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20 Fun Things to do in Billings with Kids
Written July 23, 2024
Billings, Montana is a hidden gem for families! This vibrant city offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, and exciting activities that are sure to delight kids of all ages. From exploring the scenic trails and rivers of the Yellowstone Valley to discovering the rich history and art scene of downtown Billings, there’s no shortage of fun and educational experiences to be had.
In this blog post, we’ll share our top picks for things to do in Billings with kids. Whether you’re a native Billings resident or just visiting, we hope you’ll find inspiration for creating unforgettable memories with your little ones in this amazing Montana city!
Is Billings Montana Worth Visiting?
Billings Montana is the largest city in Montana yet it still feels like a quaint small town. There are many things to do in Billings with kids ranging from fun indoors playgrounds, to kid’s museums, to the great outdoors. There is something for everyone in Billings and it is definitely worth a visit!
Where to Stay in Billings- Best Hotels in Billings
Billings Mansion:
This is where my family stayed on our recent trip to Billings and it’s a great option for a family vacation! It’s a cute cowboy themed house and it’s really big! There are many different hang out and entertainment rooms.
There was a room with Billiards that my family loved and there was also a game room with a huge tv, arcade games and more. There was also a movie theater room which was probably my family’s favorite part. All of the kids loved having movie nights!
Boothill Inn and Suites:
This hotel is a great option while visiting Billings with kids and some of the perks are free parking, free bike rentals and an indoor swimming pool.
Kid Friendly Things to do in Billings with Kids:
1-Pictograph State Park
Pictograph State Park, located just north of Billings, Montana, is a fascinating destination for families to explore. The park is actually home to over 100 ancient rock art pictographs, created by Native American tribes centuries ago!
These vibrant and intricate images depict animals, humans, and abstract designs, offering a glimpse into the lives and cultures of the region’s indigenous peoples. As you wander through the park’s scenic trails and scenic overlooks, you’ll also discover stunning views of the Yellowstone Valley and the sandstone cliffs that surround it.
We loved visiting Pictograph State Park on our recent family trip with kids of all ages. It was also fun to visit the Visitor’s Center and they had a fun little interactive activities for kids including creating their own pictograph.
2-Wise Wonders Science and Discovery Museum
Wise Wonders Science and Discovery Museum is one of the best things to do in Billings with kids. It’s a small kid’s science museum that only costs $7 for ages 2 and up. There are many different interactive learning attractions as well as a few jungle gym small playground type areas.
My toddler and his cousins especially loved the mini grocery store area and a fun water play area. I loved the cute calming corner that also had a cute little interactive fish display on the ground!
There is street parking nearby (metered) or a parking garage about a block away or if you get lucky like us, you will find one of the few parking spots outside that you don’t have to pay for.
Important Note: Wise Wonders is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
3-Oasis Waterpark
Looking for a fun kid’s activity in Billings in the summer? Head over to Oasis Waterpark! My family had a great time here on our recent family trip with all ages of kids.
My 9 year old niece wanted to go swimming so I’m glad I found this Waterpark perfect for your trip to Billings with kids. There are a few big water slides for older kids, a lazy river, a small wave pool, a splash pad type little kid’s water area and a little tiny pool area for tiny tots.
A few things to note: towel rentals are $3 or you can bring your own, there are free life jackets to borrow and there’s a little concession stand with some food and snack options for a fairly good price. There’s also a soda shack, but sadly it was closed when we were there.
Free Things to do in Billings with Kids-
4-Yellowstone County Museum
Head over to the Yellowstone County Museum on your trip to Billings with kids and learn about the history of Billings, Montana, and the surrounding region.
Located in the heart of the city, right at the airport, this local gem showcases a diverse collection of artifacts, exhibits, and stories that reveal the area’s fascinating past.
Here you will learn about the earliest Native American inhabitants to the pioneers, ranchers, and railroad workers who shaped the region’s development. The museum has many interactive displays and immersive experiences that are great for kids in Billings and bring the history of Yellowstone County to life.
The exhibits highlight everything from dinosaur fossils to vintage farm equipment, there’s something for curious minds of all ages to discover and explore.
This small museum packs a big punch and whether you’re a history buff, a family on a adventure, or simply looking for a unique perspective on the region, the Yellowstone County Museum is a must-visit destination in Billings!
5-ZooMontana
ZooMontana is smaller than some other zoos, but it is a really great quality zoo and a must when visiting Billings with kids. The majority of the 100+ animals at the Zoo are actually rescues and those that are not are part of a crucial breeding program called Species Survival Plans.
My 3 year old and my nieces and nephews (ages 13,9,8 and 4) enjoyed reading about all of the animals while we explored because each exhibit had the name of the animal and a little bit of their backstory and traits- like a buffalo who liked to dance!
The kids really enjoyed the buffalo, tigers, wolverines, otters,a bear, an adorable sloth and red panda and many more. There were also little playgrounds throughout the Zoo which was great for little ones and there was a huge playground in the front area of the Zoo. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Billings with kids.
