How to Plan a Multi-Generational Getaway 

When it comes to family vacations in Montana, few places capture the imagination quite like Paws Up Montana. Spread across 37,000 acres of pristine wilderness, this Two MICHELIN Key ranch resort blends the untamed beauty of the American West with modern luxury. It’s a place where every generation – from toddlers to grandparents – can live out their own version of the Western dream. 

Planning large family vacations can feel complicated, but Paws Up makes it easy. The resort is designed so families can unplug, reconnect, and embrace the spirit of the American West without the stress. Here’s how to plan a multi-generational getaway that will leave everyone – from the most energetic kids to the most relaxed grandparents – with memories as wide as the Montana sky.

A great family vacation starts with the right home base. Paws Up knows families need room to gather, space to rest, and the freedom to enjoy Montana’s beauty in their own way. That’s why you’ll find accommodations that feel like home – and others built for adventure closer to nature.

For those traveling with grandparents, adult children, and little ones, the private luxury homes offer space, comfort, and privacy. Ranging from two to four bedrooms, each home features generous living areas for family meals and games, cozy fireplaces for storytelling nights, and expansive decks with private hot tubs overlooking mountain meadows or winding rivers.

Daily full-service housekeeping keeps things effortless, and guests staying in homes have access to a personal Lexus SUV, perfect for exploring the property at your own pace.

For adventurous families, glamping camps bring you closer to nature without sacrificing comfort. Safari-style tents feature plush king beds, ensuite bathrooms, climate control, and heated floors. A personal camp butler handles every detail – from building fires to planning activities. It’s the perfect blend of rustic and refined, where you can wake to birdsong, fall asleep to the rush of the river, and enjoy gourmet meals at each camp’s chef-led Dining Pavilion. 

Certain tents sleep up to six guests, and entire camps can be reserved for larger gatherings. With the resort’s on-demand shuttles, it’s easy to move between camp, dining, and activities. 

One of the greatest challenges of family vacations is finding activities that excite everyone. But Paws Up is home to more adventures than any other ranch resort in Montana, so each day brings a mix of guided and unguided activities for every age, interest, and energy level. Whether on horseback, in a kayak, or on a porch swing beneath Big Sky Country, everyone can explore at their own pace.

Younger travelers can saddle up for pony rides, arena lessons, try archery, get creative with arts and crafts, or spend the afternoon playing outdoor games in the meadow. Paws Up’s guides are experts at creating safe, imaginative adventures that keep kids engaged and smiling from sunrise to sunset.

For teenagers, freedom and adrenaline go hand in hand. They can ride ATVs, join a horseback ride through pine forests, scale the Skyline Aerial Adventure Park, or harness their horsemanship skills to experience life as a wrangler. Every activity is guided with care, giving teens independence within a safe, exciting environment.

Adults can indulge in adventure and rejuvenation. Spend a morning fly fishing on the legendary Blackfoot River, test your aim at the rifle range, or customize a Western hat. Unwind at Spa Town, an open-air sanctuary surrounded by whispering pines. Hit the 24-hour gym or join a yoga class to treat yourself to some “you time” between outings. For many, Paws Up becomes a place to reconnect not only with family but also with themselves.

Grandparents can enjoy the same sense of adventure at their own pace. Gentle scenic drives, wildlife spotting, guided nature walks, learning the art of horse whispering, and cozy fireside evenings surrounded by family. Take a trip to Spa Town for spa treatments and soak in the stunning Montana wilderness like never before.

When it comes to dining, Paws Up turns mealtime into one of the trip’s highlights. No one has to cook, clean, or compromise. With an all-inclusive experience, guests enjoy three gourmet meals daily, a selection of drinks, plus all-day snacks.

Every dish is crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Montana farms and ranches. Farm-to-table dining is a way of life here. Enjoy refined meals at restaurants, casual meals at camp, or gather for a memorable and authentic Chuck Wagon dinner riverside. Our chefs thoughtfully accommodate dietary needs.

Families can also book in-home dining or private chef experiences, perfect for special celebrations or cozy nights in pajamas. The resort’s culinary team can customize menus for every preference – from kid-friendly comfort food to gourmet wine pairings. Each home features a modern kitchenette for easy access to snacks and beverages.

The perfect family vacation balances adventure and relaxation. Paws Up’s natural setting sets the tone for restorative moments. Spend a lazy morning reading by the fireplace, or watch your kids skip stones across the river. Take a yoga class, soak in the outdoor hot tub, or enjoy a massage in a forest-lined meadow.

Evenings bring a slower rhythm – s’mores by the campfire, stargazing under Montana’s infinite sky, and unhurried moments that remind you how good it feels just to be together. It’s in those pauses, between the horseback rides and the family dinners, where connection deepens and memories take hold.

Family trips are about more than the destination – they’re about the shared moments along the way. Paws Up sets the scene for those lasting memories.

Book a family photo session in the rolling meadows, or capture candid moments – kids roasting marshmallows with grandparents, teens grinning on horseback, and parents savoring a sunset glass of wine. Many families create digital albums or short videos to relive their favorite memories long after returning home. Taking time to journal, whether individually or together, is another meaningful way to treasure each moment that tells the story of your Montana adventure.

What sets Paws Up Montana apart is the ease it brings to every stage of planning and staying. From the moment you arrive, airport transfers whisk you to the resort in comfort and style. Spend your days chasing adventure and your evenings in rustic luxury – while the resort’s concierge handles the details. From spa appointments to ranch activities, they make sure your family’s Montana adventure feels as smooth and personal as it is unforgettable.

Make this the trip that brings everyone together – under Montana’s wide-open sky.