Family Friendly Things to do in Missoula, Montana this Summer
Growing up in Missoula, I always thought summer was the best time of year in Western Montana. The long warm days, cool nights, beautiful scenery, refreshing bodies of water, big skies and plenty of fun activities in downtown Missoula and the surrounding area. I spent much of my childhood riding bikes with friends down to play at the river or out exploring in the mountains. I have fond memories of outdoor live music and walking the People’s Market and Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings. Whether you are visiting Missoula on vacation or have lived here your whole life, I feel there are always new fun and exciting things happening in the Garden City.
Family Friendly Things to do in Missoula, Montana this summer:
Float the river
The Missoula Valley has three rivers that all converge in and near town making Missoula people water people. The three rivers are the Bitterroot River, the Clark Fork River and the Blackfoot River. Floating the river is a great family-friendly activity in Missoula. There are fun and leisurely floats along each of the rivers, spanning from just a few hours to a full day adventure. Floating the river can be enjoyed on raft or drift boat, kayak, stand up paddle board or inner tube. Many of my favorite river floating memories were spent drifting with friends in inner tubes. There are a number of great companies who rent out tubes and shuttle you making your river float even easier. Check out Clark Fork Yacht Club, Montana Adventure Shuttle or Love Boat Paddle Co.
Whitewater Rafting
You can’t spend time in Missoula whether you live there or visiting this summer without going whitewater rafting. The Clark Fork’s Alberton Gorge allows for exciting half and full day options. Wanting something a little more mellow you could opt for a trip down the Blackfoot instead. Check out Montana River Guides for information or to book a guided tour.
Surf Brennan’s Wave
This is a personal goal of mine. After spending a few years surfing all around the island of Oahu, I am excited to try river surfing for the first time. Brennan’s wave was built in 2001 in memory of a beloved Missoula kayaker. This man-made wave on the Clark Fork in downtown Missoula offers kayakers, surfing and paddle boarders a place to play and on-lookers a comfortable spot to watch. Plans are in motion for a second wave to be built near by. Looking to try river surfing? Check out Strong Water Surf Shop or Zootown Surfers for board rentals and even lessons.
Take a Hike
The nature of Missoula being in a valley means we are surrounded my mountains. Easy access to mountains in one of the appeals of Missoula. There is plenty of adventurous hiking near by and kid-friendly hikes close to Missoula. The most iconic hike in Missoula is The “M”. Hike this short switch back hike to the iconic letter “M” on Mount Sentinel for beautiful views of the valley. Keep in mind there is a 620 ft elevation change over 11 switchbacks and there is no shade along the route or at the top. Other hikes near by that are kid friendly include the Waterworks Hill and Rattlesnake Main Trail.
Attend an Outdoor Concert
Who doesn’t love a good outdoor concert? There is plenty of live music to be found in the valley but if you are looking for a bigger concert experience the Kettlehouse Amphitheater is a must do. In 2017, partnering together, owner of The Kettlehouse (Tom O’Leary) and owner of the Top Hat Lounge, The Wilma and Log Jam Presents (Nick Checota) brought us the Kettlehouse Ampthitheater in Bonner, MT just outside of Missoula. Summers are packed with big names, great music and a great time. Kids are welcome but be sure to bring protection for little ears.
Go to Out to Lunch in Caras Park and Downtown ToNight
Live music, Food Trucks, Kid Activities, on my. Downtown Missoula Partnership’s Out to Lunch in Caras Park is a must-do in June, July and August. Out to Lunch is Wednesdays from 11am-2pm. The sibling event, Downtown ToNight, features more live music, food trucks and a good time in the heart of Missoula on Thursday evenings from 5:30-8:30pm all summer long. Check out their site for more information.
Attend an Event in Downtown Missoula
Speaking of Caras Park, there are plenty of events and happenings at this beautiful park on the banks of the Clark Fork River. Festivals, Concerts, Arts and Craft Shows, and more. River City Roots Festival is a highlight of the summer with Music on Main, a 4-mile Run, Family Roots Fest in Caras Park and an Art Show.
