If you're looking for a place to unleash your kids' energy while providing a fun time for the whole family, Missoula's playgrounds will definitely not disappoint. They offer a variety of creative play spaces suitable for children of all ages. Today, we'll take a look at four of the best playgrounds in Missoula worth visiting.
1. City Life Community Center
Address：1515 Fairview Ave, Missoula, MT 59801
Website：https://yfcmt.com/about/city-life-community-center/
City Life Community Center is a perfect play center for parents and children. It's a bit like a cross between a community playground and a large activity center. The venue is incredibly large, with a large gymnasium where you can play basketball, volleyball, and pickleball, either individually or in groups. There's also an area for older kids with a TV, Xbox, Switch, billiards, table football, and ping-pong—nearly enough, a place for kids to spend all their free time. City Life is also a frequent venue for events. They have open hours every Friday afternoon, and anyone can come and play. If you're planning a party or gathering, this is also a great place to do it. They can also provide private play areas to suit your needs.
2. Missoula Family YMCA
Address：3000 S Russell St, Missoula, MT 59801
Website：http://www.ymcamissoula.org/
The Missoula Family YMCA is a beloved play area, perfect for both kids and parents. Every weekend, they host "Family Fun Time" in the large gymnasium, featuring two bounce houses, an indoor tricycle track, a rolling mat area, and soft hockey and skateboarding areas. Children can jump, ride, slide, and run to their heart's content. Parents can sit back and chat or drink coffee without worrying about their children. The YMCA also has a dedicated childcare area for children aged 6 months to 7 years old, complete with books, games, a coloring area, and a small attic, ensuring safe and enjoyable playtime. The YMCA also offers childcare for infants through preschoolers, as well as after-school care and summer camps, allowing parents to plan their children's needs with peace of mind while working.
3. EmPower Place
Address：1720 Wyoming St, Missoula, MT 59801
Website：https://missoulafoodbank.org/community-center/community-center/empower-place
EmPower Place is a play zone that combines a miniature science park with a community library. It's completely free, allowing parents to spend an entire afternoon with their children enjoying the fun and entertainment. Upon entering, you'll find tables filled with interactive STEM exhibits, DIY structures, and a wide variety of books to browse, ensuring children of all ages will find something to their liking. Storytime is also available for children, featuring songs, rhymes, and stories by library staff, making it especially suitable for preschoolers. After-school meals are also available, perfectly combining play and meals, allowing children to relax and recharge while parents relax or play with them. EmPower Place also features weekly themed activities, such as small science experiments and cultural crafts, ensuring children discover something new each time they visit.
4. spectrUM Discovery Area
Address：455 E Main St, Missoula, MT 59802
Website：http://umt.edu/spectrum
The spectrUM Discovery Area, located inside the Missoula Public Library, is a tech play place that keeps children exploring. It's a hands-on science museum, completely free and open four days a week, allowing children to freely explore science. Here, you can try out projection painting with light, assemble robots, or conduct physics experiments. While the museum is small, it's sparsely populated and spacious, with plenty of room for children to experiment with their own projects, making it a relaxing afternoon with kids. spectrUM also regularly hosts themed events like "A Week in Water World," "Crazy Creative Installations," and "Anatomy for an Hour," allowing children to engage in creative thinking and have fun with their hands.
Whether you're looking for thrills, creative activities, or family-friendly activities, these four Missoula playgrounds have something for everyone. Take a weekend trip and bring the family for a special day of fun.
