Summertime Exploring in Whitefish, Montana with Toddlers

Whitefish, Montana, is the quintessential mountain town—cute, vibrant, and incredibly livable. You can bike everywhere in town, yet you’re just a 20-minute drive from Target, Costco, and a decent airport in Kalispell. We fell in love with Whitefish for its endless adventures and moved here after our full-time RV living to embrace the lifestyle. Below is a curated guide to exploring Whitefish with toddlers, packed with family-friendly activities that highlight the town’s charm and outdoor spirit.

Whitefish Mountain Resort

Whitefish Mountain Resort is a must-visit for families. In winter, it’s a skiing paradise, but year-round, it offers toddler-friendly activities like the Strider Bike Park for little riders and the alpine slide (a hit with toddlers, though it closes during rain). Take the chairlift to summit restaurants for stunning views or hike the Danny On Trail for a manageable family adventure. Older kids can tackle the high ropes course, making this a versatile spot for all ages.

Whitefish Lake

Whitefish Lake is perfect for toddler-friendly water play. City Beach (inspection/stickers required for paddleboards) offers a sandy shore but gets busy in summer. Les Mason State Park, a local favorite, has rockier shores, while Whitefish Lake State Park is quieter. Rent boats or jet skis for a fun day on the water, or relax at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake Boat Club, which boasts a poolside/lakeside bar with breathtaking lake and mountain views.

Baker Park

Baker Park is a toddler haven with an excellent playground featuring shade and bathrooms (note: it’s not fenced). When the kids tire of slides, head to the public docks along the Whitefish River to dip their feet, fish, or launch paddleboards. It’s a relaxing spot to unwind while the kids play, with easy access for family biking adventures.

Glacier Range Riders Baseball Game

Glacier Range Riders games in Kalispell are a blast for families. General admission gets you into the main area with a full playground where toddlers can burn energy while you relax at a picnic table near the beer garden. Enjoy draft or canned beer and a variety of concession foods. The lively atmosphere keeps everyone entertained, even if the kids aren’t glued to the game.

Rebecca Farm - "The Event"

If you’re in town for “The Event” at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, don’t miss it. This equestrian showcase features dressage, cross-country (a toddler favorite), and show jumping on a sprawling farm. The free kids’ area, hosted by Stumptown Art Studio (donations appreciated), offers petting donkeys, pony rides, crafts, and face painting, making it a memorable day for little ones.

Ice Cream Treat

Sweet Peaks, right in downtown Whitefish, is a toddler-friendly gem with picnic tables in a safe alley/parking lot area. Their ice cream is a hit with kids, and the cute, welcoming vibe makes it a perfect stop after a day of exploring. For a different experience, try Clydesdale Creamery’s impressive milkshake creations. Their indoor space is great, but it’s on a busy road, so outdoor seating isn’t ideal for toddlers.

Montana’s Great Indoors

Montana’s Great Indoors is a fantastic indoor option for rainy days. This fire tower-themed play structure is challenging for toddlers, but there’s an age-appropriate area off to the side (less exciting, so expect to climb with your kids). Grippy socks are required (you must purchase theirs), and parents can enjoy beer and pizza while the kids play. Military members - they offer a 15% discount!

Rockfish Indoor Climbing Gym

Rockfish Climbing offers bouldering (no ropes) with toddler-sized shoes (can personally verify they go down to size 8) and a kid-friendly climbing wall with a slide. They also coordinate outdoor climbing trips for kids as young as 5 with Mountain Climbers. The attached fitness gym is a bonus for parents needing a quick workout.

Whitefish Wave Aquatic Center

The Whitefish Wave is a community hub with indoor swimming, a hot tub, sauna, and a kids’ splash zone with a slide. Childcare is available (paperwork and up-to-date vaccines required), making it a great spot for parents to relax or exercise while the kids play. It’s also a go-to for local events and activities.

Fly Fishing

Montana is synonymous with fly fishing, and Northern Rockies Outfitters makes it easy with guided trips on the stunning Flathead River. Let the guide handle the work while you and your spouse enjoy a relaxing boat ride surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Mountain Biking

Whitefish is a mountain biking paradise with trails like Reservoir, Spencer, and Holbrook Overlook, which are better suited for older kids due to their terrain. Holbrook Overlook offers a scenic loop with stunning views of Whitefish Lake and the surrounding mountains, ideal for confident young riders. For toddlers, stick to the Downtown Whitefish Pumptrack, a safe and fun Strider Bike Park perfect for little ones learning to balance. Lion Mountain’s trail can also work for toddlers with strong biking skills, but assess their ability first.

Hiking

Hiking in Whitefish is a treat, with toddler-friendly trails like Lion Mountain or leisurely walks along the Whitefish River. Join Whitefish Trails Legacy Partners activities, such as fairy house building or scavenger hunts for a magical experience that sparks creativity in young explorers. Hiking at Danny On at Whitefish Mountain Resort is an option for stronger hikers, or you can venture to Glacier or Jewel Basin trails.

Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding from Whitefish Lake to Highway 40 (or shorter routes) is a super fun family activity, though be prepared for obstacles like the Highway 93 tunnels, which are surprisingly manageable with toddlers. For a different experience, check out paddleboarding on the Flathead River (see Glacier blog for tips) and follow-up with dinner at Gunsight Saloon, a local spot with outdoor seating and entertainment.

