Museum of the Rockies boasts one of North America's largest collections of dinosaur fossils.

Top Attractions in Bozeman, Montana for Families

1. Museum of the Rockies

Spend the day at this museum that houses tons of dinosaur fossils, including the largest Tyrannosaurus skull ever discovered and the bones of Big Al, a nearly complete Allosaurus that lived during the Jurassic Period. There's also a planetarium, a Yellowstone-themed children's room with plenty of hands-on exhibits, and a living history farm set on an 1889 homestead.

2. Montana Grizzly Encounter

Get up close safely with three rescued grizzly bears at this sanctuary just east of Bozeman. Observe the grizzlies eating, sleeping, and playing in an open-air setting. We were mesmerized when Bella the bear climbed on top of a rock to smell the people visiting her (at least that's what employees told us she was doing)! FYI—admission is good for two consecutive days.

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Step into the world of alpacas with daily guided tours at Alpacas of Montana.

3. Alpacas of Montana

I can't recommend this farm tour enough! Not only did we get to feed, pet, and cuddle with alpacas, but we got to take them for a walk on a leash as part of our experience. Guides are very knowledgeable, providing plenty of information along the way. Tours last about an hour and a half. They end with a visit to the farm shop, where cozy alpaca products like sweaters and socks are sold.

4. Montana Science Center

There are plenty of interactive exhibits at this modestly-priced science museum for kids of all ages. Highlights include a Critter Corner with animals like snakes and frogs, a Physics Place with STEM-friendly activities, and a Lightlab where kids can explore lasers, holograms, and prisms.

5. American Computer & Robotics Museum

Sure, some of the topics covered at this museum may fly over your child's head (quantum computing and AI being two examples), but kids will enjoy seeing the unique artifacts on display. Original Apple computers and vintage video game consoles are bound to spark conversation, and there are also some cool Hollywood props from Star Wars and The Terminator.

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Hit the rapids with Montana Whitewater Rafting & Zip Line.

Outdoor Fun in Bozeman, Montana for Families

6. Montana Whitewater Rafting & Zip Line

We had such a blast paddling through the Gallatin River as part of this whitewater rafting tour about 30 minutes outside Bozeman. Our family took the beginner's raft trip in the upper river, which lasted about 90 minutes and is open to kids ages 6 and up. Teens can try the more challenging "mad mile" experience. The company also offers zip line tours, fly fishing, and tubing trips on the Madison River. Rafting season typically runs May through mid-September.

7. Bozeman Hot Springs

Relax at this large facility featuring 12 pools with temperatures ranging from 59 to 106 degrees. The outdoor area is beautifully designed with lounge chairs and decorative rock formations surrounding four pools. The indoor section is where you will find the hottest pools and the cold plunge. Natural minerals in the water include sulfate, silica, and sodium.

8. Main Street shopping

Bozeman's Main Street is an excellent place to go shopping, with one-of-a-kind stores and top restaurants all spanning a few downtown blocks. We especially love the Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company, which has tons of specialty items to choose from and an active toy train on display.

9. Dinosaur Park

Let your children burn off steam at this playground that's part of the larger Gallatin Regional Park. The central wooden play structure has slides and climbers, and the dinosaur themes are really sweet.  There's even an area for kids to dig for fossils, as well as swings and a separate toddler zone for those 4 and under.

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The lake at Glen Lake Rotary Park is great for swimming, kayaking, and more.

10. Glen Lake Rotary Park

Affectionately known to locals as Bozeman's beach, this park is the perfect place to go on a summer's day. That's when you'll see kids playing in the sand and kayaking or swimming in the four-acre lake. A dock offers the perfect place to launch yourself into the water; my kids did this over and over again during our visit!

11. Bogert Pool

If you happen to be in Bozeman on a hot day, this outdoor pool offers the perfect place to cool off. Little ones love sliding down "Delaware the Duck" into the shallow pool. A separate 25-yard, nine-foot-deep pool has a climbing wall, a water slide, and a zip line for bigger kids. Day passes are under $5 for non-local kids ages 3 to 18.

12. Fairy Lake & Sacagawea Peak

Hike, fish, swim, and picnic at this picturesque park an hour outside Bozeman. The Bridger Range mountains offer a lovely backdrop, and there are several trail heads to choose from. A great choice for families is the one-mile Fairy Lake Trail, which spans the perimeter of the lake. The most popular (albeit challenging) route ascends Sacagawea Peak, where the elevation is 9,654 feet.

