In Montana, adventure awaits along forest trails, beside sparkling rivers and lakes, across wide-open meadows, and on horseback at the ranch. At Paws Up Montana, thoughtfully planned activities and experienced counselors turn the great outdoors into a playground where kids can follow their curiosity, discover new interests, and grow more confident. At the same time, parents enjoy adventures of their own. More than a traditional children’s program, the Kids Adventure Club inspires an appreciation for animals, nature, and the Western way of life – and helps young guests discover they are capable of more than they ever imagined.

The Kids Adventure Club is a safe, welcoming place where little explorers have big adventures. With support from experienced Kids Corps counselors, children can express their creativity, try new things, and enjoy a little independence. No two days are the same: Kids might tackle a ropes course, hunt for Montana sapphires, practice archery, create nature-inspired art, ride go-karts, or head out on an excursion. Activities are tailored to different ages, interests, and comfort levels, ensuring every child feels included and has room to grow:

Little Discoverers (Ages 3-5)

Little ones will use their senses to immerse themselves in the history, environment, and wildlife of Montana. That could include swimming, painting, scavenger hunting, making new friends, and trying new food, and new activities will make for a week they’ll never forget. 

Adventure Club (Ages 6-12) 

The Adventure Club is the perfect way for older kids to explore Montana through a combination of adventure, education, and creating experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. Kids will have a blast trying activities like geocaching, archery, and go-karting. 

Junior Wrangler Program (Ages 8-13)

For horse crazy kids, Paws Up’s Saddle Club offers a three-day Junior Wrangler Program where kids get to do everything from brushing and saddling their horses to learning to trot and lope on the trails. 

This personalized approach to the Kids Adventure Club reflects the spirit of Paws Up: warm hospitality, authentic Montana experiences, and adventures tailored to each guest.

With more activities than any other ranch resort in Montana, Paws Up offers a new adventure every day – even for its littlest guests. One morning might begin with a gentle pony ride, while the next leads to Garnet Ghost Town or onto the water for a river float beneath Montana’s big sky. Other days may bring geocaching, rock painting, ranch animal encounters, outdoor games, or a high-flying challenge in the aerial adventure park.

Hands-on crafts encourage creativity, while interactive games build problem-solving and teamwork. Outdoor excursions invite kids to notice the world around them, from the rush of water over rocks, the scent of pine, animal tracks in the dirt, or sunlight filtering through the trees.

Flexible programming lets children follow their interests, whether they are drawn to animals and nature, arts and crafts, or outdoor pursuits like target practice, canoeing, and snowshoeing. Among the many kids’ activities Montana has to offer, these experiences turn nature into part of the adventure, inspiring play, discovery, and a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.

For many kids, Paws Up offers a first glimpse of life on an authentic Montana ranch. Horses are no longer animals seen only in books or movies – young guests can meet them up close, learn how to interact with them, and take part in equestrian experiences.

Pony rides provide a memorable introduction to the saddle, while arena lessons help kids build balance, coordination, and horsemanship under the guidance of experienced instructors. As their confidence grows, they learn that working with a horse requires patience, trust, awareness, and respect.

Encounters with ranch animals and Montana wildlife deepen kids’ connection to the land and its traditions, inspiring them to explore, appreciate, and care for nature. They do not simply observe the Western way of life – they get to experience it.

Adventure does not have to feel enormous to leave a lasting impression. Sometimes it means climbing one step higher on a ropes course, holding a bow for the first time, getting into the saddle, or introducing yourself to a new friend.

With guidance and encouragement from counselors, kids can move beyond the familiar while still experiencing the pride of doing something for themselves. Each activity becomes a chance to make decisions, work with others, and try again when things do not go as planned.

These moments inside the Kids Adventure Club build independence and show kids that with curiosity, effort, and a little courage, they can achieve whatever they put their minds to. Long after the dust has been brushed from their boots, they will remember both the adventure and the pride of discovering they could do it.

The best family vacations in Montana balance shared experiences with time to explore individual interests. While kids head off for a half- or full-day of discovery, parents can ride horseback through open country, cast a line fly-fishing, explore the wilderness, squeeze in a workout or yoga class, or unwind with a treatment at Spa Town surrounded by nature. Sometimes, the greatest luxury is simply a quiet morning together, knowing the kids are safe, engaged, and having an adventure of their own.

At the end of the day, everyone reunites with stories to share – from peaceful moments on the river and memorable trail rides to new friendships, ropes-course triumphs, and sparkling sapphires. Separate adventures become part of one shared family story.

At Paws Up, families can ride, dine, play, and unwind together while also choosing experiences suited to each person’s age and interests, making for a memorable family vacation in Montana. 

It’s what makes Paws Up the luxury family resort Montana guests return to year after year and experience the wonder in every season: leaf peeping in fall, horse-drawn sleigh rides in winter, baby animals in spring, and days on the water in summer.

For many families, the Kids Adventure Club becomes an annual tradition. Children return a little taller and more confident, eager to revisit favorite activities and discover what awaits next. Here, family summers feel like they used to: full of fresh air, muddy shoes, new friendships, and long, sunny days beneath the big Montana sky.

The Kids Adventure Club captures the spirit of Paws Up through authentic exploration, personalized service, and hands-on experiences rooted in Montana’s great outdoors. Kids can get their hands dirty, connect with animals, explore the landscape, and discover new interests, all while supported by experienced counselors. Parents can relax knowing they are making friends, testing their abilities, and creating stories they will share long after returning home.

Whether staying in a luxury home or glamping accommodations, families have room to spread out and come together, indoors and out. Shared adventures, dining for every taste, and nightly campfire s’mores pair elevated comforts with an unmistakable sense of place in the American West. Come experience fresh air, meaningful time together, self-discovery, and family memories made in the wild beauty of Montana.