Stumptown Ice Den

Try ice skating at Stumptown Ice Den, a fun indoor activity. Note that during lessons, they don’t provide support walkers (called “seals” in skating terms), so be prepared. It’s a unique way to enjoy Whitefish’s winter charm even in the summer!

Cinemark in Kalispell

On rainy days, head to Cinemark in Kalispell for a cozy movie experience. With popcorn, snacks, and comfy seats, it’s an easy way to entertain toddlers while staying dry. I took our toddler for her first movie ever - Snow White - gosh, I’m still struggling with Mom guilt over that - how can it be PG?!

Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster

Just a 30-minute drive from Whitefish, the Flathead Lake Alpine Coaster in Lakeside is Montana’s first and only alpine coaster, offering a thrilling ride through the scenic forest (sometimes sighting turkeys, deer or an occasional fox). Toddlers (at least 38” tall) can ride with an adult, controlling the speed for a gentle or exhilarating descent (up to 27 mph). For the best value, purchase the 1-hour unlimited ride package. Our kids loved the gem mining station, sifting through dirt to uncover sparkling gemstones and fossils. Prices vary, with options like the Fossil Find bag or the Emerald Strike bag (containing gems and emeralds), making it an affordable and fun hands-on activity for all ages. Consider following the day-trip down to Lakeside with a visit to a Flathead Lake Beach or Tamarack Brewing for some creek-side fun and food!

Bigfork 4th of July Parade

If you’re in town for the 4th of July, the Bigfork Parade is a must. Bigfork is about 45 minutes from Whitefish, but we enjoyed this so much, we though it needed it’s own section. The parade is busy but well-executed, with Oro Y Plata’s walk-up outdoor bar for parents and Glacier Shaved Ice or popcorn vendors (on golf carts) for kids. Set up camping chairs in a shady spot for a comfortable viewing experience.

Whitefish Chamber & Local Events

The Whitefish Chamber is a hub for event info and brochures, staffed by friendly folks eager to help. Stop by to discover more family-friendly activities and Flathead Valley happenings like the spring-time Forestry Expo or Whitefish Lake Lodge Woody Weekend. Additionally, the chambers hosts local events such as Whitefish Arts Festival (July), Huckleberry Days (August), Whitefish Oktoberfest (October) and the Winter Stroll (December) amongst many others year-round. Join in on the local fun!

Also, held on Tuesdays in the summer, the Whitefish Farmers Market is a vibrant family outing. With food trucks, a grassy field for picnics, and vendors selling everything from meats, local produce and jewelry, it’s a feast for the senses. Toddlers love Cupcakery’s perfectly sized cake pops, while parents can grab Flathead Bread’s sourdough varieties. Follow up with a drink from Blackstar Brewpub, which supports local bike trail clubs (no liquor license at the market).

Huckleberry Picking

A quintessential Montana experience, huckleberry picking is a must-do in July/August when these wild, sweet-tart berries ripen. Toddlers will love the adventure of foraging along trails like Holbrook Overlook, Danny On, or Lion Mountain, all accessible from Whitefish. For other harvest options, head closer to Glacier National Park, where huckleberries thrive in the forests. Bring small buckets, supervise closely, and teach kids to spot the dark purple berries low to the ground. It’s a fun, low-key outing, but watch for wildlife and pack out all trash to preserve the trails.

Peak Wellness

Vacations, (or living full-time in an RV with toddlers) call for self-care, and Peak Fit & Wellness delivers with saunas, cold plunges, compression therapy, and red light therapy. It’s a rejuvenating escape for parents needing a break.

Stoddard Orchards

A July must-do, Stoddard Orchards is our favorite - just south of Bigfork (about an hour from Whitefish), offering a charming u-pick cherry experience along Flathead Lake’s eastern shore. This family-run orchard creates a warm atmosphere, delighting toddlers with free stickers and temporary tattoos. Payment is cash or Venmo only, so come prepared. While picking sweet cherries, soak in stunning views of the lake and Mission Mountains. Afterward, head to Woods Bay or Bigfork for a relaxing lakeside lunch at a spot like Flathead Lake Brewing Co., rounding out a perfect family day. Call ahead to confirm picking availability, as the season depends on weather.

Whitefish Library

The Whitefish Community Library is a serene escape for families, offering a calm environment ideal for toddlers. Its dedicated toy section keeps little ones engaged with interactive play areas, while the Reading with Dogs program (check the library’s calendar for dates, typically weekly on Tuesdays) allows kids to read to therapy dogs, boosting confidence and sparking a love for books. The Summer Reading Challenge (mid-June to mid-August) encourages kids to read and earn tickets for prize drawings, benefiting local causes like Miracle League. With weekly story times, such as Books with Babies and Story Circle for ages 2–4, it’s a nurturing spot for young imaginations.

Giggles Drop-In Daycare

For a kid-free day, Giggles in Columbia Falls is a fantastic drop-in daycare. They showered our kids with love, freeing us up for adult adventures in Glacier National Park, a fly fishing day and some longer paddleboarding jaunts. Highly recommended for a parent’s day out.

Drop us a comment if we missed any of your Whitefish faves!