13. Big Sky Resort

About an hour south of Bozeman is this resort known for its 5,850 acres of skiing and snowboarding runs. Lessons are offered for kids of all ages and experience levels. Families love the beginner-friendly Lone Wolf trail. Big Sky also features summer activities like mountain biking and zip line tours.

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Bounce, play, and explore in a safe environment at JumpTime Bozeman.

Indoor Things To Do in Bozeman, Montana with Kids

14. JumpTime Bozeman

Take the kids to bounce off some energy at this locally owned trampoline park, noted for its cleanliness. The ninja course and dodgeball court are perennial favorites, but my kids were especially impressed by the Storm Castle Tower. That's where visitors can test their fear of heights by jumping off a platform onto a giant airbag. A toddler zone provides a fun space for those 5 and under.

15. Pinspiration

Get the creative juices flowing at this newly opened art studio with offerings for kids and adults. Pinspiration's website features a list of projects that families can choose from, like candle making, woven wall art, and unicorn and dinosaur gardens. Reservations are not required but are highly recommended.

16. Bozeman Public Library

I don't usually mention libraries in my write-ups, but this downtown facility is huge and special. Not only is the children's department sizable with many books and toys, but the library also offers a ton of special classes and events for kids and teens. That includes science experiments, art projects, and guest speakers.

17. Gallatin History Museum

Located in the former Gallatin County jail, this two-story museum provides a peak into Bozeman's past. Some of that history is dark, but kids will enjoy seeing the museum's reconstructed log cabin, Model A automobile, and collection of old-timey wedding dresses and other artifacts. There are also more than 10,000 historical photographs on display.

18. Spire Climbing & Fitness

Are the kids climbing the walls? Take them to Spire, where they can get harnessed up and scale an array of brightly colored bouldering walls. Children as young as 3 can give it a try. Spire offers rental gear and training for beginners. Day passes are under $20 for ages 5-11 and $11 for those 4 and under.

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Roost serves down-home, darn good, traditional Southern food with a twist.

Great Restaurants for Families in Bozeman, Montana

19. Roost

Elevate those nuggets to the next level at this fried chicken joint that's been featured on the Food Network. Roost is modestly priced and casual, with picnic tables in the back and classic chicken fare on the menu. The highlight for me is the bone-in fried chicken meal, which comes with a southern-style side (I recommend the collard greens). My daughters like the kids' chicken and waffles.

20. Feed Cafe

Just next door to Roost is this breakfast and lunch restaurant housed in an 1872 big red barn. The ambiance is charming, with a large outdoor grassy space where families can really spread out.  On the menu are comfort favorites like omelettes and french toast for breakfast and sandwiches and salads for lunch.

21. Pizza Campania

We thought the Neapolitan cheese pie at Pizza Campania was just delicious (ditto on the salads). Baked in the restaurant's hand-built, wood-fired oven, we could almost taste the flames. Many families pick up to-go orders, but it's also fun to eat at this modern yet rustic restaurant.

22. Montana Ale Works

Located in a cool old freight building, Montana Ale Works is the place to go for a burger and a drink from the bar. There are more than 40 craft beers on tap. Locals love the bison pot stickers, the kale Caesar salad, and the elk burger. The kid's menu includes pasta, grilled salmon, chicken fingers, and of course, burgers.

Family-Friendly Bozeman, Montana Hotels

23. Kimpton Armory Hotel

Our family really enjoyed our stay at this luxury hotel that's just off Main Street and well within walking distance of top downtown shops. The art deco style of the building's exterior was cool, the lobby was clean, and our room was comfortable. Bonus: Fielding's, the hotel restaurant, serves up great American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

24. RSVP Hotel

Visitors love the unique amenities at this boutique hotel, including an outdoor fire pit, specialty toiletries, a seasonal pool, and a glass of champagne upon check-in. The on-site restaurant, The Farmer's Daughters, also gets high scores for its healthy offerings.

25. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bozeman

Free parking, free breakfast, and an indoor pool—all words a weary parent loves to hear. What the Country Inn & Suites lacks in style, it makes up for in convenience (complimentary coffee is also available all day). Just off I-90, it's in a great location too, especially if Bozeman is just one of your stops on a road trip!

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Photos by the author