How to Spend 3 Days in Glacier National Park with Kids

Are you wondering how to spend 3 days in Glacier National Park with kids this summer?

I’ve crafted the perfect 3-day itinerary for families in Glacier National Park. The itinerary includes outdoor activities, beautiful viewpoints and short hikes for the family.. Let’s dive into the fun-filled adventure that awaits you at Glacier National Park!

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3 Days in Glacier National Park with Kids

I’ve crafted the perfect introduction to Glacier National Park itinerary for your family. Note that in this itinerary, you’ll see you’ll be staying near West Glacier on your first night and near St.Mary on your second night.

• First night near the West entrance: I would recommend either staying in West Glacier, just outside the West entrance or near Apgar Village. Apgar Village is a great hub with visitor centers, lodging, gear rental and restaurants like Eddie’s Cafe & Mercantile.
• Second night near the St. Mary entrance: I recommend staying in St. Mary or the Many Glacier areas. There are campgrounds and hotels at both locations.

For more information on where to stay, read this article on the best accommodation for families in Glacier National Park.

Note that the Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor vehicle reservation does not include a park pass, and the park pass does not serve as a vehicle reservation.

Day 1: Explore Apgar Village and Lake McDonald

Begin your Glacier adventure with a cliché family photo in front of the Glacier National Park sign at the West entrance of the park.

Visitor Center and Lake McDonald

Then, enter the park and stop at the visitor center to get the Junior Ranger’s booklet for the kids. Then, slowly start driving along the Going-to-the-Sun road. You’ll want to stop at Lake McDonald Lodge and walk around. Kids will love throwing colorful rocks in the lake and even going in the water (if there are brave enough… the water is FRREEZING).

Trail of the Cedars Hike

You can continue a bit on the Going-to-the-Sun road and park at the Trail of the Cedars. It’s a 0.9-mile (1.45-km) easy loop. Be careful, it’s an area frequented by grizzly bears. Always carry your bear spray with you, keep your kids close, and make noise.

Don’t forget to check on AllTrails for more hiking options in Glacier National Park for the family.

Apgar Bike Path

End your day with a bike ride on the Apgar Bike Path. It’s a 3.0-mile (4.8-km) paved, easy trail. If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent one from Glacier Outfitters. They offer E-bikes, regular bikes, kids’ bikes and child trailers.

You can also look at the sunset at Apgar Village. There’s a nice lake access with beautiful views.

Day 2: Discover Logan Pass, Hidden Lake Overlook, and St. Mary

Start your day early to discover the breathtaking Going-to-the-Sun road. The scenic route is a 50-mile-long drive in the mountains.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Note: The drive to the Going to the Sun road is only open from July to October

The construction of the road began in 1921 and was completed in 1932. It’s named after Going to the Sun Mountain. This mountain is considered a sacred site by the Blackfeet tribe. The road crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. It’s the highest point on the road at 6,646 feet above sea level.

The Going-to-the-Sun road was named a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1985.

It’s important to know that the speed limit is 25 mph, and there is only one lane each way. Patience is important. It can also get really busy in the summertime. Also, driving the Going-to-the-Sun road with an RV or trailer longer than 21 feet is not recommended.

Not feeling like driving?
You can also take the park’s shuttle. That way, you don’t have to worry about parking lots space, which are really limited at most view stops.

Logan Pass and Hidden Lake Overlook Trail

Take your time along the road and stop at the many viewpoints. You can pack a lunch and do a picnic at Logan Pass. Don’t forget to stop at the Logan Pass visitor center.

Then, it’s time for a memorable family hike to the Hidden Lake Overlook. This 3.0-mile (4.8-kilometer) round-trip trail begins at Logan Pass. It offers breathtaking views of alpine meadows, jagged peaks, and the beautiful Hidden Lake. 

Watch for potential wildlife encounters, as you may spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, or even a bear in the distance. Remember to follow park guidelines and maintain a safe distance from any wildlife you encounter.

We didn’t get to hike the Hidden Lake trail since a section was closed due to bear activity. We still walked a bit along the boardwalk and admired the view. It’s simply beautiful.

Continue towards St. Mary

When you’re ready, continue on the Going-to-the-Sun road toward St. Mary, where you’ll stay for the night.

Stop at St. Mary Falls Overlook. You can also do St. Mary and Virginia Falls trail to see St. Mary Falls and Virginia Falls. It’s a 2.9 mile (4.7 km) out-and-back easy trail where you can admire both waterfalls.

Then, you’ll want to see the iconic Wild Goose Island Overlook.

Day 3: Unveil the Beauty of Many Glacier and Swiftcurrent Lake

On your last day in Glacier National Park, you’ll venture around Swiftcurrent Lake and Many Glacier.

Swiftcurrent Nature Trail

You can start by hiking the Swiftcurrent Nature Trail. It’s a perfect hiking trail for families. This 2.6-mile (4.8-kilometer) loop around Swiftcurrent Lake offers relatively flat terrain, gorgeous scenery, and possible wildlife sightings.

Many Glacier Boat Tour

Then, take the Many Glacier boat tour to see Grinnell Lake. The boat tour goes to Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine. It’s only a 0.9-mile (one-way) hike to reach the lake from the boat dock. Otherwise, it’s a 7.1-mile loop from Many Glacier Inn if you don’t take the boat.

If you do the Many Glacier boat tour, you’ll also see Lake Josephine.

A few things to know when visiting Glacier National Park with kids

Here are a few things to know when planning 3 days in Glacier National Park with kids:

Don’t forget to get your Glacier National Park timed-entry tickets in advance

Glacier National Park requires timed-entry tickets from May 26 through September 10, 2023, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m if entering through the West entrance, and starting July 1st, 2023 for the Rising Sun checkpoint (near St. Mary entrance).

Stop at the Visitor Center to get the Junior Ranger Booklets

The Junior Ranger program is a great way to engage the kids during their visit to Glacier National Park. You should first stop at a visitor center when visiting the park. Don’t forget to go back to a visitor center and see a ranger at the end of your trip, so the kids can show their booklet to a Ranger and get their badge.

Consider using the park shuttle

Glacier National Park gets really busy in the summertime and the Going-to-the-Sun road is only one lane each way. Plus, parking space at most viewpoints and trailheads is really limited. You might want to consider using the park shuttle.

Try to sleep on each side of the park (West Glacier and St. Mary)

Most people only stay near the West side of Glacier National Park near the West entrance. But St. Mary and Many Glacier areas are worth a stop too.

Final Thoughts: 3 Days in Glacier National Park with kids

This 3-day itinerary is perfect for families with young kids, offering a balance of outdoor activities, indoor alternatives, and dining options. Remember to dress in layers, bring sunscreen, and stay hydrated during your visit. Most importantly, have fun and cherish the memories you create together at Glacier National Park!

Related Articles – Visiting National Parks with Kids

If you like national parks, here are a few more resources for national parks in USA and Canada:

• The Best 10-Day Itinerary to Utah National Parks
• A 2-Day Itinerary in Yosemite National Park With Kids
• 21 of the Best National Parks for Kids ? (USA Edition)
• 11+ Things to Do in Waterton Lakes National Park With Kids