I’m told this is the time of year when small humans spend their days learning in a place called “school.” But sometimes school happens at home—which is fine… except home has a severe lack of sloths.
So I had a brilliant idea: what if we turned Billings into school—so families can get out of the house, stretch their brains, and do some hands-on learning (at a safe, responsible pace… like mine). The fine folks at Visit Billings asked me to put together a “syllabus,” which I’m pretty sure is just a fancy word for “Winston’s list of fun stuff.”
Here’s what you can expect to learn when you and your family take a field trip to Billings:
Children watching Red Panda at ZooMontana
Animals and Plants
Some might call this “Biology.” I call it “my favorite subject,” because I am an animal and I love eating plants.
ZooMontana – Start at my house and meet animals from near and far, plus learn about the zoo’s animal rescue program (many of my friends are here because of it). Bonus: it’s also an arboretum, which is basically a fancy garden—and the Sensory Garden is designed with accessibility in mind.
Scheels Aquarium – Surprise: things live underwater too. The giant aquarium is a colorful stop for fish, coral, and the kind of peaceful staring I personally excel at.
Montana Audubon Center + Norm’s Island – Fresh air, river views, and prime wildlife-watching along the Yellowstone River. If you like birds, trails, and “quiet nature vibes,” this is your classroom.
Family at Yellowstone County Museum
Old Stuff – History in Billings
Did you know Billings has been around since 1882? That makes it… a lot older than me. (Listen, we aren’t covering math on this adventure.)
Pictograph Cave State Park – Consider this history class and art class: three caves, a short trail, and rock art that’s been telling stories for thousands of years.
Yellowstone County Museum – If you want the “how Billings grew up” version of history, this is a great stop for local artifacts and stories that bring the region’s past to life.
Western Heritage Center – Another excellent history deep-dive, with exhibits that spotlight the people, cultures, and industries that shaped the Yellowstone Valley. It’s like time travel, but with better lighting.
Chief Plenty Coups State Park – Pack a lunch (sweet potatoes encouraged) and visit the home and legacy of Chief Plenty Coups. You’ll learn about leadership, resilience, and bridge-building—three things I also support… from a comfortable branch.
At this point, I recommend what you probably mastered in kindergarten: a nap. I’m thinking 15 to 18 hours should be sufficient. It’s called “restorative learning.”
Fine art viewing at Yellowstone Art Museum
Art and Music Appreciation
Anyone who knows me will tell you I deeply appreciate art and music—mostly because you can be completely still while enjoying them.
Yellowstone Art Museum – Rotating exhibits and regional collections that spark curiosity. If you can get a peek at the Visible Vault, you’ll see behind-the-scenes art storage magic (I love a good “secret room”).
Performing Arts in Billings – Catch a show with the Billings Symphony Orchestra or check out venues like the Babcock Theatre and the Art House Cinema for music, film, and performances that make your brain feel fancy.
Moss Mansion – Houses can be art too (I’m told the word is “architecture”). This historic mansion is a beautiful look at Billings’ past—and I would love to meet the architect who designed my cozy zoo home.
Winston the Sloth from ZooMontana
Final Winston Assessment
Well, that seems like enough learning for one visit. You’re probably ready for college now, at least. Am I a great teacher, or what?!?
