A Handful of Things You Gotta Do With Your Kids This Summer

Want to have fun with your kids this summer? Want to be considered the greatest parent ever?  To accomplish this you must do this handful of things at least once this summer. Just five measly days you gotta give them out of the next ten weeks.  You totally got this.

#1.  Splash Montana.  http://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/index.aspx?NID=169

You haven't spent a fun day in the Montana sun until you spent some time floating in the Lazy River.  Splash Montana is a great, inexpensive water park right in the heart of town.  There are three different water slides, a floating river, The Lake (a 50 meter pool), spray features and a mini Grizzly slide for the kiddos.  Prices are just right at $3.50 for under 11 and $5.75 for adults, there is also a Resident Discount Card to sign up for to save about 20% on each visit. Punch cards are also available.  Don't forget some extra cash to purchase some Dippin Dots - kids love them!

#2.  A Downtown Adventure.  http://www.carrousel.com/acfm/

Downtown Missoula has so much fun things to keep every one busy, doesn't matter your age.  A trip downtown with the kiddos won't be complete without a trip to the Carousel for Missoula, one of the fastest carousels in the country.  Next door you will find Dragon Hallow - a great outdoor play area.  While in the area you can easily walk to the Missoula County Public Library to get out of the heat and grab some summer reading.  They MCPL has a great summer reading program to reward and encourage everyone to read! (http://www.missoulapubliclibrary.org/)

#3.  Out To Lunch &/or Downtown Tonight.  http://www.missouladowntown.com/

Live music, food and activities for the kids - Oh My!  Out to Lunch is an event every Wednesday in the summer. Head on down to Caras park 11-2 for lunch and entertainment.  Plus for a bigger adventure you can take the Mountain Line downtown for FREE.

Downtown Tonight is every Thursday and offers all the same amenities and fun, plus beer! 

#4.  Splash Decks & Spray Pools!!!!  http://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/index.aspx?nid=172

The city of Missoula revamped most of their city parks a few years back and added some great water activities for the kiddos.  Need to cool down on a hot summer evening? Grab a picnic dinner and head to one of the listed above parks and have a great time keeping cool.  Plan it right and on Wedneday evenings at Bonner Park you usually can hear the Missoula City Band bring their band music in an open air venue.

and #5. Float the Clark Fork River.   http://www.kingfisherflyshop.com/clarkfork-float-maps

There is nothing better on a hot day then to stick your bum in an intertube and float your troubles away.  This is not an activity to do with the younger kids but the older ones will love it.  Stop by Les Schwab or the Army/Navy store and rent a tube for the day or better yet purchase one for a few dollars more.  Floating around I have seen a bald eagle fly by, deer on the side of the banks and fish flying out of the water. It is so relaxing and something they won't ever forget.

I hope these ideas help you earn your Greatest Parent Badge this summer! Don't forget the sunscreen!