Glacier National Park for Families
Chantelle KincySome places steal your breath the moment you arrive, and Glacier National Park is one of them. On this episode of Go Far Girl, I sat down with Maggie, a former middle school teacher, mom of three, and national park enthusiast who runs Parks Family Travel. Through her site, she helps families plan trips with less stress and more confidence—offering travel tips, digital activity books, and even personalized consulting.
Maggie’s goal is simple: make family travel more accessible and more fun. And when it comes to Glacier, she’s got first-hand experience that proves this park is worth every bit of effort it takes to plan.
Why Glacier National Park Stands Out
Maggie grew up traveling to parks in the West, and they quickly became her family’s budget-friendly way to see the world. Over time, it became part of their family culture—each trip centered around at least one national park. Glacier, however, holds a special place in her heart.
“It’s a park for everyone,” she explained. Even if you can’t hike, driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road delivers jaw-dropping views. And for those who want more adventure? Glacier offers a range of experiences, from family-friendly walks to multi-day backcountry hikes.
Planning Your First Glacier Trip
For first-time visitors, Maggie suggests spending two full days, with maybe a half day on either side, depending on where you’re staying. That’s enough to experience the highlights without feeling too rushed—though she admits you’ll still leave wanting more.
Her family stayed at Fish Creek Campground near Lake McDonald and loved it. From there, you can walk straight to the water or take the short and beautiful Rocky Point Trail. Lake McDonald, with its famous rainbow-colored rocks, is one of the park’s most iconic spots and a great base.
Must-Do Hikes and Stops
- Trail of the Cedars: A short, accessible boardwalk loop with towering trees and rushing water. Wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, with benches along the way.
- Avalanche Lake: About 4.5 miles round-trip (though Maggie’s family clocked closer to six). It’s one of Glacier’s most popular hikes for a reason—stunning scenery and a rewarding lake at the end.
- Going-to-the-Sun Road: An engineering marvel with endless overlooks. If you’d rather not drive, consider the park shuttle or even a historic red bus tour.
- Sun Point Nature Trail: An easy, short walk with sweeping views of St. Mary Lake. Less crowded, perfect for families needing a break from longer hikes.
- Logan Pass & Hidden Lake Overlook: Busy but worth it. Maggie’s kids hiked through July snowfields to reach the overlook, rewarded with views of mountain goats and even a bear sighting in the distance.
Day Three Highlight: Kayaking Lake McDonald
On their final day, Maggie’s family rented kayaks at Lake McDonald. For around $200, they spent a magical morning on the water, surrounded by mountains and those rainbow rocks beneath the surface. Even her kids agreed it was the highlight of the trip.
“It felt solitary even in a busy park,” she said. “Everyone should make time for it.”
Tips for Beating the Crowds
- Arrive early: Parking fills up quickly, especially at Logan Pass.
- Use the shuttle: Free with park admission, it saves the stress of circling parking lots.
- Download maps ahead of time, as cell service is spotty to nonexistent, especially on the east side. Grab the free NPS app or AllTrails+ to keep your hikes handy offline.
- Don’t try to do it all: Glacier is massive. Focus on one region at a time (West Glacier, St. Mary, Many Glacier, or Two Medicine). Save the rest for your next trip.
Why Glacier Keeps Families Coming Back
From skipping rocks on Lake McDonald to hiking through snow in July, Maggie’s stories prove Glacier isn’t just another stop on the national park checklist—it’s a place that leaves you longing to return.
Her best advice? Don’t put pressure on yourself to see everything in one trip. “You’ll enjoy it more if you remind yourself you can always come back,” she said.
Start Your Journey Today
If you loved hearing from Maggie, be sure to check out her site, Parks Family Travel, or dive straight into her Glacier resources at parksfamilytravel.com/glacier. You’ll find detailed hike guides, planning tips, and family travel inspiration to make your trip unforgettable.
And don’t stop there—come be part of the Go Far Girl community:
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This is your reminder: the mountains are calling, and Glacier is waiting.
