The 2026 Complete Guide to Glacier National Park With Kids
Glacier National Park is somewhere I have visited almost every summer of my life since I grew up near the park. I try to explore new areas of Glacier every time I go, and visiting with kids definitely provides a different perspective than some of my past trips. There are some things you should know before you go, so here is your complete guide to Glacier National Park with kids!
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Why Visit Glacier National Park With Kids?
Glacier National Park is one of the most visited National Parks in the USA, and for good reason. Glacier is absolutely stunning and has tons of things to do for every type of traveler. Whether you are looking for easy Glacier hikes, amazing views without hardly leaving your car, or just making memories while you camp and eat huckleberry ice cream – Glacier is the spot for you!
Glacier was the 10th National Park established in the United States and was created as an International Peace Park with Canada since it shares a border with Waterton National Park. Visiting Glacier National Park is an experience you and your kids will never forget.
How to Get to Glacier National Park
Which Airport to Fly To:
The closest airport is the Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Montana which is only a 30 minute drive from the west entrance of the park. If you can, this is the airport I would choose!
Other options would be to fly into Spokane, Washington (about 4.5 hour drive) or into Bozeman, Montana which is about a 5 hour drive. If you’re planning to also visit Yellowstone National Park, then Bozeman would be a good middle point.
However, if you’re planning on visiting Glacier and Yellowstone at the same time – there are some things you should know. I wrote a whole post about the pros and cons of visiting both parks on the same trip.
West Entrance
The west entrance of Glacier National Park is the most popular entrance and probably where you’re going to want to start your trip if this is your first time to Glacier National Park.
The west entrance is very close to the town of Kalispell, West Glacier as well as Apgar. There are so many fun things to do in West Glacier near this entrance and it’s SUPER kid friendly and easy to access.
It’s also the spot I would recommend visiting if you only have 1-2 days to spend in Glacier.
East Entrances (Two Medicine and St. Mary)
The east section of the park is not as easily accessible as the west side because it’s a longer drive, which makes it less visited. All parts of Glacier are still very busy in the summer because of the short season it is open and the incredible scenery.
Many Glacier and Two Medicine provide some of the most scenic views in the entire park, and I would highly encourage you to visit both sides if you have time.
To reach East Glacier, plan to fly into Kalispell, Montana and then drive about 1.5 hours to reach the Two Medicine entrance, 2 hours to St. Mary, or 3 hours to Many Glacier. You can also make the drive from Great Falls or Bozeman, Montana if you find cheaper flights into those airports. Montana airports are very small, so find the cheapest location to fly into or make a road trip of it from wherever you live!
From here you can explore Many Glacier, Two Medicine, or St. Mary! You can even access Going to the Sun Road from this side as well.
North Entrance
I have not yet visited this section of the park! However, if you would like to stay in the more primitive section – the North Fork areas would be the spot for you. The Polebridge entrance to the park is about a 1 hour drive North of the Kalispell airport. You can also access this part of the park through the west entrance, but may encounter more traffic that way.
There are a total of 7 entrances to the park: The West entrance, the Polebridge entrance, the Many Glacier entrance, Two Medicine entrance, Camas Creek entrance, the Saint Mary entrance, and the Cut Bank entrance!
Glacier National Park Ticketed Entry for 2026
This wouldn’t be a guide to Glacier National Park without talking about the vehicle reservation system – one of the most important things to know! For the past several years, Glacier National Park has been piloting a vehicle reservation system. The good news for 2026 is that they likely won’t have one at all! Check out the National Park Service website to review specifics.
They may implement a system for a time limit on parking at the Logan Pass Visitor Center. If you’re planning to do a long day hike there, make sure to check restrictions there before planning your trip.
Do I need a Car in Glacier National Park?
You’ll definitely need a car to get around and see the things you want to do while you are in the park. We’ve saved a ton of money by booking our rental cars through Economy Bookings!
Even if you have your own car there are a few options for getting around that can save you some headache with finding parking at popular trailheads (it can be a bit of a nightmare!)