6-Big Dipper Ice Cream
Big Dipper Ice cream might just be the best ice cream in Billings which makes it a perfect place to visit with kids. This adorable ice cream shop located in downtown offers some unique flavors including daily flavors and a kids cone will only set you back $3 and they are actually pretty big for a kid’s size. My whole family had a blast getting ice cream here after a long day of exploring Billings.
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7- Western Heritage Center
The Western Heritage Center is a regional museum located in historic downtown Billings, Montana inside of a historic building with many different exhibits. The displays are based on new research and highlight the museum collections.
The Museum currently has 4 new exhibits on display and the prices are quite reasonable and only $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors and free for kids 6 and under. The center has a collection of over 40,000 items including Native American beadwork, historic photographs, clothing, guns and much more.
Important Note: Closed on Sundays, Mondays and Holidays
8- Let’s Glow Putt
Let’s Glow Putt is a 3D black light mini golf course and arcade which is one of the most fun things to do in Billings with kids.
The Glow in the Dark Mini-Golf course is Pirate themed and will take you on a journey through ocean caverns, pirate’s hideaways and mermaid coves. It’s an 18 hole course and includes a glow in the dark ball, putter, score card and 3D glasses rental. There is also an arcade with lots of games to choose from.
9-Riverfront Park
Looking for something free to do in Billings with kids? Head over to Riverfront Park. This park is just south of downtown Billings and has miles of trails to explore along the Yellowstone River. There are BBQ grills, horseshoe courts, trails and picnic areas so this makes for a great location to spend an evening with your family in Billings.
10-Lake Elmo State Park
This state park is great for families in Billings and you can swim, boat, paddleboard, fish, picnic, birdwatch or stroll around the lake.
It’s a 64-acre Reservoir in Billings and it’s so fun to spend an afternoon or a day. You can walk around the lake or go fishing from the shore at Roger’s Pier.
11-Yellowstone Art Museum
The Yellowstone Art Museum is an amazing Contemporary Art Museum located in downtown Billings. This museum is great for older kids while in Billings or any kids interested in art. This art museum is also free which is a huge plus!
There’s also a fun event for families at Yellowstone Art Museum called Fam at the Yam (the nickname for the museum) that occurs every first Friday of the month. You actually get to create art together with a professional artist which is such a fun experience for kids in Billings. It’s open for all ages and is free for everyone and happens from 4-6 PM.
Important Note: The Museum is closed on Mondays.
12-Get Air Trampoline Park
Looking for things to do in Billings that are indoors on a really hot or rainy day? Head over to Get Air Trampoline park!
This huge indoor playground has wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball, slamball, ninja obstacles and more. There is also even an area reserved for little kids under 46 inches.
13-Swords Park Trail
If you are looking for a hike to do while in Billings with kids then check out the Swords Park Trail. This trail has beautiful views of Billings and the Yellowstone Valley.
The trail is also on a paved route so you can even bring strollers. The trail is about 4 miles through the northern end of town, but you get great views on the trail the whole way so you can just make it a leisure walk if you want and don’t have to hike the whole way if you don’t want to.
There are also benches and picnic tables which is great for taking a break with your little ones.
14- Terry Park
Terry park is a great place to go while in Billings with kids because there’s a fun playground, basketball court and splash pad!
15-Four Dances Recreation Area
One of the best things to do in Billings with kids is head over to Four Dances Recreation Area. You get to walk on the rimrocks and see amazing views overlooking the Yellowstone River. Please be careful with kids here though because it’s very high up!
There are also some trails that actually lead down right to the Yellowstone river if you want to get a closer look at the water.
16-Monkey Around Play Cafe
Monkey around play cafe is a play cafe for kids of all ages 10 and under. There is a variety of indoor playground equipment, large and small, to foster and encourage active play. It’s $12 for kids for an all day pass and there’s no cost for adults.
17-Shiloh Area Conservation Trail
I discovered the Shiloh Conservation Area trail while driving to ZooMontana. This area was actually created to help with water quality improvements and flood control, but it’s also a peaceful recreational area.
There’s even a pond at the end of the walk that is stocked by Montana Fish Wildlife and parks which is really fun for kids to see while in Billings and such a unique urban fishery.
This area has 2 miles of trails running through it. There are also educational signs letting people know more about the area and many different viewing platforms.
18-Meadowlark Brewing Kid’s room
Are you looking for a place to have fun and unwind while your kids are also having fun? Check out the new Meadowlark Brewing. I discovered this place on our drive to ZooMontana and the outside looked so cute, I had to look up more about it.
Meadowlark serves their own brews and also serves up yummy American food. They are really family friendly and even have an adorable designated kid’s room!
19-Castle Rock Park
Castle Rock Park is actually the largest community park in the Billings. It’s a 25 acre park and includes many things including a horseshoe court, picnic area, a big playground, restrooms, sport fields, tennis courts, and a splash pad.
20-Day trip to Cody, Wyoming
One of the best things to do in Billings with kids is to take a day trip to Cody, Wyoming! Located only an hour and 40 minutes away, this is a really great city to take a quick day trip to while in Billings. It was a really easy and scenic drive and we absolutely loved our time spent there. There is so much to do there for kids including fun gift shops, cowboy museums, cowboy shows, a really cool Dam and Visitor’s center and a rodeo!
