay reasonable. With teaching naturalists leading every activity and enough adults to keep an eye on things, it strikes a great balance between supervision and letting kids explore.
Splash Montana
Splash Montana packs a big punch for a city water park. Where else can you zip down three-story slides one minute and then float along a lazy river the next? Beyond those star attractions, there’s an inflatable obstacle course that’s just as fun as it sounds, plus inner-tube water polo sessions to mix things up.
Families with little ones appreciate the zero-depth entry area, so toddlers and anyone needing extra access can join in without worrying about steps. The Grizzly slide in the kids’ zone delivers a gentle thrill that’s more cute than wild. Teens and adults get their own spaces too, with lap swim lanes and two daily fitness classes you can drop into.
Staff supervision stays high during the June through August season, with plenty of lifeguards enforcing rules to keep the fun safe. If you’re planning ahead, cabanas and party shelters are available to rent at reasonable rates, and CityCard holders snag discounts. Just watch the weather, since Splash Montana only opens for summer, but once it’s running, it’s a full-on water adventure for all ages.
Missoula Children’s Theatre
Missoula Children’s Theatre nails the art of keeping kids busy away from screens. This nonprofit youth theater has routines for everything—from the one-day “Play in a Day” workshops where kindergarteners learn to act, to two-week intensives for older students who want a deeper dive into performance.
Classes take place in their own theater, with both indoor stages and outdoor rehearsal breaks when the Montana weather is nice. For high school campers, there’s a sleep-away option at lakeside spots like Camp Paxson.
Tuition for a single-day workshop stays under eighty dollars, while the fully immersive camps top out around a thousand. Safety is built in: soft-soled shoes, strict sign-in practices, and staff trained in first aid. Casting welcomes all skill levels, and accommodations ensure kids with special needs can participate fully.
Every session wraps up with a free public performance, so families can cheer without buying tickets. Whether you’re after a quick acting taste or a full summer program, Missoula Children’s Theatre balances structure and creativity, making theater accessible to every young performer.
Currents Aquatics Center
Currents Aquatics Center is an indoor water hub at McCormick Park that goes far beyond basic lap pools. You’ll find four pools, winding waterfalls, a playful water playground for kids, and a couple of slides that add a splash of excitement.
Year-round programming keeps things moving with Red Cross-certified swim lessons for babies as young as six months all the way up to senior-friendly Aquacize classes. Each session is supervised by lifeguards and lesson coordinators, and life jackets are available if you need extra confidence in the water.
Pricing is fair, especially if you use a CityCard, and there are scholarships to help families in need. The locker rooms offer privacy options, and the facility’s layout means swimmers of all levels can find a comfortable spot. From tot play to serious lap training, it’s hard to leave bored.
Open every day except for scheduled maintenance, Currents is perfect when Montana weather decides to turn cold or rainy. Dive in anytime for a splash, a workout, or a family swim without worrying about the elements.
Westside Lanes & Fun Center
If you need a break from the weather, Westside Lanes & Fun Center is the spot Missoula turns to when no one can decide on an activity. Walk in and you’re greeted by 36 lanes lined up with colorful bowling balls and neon lights. Most of the time there’s room to play unless league day is in full swing or the Saturday youth bowling league has taken over.
Kids from ages 3 to 18 join USBC-sanctioned teams with certified coaches guiding everyone from tiny first-timers to teens proud of their personal shoes. Even if you’re not into league play, you can bowl year-round for about five dollars a game plus shoe rental.
After you’re done rolling strikes (or gutter balls), head to Missoula’s biggest arcade. When hunger strikes, you’re covered with full dining options and a bar—no sad vending machine snacks here. They also host parties, tournaments, and offer scholarship prizes for high school seniors, so there’s always a reason to drop by and join the fun.
Get Air Trampoline Park
When the sky is gray, Get Air Trampoline Park is where families go to burn off energy. The front wall greets you with rows of interconnected trampolines, foam pits, and a dodgeball court that’s more fun when someone face-plants into a pit. A ninja obstacle course stands just off to the side for anyone feeling extra adventurous.
There’s a Little Air zone for preschoolers and an Open Court where everyone else can bounce—with no upper age limit, your whole squad can join. Parents of jumpers under 46 inches must supervise, and you hop in for free during toddler and special-needs sessions. Don’t forget grip socks—they’re required and just four dollars if you forget yours.
Friday and Saturday nights light up with Club Air in glow mode, turning a basic jump session into a mini rave. Admission ranges from around twelve dollars for the little ones to twenty-six for bigger jumpers. Keep an eye out for family night, student deals, and military rates. They also host birthday parties and offer a monthly softer-lights, lower-sound hour for guests with sensory needs.
