When the mountains are calling your family toward an unforgettable adventure someplace new and exciting, there’s no better place to find yourself on the map than scenic Whitefish, Montana. This absolutely stunning getaway destination is an outdoor adventuring family’s dream come true and a picture-perfect place to customize every moment of your trip to fit your unique preferences, interests, and timeframe. Whether you’re here for a few wonderful days or you’re planning an extended vacation alongside those you love most, Whitefish, Montana is a must-visit destination this year for a plethora of reasons.
For the family who is looking forward to spending as much time as possible in the great outdoors, immersed in the beauty of nature, a vacation in Whitefish never fails to impress. Here, you’re only ever moments away from the wonders that await within Glacier National Park. It’s a top-rated destination for hiking, biking, climbing, and wildlife watching as well. With binoculars in hand, you can easily spot everything from mountain goats and bears during your time in Glacier National Park to eagles overhead as well.
While there’s no reason not to set out on an independent family adventure, many who are heading this way with travelers of all ages and interests included in their group choose to book a guided tour through the park instead. It’s a great option when you want to make sure you access top attractions in the park safely, and learn more from a local expert along the way. Beyond the parameters of Glacier National Park, Whitefish is a family-friendly vacation destination where it’s easy to add group activities like fishing and kayaking to your lineup in the warm weather months of the year. If you find yourself with free time in the winter months and you’re making your way to Whitefish with the entire family in tow, you’ll find seasonal recreation activities like skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding too are all delightful additions to your must-try list.
When your family isn’t lingering on the inviting shores of Whitefish Lake during your stay, you’ll find Whitefish, Montana is also a wonderful place for top-tier dining and shopping excursions. Downtown, you can take an afternoon to check out fun boutique shops selling everything from apparel and home décor to crafts and whimsical souvenirs too. There are plenty of terrific restaurants in town that even the pickiest eater in your group will love, and if you’re up for a show, the Whitefish Theatre Company has you covered. Every single step of the way, Whitefish, Montana proves time and again that it’s truly the ultimate family getaway destination.
Traveling somewhere new with the family is always a treat, but any group getaway deserves a bit of extra planning when it comes to how to get where you’re going. If you’re flying into Whitefish this year for your family trip, you’ll likely be organizing a flight to the Glacier Park International Airport. Families will be thrilled with this airport’s proximity to town as it’s just about 20 minutes away by car. That means before you know it, you’ll be behind the wheel and heading towards the promised adventures—something that can be a huge relief depending on the age of the kids you’re traveling with.
Another route to getting here that you definitely don’t want to overlook is taking the train in instead. This can be a fun experience with the family because you can turn the travel itself into a sightseeing experience that’s one of a kind and likely fascinating for visitors of all ages. Amtrak’s Empire Builder heads this way year-round and comes complete with a full observation car in addition to sleeper cars for families so you can spend a few days chugging your way across gorgeous countryside and dining onboard with stunning views as you head towards Whitefish. When you arrive, you’ll find yourself at the Whitefish Depot, which is a historic stop and a great place to start giving your kids reasons to relish learning more about the stories behind the destination your group has come to enjoy.
No matter how you get to Whitefish, when you’re traveling with the family, you’re most certainly going to want a rental vehicle available to use for the duration of your stay. While the downtown area of Whitefish is extremely walkable, when you want to get out and discover places like Glacier National Park, it won’t take long to realize just how vast and varied the terrain here is. Being able to head out whenever you’d like and at your own pace can be a lifesaver when it comes to keeping stress levels low on your family getaway.
Depending on how many children and adults you’re traveling to Whitefish alongside and the ages of your fellow adventurers, there’s a good chance you’ll be looking for a variety of outdoor activities to add to your list during your stay that speak to attention spans and interests of all types. The good news is that Whitefish is a destination designed by nature for exactly this experience! Those who are heading this way in the summertime when temperatures are on the rise won’t want to miss out on quality time enjoyed together at Whitefish City Beach. Here, there are options to sunbathe, swim, or paddleboard along no less than 7 beautiful miles of glacial shorelines. There are also bike trails to check out here so if half the group wants to be in the water, the other half is more than welcome to hit the trails together and meet back at the beach when adventures are complete for a tasty group picnic.
Over at Glacier National Park, there are always options for outdoor adventures for those who love to hike, bike, wildlife watch, and rock climb. However, if you’re traveling kids who are quite up for the strenuous time on the trails, but you still want to get out and explore together, you can opt to take a scenic drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road instead. This is a beautiful route through the park that comes with incredible views included and convenient options for stop offs at those places that would suit your group best for prolonged observation.
