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
1. See "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.
Tags: visitors center, Glacier National, Glacier National Park, National Park, Enjoy Glacier