Check out the Local Farmers Market and People’s Market
The heartbeat of Missoula is their support of local businesses, farmers, makers, creators and artists. The Missoula Farmers’ Market has been gathering since 1972 at the Higgins Ave on Circle Square. On Saturday mornings 8am-12:30pm, you will find fresh local produce, baked goods (yum), coffee and more at this outdoor market with over 100 vendors. Just down Higgins on E Pine St, you can find the Missoula People’s Market from 9am-1pm. The Missoula People’s Market features local artists, makers, and creators with their handmade goods, jewelry, clothing and more. Then make your way all the way down to the riverbanks of the Clark Fork near Caras Park for the Clark Fork River Market for even more local flavor.
Visit the Carousel
A Carousel for Missoula was built in hopes of bringing a new option for good old fashioned fun. Each horse is like a piece of art representing local businesses and sponsors. Come check out this iconic Missoula spot for a great time for all ages. Hop on your favorite pony and try to snag the golden ring from the mouth of the dragon. While you are there, hang out for a bit exploring and playing at Dragons Hallow, a fun and adventurous playground your kids will love.
Go to Splash Montana
Missoula’s best water park, Splash Montana features 3 awesome three-story waterslides, splash pad for younger kids, lazy river, floating play structures and zero-depth entry. the Crazy Creek Cafe and Fireline Grill have all the pool side foods you could ask for. Opened June through August this local water park makes for the perfect cool down.
Watch a Movie on the Lawn
Got a projector and screen? Pull the pillows and blankets out for a cozy movie on the lawn under the stars. Don’t have your own set up? Check out the Missoula Outdoor Cinema! The North Missoula Community Development Corporation has been hosting community and donation based movie on the wall on the Northside of Missoula for the last 18 years. Grab a picnic blanket or lawn chair, some snacks and enjoy and evening watching family friendly movie outdoors.
Get Ice cream!
Who doesn’t love ice cream in the summer. Not just an afternoon treat, with summer sunsets around 9:30pm all summer long, outdoor ice cream shops are must. Two of my favorites growing up were the outdoor Dairy Queen on S Higgins. Looking for more local flavor? Head over to Big Dipper Ice Cream for some handcrafted huckleberry ice cream.
Go Huckleberry Picking
Speaking of huckleberry ice cream, huckleberries grow all over the northwest and are abundant in the mountains all over Western Montana. They can be found for picking near many hiking trails, campsites and other areas of state and national forest. Keep an eye out for those tiny purple berries, once you find a patch, get comfortable and start picking. Make sure you have a container or bag to collect them. Keep in mind, wildlife eat those berries too so make sure you share.
Learn to Fly Fish
Missoula is home to world famous fly fishing spots. The Clark Fork River, Blackfoot River and Bitterroot all offer incredible opportunity for fly fishing within the Missoula Valley. For information on getting a license for fishing as well as regulations and season information, check out the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Website. To get yourself all equipped for your fishing trip head over to The Missoula Angler Fly Shop or even book a guided tour. Another great spot for purchasing rods and hiring a guide is Grizzly Hackle.
Go Camping
Tent camping, Rv Parking, Glamping; the Missoula area has it all. Get out of town and enjoy what the Montana wilderness has to offer. For camping on National Forest be sure to check out the Lolo National Forest site for information about sites and fire restrictions.
Catch an PaddleHeads Baseball Game
Formerly called the Osprey this Minor League Baseball team is based in Missoula, Montana and play their home games at Ogren Park at Allegiance Field. The Baseball season kicks off in May and runs into September. There is nothing better than catching a baseball game with sunflower seeds, a beer and beautiful Missoula views. Check out the PaddleHead website for a schedule of games and other events.
Get your Family Photos Taken
Missoula in the summer is a great time for family photos. Golden hour is magically long, the temperature is warm, the color of the season is inspiring, we get to remember the joys of summer and our favorite summer activities. Schedule your family session at an outdoor location you love. Your family’s favorite hiking trail, swimming hole, even your back yard make a great spot to capture your best summer memories. I would be honored to help you press pause and take home photos that feel like memories! Shoot me a message for photos that look and feel like you in beautiful Western Montana.