What to do and see in Great Falls, Montana (MT): The Best Things to do Good for Kids

March 6, 2022 Hector Krause

Anyone with an interest in history and a love of the great outdoors will enjoy a getaway to Great Falls. Steeped in the traditions of the Old West and chock-full of historic buildings and important landmarks, the city itself is a living museum. But there are also real museums to explore. Check out the Lewis & Clark National Trail Interpretive Center which has interactive exhibits and videos that help you retrace the steps of the famous explorers. The C.M. Russell Museum Complex displays the work of the "Cowboy Artist" Charlie Russell. Families should stop at the Children's Museum of Montana for hours of entertainment. Or walk into the past of the Northern Plains at First People’s Buffalo Jump, where Native Americans used to stampede buffalo over cliffs. Visitors can also take advantage of a wide array of outdoor recreation opportunities. With a fantastic view of the Missouri River, the 24-mile River's Edge Trail is great for walking, biking, in-line skating or jogging. Bird watchers will enjoy the Benton Lake Wildlife Refuge, and hiking, biking and camping opportunities in nearby mountain ranges offer even more outdoor fun.
Restaurants in Great Falls

1. Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

4201 Giant Springs Rd, Great Falls, MT 59405-0913 +1 406-727-8733 http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lcnf/recarea/?recid=61458
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 852 reviews

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

Located on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River in Giant Springs Heritage State Park, this visitors center provides information and exhibits about Lewis and Clark's famous journey and the historical significance of the United States' westward expansion.

Reviewed By abalparker - Sylvan Lake, Canada

A wonderful place to learn more about the amazing story of Lewis and Clark and the early early days of the great plains and the west!! Also take in the buffalo jump, amazing to understand of how the first nation peoples harvested and feed their communities while respecting and living in harmony with nature!!

2. Valley View Garden Golf

1405 9th St NW, Great Falls, MT 59404-1819 +1 406-452-7364
Excellent
87%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 23 reviews

Valley View Garden Golf

Reviewed By 31LeeR31

Beautiful landscaped mini golf with great hole for all levels of experience, challenging but very fun

3. Gibson Park

Park Drive and 1st Avenue North, Great Falls, MT
Excellent
57%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 119 reviews

Gibson Park

Reviewed By caz135b - Sacramento, United States

We have gone to this park for over 50 years, always relaxing and fun to feed the ducks. No bread please, bad for the Water foul.

4. River's Edge Trail

Great Falls, MT http://thetrail.org/
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 170 reviews

River's Edge Trail

Reviewed By LastChance4Fun

The River's Edge Trail is the best urban trail system in Montana -- and maybe the northwest. Trails run along both sides of the river. Long stretches are paved and are wheelchair accessible. Other areas are unpaved and are great for mountain biking or hiking along the river. Many areas feel "wild" even though you're in or close to town.

5. Giant Springs State Park

4803 Giant Springs Rd, Great Falls, MT 59405-0902 +1 406-727-1212 [email protected] http://stateparks.mt.gov/giant-springs/
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 453 reviews

Giant Springs State Park

See. Do. Explore. The possibilities at Giant Springs State Park are limitless- there is so much to see & do with over 4600 acres of front & backcountry & 20 miles of trail. Most people come for the beautiful springs (first described by Lewis and Clark in 1805), BUT there is so much more to do! Giant Springs offers opportunities for Biking, Hiking, Picnicking, Fishing, Hunting, Boating, Bird/wildlife watching, Photography. There is also much to see: The Springs, River Overlooks, the Fish Hatchery, The Falls and More! Visit the ranger station for guided tours/walks, children's activities, summer programming or for questions.

