Summer Bucket List 2022

Summer is short, so make it count with this list of some of our favorite trips, activities to do with kids and events. Whether you are new to the area, or a lifelong local, don’t miss some of the best parts of raising a family in this neck of the woods.

Around Missoula

  • Spend a Saturday morning at the Missoula Farmer’s Market, People’s Market or Clark Fork Market (or even all three). Food trucks, fresh flowers, home grown produce, and even live music. Thursday evenings, Orchard Home’s Farmer’s Market is fantastic AND there’s a new “Maker’s Market” happening every other Thursday with even more handmade art and goodies.

  • Take a hike on one of our many trails and mountains.

  • June 19th, do some Father’s Day shopping at the Summer MADE Fair!

  • Explore some of Missoula’s Little Free Libraries.

  • Get the golden ring (and a free ride) at the carousel.

  • Visit Missoula’s food trucks. Every summer, fun new food trucks start showing up at all the popular public places. Here’s our article about last year’s new food trucks. We can’t wait to see what this year offers. Check out Missoula Food Truck Locator on Instagram.

  • Stock up on the locally grown, Dixon Melons. Available at various markets and occasionally some grocery stores. Although they are known for more than just their cantaloupe make sure to try the yellow watermelon too!

  • Spend an afternoon at the fantastic play area at Empower Place.

  • Cool off with a visit to one of our city’s free splash decks and spray pools. Find the list here.

  • Grab a bite and listen to some tunes at Caras Park Wednesdays for “Out to Lunch” or at the dinner version “Downtown Tonight.”

  • Lazy river or waterslide? Only one place to go: Splash Montana.

  • Visit a local Farm Stand for fresh, locally grown food any day of the week.

  • The Western Montana Fair is coming up August 11-14. There’s more than just food…but we are definitely going for some of our favorite treats!

  • Pick Huckleberries

  • When the smoke gets to be too much, it’s time to check out some of our fantastic museums like the Smoke Jumper’s Visitor Center, Museum of Mountain Flying, and more!

  • Another great way to beat the heat inside? A visit to the Missoula Public Library! From tiny tales to the makerspace, there is truly something for everyone.

Down The Bitterroot

  • Try to spot the rare white Bison in Lolo.

  • The stretch of highway between Lolo all the way to Darby is home to lots of fun adventures. Near Corvallis, Teller Wildlife Rescue is a beautiful conservation area of 1,300 acres with a nice walk through the “Teller Trail.” Nearby in Victor, Red Sun Labyrinth is a peaceful way to enjoy a little calm for a couple hours.

  • Just past Hamilton, Lake Como is a local favorite for swimming and camping.

  • Any adventure isn’t complete without a stop for a sweet treat at this retro Soda Fountain in Stevensville.

Day Trips

  • Stay at a decommissioned fire lookout or cabin. They book up fast (but are super affordable). The West Fork Butte Lookout is just past Lolo up highway 12, and a good excuse to stop by The Jack Saloon for lunch and a twirl in the log swing. Other fun activities up Highway 12: cross into Idaho with a hike to Jerry Johnson Hot Springs or visit Lochsa Lodge!

  • Get a little mud on your tires with some off road fun at Pipestone OHV Recreation Area outside of Butte. On the way back visit Butte’s epic new water park, Ridge Waters and cool playground, Stodden Park!

  • The Mission Valley is home to lots of beautiful scenery, culture, and activities. Two of our favorites are Ewam Garden of 1,000 Buddhas, outside Arlee and The Bison Range in Charlo.

  • Kids of all ages will love going to Dig for Crystals at Crystal Park, located just over three hours from Missoula, between Wise River and Polaris, Montana.

Sculpture in the Wild

Day Trips, Explore Montana, Family Fun, Grade Schooler, Move to Missoula, outdoor activities, Tots & Tykes, Travel, TweensLaci Rathbunsummer, bucketlist, missoula, western montana, idaho, bozeman, butte, cda, spokane, silverwood, huckleberry picking, fair, moving to missoula, family, kids activities, things to do with kids, localsComment