Bozeman, MT, is your gateway to nature. This small but lively city is nestled against the Rocky Mountains, giving access to some of the best high country and spectacular scenery without being so remote that you have to drive an hour to get anywhere. Whether you want to go deep into the backcountry or take a shorter route, there are many opportunities to hike, bike, ski, and fish. Bozeman is also home to one of the most notable collections of dinosaur fossils in the country. All of this makes it a place where you can find the family home of your dreams. If you want to plan your next adventure, here are some of the best family-friendly activities in Bozeman.

The Museum of the Rockies is a world-class museum at a level you don't expect to find in a city of less than 60,000 people. Open throughout the year, the museum is home to the Martin Children's Discovery Center, an outdoor Living History Farm, the Taylor Planetarium, and the Siebel Dinosaur Complex with its amazing collection of T-Rexes. You can also enjoy the fun-filled daily show in the Hager Auditorium.

If your kids are into technology, they will feel right at home at the American Computer & Robotics Museum. The first of its kind when it opened back in 1990, the museum covers the entire history of computing, all the way back to cuneiform tablets on which people kept ledgers thousands of years ago. You can also check out the exhibits on space exploration and artificial intelligence. Plus, kids under age nine get in for free.

This grizzly bear rescue sanctuary has rescued bears you can observe at a close distance, and their goal is to teach kids about grizzly bear safety and conservation. It's a great way to help your kids navigate hiking in Bear Country as they get close-up views of these amazing creatures. The bears, which can't be released into the wild, get the best of care, and the museum supports grizzly bear conservation. Take your kids to meet the bears and learn how humans and bears can safely share the wilderness.

The Rockies have some of the best skiing around, and Bridger Bowl is a fantastic resort not far from Bozeman. Here, you can take lessons for skiers and riders from beginner to expert, along with five-week group lessons for children as young as four. In addition, multiple resort lodges provide great food, and there are a variety of events on the calendar, including ski races, raptor days, freeride events, and even snowboarding scavenger hunts! The resort is typically open from October through April, depending on snowpack levels.

Located in the Hyalite Recreation Area, the Palisade Falls trail is a great, moderately easy trail suited to hikers and bikers of all abilities, and it's also perfect for practicing your cross-country skiing in winter. You can even marvel at the 80-foot waterfall. The trail is mostly paved, and you can easily navigate it with a stroller.

If you or your kids like fly fishing, the Gallatin River is an excellent place to find brown and rainbow trout, as well as mountain whitefish. The access sites are perfect for fishing with long, deep pools, which are suitable for teaching your kids to tie a fly. You will need a fishing license, as will kids 12 and older. Kids 11 and younger can fish on your license under supervision. You'll also need the Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass.

Not a fan of fishing? The Gallatin Canyon also provides a beautiful scenic drive, plenty of hiking opportunities, and excellent places to enjoy a relaxing picnic.

This alpaca farm just outside Bozeman offers 45-minute farm tours by appointment, during which your kids can feed the alpacas, pet them, and even learn how to lead them around! At the right time of year, there are even adorable baby alpacas to admire and photograph. While you are there, visit their retail shop and check out the alpaca fleece clothing for kids and adults. For moms, they also host yoga sessions with the alpacas and offer free mimosas every month or so.

A variety of companies offer whitewater rafting in the Bozeman area. The Gallatin River has some great whitewater spots to its name; the upper Gallatin River is gentle, especially late in the season, so it's an awesome spot for first-timers and kids. A day in Yellowstone promises calm waters with fantastic scenery, as well as Class II and III rapids. If you're in great shape, there are plenty of Class III and IV rapids as well, but most of these trips have age limits (typically requiring you to be a minimum of 16 years old).

Back indoors, the Montana Science Center is an interactive children's museum with hands-on exhibits for all ages. The museum holds weekly programs for all ages and an annual science carnival featuring family-friendly science activities, exciting games, and shows, as well as a variety of great foods from local vendors.

STEAM Saturdays provide a perfect opportunity to experience a two-hour interactive presentation from a community partner or a local STEM professional. Also, if you’re looking for a unique event, “Science Night In” is a parent-free evening of science for kids aged four to 11. Your kids can enjoy the fun science activities and pizza.

With its fantastic entertainment scene, abundance of jaw-dropping nature spots, and tons of activities in store, Bozeman, MT, is an outstanding city to raise a family. As an experienced luxury Bozeman real estate professional, Eric Becker is ready to help you find the perfect family home in the area. You may also want to explore the diverse range of Big Sky homes for sale, from charming historic properties to modern estates with breathtaking views.  Contact Eric today to find out more!