Glacier National Park Family Vacation: Itinerary and Tips for a Wild and Wonderful Week

A Glacier National Park family vacation delivers everything from alpine hikes and turquoise lakes to roadside wildlife and cozy lodges. We’ve built a detailed itinerary to help your family, kids, and pets explore this stunning slice of Montana like seasoned adventurers. You’ll hit kid-friendly trails, catch epic views, learn how to navigate shuttle stops, and discover the best BabyQuip gear for hiking, strolling, and staying comfortable.

Whether you’re waking up at Lake McDonald Lodge or stretching out at the Village Inn at Apgar, each stop promises new memories and scenery worth framing. We’ve also included tips to simplify your travel with rugged strollers, child carriers, and pet-ready gear from BabyQuip.

Visit Glacier National Park prepared, and turn every trail into your next favorite family adventure.

Day 1: West Glacier Arrival and Apgar Village

www.nps.gov/places/apgar-village.htm

Ease into your adventure on the west side of the park. Most flights land in Kalispell, around 40 minutes from the west entrance. Apgar Village is a favorite for families thanks to easy lake access, gentle trails, and a prime basecamp feel.

Something you can do once you arrive is walk the paved Trail of the Cedars. This loop through the ancient forest follows Avalanche Creek. Wide and shaded, it’s ideal for jogging strollers and younger hikers.

Head to Apgar Nature Center for Junior Ranger kits and wildlife exhibits. Stop at the Apgar Visitor Center gift shop for trail maps, souvenirs, and bear spray. Try dinner at West Glacier Restaurant or North Fork Pizza in Columbia Falls, just outside the park.

Need a trail-tested stroller or hiking carrier? BabyQuip offers gear that fits the terrain without weighing you down.

Day 2: Avalanche Lake Hike and Going-to-the-Sun Road Drive

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Start your morning at the Avalanche Lake Trail before crowds and shuttles pick up speed. This 4.5-mile out-and-back is one of the best hikes for families, offering a big payoff with manageable effort, alpine peaks, glacial runoff, and misty cascades.

After your hike, drive (or ride the GTSR shuttle) east on Going-to-the-Sun Road, the iconic route that cuts across the spine of Glacier Park. Stop at Logan Pass Visitor Center to stretch, snack, and watch for bighorn sheep in the meadows.

Catch sweeping views at:

• Hidden Lake Overlook Trail (1.5 miles one way): This boardwalk trail winds past alpine blooms and often, herds of mountain goats. With kids ages 6+, it’s unforgettable.
• Jackson Glacier Overlook: The perfect place for your first clear glacier view.

Stay the night at Lake McDonald Lodge, where you’ll get lakeside bonfires and rustic charm or return to the west side of the park for low-key stargazing.

Day 3: Red Bus Tour or Raft the Flathead

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When you need a break from hiking boots, try a guided park adventure. The historic Red Bus Tour features open-top views and storytelling by Glacier Guides. These vintage rides offer a comfortable deep dive into the geology, wildlife, and history that define the mountains of Montana.

Or trade wheels for water and book a rafting trip on the Middle Fork Flathead River. Several outfitters outside the park offer half-day runs with splashy fun and jaw-dropping scenery, safe for beginners and children. Pack a picnic and stop at the North Fork for some quiet nature time. It’s the kind of superb family moment you’ll remember long after you’ve unpacked.

Wrap up the day with huckleberry ice cream and pizza back at Apgar Village Inn, where lakeside sunsets rarely disappoint.

Day 4: Many Glacier: Grizzly Country and Hidden Gems

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Head to Many Glacier, one of the park’s most breathtaking and less-traveled regions. The Grinnell Glacier hike ranks among Glacier Park’s top trails. Families love the views, wildlife sightings, and alpine terrain; many call it their favorite hike of the trip.

Try Red Rock Falls Trail. This 3.6-mile round trip from the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn leads to waterfalls and wildflowers, with frequent moose sightings along the way. Board the Swiftcurrent Lake Boat Tour for a scenic shortcut with panoramic lake views and no uphill climb.

Always carry bear spray, speak loudly on the trail, and follow National Park Service backcountry rules. Grizzly bear activity is common here, especially near creeks and berry patches.

Book a room at Many Glacier Hotel for overnight stays or find a cozy cabin just outside the park in Babb or St. Mary. Stick around for two nights if you plan to hike Iceberg Lake or catch the early sun cresting Swiftcurrent Pass.

Day 5: Cross the Border to Waterton Lakes National Park

A Glacier National Park family vacation pairs perfectly with a cross-border side trip. Just north of the border, Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada shares the same ecosystem and sense of wonder. Don’t forget your passports.

Explore:

• The Prince of Wales Hotel: One of the most iconic viewpoints in either park.
• Bear’s Hump Trail: A short but steep climb with a big reward—town and lake views from above.
• Kayaking the lakefront: Rentals are available right at the marina.

Waterton is pet-friendly, too. BabyQuip’s collapsible bowls, portable tents, and hiking harnesses make it easy to include your furry explorer in the fun. Spend the night in Waterton or return south to your Glacier home base.

Day 6: Two Medicine and the East Side of the Park

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Drive southeast to Two Medicine, where solitude, scenery, and less-traveled trails set a slower pace. Families often call this their favorite hidden gem.

Start with Running Eagle Falls. Also known as “Trick Falls,” this flat, stroller-accessible path ends at a roaring waterfall bursting from a cliff wall. Two Medicine Lake boat tours are also a great option. Ride across the lake to reach Upper Two Medicine Lake Trail, where peace and wildlife replace the bustle of busier areas.

This makes a perfect detour before returning to Kalispell or a calm finale if you’re circling the park. Don’t skip the café or gift shop; this spot has charm and final souvenirs in equal measure.

It’s Time to Visit Glacier National Park with Your Family and Pets

The best time to visit Glacier National Park is from late June through mid-September. During this window, Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open, trails are dry, and ranger programs are active. Shuttles fill quickly, so arrive early at Apgar or Logan Pass and allow time for a shuttle back.

BabyQuip offers hiking carriers, all-weather gear, and rugged strollers that handle gravel paths and alpine moisture for your family trip. If you go to Glacier with a pet, we also supply national pet bowls, carriers, and harnesses to keep animals safe and comfortable.

Grab your groceries and trail snacks in Kalispell or Columbia Falls before entering. Inside the park, picnic-friendly pullouts along GTTSR are some of the most scenic lunch spots. With the right gear and plan, your park vacation becomes the family adventure you’ll talk about all year.

Finally

From the glacier-fed lakes on the Grinnell Glacier hike to the quiet shade of Trail of the Cedars, a Glacier National Park family vacation leaves you feeling inspired and connected. Visit Glacier National Park with gear that works as hard as you do; BabyQuip has every detail covered. Whether you’re launching your first family trip or planning another loop around the park, the journey keeps getting better every time you shuttle back.