Red Bus Tours: These famous vintage 1930’s red buses are iconic and considered to be the oldest touring fleet of vehicles anywhere in the world! These old style cars have snug seats and sell out daily. There are several different pick up points and they make regular stops at the highlights of Going to the Sun Road.
Sun Tours Bus: Sun Tours offers half and full day tours through Going to the Sun Road. This tour focuses on the Blackfeet tribal history and culture.
Hiker’s Shuttle: A free shuttle offered 7 days a week on a first come first serve basis through the busy season in the park. The hiker’s shuttle is wheelchair and bike friendly as well. Be mindful of the times that the shuttle schedule! Dane and I had to run the last 4 miles of our hike once to catch the last shuttle.
Tip
Taking the shuttle can make your trip SO much more enjoyable. You’ll have the flexibility to get on and off easily without dealing with parking headaches, and it’s FREE. I highly recommend this option!
Where to Stay in Glacier National Park
Glacier Park Campgrounds
There are several sites that will be available for reservation 4 days in advance on the recreation.gov website in addition to those that open up six months in advance. Some sites do accommodate RVs or campers, and tent sites are available.
NOTE: Keep in mind that sometimes campgrounds in Glacier (especially East Glacier) will shut down for non-hard sided accommodations due to grizzly activity.
West Glacier
- Fish Creek Campground: This campground is close to the West entrance to the park (less than 10 minutes drive). It’s a quieter area that gets less traffic than Apgar or the Going to the Sun corridor and is great for a low key camping trip with kids.
- Apgar Campground: Very kid friendly campground with easy access to Apgar Village and Lake McDonald by walking or biking on the Apgar Bike path. The largest campground in Glacier National Park!
- Sprague Creek Campground: I have never stayed at this campsite but it is located up Going to the Sun Road along Lake McDonald. Towed units and RVs exceeding 21 feet are not allowed in this campground so be mindful if you are not tent camping. Some of the sites have views of Lake McDonald.
- Avalanche Campground
East Glacier
- Many Glacier Campground – the most central campground for Many Glacier activities, and close to the Many Glacier Hotel which is stunning! I would recommend renting an RV if you’re planning to camp here, since it regularly is restricted to hard sided accommodations due to bear activity.
- St. Mary Campground – Another option to camp, about 22 miles from Many Glacier with closer access to cell service and amenities like groceries, gas, etc.
- Two Medicine Campground – A beautiful campground, with easy access to several amazing hiking trails. This campground is located closer to Kalispell than Many Glacier or St. Mary if you’re looking for a shorter drive to East Glacier!
- Cut Bank Campground – first come first serve campground located on a dirt road. RVs are not recommended
- Rising Sun Campground – first come first serve
North Fork
Campgrounds in this region are usually first come first served, most are very primitive and private, and RVs or trailers are not permitted due to campsite size and bumpy dirt roads to access.
- Bowman Lake Campground
- Kintla Lake Campground
- Logging Creek Campground
- Quartz Creek Campground
Lodges & Hotels
West Glacier
- Village Inn Motel – beautiful views of Lake McDonald, and this motel is right on the lake
- Lake McDonald Lodge – amazing historic Swiss chalet style lodge built in 1913, located right on Lake McDonald and located 10 miles up Going to the Sun Road. Great for easy access to restaurants and less of a drive to get up Going to the Sun Road.
- Apgar Village Lodge
- Motel Lake McDonald
East Glacier
- Many Glacier Hotel – this hotel is incredible. If you are willing to get accomodations at a higher price point, I would highly recommend this option. Modeled after a swiss chalet, the rooms aren’t luxurious, but they are loaded with charm and the views are some of the best you’re ever going to find.
- Swiftcurrent Motor Inn & Cabins
- Rising Sun Motor Inn
Vacation Rentals Near Glacier National Park
There are a ton of accommodations located near Glacier, especially on the west side of the park (too many to list!). I’ve listed a few, but just know there are a lot of other options if you BOOK EARLY! And, traffic going into the park can get very congested in the summer, so I would recommend entering the park early to avoid waiting in line in your car.
