Family activities
Whether it’s fall or winter, there’s so much to do in the valley that it’s easy to get lost.
Find here some ideas for family activities in the Flathead Valley to occupy your weekends and vacations.
Fall
The Harvest season has great importance in Montana and in the United States in general. It is around this time that we find the two typically American holidays of Halloween and Thanksgiving. On this occasion, many activities are organized, often outdoors, to enjoy the last days before winter in the Flathead Valley.
Corn mazes
A trip to one of the valley’s many corn mazes is at least in the top 5 activities to do with your family for a perfect Fall in the Flathead Valley. So take your kids to get lost in the paths carved through the cornfields! Treat them to some of the season’s signature treats! Nothing like caramel-coated apples or candy canes for a great day!
You can also convince them to eat a piece of fruit after all that sugar by offering them a game of Apple Bobbing. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s pretty simple! You put apples in a bowl of water and the goal is to catch one using nothing but your teeth.
On site you will often find other activities for your little ones like, to name only three, pony rides, playgrounds made of hay bales or mini zoo filled with farm animals that you can usually pet.
Photo by Amy Baugess on Unsplash
Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash
Pumkin patches
The Halloween culture has great importance in the United States. It has led to the appearance of many pumpkin fields all over the country. And the Flathead Valley is no exception!
While it is possible to go to the supermarket to buy a pumpkin to carve for the Day of the Dead, pumpkin patches are much more fun! Indeed, what could be better than walking with your family in a pumpkin patch while munching on a caramel apple?
It’s the perfect opportunity to take pictures with the family and support local farmers! Plus you’ll often find a pumpkin patch right next to a corn maze and vice versa. So you can combine the two to organize the perfect fall day!
Winter
When we talk about winter in Montana, we usually think of skiing. But not everyone skis and it’s not always the ideal sport to do with young children. So here are some ideas for family activities to enjoy during your winter days in the Flathead region!
Ice skating
This is a classic family activity. Go to the rink together with your kids, your friends, or just as a couple! It’s a great time to spend that quickly sets the mood for the holiday season.
If the weather is nice, stop by Kalispell‘s Woodland Ice Center in the center of Woodland Park on the east side of town. If you have time, stop by the Conrad Mansion. This is the home of the city’s founders and one of the oldest in the Flathead Valley.
In case of bad weather, you can always go skating at the Stumptown rink in Whitefish. However, check their calendar before you go! The rink is regularly booked for skating or ice hockey lessons.
Photo by Terry Matthews on Unsplash
Dog sledding
Want to visit nature in the middle of winter without having to put on ski boots? Don’t want to put on your snowshoes and drown in powder snow? No problem, in the Flathead Valley you can go on dog sledding tours!
Be advised that it won’t be as quiet as a simple cross-country ski tour! However, if you are looking for a good adrenaline boost, this is the perfect activity!
In the Flathead Valley, whether you have experience or not, you can stop by Bigfork’s Base Camp. There, they will teach you how to set up your sled, tie the dogs and drive properly. You will be able to plan your trip according to your desire and experience. Not a sporty person? Don’t worry! You can take the passenger seat while a friend or family member takes the pilot seat!