Day 1: Roaring Animals & Rolling Waves

Begin your adventure with the wild call of nature. ZooMontana is more than a zoo .. it’s a peaceful 70-acre sanctuary where your kids can lock eyes with a grizzly bear, giggle at the playful antics of a two-toed sloth named Winston, and wander shaded paths that feel like a real wilderness escape. The soft crunch of gravel underfoot, the scent of pine in the air, and the wide-eyed wonder on the kids’ faces is how know the vacation has really started.

 

 

 

When it’s time to cool off, head to The Reef Indoor Water Park. The shrieks of joy echo through the air as kids race down three-story water slides, tumble in the wave pool or drift lazily along the current. You’ll be grateful for the warm water, comfy lounge chairs and the chance to just watch them play. End the day with ribs or burgers at Montana’s Rib & Chop House, where the portions are hearty, the atmosphere is relaxed and kids are always welcome.

 

 

Day 2: Wonder & Views That Take Your Breath Away

Wake up and head downtown to Wise Wonders Children’s Museum, where curiosity is the main attraction. Hands dive into water tables, tiny engineers build elaborate block towers, and make-believe grocery shoppers “buy” their favorite foods. It’s the kind of place where little hands are always busy and parents can breathe easy.

 

 

 

After lunch, pack a picnic and head to Swords Rimrock Park. The paved trails lead to sweeping views of the city below and sky above, making the perfect perch for a quiet family moment. As the late afternoon light turns golden, you can stroll, ride bikes or simply sit and take in the fresh air.

 

 

 

For a special evening out, treat the family to some high-energy fun at Lava Island, an indoor adventure park packed with trampolines, climbing walls and obstacle courses. It’s a place where kids can burn off energy and parents can join in or kick back. With its vibrant atmosphere and all-ages appeal, Lava Island turns an ordinary night into a memory-making experience.

 

 

 

 

Day 3: Trails, Trains & Baseball Cheers

Start your morning slow with a stroll through Riverfront Park, where cottonwoods sway and the Yellowstone River rolls gently by. The scent of grass, the sound of birds and the splash of a rock tossed in the water bring back memories of the simple and good in life. There are playgrounds for running, docks for fishing, and trails just right for skipping, biking or strollering.

 

 

 

In the afternoon, dive into local history at the Western Heritage Center or Yellowstone County Museum. Kids will love the old stagecoaches, model trains and cowboy gear, while grownups soak in the deep heritage of Montana’s past. Then stop for ice cream at Big Dipper. A scoop of huckleberry or mint Oreo melts fast in the sun and even faster in little hands.

 

 

 

In the evening, feel the buzz of a summer night at a Billings Mustangs game. The crack of the bat, the smell of popcorn and the excitement of the crowd bring a playful, all-American energy to your vacation. Whether your kids watch every inning or spend most of the game chasing mascots and begging for cotton candy, they’ll go to bed grinning.

 

 

 

 

Day 4: Ancient Stories & Artful Afternoons

For your final day, escape to the edges of town where history hides in the cliffs. At Pictograph Cave State Park, follow short trails through sun-dappled grass and sandstone outcroppings to see rock art left behind by people thousands of years ago. It's quiet, mysterious, and surprisingly accessible, even for little hikers.

 

 

 

Back in town, step into creativity at the Yellowstone Art Museum. Whether you’re exploring vibrant galleries or joining a family art activity, this is where your kids can make their mark. Hands get messy. Imaginations run wild. It’s the perfect kind of chaos.

 

 

 

To wind down, stroll through DanWalt Gardens, where blooms burst from every corner, and whimsical sculptures hide in the greenery. It’s peaceful, unexpected and a great spot for one last round of family photos. Cap off your trip with dinner at MacKenzie River Pizza Co., where the food is fun, the vibe is laid-back and even picky eaters find something to love.

 

 

 

Billings isn’t just a destination. It’s a place where your family can breathe a little deeper, laugh a little louder, and discover something new every day. From wild animals to winding trails, messy art projects to home-run cheers, your time here will feel like more than a vacation. It’ll feel like a story you’ll tell for years.