Are you planning a trip to Glacier National Park with your kids?
Glacier National Park is a breathtaking national park filled with wildflowers, mountain goats, bears, rivers, and huckleberries. It’s one of the best national parks to visit with children.
There is enough to do to keep your kids busy when visiting Glacier National Park. But it can be overwhelming to plan a trip to one of the most visited national parks in the United States (in fact Glacier NP is one on the top 10 list of the most visited national parks!).
We visited Glacier National Park three times so far (twice in the summertime and once in the wintertime) and we love this national park more each time. From its colorful lake McDonald to its epic Going-to-the-Sun drive and fun hikes, there is something fun to do in Glacier National for everyone.
In the article, we’ll help you plan the perfect trip to Glacier National Park with kids. Let’s dive in our ultimate Glacier National Park guide.
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What to Know Before You Go to Glacier National Park
How to Get to Glacier National Park
If you’re traveling by plane, the closest airport to Glacier National Park is Glacier Park International (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana. From Glacier Park International Airport, it’s about a 40-minute drive to the west entrance of the park in West Glacier and a 2-hour drive to East Glacier Park.
Another option would be to fly to Calgary International Airport (YYC) in Alberta (Canada) and drive to Glacier National Park. It’s a 4 hour drive and you’ll be crossing the Canada/USA border. But it’s a great opportunity to visit Waterton Lakes National Park.
✈️ Book your flight to Glacier National Park
Find cheap flights to Glacier National Park (FCA) or Calgary International Airport (YYC) using Google Flights or Skyscanner where you’ll be able to compare different airlines tickets, including some low-cost ones.
🚗 Rent your car
You can rent a car directly from Glacier Park International Airport. I recommend you compare pricing on DiscoverCars.
How to Get Around Glacier National Park
Getting around Glacier National Park requires some planning, as the park is vast and parking options are limited.
It’s important to know that there is really limited parking space throughout the park, so having your own vehicle can be a hassle.
What is the Best Way to Visit Glacier National Park?
If you’re visiting during the summertime, then, the best way to visit Glacier National Park is by using the park shuttle. The park shuttle is FREE and runs every 15 to 30 minutes. The buses are also wheelchair accessible. It stops at most popular trailheads and viewpoints. Of course, it makes your trip to the park as little less flexible.
The park shuttle stops at the most popular attractions along the Going-to-the-Sun road. It allows us to enjoy the park, do some hikes, and see beautiful scenery without managing to find a parking spot… which is really limited.
Than, if you wish to visit other sections of the park, outside the Going-to-the-Sun corridor, you’ll want to have your own car.
You can also opted for a guided bus tours, such as the famous Red Buses. The fun things about guided bus tours is that you’ll learn a lot of fun facts about the park with your guide, but it can get expensive for a family.
Do You Need a Car to Visit Glacier National Park?
No. You don’t need a car to visit the main attractions and hikes of Glacier National Park. You can use the park’s shuttle. But if you want to venture on more off-the-beaten path, than you’ll want to have your car.
Plan Your Accommodations and Activities in Advance
Glacier National Park is a busy place, especially in the summer. You’ll want to plan your trip ahead of time and book your accommodations and activities well in advance.
If you’re planning on camping, you need to book your campsites as soon as the national reservation opens. It’s the same time for your timed-entry tickets if you want to be able to drive freely within the park.
🛏️ Book your hotel in Glacier National Park
Booking.com is a great search engine for hotels and guesthouses in Glacier National Park.
You can look at:
- St. Mary Village,
- Glacier Park Lodge or
- Great Northern Resort (Lodge)
🎟️ Book your Glacier National Park tours
Viator and Get Your Guide are two great websites for finding fun tours in and around Glacier National Park such as a boat, bus or raft tours, guided hiking services or horseback rides.
Download a few apps to help you plan your Glacier National Park vacation
The GoWhee app is the perfect app for finding fun kid-friendly activities in Glacier National Park. Roadtripppers will help you plan any road trips. It helps you add stops along the way.
