How to Enjoy Glacier National Park With the Kids

Modern amusements are rare in or around Glacier National Park, but that's the beauty of it. This is a great place for kids to learn about nature, geology, glaciers and Native Americans. In the end, they probably won't miss civilization at all, and will have lots of stories to tell their friends.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Hiking Boots
• Sporty Hats
• Sunglasses
• Insect Repellents
• Sunscreen
• National Park Passes
• Cameras
• Film
• Backpacks

1. See "How to Enjoy Glacier National Park," under Related eHows, for general information on the park. Many activities are appropriate for children as well as adults.
2. Discuss the concept of an International Peace Park with your kids. Talk about peace among the nations of the world and how the park is symbolic of this.
3. Go hiking. There are five self-guided trails with brochures and signs that help hikers learn about the natural history of the area. If your children aren't experienced hikers, opt for one of the shorter trails intended for easy hiking.
4. Take advantage of naturalist-led day programs and evening campfire talks, which are offered June through September. Pick up a schedule at a visitors center or from a park ranger.
5. Enroll your kids in the Junior Ranger program. Children 6 to 12 can pick up the Junior Ranger newspaper at the visitors center, complete five of the seven activities listed, return a completed form to the visitors center and then become Junior Rangers.
6. Take a boat tour. The Glacier Park Boat Company (glacierparkboats.com) offers guided tours from several locations within the park. Kids will love this method of seeing the sites - it's more fun than sitting in the car.
7. Stop at the Apgar visitors center to see the education cabin, which has exhibits designed especially for kids.
8. Teach children about Native Americans at the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, east of the park, and go to the associated Museum of the Plains Indian.
9. Take the video camera. Kids will want to relive this vacation over and over.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're a U.S. citizen and decide to cross the border into Alberta, Canada, you'll need identification and proof of both your age and your children's ages. Bring birth certificates in order to fulfill this requirement.
• Although it may be tempting to take things home, kids should leave all rocks, feathers, plants, animals and other natural objects in the park where they found them.
• If your kids are not the outdoors type, you may want to stay in a motel where they can watch TV if all else fails.
• Be sure children are aware of potential hazards within the park, which include mountain lions and bears. Take them to a visitors center for information on procedures that will help keep them safe.