West Glacier
This adorable cabin is actually situated on the shores of Lake McDonald inside Glacier National Park! The views from the cabin are incredible and you even have beach access on one of the most stunning lakes in the world
This cozy lakefront cabin has huge windows with unmatched views of Lake McDonald. The property sleeps six people, and gives you easy access to tons of hiking trails and Glacier gems!
This property, located just outside the West Entrance of Glacier National Park, is the perfect place to stay if you’re traveling with a big group. It sleeps 12, and even has a hot tub with mountain views!
This budget friendly house is loaded with charm and would be the perfect place to stay just outside the park.
East Glacier
- Glacier Ridge Chalet (Babb, Montana) – hot tub and stunning views of East Glacier National Park
- Glacier Summit (Babb, Montana) – beautiful view, hot tub, sleeps 6!
- Duck Lake Private Retreat
The Best Things to Do in Glacier National Park With Kids
There are so many fun things to do in the Lake McDonald area and the Many Glacier area – but ALL of Glacier has something for kids. If you’re planning to hike, definitely talk to a ranger about the best hikes that time of year – depending on the season, there may still be snow at high elevations.
Glacier National Park is known for having some incredible hikes with kids. One easy stroller friendly trail is the Trail of the Cedars, but there are so many more. Check out our Glacier guides for more information!
Are you heading to Glacier but only have one day to explore? Here is our Epic 1 Day Glacier National Park Itinerary with Kids!
Where to Eat & Drink
West Glacier
- Eddie’s Cafe (Apgar)
- Russell’s Fireside Dining Room (Lake McDonald Lodge)
- Jammer Joe’s Grill and Pizzeria (Lake McDonald Lodge)
- Lucke’s Lounge (Lake McDonald Lodge)
East Glacier
- Many Glacier Hotel – My two favorite things to do here is to drink my morning coffee with my binoculars to start the day, and to get cocktails from the Swiss Lounge to drink on the deck. The Many Glacier Hotel also has the Ptarmigan Dining Lounge which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is a first come first serve style. It is considered to be the most high class dining in Glacier National Park.
- Nell’s (at the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn)
- Soft serve icecream at the Swiftcurrent Gift Shop
- Glacier’s Edge Cafe (breakfast in Babb, MT)
- Cattle Baron Supper Club (Babb, MT)
North Fork
- Polebridge Mercantile – this place is famous for their huckleberry bear claws, but they also have a variety of other sandwiches and baked goods at the mercantile. The polebridge mercantile has been in service for over 100 years!
What Do I Need to Pack?
In addition to packing for camping and packing for hiking with kids, make sure you bring bear spray, binoculars, and a good hiking pack to carry the kids! Make sure you pack for all conditions because the weather can be somewhat unpredictable – especially in the shoulder seasons or high elevations.
Another of my favorite things to bring for kids in Glacier is a bike. If you’re staying at Apgar and Fish Creek, there are some really fun bike trails if you’re camping. You can also rent bikes in Apgar if you’re just wanting to ride for the day!
Wildlife in Glacier National Park
Wildlife in Glacier National Park is one of the best parts of the park! Glacier has 71 mammal species within the park including grizzly bears, black bears, bighorn sheep, elk, deer, mountain goats, as well as the more elusive mountain lions and lynx. Here are some tips to make sure you and the animals can stay safe in the park.
It should go without saying that feeding animals in the park is prohibited. You must stay 100 yards away from bears, and 25 yards away from other wildlife in the park. Getting closer than this puts both you and the animal at risk of severe injury or death. Please help protect this beautiful park and the wildlife within it.
Bears in Glacier
Bears are more commonly seen on the east side of the park and at the top of Going to the Sun Road; however, every part of the park is bear country. Last time we visited, we saw several grizzly bears, and so many people running towards the bears with small kids in tow. Please don’t be these people!
