Family Friendly Things to do in West Yellowstone

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Yellowstone National Park and West Yellowstone, Montana, offer a wealth of unforgettable experiences for travelers of all ages. From geysers and wildlife to hands-on museums and outdoor adventures, there’s no shortage of family activities in Yellowstone that spark curiosity, inspire wonder, and bring your family closer together.

At Roam Property Management, we help families create trips they'll remember forever. Whether you're traveling with toddlers or teens, here are our top family-friendly things to do in and around Yellowstone, including some must-see West Yellowstone attractions.

Family Friendly Activities in Yellowstone

1. Watch Old Faithful Erupt

The world’s most famous geyser, a must-see among West Yellowstone attractions, erupts roughly every 90 minutes—always a crowd-pleaser. There’s plenty of space to sit and wait, making it one of the most accessible features in the park and an excellent option among family activities in Yellowstone. It's truly a family-friendly thing to do.

Check out Eruption Times

2. Explore the Grand Prismatic Spring

Walk the boardwalk around this colorful hot spring, or hike to the overlook via the Fairy Falls Trail for a breathtaking bird's-eye view. Kids will love the vibrant colors and steamy mist, making it one of the top family activities Yellowstone has to offer, along with other West Yellowstone attractions.

3. Become a Junior Ranger

Stop by any visitor center to pick up a Junior Ranger activity book, a great option for family activities in Yellowstone. Kids can complete fun tasks, earn a badge, and learn about park wildlife, geology, and safety, making it one of the top family-friendly things to do.

4. Spot Wildlife in Lamar or Hayden Valley

Bring binoculars and watch for bison, elk, bears, and even wolves in these open areas—perfect for family activities in Yellowstone. Early morning or dusk is best for wildlife sightings. Tip: Let kids keep a 'wildlife checklist' for added fun, making this one of the family-friendly things to do while exploring West Yellowstone attractions.

5. Walk the Mud Volcano & Dragon's Mouth Trail

These short, bubbling trails in Yellowstone offer a magical experience that feels like stepping into another world. They are easy for kids to navigate and are among the best family-friendly things to do, packed with geothermal sights and smells that your family will never forget.

6. Picnic & Play at Yellowstone Lake

Pack a lunch and enjoy a break at Bridge Bay, Fishing Bridge, or West Thumb Geyser Basin as part of your family activities in Yellowstone.

Top Family Activities in West Yellowstone, MT

1. Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center

This year-round wildlife center offers family-friendly things to do, allowing kids to safely watch bears, wolves, and otters up close. It's one of the top West Yellowstone attractions, featuring fun, interactive exhibits and special “Keeper Kids” programs available daily.

Learn More About Keeper Kids

2. Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre

Watch Yellowstone, the 60-foot IMAX film that offers a thrilling introduction to the park’s geology and wildlife—an ideal choice among family activities in Yellowstone, perfect for a rainy day or a post-hike rest.

Showtimes

3. West Yellowstone Playground & City Park

Located in the center of town, this large playground is one of the best family-friendly things to do in West Yellowstone. With swings, slides, climbing areas, and ample green space, it's perfect for kids who need to burn off some energy.

4. Ice Cream at City Creamery

Cool off with a scoop of huckleberry or cookie dough ice cream from this hand-churned local favorite, perfect for families enjoying family-friendly things to do in the area. NOTE, this business is only open during the summer.

5. Horseback Riding for All Ages

Several outfitters near town provide short, family-friendly horseback rides through meadows and forested trails, making them ideal family activities in Yellowstone. Some popular options include Parade Rest Ranch, Creekside Trail Rides, and Dry Ridge Harriman.

6. Dive into History at the Yellowstone Historic Center Museum

Discover family-friendly things to do by exploring the early days of park tourism and the town’s railroad history through hands-on exhibits, vintage vehicles, and engaging family activities in Yellowstone, including fun family scavenger hunts that highlight local West Yellowstone attractions.

Visit the Museum Website

7. Family Hikes Near Town

Explore the Riverside Trail (easy, flat, 3 miles roundtrip), which begins in West Yellowstone and follows the Madison River into the park—perfect for families looking for fun family activities in Yellowstone, as it’s ideal for strollers or young hikers.

8. Meadow Vue Ranch

Just minutes from West Yellowstone, Meadow Vue Ranch offers a true taste of the West with rodeo nights, horseback riding, and a variety of family-friendly things to do. Enjoy a cowboy dutch oven dinner while discovering family activities in Yellowstone that everyone will love!

Pro tip: ask about their mutton busting for the kiddos!

Tickets and Details

9. Playmill Theater

A beloved local gem, the Playmill Theatre offers Broadway-style performances the whole family will enjoy.

Get Your Tickets