The only thing better than summer time is family time, and there is no place to experience the best of both than in Missoula, Montana. Here, opportunities to connect come with the territory, and there is plenty of space to play and explore. From family-friendly events and kid-friendly concerts to water activities and museums showcasing the natural world—not to mention a food scene that will please even the pickiest eaters—it is impossible not to discover something new in Missoula. Summer is the perfect time to unplug and reconnect with these favorite family traditions in our charming mountain town.
Missoula has a passion for all things local, and nowhere is this more evident than at the farmers markets during the summertime months. Downtown Missoula is home to three markets in the summer months: the Missoula Farmers Market, the Clark Fork River Market, and the Missoula Peoples Market. These are not your average farmers markets—they are a living display of the passion, independence, innovation and spirit of the Missoula community. Shop for locally grown produce, eggs, meats, cheeses and honeys. Sample hot sauces, jams and pickles, to name a few. Treat yourself to home-crafted soaps, lotions, salves and other beauty products. Indulge in a loaf of freshly-baked bread, cookies, pastries, muffins and donuts. Or enjoy a delicious meal from one of Missoula’s iconic food trucks. All this in a welcoming community atmosphere with live music and beverage options ranging from coffee to cocktails in the heart of downtown.
One of Missoula’s most unique and iconic attractions is A Carousel For Missoula. Built in 1995 by over 100,000 volunteer hours dedicated to carving, sanding, painting, creating stained glass windows and restoring an antique carousel frame, A Carousel for Missoula is one of the first fully hand-carved carousels to be built in the United States since the Great Depression. Take a spin on one of 38 hand-painted horses or 2 ADA accessible carousels and as you spin, enjoy classic carnival music from the Carousel's band organ, largest band organ in continuous use in the United States. After your ride, be sure to check out Dragon Hollow, the magical wonderland playground that was refurbished in 2019 to be ADA accessible, conveniently located right next to The Carousel.
Nothing says “summertime” quite like a day at the ballpark! Fun for the whole family, the Missoula PaddleHeads minor league baseball team knows how to put on a show, and Allegiance Field at Ogren Park, situated along the scenic Clark Fork River and surrounded on all sides by mountain views, knows how to bring the fun. We are talking themed games, kids activities and competitions, high-energy baseball and a concession stand that is a true homerun—hot dogs, burgers (including vegetarian options), brats and chicken strip baskets are just some of the options. There are also local brews on tap for the adults, ballpark staples like Cracker Jacks and pretzels, and delicious desserts like ice cream and cookies from local Big Foot Cookies. It is classic, wholesome fun that will bring out the kid in everyone!
In addition to the natural rivers and creeks around Missoula, families can splash into fun at Currents and Splash Montana, Missoula’s two water parks, both managed by the City of Missoula. Currents is an indoor water park with a children's water playground, a fitness pool for lap swim and water aerobics, two exciting water slides and a sparkling spa. Splash Montana, open seasonally, is a perfect spot for family fun with three exciting three-story waterslides, a zero-depth entry pool, spray features and kiddie Grizzly slid and a lazy river float-way. Stay for the day and eat lunch at one of two dining options. Make it extra special and rent a cabana! No matter what you choose, Missoula's water parks are sure to provide refreshing fun for the whole family.
We dare you to name something more iconic than an ice cream come on a hot summer’s day (spoiler alert—you can’t). Luckily for us all, Missoula is home to two homemade ice cream shops selling up everything from classic flavors to creative Montana specialty flavors. Whether you stop by the nationally-recognized Big Dipper Ice Cream or pop into Sweet Peaks in downtown (or both!), enjoying a scoop or two is a guaranteed way to make sweet memories together.
Missoula’s events calendar is always full, but summertime is especially popping! It seems that every day there is a cultural event, festival, gallery or art opening, sporting game, concert, food truck event or more—sometimes all in one day! Every week throughout the summer, Caras Park is home to two major can’t miss family-friendly events: Out To Lunch (Wednesday afternoons) and Downtown ToNight (Thursday nights). Both of these events draw big crowds and feature an impressive array of food truck options sure to please every one in the family as well as live music and activities, all in gorgeous downtown Missoula along the Clark Fork River.
Summer brings an impressive concert line up in Missoula, ranging from main stream headliners to small local musicians playing everywhere from stadiums and amphitheaters to small clubs and outdoor stages. The celebration of music and Missoula converges at the end of the summer at the River City Roots Festival, where downtown Missoula converts into an outdoor concert venue and block party. This two-day family-friendly celebration draws more than 15,000 individuals to the heart of Downtown Missoula for a variety of fun activities and exceptional music, including the Family Roots Festival in Caras Park with exotic animals, obstacle courses, guitar lessons, bean bag tosses and more.
Missoula is located in the heart of five wilderness areas and at the confluence of three rivers, making its unbridled access to outdoor recreation unmatched. Whether your family likes to spend all day clocking miles on food, bike or horseback, or if you are looking for a quick adventure near town, Missoula has a trail for everyone to enjoy. Summer is the perfect time to take in the beauty of Missoula—blue skies abound, wildflowers bloom on every hillside, the surrounding mountain peaks shine and the long days give more time to explore. Trade screen time for mountain time and reconnect on the trails around town!
In addition to trails, Missoula’s river access is perfect for making family memories. Hire a guide and take the entire crew fly fishing on our blue ribbon waters, rent tubes and take a leisurely float down the Clark Fork, chase big thrills while white-water rafting at Alberton Gorge or take in the wonder of river surfing at the Brennan’s Wave observation deck in Caras Park. Kids will have a blast and parents will discover their inner child in the mountains and waterways around Missoula!
Whether you are planning your first visit, returning to your favorite vacation destination or looking for staycation activities, our friendly staff is waiting to help plan your perfect family-friend Missoula adventure! Order your travel guide today or give us a call, tollfree, at 1.800.526.3465. You’ll never regret taking a trip as a family, especially when the destination is Missoula!
