Great Falls Family Adventures: Fun for Kids, Moms, Families, and Meaningful Memories
At Wrecked & Refined, we believe raising a family is treasure—and every outing, every memory, and every conversation can be full of purpose. This guide is for families who are saying yes to more time together, more laughter under the sky, and more intentional rhythms of joy and connection. Whether you’re homeschooling, working from home, building a business, or navigating new priorities, Great Falls offers beautiful, affordable ways to experience adventure and create lifelong memories.
Discover the city with eyes wide open and hearts full of purpose.
My Story: How I Discovered the Beauty of Free Adventures in Great Falls
When I became a stay-at-home, working mom and entrepreneur, our budget was tight—so tight that even a $1 drink from McDonald’s felt like a splurge. Life had shifted drastically. I had given up my time, my career identity, and parts of myself to love and raise my children well. And while that sacrifice was cherished, it was also heavy.
I quietly battled feelings of loneliness and burnout. I was home all day, surrounded by little ones I adored—but I felt like my life was no longer mine. I missed fresh air. I missed adventure. I needed a spark again.
That’s when I started searching for free things to do in Great Falls with my kids—and the city’s parks became our lifeline.
There are more than 20+ family-friendly parks in Great Falls, each with its own character, beauty, and joy. And they were free. That mattered.
We fell in love with Dino Park, Fish Hatchery Park, and Verde Park (a winter gem for sledding). I’d pack snacks, grab a cozy lawn chair and a book, and load the kids into the car. It felt like a mini vacation every time. Suddenly, I felt like “Mom of the Year.” My kids ran free, burned energy, laughed loudly—and I finally breathed deeply again.
What started as a budget-friendly survival plan turned into a rhythm of joy and discovery. It wasn’t just for them—it was for me too. And in those small, cherished adventures, I began to see something I had overlooked for years:
Great Falls is beautiful.
Great Falls is full of life.
And adventure doesn’t have to cost a thing.
1. Park-Hopping with Purpose: Our Family Tradition We started a simple tradition—visit a new park every week. It became our rhythm of joy. We call it the Park Passport Challenge—a free, memory-making journey right here in our hometown.
Top Parks to Explore:
Gibson Park – Peaceful with a pond and friendly ducks.
Riverview Park – Spacious with room to run and breathe.
Jaycee Park – Walking distance to the pool and full of energy.
Broadwater Bay – A beautiful riverside stroll spot.
Black Eagle Park – A kid-favorite with exciting features.
✅ Download your Parks + Museums Checklist (PDF) to start your own challenge!
2. River’s Edge Trail: Ride, Walk, Scoot, Reflect The River’s Edge Trail is more than pavement—it’s a path to presence. Bring bikes, scooters or strollers and go at your own pace. We love to pack lunch, stop mid-route, and just talk.
Family Tip: Turn this into your family’s “Talk Walk.” Share dreams, questions, and even prayers as you walk beside the river.
3. Museums That Spark Curiosity & Connection Great Falls is full of local places that spark wonder, learning, and imagination. Many of them are low-cost or donation-based.
Our Top Picks:
The History Museum – Interactive and local treasures.
C.M. Russell Museum – Western art and rich Montana history.
Children’s Museum of Montana – Ideal for sensory, STEM, and pretend play.
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center – An inspiring, hands-on history experience.
4. Local Treats: A Sweet Finish to Your Adventure Nothing caps a family outing like a treat (especially when it’s locally loved and family-owned). Here are our go-to stops:
Popcorn Colonel – Unique, flavorful popcorn that’s perfect for an excellent park or home treat.
Big Dipper Ice Cream – Local scoop shop with rotating favorites.
Yogurt City – Make-your-own dessert, kid-approved.
Tip: Let your kids pick a treat and ask what flavor reminds them of God's creation or a recent memory.
5. Build a Family Culture of Fun and Presence The goal isn’t just to have fun. It’s to build a home culture where love is loud, joy is normal, and connection is natural.
When we:
Walk instead of scroll
Laugh instead of lecture
Listen instead of rush
…we plant seeds that grow into lifelong connection.
Don’t underestimate the impact of showing up—present, purposeful, and joy-filled.
🎉 Join the Park Passport Challenge & Win!
We’d love to see your family adventures around Great Falls! Whether you're sliding at Black Eagle Park, feeding ducks at Gibson, or scooting the River’s Edge Trail — we want to celebrate your journey!
✅ Here’s how to join:
Download the free Great Falls Park Passport Checklist (PDF)
Visit as many parks and family spots in this guide as you can
Snap a photo or short video of your adventure
Tag @ChristianStoneBlog or @WreckedRefined on Instagram or Facebook
Use hashtags:
#GreatFallsFamilyChallenge#WreckedAndRefinedKids#FaithFilledAdventures
🎁 Finish the Passport? Get a Gift!
If your family completes the full challenge, you’ll receive a special Wrecked & Refined surprise gift — something sweet and local, just like your memories.
Bonus: We may feature your family on our blog or social media!
📩 Join the Wrecked & Refined Community
Get beautifully designed tools and powerful encouragement to help you build a peaceful home, nurture strong children, grow in confidence, and become the woman you were created to be—no matter your season.
Final Blessing
We pray this blog doesn’t just inspire fresh air—but fresh perspective. May these moments not only refresh your family—but revive your heart.
These places, they aren’t just stops on a map. They’re treasured spaces for memories, laughter, and legacy.
So go outside. Chase joy. Choose presence. And bring the kids.
With joy and encouragement,
Christian Stone
Founder, Wrecked & Refined
