We traveled from Jackson, Wyo., through Yellowstone National Park, all the way north through Glastonbury and along the Yellowstone River (view our 3-Day Yellowstone itinerary here). We arrived in Bozeman in the late afternoon, giving us a chance to explore downtown and even catch some live bluegrass at a street festival. But you can also make this a standalone trip, flying in and out of Bozeman Airport, and we’d recommend it! Bozeman is full of fun and Western charm. The community has a relaxed vibe with great food and plenty of activities that kids will enjoy. We stayed at an Airbnb, which worked out well for a long trip like this, because it gave us a spot to do laundry and make some of our own meals.

So let us be your Bozeman travel guide! Here’s how to experience the best Bozeman vacation with kids in three days:

Quick Overview

• Trip Length: 3 Days
• Season Visited: Summer
• Must-Do Activity: Visit the adorable alpacas and llamas at Alpacas of Montana
• Most Memorable Family Activity: Hiking Oesel Falls, sandwiched between a stunning drive along the Gallatin River between Bozeman and Big Sky
• Hidden Gem: Sunset view from Peets Hill (Burke Park)

Day 1: Museum of the Rockies and Montana Grizzly Encounter

Morning: Start your day at Jam! on Main, a vibrant breakfast spot known for its creative pancakes and locally roasted coffee. The lemon ricotta pancakes were amazing, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. After breakfast, head to the Museum of the Rockies, one of the best natural history museums in the U.S. It’s home to one of the largest collections of dinosaur fossils, including an epic Tyrannosaurus rex skull. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits; planetarium shows; and the Living History Farm, where you can explore a historic Montana homestead complete with a beautiful heirloom garden that the kids can water with adorably oversized cans.

Afternoon: For lunch, we recommend simply grabbing sandwiches at a local Whole Foods or similar stop. Then, make your way to the Montana Grizzly Encounter, a small but fantastic bear sanctuary where you can see rescued grizzlies up close. Even as a small facility, we spent at two hours here, captivated by Bella the Bear’s playful behavior, and the knowledgeable staff who shared insights about grizzly conservation. The sanctuary also had a fun gift shop, live music, pony rides, a life-sized toy train for kids, and an ice cream stand, turning it into a fun-filled stop for the entire family. Just keep in mind, the only bathroom option here is a port-a-potty.

Evening: Grab an early-enough dinner at Revelry, where the pizza is unforgettable and the vibe is trendy and fun. Then, as the sun starts to dip, head over to Burke Park (Peets Hill) — one of Bozeman’s best-kept secrets. It’s a short (albeit, somewhat steep) climb to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with expansive views of the Gallatin Valley. The trails are flat, and there are benches at the top, making it the perfect spot to relax and soak in a breathtaking Montana sunset. Our 4-year-old loved the climb and exploring along the trails, making this sunset moment a truly memorable one for our family. If you’re up for it, stop by Genuine for some ice cream before heading home – just be prepared to wait in line for a little while.

Day 2: Scenic Drive to Big Sky and Hike Oesel Falls

Morning: Today, you’re headed to Big Sky (about 50 miles from Bozeman). The drive from Bozeman to Big Sky along to the Gallatin River is one of the most scenic routes in Montana. Take U.S. Highway 191, which winds through the stunning Gallatin Canyon, following the river as it cuts through rugged mountains and dense forests. Along the way, you’ll pass trailheads, campgrounds, fishing sites and, potentially, wildlife including elk. The road is curvy but well-maintained. Set your navigation to the Oesel Falls trailhead, which has a convenient parking lot and bathrooms – then, grap your water bottles and start your trek to one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Montana. The 1.5-mile round-trip hike is shaded, has benches along the way, and offers multiple viewpoints to admire the falls. Kids will love skipping rocks at the base of the falls and exploring the cool, misty surroundings.

Afternoon: If you’re hungry for a rustic lunch, drive about 10 minutes to the Lone Mountain Ranch for a bite at Horn and Cantle. While the service was a bit slow, the atmosphere – a historic dude ranch with horses and a classic Western lodge – made up for it. On the way back to Bozeman, take a detour via Gooch Hill Road to Blackwood and Stucky Road for stunning horse farm views. It’s a peaceful, scenic drive showcasing Montana’s rolling countryside

Evening: Head to downtown Bozeman before 5 p.m. to explore the charming shops, such as:

• The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company – an old-school toy store with unique finds
• Heyday – a cute boutique for locally made gifts and home decor
• Wild Crumb – an artisan bakery perfect for grabbing pastries for tomorrow’s breakfast

Then, dine at Blackbird for an exceptional meal. You likely won’t see a lot of kids in here, but our 4-year-old managed fine with some meatballs and pizza.

Day 3: Alpacas of Montana and Local Exploration

Morning: For a fun and unexpected experience, pay a visit to Alpacas of Montana. This small, family-run farm offers tours where you can pet, feed and learn about alpacas – a unique, hands-on experience that your family will absolutely love. Plus, their gift shop has some of the softest alpaca wool products you’ll ever find! (We came home with alpaca wool socks to hand out as gifts to family and friends.)

Afternoon: If you’re visiting in early August like we did, you’re in for a treat – the Sweet Pea Festival, Bozeman’s beloved community arts festival. We were lucky enough to attend and spent the afternoon exploring:

• Kid-friendly art stations (tie-dye, woodworking, painting, etc.)
• Live music
• Snow cones & delicious food vendors
• Jewelry and art booths
• Hundreds of locals gathering to celebrate Bozeman’s vibrant culture

If your visit doesn’t coincide with the festival, simply strolling around Lindley Park or visiting Bozeman Sculpture Park is a great way to soak in the city’s creative energy.

Evening: If you’re craving a lively, German-inspired dining experience in Bozeman, gute Laune is the place to be. Located upstairs at the Rialto, this cozy spot serves up a fantastic selection of sausages – from classic bratwurst to bison kielbasa – paired with crispy fries, warm pretzels and steins of German and local craft beer. The atmosphere is vibrant and communal, perfect for a fun meal with friends or a large family.

Mom Hacks for a Bozeman Vacation with Kids

• Make all reservations in advance, whenever possible: Especially for Alpacas of Montana and dinner at Blackbird. Activities and restaurants were pretty crowded when we visited, and those reservations kept us all on track and happy.
• Pack for weather changes. We experienced everything from very hot days to cool nights and a complete downpour. Layers and umbrellas are key!
• If planning to shop in downtown Bozeman, go early (before 5 p.m.). It took us a few tries before finding the right time, and that was frustrating for our 4-year-old.

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We hope this Bozeman travel guide helps you plan an epic vacation! Bozeman truly is the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, history, and small-town charm. Whether you’re exploring nature, immersing yourself into the community or simply soaking in the Montana sunsets, this itinerary is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

If you have visited Bozeman, what are your top recommended sights and experiences? Comment below and share!

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