Three Days of Summer Family Fun in Big Sky, Montana
Welcome to Big Sky, Montana—where family adventures and breathtaking landscapes create memories that last a lifetime! Standing majestically at 11,166 feet, Lone Peak creates a stunning backdrop for your family getaway. While Big Sky Resort is famous for winter skiing, our summers offer perfect weather and endless activities that the whole family will enjoy.
We've designed this three-day family-friendly itinerary to help you experience the best of Big Sky with kids of all ages. Explore everything there is to do in Big Sky for families, from gentle hikes and exciting ziplines to wildlife viewing and mountain activities. There's something for everyone in your family to enjoy.
Day One: Mountain Village Adventures
Morning: Adventure Mountain or Ziplining at Basecamp
Start your Big Sky family adventure at Basecamp in Mountain Village, where a variety of kid-friendly activities await! Purchase Adventure Mountain tokens and let the kids enjoy the bungee trampoline, climbing wall, and giant swing. These activities are perfect for burning off energy while adults can relax and enjoy the mountain views—stop by Treeline Coffee on your way in to savor the moment with a cup of locally roasted coffee.
For families with older children, the Resort's zipline tours offer an exciting aerial adventure through the trees with spectacular views of Lone Peak. The zipline guides are trained to work with children and ensure everyone has a safe, fun experience.
Choose from the shorter, first-time-zipliner-friendly Nature Zipline, which includes a ten-minute hike to the top, or take on the Adventure Zipline. The Adventure Zipline swoops down the mountain on lines spanning up to 1500 feet long and 150 feet above the forest floor. Take it to the next level with the self-rappel off one of the towers and race a partner on the final twin zip.
Lunchtime: Kid-Friendly Dining at Yeti Dogs
When hunger strikes after a morning of adventure, Yeti Dogs in the Mountain Village provides a quick and fun lunch option with their gourmet hot dogs featuring creative toppings. Kids love the casual atmosphere and the opportunity to customize their own hot dogs.
Afternoon: Scenic Lift Ride & Easy Mountain Exploration
After lunch, take a scenic chairlift ride on the Ramcharger 8 chairlift for a bird's-eye view of the mountains. This high-speed chairlift features comfortable seats and safety bars, making it perfect for family members of all ages. At the top, enjoy the easy walking paths around Andesite Mountain and take in the panoramic views of the Spanish Peaks and Lone Mountain.
Keep your camera ready for wildflower spotting—mid-July typically brings vibrant displays of lupine, Indian paintbrush, and alpine sunflowers. The gentle terrain at the top is perfect for families to explore together before taking the scenic ride back down, or take the Thimbleberry hiking trail back down to Mountain Village for extra adventure.
To take advantage of your time on the mountain and learn all about the area, hire a guide for a Scenic Lift Guided Experience. Perfect for the inquisitive minds, your guide will teach you about Big Sky's natural surroundings, like the local flora and fauna, geology, and more.
Evening: Family Dinner at Chet's Bar & Grill
Cap off your first day with dinner at Chet's Bar & Grill in the Huntley Lodge. This family-friendly restaurant offers a Montana-inspired menu with options that appeal to both kids and adults. The casual atmosphere makes it a perfect place to relax after a day of adventures. Kids' menu options ensure that even picky eaters will find something to enjoy.
Day 2: Wildlife & Natural Wonders
Morning Breakfast & Lunch Prep: Cowboy Coffee & Roxy's Market & Deli
Before heading to West Yellowstone, grab coffee and breakfast at Cowboy Coffee in the Big Sky Town Center. Next, stop by Roxy's Market & Deli to pick up freshly made sandwiches and snacks for your day trip.
The deli offers a variety of handcrafted sandwiches, plus grab-and-go meals that are perfect for a family picnic in Yellowstone. Having your lunch packed and ready means more time to explore the wonders of Yellowstone without having to search for dining options in the busy park.
Photo: Yellowstone National Park
Morning: Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
Just an hour's drive from Big Sky in West Yellowstone, the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center offers a fascinating and educational experience for the whole family. This wildlife park and educational facility allows you to observe grizzly bears, gray wolves, and raptors in naturalistic habitats.
All animals at the center can no longer survive in the wild and serve as ambassadors for their species at this wildlife refuge. The center's focus on education makes it both fun and informative for visitors of all ages.
Afternoon: Yellowstone National Park Highlights
From West Yellowstone, spend the afternoon exploring some of Yellowstone National Park's most accessible and family-friendly attractions. Enter through the West Entrance and make your way to the Lower Geyser Basin, where boardwalks provide safe viewing of colorful hot springs, geysers, and bubbling mud pots.
