Spending time with grandkids on vacation is an extraordinary time to make memories. And while sometimes the age gap can make finding activities everyone can agree on challenging, Bozeman has no shortage of things to do with the grandkids. From outdoor activities like biking or sledding to cultural experiences and fun dining, you'll need time to get through the list.
Museum of the Rockies
Known for its collection of dinosaur fossils, kids across the country love the exhibits at Museum of the Rockies. In addition to dinosaurs, the interactive section about Yellowstone Country teaches kids about the area's history. The Tinsley House is a living history museum illustrating life during frontier times, and the Taylor Planetarium is a highlight with immersive shows that change with the seasons. Be sure to stop at the gift shop full of educational games and toys.
Montana Science Center
Teach the little ones to combine science and play through interactive activities, guest speakers, and projects in their high-tech maker space, STEAMlabs, and day camps. Enjoy long-term experiments such as bacteria cultures, live plants, mushroom habitats, and worm composting, which engage families over a series of visits!
Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
Located at the West entrance to Yellowstone, the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is a great way to learn about Park animals through sanctuary residents who can no longer live alone in the wild. Be sure to check out the Keeper Kids Program, a 30-minute program for kids ages 5-12 that teaches them about grizzly bear eating habits. Kids help rangers hide the food, then watch the grizzlies search it out with their sense of smell.
Sledding Hills
During the winter months, sledding is a popular pastime in Bozeman. Grab some sleds (available at Ace Hardware or other major retailers) and hit Peet's Hill, Snowfill Recreation Area, or Dinosaur Park.
Gallagator Trail
Bozeman is full of trails, including the Gallagator. Enjoy a short walk or bike ride to a climbing rock, explore the pollinator garden, and enjoy the community gardens in the summer.
Movies
Kids love a good movie, and Bozeman has some fun options. You'll find the latest releases at Regal Gallatin Valley Cinemas at the Gallatin Valley Mall. But keep your eyes out; the Ellen Theatre often shows family classics, and during the summer, outdoor venues such as Story Under the Stars at the Story Mansion, Movie Night at Bobcat Stadium at Montana State University, the Starlite Drive-In, and The Pasture, Drive-In Theatre in Manhattan, MT.
Arcades
Arcades are making a come-back, at least in Bozeman, where they keep improving! Big Sky Arcadia, located in the mall, is the largest, but there's also a nice arcade at Audrey's Pizza and a newly expanded game room at Columbos near Montana State.
Ice Skating
The City of Bozeman maintains three outdoor ice rinks located at Southside Park, Bogert Park, and Beall Park. Or, for indoor skating, check out public skate times at Gallatin Ice, located at Haynes Pavillion at the Gallatin Valley Fairgrounds! You can rent ice skates at Haynes Pavilion, Chalet Sports, or Play it Again Sports.
Pizza
Speaking of pizza, Columbos and Audrey's are our favorites for kids because of the game rooms, but there are several exceptional pizza restaurants in town; Pizza Compania, Red Tractor Pizza, Sidewall Pizza, MacKenzie River Pizza, and Old Chicago are other family favorites.
Ice Cream
Who doesn't love a day filled with ice cream? Bozeman has a surprising number of homemade ice cream shops, such as Genuine Ice Cream, which crafts small batches using local ingredients whenever possible. Choose from traditional favorites or seasonal rotators like lemon sandwich cookies or Nutella Crunch. Sweet Peaks is another Montana-made ice cream shop with two locations on either end of Main Street. In addition to the rich, creamy flavors, they do handmade sorbets and other dairy-free treats such as Holly Berry Oat Milk, made with oat milk and a fruit swirl. Michoacan A Pedir De Boca USA not only carries delicious ice cream flavors, but their homemade popsicles and creamsicles have real chunks of fruit, and their agua frescas are as refreshing as they come!
If you enjoyed this blog, take a look at some of our other related articles:
- Bridger Bowl; Family-Friendly and Kid Approved
- Things to Do in Bozeman With Kids
- Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Bozeman
In our never-ending quest to keep up with all things new in Bozeman, we have been producing content for years and can't possibly update every blog when new businesses open or existing businesses close. Please reference the publish date and do your own due diligence when making plans.