Kids and Families

“Because little nature lovers grow into big nature lovers!”

Looking for the ideal Montana family vacation idea? Look no further than the Upper Missouri River Breaks for an unforgettable adventure that caters to kids and adults alike.

Immerse your family in the beauty of nature as you embark on a canoeing journey along the serene waters of the Upper Missouri River. It’s the perfect opportunity to disconnect from screens, reconnect with each other, and let the stresses of everyday life fade away.

At MRO, we understand the importance of fostering a love for the outdoors in children. Our knowledgeable staff is equipped with engaging outdoor activities, arts and crafts, and games designed to enhance your family’s experience amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the breaks.

Whether your little ones are splashing in the river, spotting wildlife, or simply enjoying the freedom of being outdoors, our trips cater to all ages without any age limits. We simply ask that participants are able to swim independently and comfortably spend up to 3 hours at a time seated in a canoe.

Join us for a river trip that promises laughter, adventure, and cherished family memories that will last a lifetime.

 

  • families on the Missouri River
  • kids and families on the upper missouri river

River Games

A river trip just isn’t complete without some river games. Check out some of the games we play and things we bring!

  • Water guns
  • Glow in the dark Boche ball-
  • Frisbee
  • slack lines
  • Kubb
  • cornhole
  • Spikeball
  • Cards
  • Cribbage
  • Wolves and villagers (similar to Mafia)
  • Contact- Fun word game
  • The paddle game
  • Library- YES! A “river library” comprising a variety of works on local and regional history (including the journals of Lewis and Clark), native American culture, the river’s geology, birds, wildflowers, and flora and fauna.

Why we encourage bringing kids on the river? 

“Start them young.” River trips are a lifetime passion that you can pass on to your children and or grandchildren. Multi-day river trips are similar to car camping with lots of room for gear and good food. The biggest difference is that boats can get you to more remote areas than a vehicle and there is just one way to go, “down”.

The Missouri River offers stress free paddling due to its wide and shallow waters and a complete lack of snags, rocks, and rapids. Our trips are the perfect time to unplug from technology because there is no cell phone service and plenty of stuff to see and do around you. It’s a great time to be a kid, play in the mud, hike, play games, swim and hunt for treasures.

How do we accommodate for families?

Family tents- we have larger canvas wall tents that fit families and allow for more room.

 

3 person canoes- if you want the kids with you or with the guides, we offer 3 seat canoes that allow for more room and a middle passenger.

 

Car seats- although we don’t have car seats. We will make sure to bring yours in our passenger vans. Just give them to us on the morning of the trip.

 

Life vests- we have kids life vests. However, if you have some that your kids prefer please bring them. We can compare once you arrive.

How many kids can fit in a canoe?

This all depends on the ages of the kids, the paddling experience of adults and the guest ratio. However, generally speaking, 2 kids 10 and under can fit in one canoe with 1 or 2 adults or both kids can be split up into guides boats. Guides are good with kids and have a variety of games and trick to choose from

What extra gear should we pack for kids?

Kids on the river don’t require extra gear. However, pack what you would normally pack for a car trip (example: markers, coloring book, games, etc.)

Should we bring snacks?

We provide plenty of food and alternative options for kids. However, we do not provide chips, candy, or snack bars. We provide healthy, well-balanced meals with fresh fruit, veggies and homemade desserts. We are confident that your child will have plenty to eat and we always have some leftover fruit and dessert for snacks.

What is a good age for participation?

It truly depend on the child. As parents and teachers, we know that every child is different. They need to be able to swim independently and sit for 3-hour durations in the canoe every day.