If your family is craving a summer adventure that’s big on memory-making without the travel-day chaos—this one’s for you.
We booked a nonstop flight from Mesa Gateway Airport (our go-to for family travel) and landed in Missoula, Montana—ready for cooler temps, outdoor adventures, and small-town charm. We chose this destination because of how easy it was to get to, and we kept it simple with kid-friendly, budget-conscious stays at Best Western Hotels & Resorts throughout the trip.
Add in a few days at Glacier National Park, and this trip quickly became an all-time favorite.
If you’re craving fresh air and wide-open spaces this summer, here’s your easy-to-copy, totally doable itinerary.
P.S. Never flown out of Mesa Gateway? Here’s why it’s our favorite with kids.
XO,
East Valley Moms
✈️ Day 1: Wheels Up to Montana
- Departed Mesa Gateway Airport on an Allegiant morning flight
(Pro tip: Mesa Gateway is a dream for moms—short lines, stroller-friendly, and no chaos.) - Landed in Missoula at 2 p.m.; rental car pickup was quick and seamless
- Grabbed our Walmart grocery pickup (pre-ordered!) with snacks, picnic supplies, a styrofoam cooler, and bear spray (a must have for outdoor exploration in this part of the country)
- Checked in at Best Western Plus Kalispell/Glacier Park West
➕ Spacious suites, indoor pool, and free breakfast = easy first-night win - Dinner at a local brewery with a big grassy lawn and live music—kid-friendly and fun!
Day 2: Glacier National Park
- Early morning drive on Going-to-the-Sun Road—absolutely worth it (check weather and road conditions)
- Picnic lunch at Fish Creek area—bring bear spray and swim gear!
- Evening: hotel pool time or casual dinner in Whitefish
Day 3: Waterfalls + Bitterroot Valley
- Hiked the stroller-friendly Trail of the Cedars—shaded, flat, and beautiful
- Transferred back toward Missoula mid-day to Best Western Grand Creek Inn
- Explored Bitterroot Valley: farmers markets, playgrounds, and big Montana views
- Ended the day at a local community event—check seasonal listings!
Day 4: Missoula Magic
- Morning at Cragon Hollow nature play space and the Carousel in Caras Park
- Afternoon strolling downtown Missoula—ice cream, indie shops, and river views
Day 5: Missoula Saturday
Morning at the Missoula Farmers Market—live music, fresh pastries, and flowers- Walked Bancroft Pond—shaded paths, ducks, and a quiet change of pace
- Dinner at Bayern Brewing—outdoor seating, great food, and root beer for the kids
- Overnight at Best Western Plus Grant Creek Inn for easy airport access
✈️ Day 6: Heading Home
- Flight departs Missoula at 12:28 p.m.
- Landed at Mesa Gateway Airport at 2 p.m.—easy and stress-free
✅ Why This Trip Worked
- Nonstop flights made it easy
- Best Western gave us space, comfort, and free breakfast
- Outdoor-heavy itinerary with flexible, kid-friendly pacing
- Nature + comfort = the best of both worlds
Mom Tips
☀️ Late Sunsets
It’s still light at 9:30 p.m. in summer—expect later bedtimes and pack sleep masks if needed.
You’ll Drive a Lot
Montana is spread out, and drives of 30–45 minutes were common. But every one was scenic and worth it.
Best Western = Built-in Sanity
Free breakfast, mini fridges, indoor pools, and easy parking helped keep things smooth all week.
Budget Busters We Loved
Free Hot Breakfast
Saved time and money—and we could go in our jammies!
Hotel Entertainment
Pools and gyms gave the kids a way to burn energy without added cost or planning.
Picnic Power
We packed daily picnic lunches with our grocery haul from Day 1. A $6.99 cooler + hotel ice = the MVP of the trip. Most of our meals were outdoors—and our kids loved it.
Nature’s the Best Playground
From national parks to walking trails, most of our activities were free or low cost.
Tip: If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, use it for national park access and save even more.