If you want to get a closer view of the animals, bring your binoculars or invest in a camera with a good lens. And as always when in Glacier, carry your bear spray whenever you go hiking or out in the wilderness.
Want to learn more? Here are our favorite Glacier National Park books, and more bear safety resources.
Weather in Glacier National Park
Weather can be highly variable in Glacier due to the Continental Divide going through the middle of the park. The east side of the park and the west side can have very different weather conditions.
- Summer – can be very hot, bring extra water and start hikes earlier in the day. Also can still get cold at higher elevations and thunderstorms are a regular occurrence in the summer
- Fall – Less visitors, but cold temperatures and the possibility of snow and closure of Going to the Sun Road
- Winter – Can be brutally cold or a winter wonderland depending on the day
- Spring – lots of rain and sometimes snow, Going to the Sun Road is usually not open this time of year.
It’s always best to check with a ranger before taking off on a hike you aren’t familiar with, they are fantastic resources! And I would recommend packing for all seasons when visiting, even in the summer – especially if you are tent camping or visiting higher elevations.
Going to the Sun Road
This 50 mile road, is an incredible feat of engineering and one of the most amazing roads in the world. It is not accessible in the winter months due to snow, and generally opens up between June and July depending on the snow pack that year.
If you drive the entire road without stopping it would take about 2 hours. There are tons of great viewpoints, hikes, and beautiful views from the car along the way.
Parking & Driving Tips
If you are planning to park at the top of Logan Pass or do a hike along Going to the Sun Road. I would highly recommend going EARLY to avoid having issues with parking. In 2026, they may implement a 3 hour parking limit at the top of Logan Pass, so depending on how long you are planning to be there, you may have to take the shuttle.
Parking at popular trailheads like Avalanche Lake/Trail of the Cedars can be a bit of a nightmare if you’re visiting in peak season and don’t get there early in the morning.
Or better yet, take the FREE Shuttle! It runs 7 days a week and is a great way to see the road without having to worry about parking. Parking lots fill up in the morning on a daily basis during the busy season along the entire road. There is nothing more stressful than circling the parking lots for an hour (trust me we’ve made this mistake!)
How to Avoid Crowds in Glacier
It is nearly impossible to avoid crowds in Glacier National Park during the summer. One way to limit the crowds is to visit in the shoulder seasons. I would highly encourage you to get up early and start your adventures in the morning before most people are out of bed. That is, if you want the place to your self.
You also can beat some crowds by doing some of the longer or less popular hikes! Lastly, you can visit the less popular places in the park, like North Fork or East Glacier. The busiest places in the park are Apgar, Logan Pass/Going to the Sun Road, and Trail of the Cedars/Avalanche Lake Trailhead.
Despite the large number of people visiting the park, I still absolutely love Glacier and have an amazing time every time I visit.
Glacier National Park Safety
Glacier National Park is a wild place, so remember that as you spend time here. Respect the wildlife, and give them their space. And always carry bear spray!
As far as hiking safety goes, it is recommended to hike in groups, make noise while hiking, and don’t run on trails (to avoid surprising bears!)
Food and camp storage is also incredibly important when you are hiking, at night, and when you leave camp. Putting all food, and sometimes other items, away helps prevent bears from becoming habituated. And as for all hiking, make sure to tell someone else about your plans on where you are going and when they should expect you back.
Bear safety is huge in this park, but other Glacier National Park tips are important as well. Like most National Parks, it is very important to not go beyond barriers to avoid falling. Avoid stepping on rocks near waterfalls or creeks because they can be deceivingly slippery and a number of drownings have occurred in the park due to incidents like that. Wear a life jacket if you are venturing out on a kayak or paddleboarding into the 472 feet deep Lake McDonald.
Map of Glacier National Park
I hope this guide to Glacier National Park is helpful! Do you have other questions about Glacier National Park? Let me know in the comments and I’ll update this post with frequently asked questions :) Happy travels!
Are you headed to other US National Parks? Check out our Yellowstone National Park Travel Guides and extend your Montana vacation!