AllTrails is our go-to app to look at trails’ reports and see if the trail is kid-friendly. You’ll also find recent information about the status of the trail.
But one of the best app to download is hands-down the GuideAlong Audio tours.
GuideAlong offers self-guided tours with informative, location-based audio commentary. The app uses GPS technology to automatically trigger engaging narratives about the area’s history, culture, and hidden gems as you explore your destination.
When is the best time to visit Glacier National Park?
The best time to visit Glacier National Park is from mid-June to mid-October. During this time, Going-to-the-Sun road is fully open.
Also, during the summer months, July and August the weather is typically warm, and most of the park’s facilities, roads, and trails are open. But it’s also that time of year when there is A LOT of visitors. So it can be crowded.
Another thing to consider is that a timed entry ticket is required to drive within Glacier National Park from:
- End of May 26 to mid-September, reservations are required for west side entrances including the North Fork, Camas and West Entrance
- July to mid-September reservations are required for east side entrances, including Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and Going-to-the-Sun Road from Rising Sun
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what to expect during different times of the year:
Summer (Late June to Early September)
The weather is warm and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). You’ll still need some layers in higher elevations (for example at Logan Pass).
Most roads, trails, and facilities are open, including the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road. But, this is the peak tourist season, so the park can be crowded, and accommodations may be scarce if not booked in advance.
Late Spring (May to Early June)
The weather is milder, with a chance of rain and lingering snow at higher elevations. Some trails and areas may still be snow-covered or muddy, but lower-elevation trails are accessible for hiking, and spring wildflowers begin to bloom.
It’s important to note that the Going-to-the-Sun road will not be entirely opened. There will be fewer crowds, but be prepared for variable trail conditions.
Early Fall (Mid-September to Early October)
You’ll see cooler temperatures and changing foliage, making for a picturesque visit. Most areas remain accessible, but some facilities may begin to close for the season.
There will be fewer crowds, but the weather can be unpredictable. It’s still one of my favorite times to visit!
Winter (November to April)
It will be cold, with snowfall common, especially at higher elevations. Many roads and facilities are closed, including the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
It’s a great time to try some winter sports, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular.
You’ll experience limited access to the park but a serene and less crowded experience. We visited last January, and it was beautiful, but there is not much to see for a multi-day trip.
What is the Best Month to Visit Glacier?
In my opinion, the best month to visit Glacier National Park is September. Visiting the area during the early fall is ideal for several reasons.
Firstly, the Glacier National vehicle reservation system is not in effect during this time (starting mid-September). It will allow you to drive throughout the entire park without the need for the additional reservations required in the summer.
Additionally, weather permitting, the Going-to-the-Sun drive remains open until mid-October.
Therefore, by choosing to visit in early fall, you can experience all the enjoyment the park has to offer, minus the summer crowds and limitations.
Regardless of when you visit, it’s always a good idea to check the park’s official website for current conditions, road closures, and any alerts or advisories.
How Many Days Do You Need to See Glacier?
The number of days needed to see Glacier National Park can vary depending on individual preferences, interests, and the pace at which one wants to explore. However, a general recommendation is to spend at least 3 to 5 days in the park to experience its major highlights and enjoy a variety of activities. Here’s a suggested breakdown:
- 1-2 Days: Focus on the main highlights such as Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake McDonald, Logan Pass, and popular short hikes like Trail of the Cedars and Hidden Lake Overlook.
- 3-4 Days: Explore additional areas like Many Glacier and Two Medicine, undertake moderate hikes to destinations like Avalanche Lake and St. Mary Falls, and enjoy boat tours or wildlife watching.
- 5+ Days: Delve deeper into the park’s wilderness, embark on longer and more challenging hikes, explore less-visited areas, and participate in activities like fishing, camping, and stargazing.
Ultimately, the duration of your stay will depend on your interests, whether you prefer a leisurely or active pace, and how thoroughly you wish to explore the park.
