Planning a trip to Glacier National Park with kids is equal parts exciting and overwhelming. The park is massive, the weather can change quickly, and logistics like campground reservations and timed-entry permits matter—especially when you’re traveling with kids ages 4–10 and grandparents in tow.
This 5-night family itinerary is based out of Fish Creek Campground, one of the most family-friendly places to stay in Glacier. We split our time between iconic park highlights, easy adventures with the kids, long afternoons by Lake McDonald, and slow, unplugged moments around the campsite.
Glacier is spectacular—but it’s also a place where you don’t need to rush. This itinerary balances “must-see” sights with flexibility and downtime, making it ideal for families who want to experience the park without exhausting little legs.
Where We Stayed: Fish Creek Campground (Loop A)
If you’re camping in Glacier National Park with kids, Fish Creek Campground is hard to beat. Loop A sits close to Lake McDonald and offers flat, bikeable roads, quiet evenings, and easy access to the water for fishing or skipping rocks.
Our kids rode their bikes constantly. The grandparents loved the shaded walking paths and peaceful spots to sit in the afternoons. The proximity to ranger programs, the amphitheater, the lake trail, and Apgar Village made this an ideal home base for a multigenerational trip.
Important planning note:
Fish Creek Campground opens bookings six months to the day in advance, and sites—especially those large enough for RVs or groups—fill quickly. Set a calendar reminder for the exact date you’re eligible to book if you have fixed travel dates.
Looking for more detail? Read our Fish Creek Campground review.
Our Day-by-Day Glacier National Park Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival + Settle In
We kicked off the trip with a stop at The Raven in Woods Bay, a relaxed lakeside restaurant that’s perfect for easing into vacation mode before heading into the park.
Once we arrived at Fish Creek, the kids immediately hopped on their bikes while we got camp set up. We took a gentle walk down to Lake McDonald, explored the campground loops, and let the grandparents unwind.
📌 Pro tip:
If you’re driving along Flathead Lake during cherry season (typically mid-July through mid-August), stop at one of the roadside stands. The cherries are incredible.
The rest of the day stayed intentionally simple: early dinner, a long walk, and our first campfire of the trip.
Day 2: Rafting, Columbia Falls + Evening Fishing
We spent the morning on a rafting or float trip with Wild River Adventures. If you’re traveling with younger kids or grandparents, the gentle float is a great option—it’s calm, scenic, and still feels like an adventure.
After rafting, we headed into Columbia Falls for lunch at Backslope Brewing (solid food and a kids’ menu), followed by ice cream at Sweet Retreat—a guaranteed win.
Back at camp, we wandered down to Lake McDonald with fishing poles. The evening light on the lake is pure magic, even if the fish aren’t biting.
Day 3: Going-to-the-Sun Road + Logan Pass
This was our biggest sightseeing day.
Before leaving camp, we downloaded a Going-to-the-Sun Road audio guide, which is highly recommended since cell service disappears quickly. It added history, geology, and kid-friendly storytelling to the drive.
We stopped at nearly every pullout and viewpoint. With kids, these spontaneous stops often become the most memorable moments.
At Logan Pass Visitor Center, we walked the boardwalk toward Hidden Lake. The first section has a lot of stairs, but it levels out, and the wildlife made it worth the effort. We saw marmots everywhere and multiple mountain goats close to the trail.
Even in August, the wind up here is cold. Sweatshirts and jackets are essential. (And yes, the visitor center sells great gear if you underestimate the chill.)
We continued down to St. Mary, grabbed coffee just outside the park, explored the visitor center exhibits, and enjoyed the scenic loop back to camp. Dinner was either campfire food or a stop at Lake McDonald Lodge, depending on everyone’s energy.
⚠️ Important: Going-to-the-Sun Road Reservations
From June 13–September 28, 2025, vehicles entering from West Glacier or North Fork between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. require a $1 timed-entry vehicle reservation.
Key details:
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Reservations open 120 days in advance on Recreation.gov
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Next-day reservations open at 7 p.m.
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Entry before 7 a.m. or after 3 p.m. does not require a timed-entry reservation
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A standard park entry pass is still required
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Early entry also means fewer crowds and incredible sunrise views at Logan Pass
Day 4: Two Medicine Boat Ride + Lakeside Hiking
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Two Medicine ended up being one of our favorite days in the park.
We booked the Glacier Park Boat Company ferry across Two Medicine Lake (book early—these sell out). From the far dock, there’s a beautiful out-and-back family hike with gentle elevation and postcard views. The trail worked well for all ages, though our 4-year-old needed a hand in a few rocky spots.
Some family members skipped the hike and relaxed near the waterfront, grabbing lunch at the small café by the historic Amtrak stop.
One adult in our group chose to hike back to the main dock instead of taking the return boat—an easy way to add miles without turning the day into a full hike for everyone.
Before leaving, we grabbed snacks and souvenirs from the Two Medicine store and spotted a mountain goat casually wandering through the parking lot.
Dinner that night was in Columbia Falls at Gunsight Saloon, where the kids ran around outside and the adults enjoyed live music.
Day 5: Apgar Village Bikes + Beach Day
We spent our final full day biking from Fish Creek to Apgar Village. Most of the route follows signed bike paths with just a short on-road section.
We carried a whistle and bear spray—both standard safety items in Glacier.
Apgar is the perfect mix of relaxing and lively: ice cream shops, gift stores, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and plenty of lakeshore space for kids to explore.
We lounged on the beach, paddleboarded, wandered the shops, and stayed longer than planned because no one wanted to leave.
The ride back to camp was mellow, followed by one last fishing session, a slow evening walk, and a final campfire dinner.
Departure Day
Pack-up morning. One last walk to Lake McDonald. A few final skipped rocks. Then the long, satisfied, tired drive home.
🔥 A Note About Wildfires and Smoke in Glacier
Wildfires are a real consideration when planning a summer trip to Montana. Smoke levels can vary widely year to year—and even week to week—and can absolutely impact visibility, air quality, and overall experience.
We were fortunate with our early August visit, but other years have seen heavy smoke during peak summer travel. It’s worth building flexibility into your plans and monitoring conditions as your trip approaches.
Helpful planning tips:
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Check air quality reports and park alerts leading up to your trip
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Have backup lower-elevation or lake-focused days in mind
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Consider travel insurance if you’re booking flights or non-refundable activities
Glacier is still worth visiting—but going in informed helps set expectations.
Additional Options We Didn’t Fit In
If you have extra days or more energetic kids, consider adding:
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Horseback riding
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Many Glacier (more driving, but stunning)
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Ropes courses or adventure parks near West Glacier
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Family-friendly hikes like Avalanche Lake, Redrock Falls, or Trail of the Cedars (parking can be limited)
Tips for a Smooth Glacier Trip With Kids
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Download maps, audio guides, and Recreation.gov reservations before arriving
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Expect very limited cell service outside Columbia Falls
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Pack layers—weather changes quickly, especially at higher elevations
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Bring bear spray and know how to use it
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Balance big sightseeing days with slow campground days
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Afternoons are ideal for biking, ranger programs, lake time, and flexible meal plans