Continue to the famous Old Faithful geyser, which erupts approximately every 90 minutes. The predictable schedule makes it easy to plan your visit, and kids are always thrilled by the spectacular natural display. The visitor center nearby offers interactive exhibits that explain the park's unique geothermal features in kid-friendly ways.
Photo: Yellowstone National Park
Evening: Riverhouse BBQ on the Gallatin River
On your way back to Big Sky from West Yellowstone, stop for dinner at The Riverhouse. Located along the banks of the scenic Gallatin River, this local favorite offers authentic Texas-style barbecue with a Montana twist.
Families love the relaxed, casual atmosphere that welcomes guests of all ages. The menu features slow-smoked meats dry-rubbed with house-made seasonings, including options like ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and fried chicken, along with homemade sides.
The restaurant's spacious deck overlooks the Gallatin River, providing a stunning natural backdrop for your family dinner. This riverside setting offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a quintessential Montana dining experience and relax together after your day of exploring Yellowstone.
Day Three: Hiking & Water Activities
Morning: Ousel Falls Hike
Start your day with one of Big Sky's most popular and family-friendly hikes—the Ousel Falls Trail. This 1.6-mile round-trip trail is well-maintained and suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities. The gentle path follows the Gallatin River to a beautiful 100-foot waterfall, with several observation points along the way.
Kids will enjoy looking for wildlife and crossing the scenic bridges. The falls themselves provide a perfect backdrop for family photos, and the cool mist from the cascading water is refreshing on warm summer days.
Lunchtime: Vista Hall's Family-Friendly Servery
For lunch on your third day, Vista Hall back at the Resort offers a modern food court experience with seven distinct dining options under one roof. From Deluxe Grill's burgers and curly fries to Stone Fired Pizza's wood-fired slices, Sushi + Bowls for more adventurous eaters, and the Taqueria for street tacos, the variety ensures that even picky eaters will find something they enjoy.
Grab your meal of choice (and an Uncle Dan's cookie or two, for fuel) and head out to the Vista Deck for outdoor dining with stunning views of Lone Peak.
Afternoon: Resort Pool Time or Lake Levinski Water Fun
Option 1: Resort Pool - If you're staying at the Huntley Lodge, Shoshone Condominium Hotel, or any Big Sky Resort Vacation Rental, enjoy the large heated outdoor swimming pools. The pool areas also feature hot tubs where parents can relax while keeping an eye on the kids. The mountain views create a perfect backdrop for an afternoon of family swimming fun.
Option 2: Lake Levinski - Located at the entrance to Big Sky Resort's Mountain Village, Lake Levinski offers a variety of family-friendly water activities. Rent kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, or pedal boats and explore this charming 10-acre lake. The calm waters are perfect for beginners and young children to practice their paddling skills in a safe environment. Boat rentals are typically available from 10 AM to 6 PM during the summer months.
Evening: Family Dinner at Westward Social
Cap off your Big Sky adventure with dinner at Westward Social in Mountain Village. Located on the ground floor of The Exchange building, this family-friendly restaurant offers a perfect blend of casual atmosphere and elevated dining that appeals to both parents and children.
Westward Social features a seasonally rotating menu with shareable plates that encourage family-style dining. The restaurant sources many ingredients from local farms practicing regenerative agriculture, ensuring fresh and delicious meals. Indoor and outdoor seating options are available, both offering spectacular views of Mountain Village and Lone Peak as your backdrop during dinner.
Kids will enjoy the lively atmosphere, while parents can sample craft cocktails or local Montana microbrews. The restaurant's location in Mountain Village makes it convenient to return to your accommodations after dinner, ending your Big Sky family vacation on a high note with a memorable meal together.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Big Sky Resort offers several lodging options perfect for families:
- Huntley Lodge: Features a heated outdoor pool perfect for family swim time
- Shoshone Condominium Hotel: Spacious units with full kitchens ideal for family meals
- Summit Hotel: Centrally located with elevated amenities
- Vacation Rentals: Private cabins, homes, and condos with multiple bedrooms for larger families
PLANNING TIPS FOR FAMILIES
- Weather Preparation: Mountain weather can change quickly. Pack layers, rain jackets, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes for everyone.
- Altitude Awareness: Big Sky's high elevation may affect some visitors. Stay hydrated, take breaks when needed, and allow time to acclimate, especially on your first day.
- Advance Reservations: To ensure availability, reserve your accommodations and any guided activities (like zipline tours) well in advance.
- Wildlife Safety: Teach children about maintaining safe distances from wildlife and explain the importance of not feeding animals.
- Age-Appropriate Activities: Basecamp activities have different height and age requirements. Check in advance to ensure everyone can participate.
We look forward to welcoming your family to Big Sky Resort for a summer adventure filled with natural beauty, exciting activities, and quality time together in Montana's mountains!
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