Glacier National Park Guide: Our Other Resources to Help Plan Your Trip To Glacier
In this article, we’re helping you with the planning part of your trip to Glacier National. But here are other helpful resources to know everything there is to know about your trip to Glacier:
How to Spend 3 Days in Glacier National Park with Kids
Where to Stay in Glacier National Park (All Family-Friendly)
9 Best Easy Hikes in Glacier National Park (Family Approved)
Avalanche Lake: Glacier National Park Best Family-Friendly Hike
Download Your Glacier National Park Packing List Here!
All You Need to Know About the Glacier National Park Vehicle Reservations
One of the most important things to know when planning a trip to Glacier National Park is the timed-entry ticket system (or the Glacier National Park vehicle reservations).
Glacier National Park introduced timed-entry tickets for all visitors during the summer season to drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road from early June to mid-October. The specific dates vary a little each year.
The timed-entry tickets are free of charge (only the $2.00 online transaction fee) and valid for 3 consecutive days.
What does it mean when planning a trip to Glacier National Park?
You can only enter the national park if you have a timed entry ticket. Those tickets are sold early in the year (and they sell out fast).
Then, during the summer season, they have tickets available at 8:00 AM for the next day, but they also sell out fast (within a few minutes only).
The first time we visited Glacier National it was in August. We didn’t have any chance with the first round of timed-entry tickets. We tried to get the tickets there 24 hours before and still had NO luck.
But don’t worry…. if you are like us and didn’t have any luck getting timed-entry tickets, you can still visit Glacier National Park and have some fun. You just need to be creative with your schedule.
Here is how you can visit Glacier National Park without a Glacier National Park vehicle reservation:
Stay near St. Mary entrance
This is what we did on our second summer visit to Glacier National Park and it’s honestly the best option in my opinion.
The Glacier National Park vehicle reservation access point at the St. Mary entrance is not right at the park’s entrance but 6 miles further, at Rising Sun.
Which is amazing news!
That means you stay just outside the park, near St. Mary, drive through the St. Mary entrance and park your car at the St. Mary visitor center. You can take the Glacier National Park free shuttle to explore the park.
Book tours and/or accommodations within the park
If you book a campground or lodging along the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor, between the West and St. Mary entrance station, your lodging/campsite reservation can be used to enter the park, instead of a vehicle reservation ticket.
But be warned: this is ONLY valid for a campsite or hotel reservation on the Going-to-the-Sun road. For example, if you are staying in Many Glacier, you won’t have access to the Going-to-the-Sun park area.
Also, if you book tours within the park, your tour reservation will work as the vehicle reservation ticket, but only on the day of your tour. It won’t be valid for 3 consecutive days.
Try the 24-hour release window
If you didn’t get your vehicle reservation when it opened 4 months before your visit, you can still book your trip and hope to get lucky 24 hours in advance.
In fact, the park releases tickets at 8:00 a.m. the day before you want to visit. So you can try that.
Enter the park early in the morning or late afternoon
The timed entry ticket is only required from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, so it’s possible to enjoy the national park with a creative schedule.
And that’s what we did the first time we visited.
You can enter the park early in the morning (at 5h45 AM max in case of some traffic) or after 3:00 PM.
This is NOT ideal when traveling with young children, but it’s still possible. Outside the park, especially in West Glacier, there is a lot to do, so you can enjoy slow mornings and days and hit the park for a late afternoon and evening adventure.
Or you can risk waking the kids early and beating the crowds by entering before 6:00 a.m. This is an ideal solution if you drive the entire Going-to-the-Sun drive.
Consider visiting off-season
Glacier National Park is a busy park. In 2021, there were almost 3 million visitors. It gets crowded, and it can be hard to find lodging, get the timed-entry tickets, and just drive across the park. If you can, try to plan a trip to Glacier National Park between mid-September and mid-October.
It’s the ideal off-season time to visit the area. First, the Glacier National vehicle reservation system is not valid at that time, which means you can drive within the entire park without the extra reservation needed in the summertime.
Then, until mid-October (weather permitting), the Going-to-the-Sun drive is still open.