Reviewed By CATTSAR - Provincetown, United States

This is a sensational park with beautiful views as well as an historical education. It is no secret that the main attractions are the giant springs. These springs provide a mesmerizing show as they cascade out and flow into the Roe River and then into the Missouri River. The walkway around allows for a 360 degree view of the springs. One of the other impressive features is the fish hatchery which located close to the springs. An incredible and lengthy network of paved and dirt trails are designed for biking, hiking and walking along the river. Other trails weave up the bluffs for enhanced views of the area. Picnicking, fishing, boating, bird watching and a jungle gym for kids are some of the other activities available. There is large green area for relaxing as well. The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is another highlight especially if the weather is hot, cold or inclement. This is surely a great park for everyone.

6. Ryan Dam - Great Falls of the Missouri

160 Ryan Dam Rd, Great Falls, MT 59404-6006 +1 406-268-2324 [email protected] https://www.visitmt.com/listings/general/recreation-area/ryan-island-park-picnic-area.html
Excellent
52%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 260 reviews

Ryan Dam - Great Falls of the Missouri

Reviewed By Caitermelon - Great Falls, United States

Ryan Island is a pretty little scenic spot to visit during the day. You walk across a bridge out to the island and there’s some walking paths and picnic areas. You can see the dam well from there. The island is only open during the summer and they do close the island during the night.

7. Electric City Water Park

100 Riverview Dr E, Great Falls, MT 59404-1548 +1 406-771-1265 http://www.greatfallsmt.net/recreation/electric-city-water-park
Excellent
51%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 35 reviews

Electric City Water Park

Reviewed By kazrewom - Florence, United States

A blast for folks of all ages! The Lazy river is wonderful for relaxing and floating in the sun- you can float around the river as long as you wish or take your tube down the slide. The Flow Rider is a must try for anyone of sound body/mind! Had no trouble on a Thursday afternoon- finding a tube or a boogie board. The slides are in another pool nearby with a separate pool and fountains for the toddlers and smaller ones. Plenty of tree cover for those looking for a break from the bright Montana Summer sun. Snack bars on site with all the expected snack foods- nachos, fries, sodas, burgers, etc. This experience is a must on your visit to the Electric City!

8. Great Falls Montana

100 1st Ave N Lower Level Suite, Great Falls, MT 59401-2580 +1 406-761-4436 [email protected] http://visitgreatfallsmontana.org
Excellent
65%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 57 reviews

Great Falls Montana

9. Children's Museum of Montana

22 Railroad Sq, Great Falls, MT 59401-4003 +1 406-452-6661 [email protected] http://childrensmuseumofmontana.org
Excellent
37%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
11%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 54 reviews

Children's Museum of Montana

For over 20 years, the children of our little city on the river have come and enjoyed productive, interactive, and educational activities and exhibits all year-round. The Children’s Museum of Montana was opened in February of 1999 and has seen over 60,000 visitors since then. We are the largest and oldest children's museum in Montana and proud of how far we have come- our current collection of over 20 exhibits is a must see for all visitors! While the years have passed, the mission remains the same- To Ignite a Passion for Lifelong Learning! Whether they are saving lives as a doctor in the Little Falls Clinic, learning about money in the Giant Springs Credit Union, or living on the homestead of the frontier; hands-on play is the goal and their own imagination is the only limitation!

Reviewed By T6837SDcesara - Swift Current, Canada

We took our 3 y-old daugter there in the morning on weekend and she really had lots of fun by playing, jumping, running, etc., she did not want to leave after 3 hrs in it. My wife and I had a double expresso coffee meanwhile watched our daughter enjoy that amazing 2 stories family place. We also purchased a few itme at the front small gift store section, and could take many pictures and videos. There parking is good enough for all visitors but not easy to drive into the building parking, not even by using GPS it's that easy, but locals are very helpful. Staff are very nice, polite, smilly and helpful. We may be back again in future visits if travelling with our daughter. The site is well located in town, close to Missouri river and many othger attractions like museums, restaurants, parks, etc. Good wi-fi, only pay admission at front desk at reasonable price. Winter greetings from Speedycreek - SK - Canada.

10. The History Museum

422 2nd St S, Great Falls, MT 59405-1816 +1 406-452-3462 http://thehistorymuseum.org
Excellent
45%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 29 reviews

The History Museum

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