As they say, there is no bad weather, just bad gear. Or something like that. Missoula people generally love to be outdoors, hence why many of the best things to do in the area include hiking, fishing and being on or near the river. However, if you happen to be visiting the area or you live in the Missoula area full time, you might find yourself looking for something to do that is family friendly in Missoula indoors when it is rainy outside or too cold or the weather just isn’t ideal.

Here is a great list of family friendly things to do in Missoula that are indoors (ish):

Missoula Public Library- 455 E. Main Street 

Award winning, super fun, hands on science center.

Story Time - Fridays and Saturdays @ 10:30am ~ great for kids 3 and older (read aloud and craft)

Tiny Tales - Thursdays and Fridays @ 10:30am ~ great for kids 3 and under (nursery rhymes, finger plays, sing along and learn)

Free to public

 

Missoula YMCA  - 3000 South Russell St

Family Fun time- indoor play place with rumbling mats, bounce house and more. Great for kids 6 and younger

Tuesdays 9:30am-11:30am

Fridays 10:00am- 1:00pm

Saturdays 9:30a,-12:30am

membership required

 

Currents Aquatic Center- 600 Cregg Lane

An indoor water park at McCormick Park featuring 2 water slides, lazy river, splash zone and more.

Open daily starting at noon

entry fee

Montana Natural History Center - 120 Hickory St #A

Features interactive exhibits, art gallery and more

Open Tuesday- Saturday 11am-4pm

Admissions fee 4years and up

The Carousel- 101 Carousel Drive (near Caras Park)

A Missoula Icon and entertainment for the whole family. Catch the golden ring and win a free ride!

Open Daily 12pm-5pm

Rides are $1 for children age 11 and under and $2 for riders age 12 and older.

Mismo Gymnastics Family Fun Time- 2430 Benton Ave

Supervised open gym time for kids walking to 12 years old. Explore and play in foam pits, trampolines and obstacle courses.

Parent Participation is required

Dates and times vary

members: $9 , Non Member: $12

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Visitor Center - 5705 Grant Creek Road

Fun and interactive exhibits to learn more about elk, elk country and the role that RMEF plays in conservation.

Open Monday- Friday 8am-5pm

EMPower Place - 1720 Wyoming Street

A Hands-on learning center located at the Missoula Food Bank & Community Center. Come check out the science exhibits from spectrUM, literacy and STEM programming, books from the Missoula Public Library and more.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 10am - 1pm

Tuesday and Thursday: 10am-6pm

Free to public

Hearts Afire - 2426 W Central Avenue

Pottery and stoneware painting and DIY canvas painting for kids and adults. Keep in mind that pottery peices will take a week to glaze and fire before you can pick them up.

Wednesday- Thursday: 12pm-6pm

Friday - Saturday: 12pm- 8pm

Sunday: 12pm-5pm

ZACC- Zootown Arts Community Center - 216 W Main St

Come check out all that ZACC has to offer. From free art supplies to a youth play area and art gallery for local artists.

Monday-Saturday: 10am-6pm

Sunday: 12pm-4pm

Roxy Theatre - 718 South Higgins Ave.

Come see a movie in a non-profit, community owned historic theater on the HipStrip in downtown Missoula. Check out the Roxy Jr. series of films for young people offering free admission for kids 17 and under.

Show times Vary

Westside Lanes & Fun Center -1615 Wyoming St

Come bowling, play at the arcade and enjoy food from the Strike the Grill restaurant. Fun for the whole family.

Thursday- Saturday: 9am-2am

Sunday-Wednesday: 9am- Midnight

Big Sky Arcadia- Southgate Mall

Video game arcade featuring some virtual reality games. Entertainment for the whole family and prizes to be won.

Monday-Saturday: 10am-8pm

Sunday: 11am-6pm

Surely, there are other amazing indoor things to do in Missoula. If you know of one that is not on the list please reach out to me! I would love to add it to the list.

Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t say, when the weather is less than ideal, indoor photos are always a good option. We can photograph inside your home or in the studio. No need to skip out on capturing family memories just because you don’t want to be outdoors. Book your session today!