So by visiting in the early fall, you’ll get all the fun without the crowds and extra limited from the summer.
The Glacier National Park timed-entry tickets run from the end of May to mid-September, when it’s the busiest time. Visiting outside of those dates is ideal. But the weather may be a little more variable.
Do you need reservations to drive through Glacier National Park?
Yes, during the peak season, Glacier National Park implements a ticketed entry system for the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor, which is one of the main attractions of the park.
Visitors are required to have a vehicle entry reservation, in addition to the park entrance fee, to access this area. However, other areas of the park are typically accessible without a reservation. And there are a few ways to visit the park without a Vehicle Reservation.
It is advisable to check the official Glacier National Park website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on reservations and entry requirements.
How far in advance do you need to book Glacier National Park?
It is recommended to book accommodations, tours, and vehicle entry reservations as far in advance as possible, especially if you plan to visit during the peak summer months.
Campground reservations and lodging can fill up quickly, and vehicle entry reservations for the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor are typically released in advance on a rolling basis.
The Vehicle Reservation tickets are available 4 months in advance. Some extra spots are released 24 hours in advance.
Checking the official website and booking early will help ensure availability and allow for a smoother visit.
Can you drive into Glacier National Park before 6 a.m.?
Yes, you can drive into Glacier National before 6 a.m. or after 3 p.m. without a vehicle reservation for the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
The ticketed entry system is usually in effect between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m., so entering before or after these hours does not require a reservation.
However, it is important to verify this information on the official park website, as policies may change based on park management decisions and visitor demand.
Our Top Tips for Planning a Trip to Glacier National Park With Kids
1. Pack the right gear When Visiting Glacier National Park
When visiting Glacier National Park, packing the right gear is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Given the park’s diverse terrain and weather conditions, you’ll want to bring layers of clothing, including waterproof and insulating items, to stay comfortable in varying temperatures.
Sturdy hiking boots are a must for exploring trails, and a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen will protect you from the sun. Don’t forget essentials like a map, compass, and a first aid kit for navigation and emergencies.
Additionally, carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is crucial, as the park is home to both grizzly and black bears.
Lastly, pack a reusable water bottle and snacks to stay hydrated and energized during your adventures.
🩹 Don’t forget a First Aid Kit
Take a travel first aid kit with you when hiking with toddlers. Make sure it is well-stocked, especially with bite/sting cream and band-aids – you never know when unsteady little legs might take a tumble. Keep your travel first aid kit somewhere accessible.
Consider Renting Outdoor Gear
If you are flying, you can rent hiking and camping equipment to avoid paying for extra baggage.
Glacier National Park is a great place for camping, but bringing all your family camping gear can be hard if you’re flying. The Wilderness Edge located in Columbia Falls, MT (only a few miles away from Glacier National Park) offers an on-site self-service gear rental. It’s open 24 hours and 7 days a week. You can rent all the camping and hiking essentials such as tents, coolers, hiking poles, camping mats, camping cook sets, and so much more. They also sell camping food.
It’s the perfect solution for families wanting to try camping in Glacier National but can’t bring all their gear. This self-service, fully automated concept makes it easy to rent gear and pick it up on your own time rather than trying to coordinate your schedule around when a gear/outfitter shop is open for rentals.
However, you may want to bring your hiking shoes to be more comfortable while visiting Glacier National Park with your kids.
2. Plan for at least 3 to 4 days to fully explore the park
Glacier National Park is a big national park. It’s not as big as Yellowstone National Park, but still pretty big with 1 013 125 acres. Plus, it’s super crowded and there can be lots of traffic. Most of the sights are along the Going-to-the-Sun Road which is a tiny sinuous undivided road with only one lane each way.
If you can, plan a trip to Glacier National Park for at least 3 days. Although, 4 days would be ideal to explore some other parts of the park. It will allow your family to explore the park without stressing too much about time.
3. Stop at the Visitor Center to get the Junior Ranger Booklets
There are 3 visitor centers across Glacier National Park: St. Mary on the east side, Logan Pass in the center of the park and Apgar on the west side.