When you want to expand on your family fun further during a summer trip to Whitefish, Montana, don’t leave options like whitewater rafting off the list. This is perfect for thrill-seeking families looking for new adventures while those who want to see the backcountry but at a slower pace might prefer a guided horseback ride instead. For the family that loves to golf, Whitefish is a wonderful place to hit the greens in the summertime and if you’re more in the mood for some local retail therapy, the Whitefish Farmers Market is always up and running this time of year too.
Hiking is a fan-favorite activity among Whitefish locals and visitors alike and yet another terrific activity to build into your family getaway in this direction. The Whitefish Trail is a community-supported pathway in town that covers 47 miles of terrain but can easily be broken up into smaller sections to fit your family’s skill level and preferences. Afterward, you can head over to places like Baker Park and enjoy a picnic while the little ones burn off any excess energy on the playgrounds.
Families spending time in Whitefish in the winter will love every second spent at Whitefish Mountain Resort. This inviting destination hosts nearly 3,000 skiable acres and 11 marked trails, so there’s always a route to fit your family’s needs. Whitefish Mountain Resort has been serving families here for the last 75 years and is a convenient place to ski and snowboard thanks to on-site rental options, a great après-ski scene, and lessons available on request too.
If you happen to find yourself in Whitefish on a rainy day, or you’re looking for a great place to warm up in the wintertime that’s equal parts educational and engaging, make sure your family getaway to Whitefish includes time at the Whitefish Museum. Officially known as the Stumptown Historical Society and Whitefish Museum, this inviting destination for all ages is found at 500 Depot Street. It’s where you arrived if you took the train into town, so this is a great chance to return and spend more time when you’re well rested exploring this beautifully restored Great Northern depot with a locomotive included.
The museum is right in the heart of Whitefish, and it’s a great stop when you’re interested in learning more about the area’s railroad past as well as how logging had a huge impact on the growth of the Flathead Valley. There’s no cost to visit the museum, but donations are always welcomed. The Whitefish Museum is open year-round, and if you happen to be visiting with a large group, making a reservation or tour request ahead of time is highly recommended.
When you’re looking to add a place to your lineup where the kids can run and let their imaginations soar, set your sights on an afternoon at the Amazing Fun Center. You’ll find this hub of kid-friendly activities at 10265 Highway 2E in nearby Columbia Falls which is just a 10 mile drive from the center of town. At the Amazing Fun Center, kids are invited to enjoy miniature golf, go karting, bumper boats, basketball, life-sized 3D puzzles, and much more!
Planning a family getaway anywhere on the map is bound to come with some unexpected surprises along the way. Inevitably, things that happen you simply couldn’t have predicted. However, the one thing you can remain confident in at all times when you make Whitefish your getaway destination of choice is that you’ll have delicious options for curbing cravings no matter what everyone in your group prefers to enjoy! Make time for a meal at the Buffalo Café at least once while you’re here and your tastebuds are sure to thank you for the experience. This family-friendly eatery is located right downtown and has been serving up savory bites to the local community since 1979.
Today, it remains a beloved place to settle in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and the menu is a masterpiece in variety, giving everyone in your traveling group a reason to bring their appetite along. This relaxed eatery has a ton of locally sourced specials on the menu as well as over 10 draft beers showcased from surrounding breweries for the adults to enjoy. The kid’s menu is just as appealing featuring everything from cheeseburgers and tacos to quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, buffalo wings, and mac n’ cheese. There’s no dress code to worry about here and the service is frequently praised for its exceptional level of friendliness. It’s a win-win all the way around!
In the event your family is craving pizza, a trip to the Mackenzie River Pizza Company is certainly in order during your next getaway. You’ll find this delicious stop at 9 Central Avenue and in addition to custom-topped pizzas, you can easily order up sandwiches, salads, and tasty pastas. Afterward, don’t hesitate to make your way over to Sweet Peaks Ice Cream at 419 E. 3rd Street where you can end the evening on a sweet note with an ice cream cone (or two) for everyone in your group.
Your family deserves to feel right at home on your next Whitefish vacation and at I Love Whitefish, we have the property options to do just that. Our family-friendly vacation rentals are spacious, feature fantastic views, and come with amenities in place that make your time indoors as inviting as your time out exploring. Feel free to browse our family-friendly rental options that sit at the mountain base, lakeside, or right in the heart of the mountain village. From properties with hot tubs to enjoy, sprawling outdoor decks to use, large yards, and impressive entertainment centers too, we’ll make sure everything you need for an amazing stay is in place upon arrival. When you’re traveling with your canine companion, we have pet-friendly rentals to choose from as well. Reach out today to learn more!
