Looking for fun activities for the whole family? Glacier has a variety of opportunities for visitors of all ages. From easy walks and trails to interpretive exhibits and historic lodges, there is something for everyone! Plus, all ages are welcome to join the many ranger-led programs offered throughout the park. A full schedule of ranger-led activites can be found on the park's calendar. Always remember to be prepared. Make sure to bring suitable clothing, plenty of water, and use extreme caution around streams, waterfalls, and slippery rocks and logs. Family Activities on the West Side of GlacierWalks and Hikes The Apgar Bike Path is a 1.5-mile-long paved path that begins in West Glacier and ends in Apgar Village. Bikers and walkers can enjoy this path through a lodgepole forest. A short trail off the bike path takes you to the Oxbow Overlook, a great place to look for birds and other wildlife.
The Oxbow Trail is a 1.1-mile hike that traverses through woods and wetlands along Lower McDonald Creek. This is a great trail to see birds, beavers, and other wildlife. Don't forget to bring your binoculars!
This roughly 1-mile hike (one-way) takes you along the shores of Lake McDonald through a diverse landscape. As the trail nears its end, it climbs a gentle slope to Rocky Point, which provides a scenic view of Lake McDonald.
This 2-mile loop hike through a quiet, dark forest is typical of the park's west side. Hikers wil pass by a small lake as they walk through a cedar-hemlock forest.
Enjoy this easy, 0.9-mile loop along a wooden boardwalk as it winds through an ancient cedar-hemlock forest. This lush area is unique to Glacier with its almost Pacific Northwest feel.
Other Family Activities Rangers are on duty to assist with trip planning and questions. The visitor center also offers informational exhibits and is the hub for the Going-to-the-Sun Road shuttle system.
Furs, fossils, and more! Located in Apgar Village, the Apgar Nature Center provides fun activities designed specifically for families, including hand-on exhibits, youth-based activities, and ranger-led programs.
This historic lodge was built to resemble a rustic hunting chalet with Swiss luxury influence. It is a hub of activity in the summer. Lake McDonald boat tours start from the lodge and several popular hiking trails begin at the Sperry Trailhead.
Family Activities on the East Side of GlacierWalks and Hikes The Sun Point Nature Trail is a 0.9-mile easy hike that follows along the north shore of St. Mary Lake. The trail traverses through trees but also offers expansive views of St. Mary Lake. Hikers can continue on to enjoy Barring Falls, located just past the turn off to Sunrift Gorge.
St. Mary Falls is a 1.1-mile hike from the St. Mary Falls Trailhead. From Sun Point Picnic Area, it is 2.4 miles. Beyond enjoying beautiful waterfalls, this hike offers colorful wildflowers and cascading streams.
This 3.3-mile loop hike takes you through wildflower-filled meadows, sweeping mountain vistas, and a dark, mysterious forest. Beavers, moose, and a variety of birds frequent this easy loop trail.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Swifcurrent Lake on this 2.6-mile loop trail. The trail is accessible from either the Grinnell Glacier Trailhead or Many Glacier Hotel. A portion of the trails is a gently graded, hardened surface (0.9 mi. from Many Glacier Hotel is wheelchair accessible).
Red Rock Falls is a 1.9-mile hike (one-way) that passes by two lakes before getting to the waterfalls. Be on the lookout for signs (and possible sights) of wildlife!
Other Family Activities Rangers are on duty to assist with trip planning, questions, and wilderness permits. The visitor center offers exhibits that highlight the rich Native American history associated with this landscape.
Located outside the St. Mary Visitor Center, the Dusty Star Observatory features a 20-inch telescope and astronomy camera to share views of the night sky with visitors watching on exterior television monitors.
Located on the shores of Swifcurrent Lake, the Many Glacier Hotel is a National Historic Landmark built by the Great Northern Railway. The hotel opened in 1915 and features a Swiss chalet style.
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Last updated: April 7, 2025