We highly recommend visiting at least one visitor center at the start of your stay to talk to a ranger so you can discover more about what you can do in the park and orientate yourself.
If you want your kids to learn about this beautiful national park, get them the Junior Ranger Booklet. They offer two different booklets, one for kids who can’t read yet and one for older kids.
After they complete the activities described in their booklet, take them to review the work with a ranger and they’ll be awarded an official Glacier Junior Ranger badge and a hiker’s sticker.
Some of the requirements to get the patch are to attend a Ranger-led program, go on a hiking trail and, of course, complete the activities inside the booklet to enhance their learning.
It’s a great and fun way to engage children with nature, and you can imagine their excitement when they receive this reward! Our children loved the Junior Ranger program at Glacier National Park. We completed a section while exploring the park and the rest quietly in the evening at our lodging.
4. Consider using the park shuttle
Glacier National Park is super busy, but there is only one main road, the Going-to-the-Sun Road. It’s only a 2-lanes, non-divided road. Plus, parking space at the different hikes, viewpoints and other places of interest is really limited.
Using the park shuttle is a great way to explore the park and not worry about traffic and not having a place to park.
The shuttle is free of charge and offers many stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road making it perfect to really enjoy the park.
Previously, we decided to drive and had to miss a hiking trail we really wanted to do because we couldn’t find a parking spot since the road is so narrow.
5. Take your time to enjoy the wildlife, but don’t forget your bear spray
A very important piece of advice is to take your time when visiting Glacier National Park with kids to enjoy the beautiful natural features and wildlife the park offers. It can be very easy to be trapped in the mindset of ticking off as many places as possible. However, you’ll end up not enjoying the place as much as possible.
Glacier National Park is home to 71 species of mammals, 276 species of birds and many species of fish, insects, and amphibians. It’s also filled with alpine wildflowers (glacier lilies, purple asters, Indian pipes, and many more). It’s fun to slow down and admire the colors.
But, Glacier National Park is in bear country. It’s home to both black bears and grizzly bears. There are nearly 1,000 bears in Glacier National Park, with about 300 of them being grizzly bears.
Attacks are rare and fatalities are even rarer, but you still need to be careful and aware of the danger. Even if you do short popular hikes, bring your bear spray, and most importantly, learn how to use it.
We had a grizzly bear encounter on our last visit on the St. Mary/Virginia Falls hike. A grizzly bear was walking down the trail between the Virginia and St. Mary Falls. We were surrounded by many other people and managed to return safely to the parking lot, but it was scary.
And most importantly, it was a super busy trail! No need to be in the backcountry to have bear encounters.
Many Glacier is an area within the park where you have the most chances of spotting a bear, especially on Grinnell Glacier Trail, Iceberg Lake Trail, Cracker Lake Trail, and Logan Pass.
Grizzly sightings have also been reported on Highline Trail and Hidden Lake Trail. For example, a section of the Hidden Lake trail was closed when we visited in August 2022 and July 2023 due to bear activity.
6. Cool off at some of the best Glacier National Park swimming spots
Summers can be hot in Northern Montana and Glacier National Park, so it’s always fun for kids to cool off and play in the water. Plus, there are a few places where you can enjoy the water. For example, there is a nice access to the lake at Lake McDonald Lodge. There is also the possibility to go by the river at Redrock Falls.
Our favorite spots to enjoy the water in Glacier National Park are:
- Lake McDonald lodge,
- Redrock Falls,
- Waterton Lake (in Waterton Lakes National Park),
- Middle Fork Flathead River (access by the trail next to the Glacier National Park sign),
- St. Mary Lake.
There are also many lakes and beaches outside the park around Whitefish and Flathead Lake.
7. Try to sleep on each side of the park (West Glacier and St. Mary)
Driving from West Glacier (Apgar Entrance) to East Glacier (St. Mary Entrance) on the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a minimum of 2h00. And that is considering that you don’t stop for any fun hikes and activities and if there is not too much traffic.
