USA & Canada · Best Jul–Sep
Glacier National Park packing list for families
Glacier is wild mountain country, with snow on the high trails in July and grizzlies in the backcountry. Packing well here is about warmth, waterproofing, and safety on the trail.
Photo by David Morris on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Glacier National Park
- Going-to-the-Sun Road usually opens fully in late June or July and closes in the fall. Glacier has used vehicle reservations for parts of the park in recent summers, so check the park's site before you book.
- This is grizzly country. Carry bear spray on every hike, and know you can't fly with it, so buy or rent it once you land. Make noise on the trail and keep little ones close.
- Logan Pass can be 20 or more degrees cooler than Lake McDonald, with snow on the trails into July. Pack fleece and a warm hat even for an August trip.
Best timeJul–Sep
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Glacier National Park
This time of year
Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing6
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Packable rain jacketMountain storms roll in quickly.
Fleece and warm hatHigh passes are cold even in summer.
Shoes2
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Kids' hiking bootsSnowmelt and rocky trails need waterproof traction.
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Adventure2
Bear sprayKristina's pickRecommended on every trail; buy or rent it after you land.
Kids' binocularsSpot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and bears from a distance.
Little ones5
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerKristina's pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.
Health & toiletries3
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Documents & tech3
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
The outfit edit
Nordic layers
Charcoal, oatmeal, forest, rust
For the grown-ups
- A waterproof parka or shell
- Chunky knit sweater
- Waterproof boots with real grip
For the kids
- Snowsuit or waterproof pants
- Merino base layers
- Mittens on a clip so they don't get lost
For photos
- Rust or red pops against snow and black sand
- Matching knit hats for the whole crew
Month by month
Glacier National Park weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°F -2°C | Deep snow, with most roads closed and only the Lake McDonald area easily reached | |
| February | 34°F 1°C | Deep snow, with most roads closed and only the Lake McDonald area easily reached | |
| March | 43°F 6°C | Deep snow, with most roads closed and only the Lake McDonald area easily reached | |
| April | 54°F 12°C | Snowy high country and plowing on Going-to-the-Sun Road, with mild valley days | Biking or walking sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road before it opens to cars |
| May | 64°F 18°C | Snowy high country and plowing on Going-to-the-Sun Road, with mild valley days | Biking or walking sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road before it opens to cars |
| June | 71°F 22°C | Cool and often rainy, with high trails still snowbound | Biking or walking sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road before it opens to cars Beargrass blooms on the slopes, heavier in some years than others |
| July | 81°F 27°C | Warm, mostly dry days and cool nights, with possible wildfire smoke | Beargrass blooms on the slopes, heavier in some years than others Wildflower meadows at Logan Pass and mountain goats near Hidden Lake Overlook |
| August | 80°F 27°C | Warm, mostly dry days and cool nights, with possible wildfire smoke | Wildflower meadows at Logan Pass and mountain goats near Hidden Lake Overlook Huckleberry season, with huckleberry treats at every stop |
| September | 68°F 20°C | Crisp fall days turning wintry by November, with early snow up high and the road closing for the season | |
| October | 53°F 12°C | Crisp fall days turning wintry by November, with early snow up high and the road closing for the season | Western larches turning gold in October |
| November | 37°F 3°C | Crisp fall days turning wintry by November, with early snow up high and the road closing for the season | |
| December | 28°F -2°C | Deep snow, with most roads closed and only the Lake McDonald area easily reached |
Questions families ask
Glacier National Park with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Glacier National Park with kids?
The best time is Jul–Sep. Cool and often rainy, with high trails still snowbound
What's the weather like in Glacier National Park?
Typical daytime highs range from about 28°F (-2°C) in December to about 81°F (27°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Glacier National Park?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Glacier National Park?
None. Glacier National Park uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Glacier National Park with kids?
Going-to-the-Sun Road usually opens fully in late June or July and closes in the fall. Glacier has used vehicle reservations for parts of the park in recent summers, so check the park's site before you book.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.