Making a Splash with Toddlers Around Missoula

Summer’s here! You probably can’t wait to get outside and enjoy everything western Montana has to offer in the summer—and for most Montanans,  that definitely includes getting wet in our locals lakes, pools, and rivers. 

But sometimes, it’s hard to see how toddlers can fit into all that, especially if – like mine did – your toddler thrives on a regular routine. A trip to Flathead Lake – so easy and fun before kids --- can feel pretty overwhelming with an 18-month-old along for the ride. So much time in the car! What if we don’t find a spot quickly? What if we forget something we need? Will it take days to get back onto our hard-won-bedtime routine?

Luckily for us, we live in an area that is packed with toddler-sized adventures closer to home—bite-sized summer treats that will get you out and enjoying the sunshine –but still have you home for lunch, naptime, or that early bedtime your toddler needs. 

(Side note: maybe you have been blessed with a child who rolls along with changes to routine and has been a great sleeper since the first month. We are very happy for you, and a little jealous. Toddlers do come in all different temperaments! Here’s more about temperament in toddlers!)

Playing in and around the water is a must in the heat, but many of our rivers are too cold and too fast for little ones, even in late summer. Finding toddler-friendly spots to splash and play can be trickier than it seems! Moving water can be hazardous-- always, always supervise children closely near the water, and when necessary have them wear a pfd (personal floatation device) that’s right for their weight and age. (More about water safety and little ones!)

Natural places

Greenough Park: Beloved by Missoulians for so many reasons, Greenough Park, tucked at the entrance to the Rattlesnake Valley, features a 1-mile loop sidewalk trail and numerous spots where the creek can be accessed. CAUTION: Rattlesnake Creek runs fast and high for a short period at the start of summer, but by midsummer there are lots of gentle spots at its edge for splashing and tossing in rocks. 

Easy Street: Accessed from Easy Street in East Missoula, this sandbar along the Clark Fork is a fun place to get wet. Life vests for small children are a must, but the water is gentle and slow at the edge. 

McClay Flat Boat Access: Another sandy beach, this time on the Bitterroot River near Blue Mountain. The river can be accessed from several points along the McClay Flats trail, but the Boat Access (closest to the parking lot entrance and on the left as you enter) has the most gentle and toddler-friendly areas. Bonus: It’s so shallow that the water is among the warmest you’ll find in local rivers.

Pools and Pads

Missoula has invested in numerous pools and splash decks for water play! Young children would enjoy trying out different spots—and returning to their favorites—throughout the summer. 

Splash Decks: Toddlers love to splash- but equipment designed for older kids can feel like a lot! Fortunately, most of Missoula’s splash decks were designed thoughtfully with gentle features as well as more “exciting” ones. Sacagawea Park’s landmark “turtles" are particularly toddler-friendly, but be aware they are across a small street from the rest of the park itself.

Information about Splash decks

Pools: As far as pools go, Missoula’s outdoor water hub is Splash Montana, a big facility with a lazy river, waterslides, and a huge lap pool. For my toddler, Splash Montana was way too much—too much sun, too many people, too hectic. (Now that he’s older, he loves it—but it was a lot when he was small.) I recommend Currents, the indoor pool, for toddlers in the summer. It’s typically less crowded than Splash (we sometimes had it to ourselves!) and way less crowded than it gets in the winter. And—bonus—you don’t have to worry about sunscreen!

One more idea:

The University of Montana (where there is no parking shortage in the summer) waters its extensive lawns… a LOT. The well-maintained sidewalks make a great place to ride a balance bike or scooter, and dashing through a sprinkler on a hot day – followed by a visit to the University Center’s atrium to ride the three-story glass elevator and have a cold drink? – a perfectly toddler-sized summer adventure.