It’s a long time to cross the park and with kids, it can be hard.
If you can, I highly recommend staying a few nights near West Glacier and exploring the west section of the park, such as Lake McDonald and its lodge, Trail of the Cedars. Then take an entire day to slowly drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road and stop where you didn’t have time to stop on the first day. Then finally, spend a few days on the East side to explore the area such as Virginia Falls and Two Medicine Lake.
8. Add a few extra days to visit Waterton Lakes National Park (the Canadian side of Glacier National Park)
Waterton Lakes National Park is the Canadian part of Glacier National Park. To access the Parks Canada operated area, you’ll have to exit Glacier National Park on the East Side (from St. Mary) and drive a little north, via Highway 17. The Chief Mountain border crossing is only opened in the summer (but may still be closed at the moment due to COVID restrictions. You should check before traveling). Otherwise, you’ll have to drive through the Carway border crossing and follow the directions to Waterton Lakes National Park.
Waterton Lakes is a great place to admire wildflowers. It also has a beautiful lake (Lake Cameron) and many hiking trails. With kids, a boat tour on Upper Waterton Lake is a fun activity.
What to do in Glacier National Park
There is so much to do in Glacier National Park. Make sure to read our detailed guide on things to do. But here are a few highlights:
- Exploring Logan Pass and hiking the Hidden Lake Overlook trail
- Driving the entire Going-to-the-Sun drive
- Enjoying the water at Lake McDonald
- Participating in the Junior Ranger program (for the kids)
- Try one of the many hiking trails
Other Great Things to Do in Glacier National Park With Kids
There are a few other fun things to do in Glacier National Park with kids. First, West Glacier village is a fun place to get ice cream and do a round of mini-golf. With older kids, you might be interested in a whitewater rafting excursion.
Then, why not explore a bit more of the region by visiting Whitefish and Flathead Lake.
F.AQ. Planning a Trip to Glacier National Park With Kids
Do I need a reservation to visit Glacier National Park?
You do need to get timed-entry tickets to access the National Park. They sell out really fast though. You can make your reservations online at recreation.gov in advance or by calling 877.444.6777 (toll-free), 606.515.6777 (international) or 877.833.6777 (TDD). You should note that the park does not charge for reservations; however, recreation.gov charges a $2 nonrefundable service fee. You can read our tips #8 and #9 if you aren’t lucky enough to get tickets!
Is there a shuttle service in Glacier National Park?
Yes! Glacier National Park offers a free shuttle service. This is a great option if you want to avoid traffic as well as the hassle to find a parking spot in the park.
How long should I spend visiting Glacier National Park?
In this blog post, I recommend spending at least 3 to 4 days to fully explore what the park has to offer. Of course, the longer you stay the less rushed you’ll feel and the more time you’ll have to visit more trails and lakes.
What is the name of the lake in Montana that has colored rocks?
This world-famous lake is Lake McDonald. It has distinct and stunning-colored rocks that will mesmerize you!
How busy is Glacier National Park?
During the summer months, from May through September, Glacier National Park welcomes millions of visitors. You can expect a lot of traffic and crowds during this period. If you rather visit during the off-season, you can go during early May or late September for a calmer experience.
Is there a lot of wildlife in Glacier National Park?
Yes! Being a national park, you can expect to see goats, bighorn sheep, deer, marmots, coyotes, wolves and bears. Remember to bring your bear spray as you’ll be in bear country. Also, learn how to use it in case you need it!
Final Thoughts: Planning a Trip to Glacier National Park With Kids
Glacier National Park is such a beautiful place to visit with kids. Planning for at least 3 days is a must. You’ll have time to enjoy the beauty of the park (taking into consideration all the people visiting at the same time). Also, if you didn’t have any luck getting the timed-entry tickets, you can still enjoy the park with your kids if you change a bit your schedule.
I hope this Glacier National Park guide helped you plan your epic trip to Glacier.
Will you be visiting Glacier National Park with your kids?
