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May 17, 2018

A sideshow at the Montana State Fair | Taylor's Auto MaxNestled on the banks of the Missouri River in the heart of Montana, Great Falls is a stellar place for nightlife, outdoor adventure, and an authentic Montana experience. Solo travelers and families will find plenty to do among an array of options for adults and kids of all ages. If you’re searching for something the kids will love, check out these fun and entertaining activities.

Montana State Fair

Each year in late July and early August, the Montana ExpoPark in Great Falls plays host to the Montana State Fair. In 2018, the fair celebrates its 87th anniversary with plenty of activities, rides, food, and fun for the kids. The Big Sky Pro Rodeo takes place over the final four nights of the state fair, offering four themed nights including patriot night, family night, tough-enough-to-wear-pink night, and Pepsi night.

Your children will enjoy dozens of rides including a small roller coaster, a 70-foot Ferris wheel, and other thrills which spin, twist, and rock you through the air. Ice cream, funnel cakes, pizza, tacos, gyros, and other delicious foods await, but you might want to indulge until after the rides. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for youths (6-17), $5 for seniors (60+), and free for children 5 and under.

Electric City Water Park

Open from early June through Labor Day, Electric City Water Park is a stellar way to cool off all summer long. Surf the Flow Rider, float the lazy river, or dart down the 20-foot-tall, 160-foot-long Power Tower slides for a fun way to beat the heat. Electric City is also home to Montana’s largest child’s water play structure, providing endless fun for the entire family. Take breaks at the shady, tree-lined park within the complex or grab something at the concessions stand, veg out, and catch some rays. Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for children 17 and under.

Children’s Museum of Montana

Enjoy a day of educational, interactive fun at the Children’s Museum of Montana. Specializing in hands-on activities in the fields of math, science, and culture, the museum is perfect for children from 1 to 10. Exhibits include a life-sized Maiasura dinosaur, a pirate ship you can climb aboard, a fossil-digging area, and a life-size fuselage from a plane. The museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Tickets are $7.

Oddfellows Park

Situated along the banks of the Missouri River, Oddfellows Park is a local favorite, giving you kid-friendly options on both land and water. To get some exercise, head down to the water’s edge to rent canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. There are also several places to cast a line for catch and release, provided you obtain a Montana fishing license. If it’s too cold for the water, head for the playground, complete with a giant sea turtle and a serpent.

With so many kid-friendly attractions and choices throughout Great Falls, you’re sure to have a memorable experience with the children. The hardest part may just be getting them to agree on the same thing.

 

“Montana State Fair” by Tracy, Licensed via CC BY 2.0