This time of year, the gift lists can get overwhelming. It’s not that they’re too long; often it’s that it’s hard to pin down what to bestow. Gift-giving is an expression of love or friendship, and no...
“A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes…” If you’re dreaming up the most magical way to spend the holiday season, look no further than Walt Disney World! From twinkling lights and festive parades to fall...
This holiday season, the School of Classical Ballet (SCB) is bringing a dream to life with its very own, entirely original production of The Nutcracker. For the first time in the studio’s 55-year hist...
T‘is the season for giving! In exchange for the typical tangible item, why not consider something memorable and meaningful? This Christmas season, skip the toy aisle, department stores, and gift cards...
How would it feel to be without a home for the holidays? Sadly, many youth in our community experience the cold and loneliness of being homeless, not just during the holidays, but year-round.
The room is alive with excitement and smiles as doctorate students from Rocky Mountain College’s Occupational Therapy program make pizzas with Eagle Mount participants in RMC’s adaptive kitchen, equip...
If you search for directions to Hope Ranch, Apple Maps will drop a pin just outside of Luther, Montana. Nestled beneath the Beartooth Mountains and just a few miles from the famed Beaten Path trailhea...
There’s something magical about the way the holidays invite us to slow down, gather close, and create meaningful memories together. Whether it’s baking cookies or crafting ornaments, these simple trad...
November can be a bit… unpredictable. If you’ve lived in Montana for any amount of time, you are fully aware of how quickly the weather can shift.Sunny and warm one day, snowy and cold the next. Nove...
When considering a trip to visit a national park, most travelers would plan for the peak summer months. School is out, the weatheris warm, and the days are long, allowing for more time to sightsee an...
For many families in Billings, the holidays come with a mix of excitement and stress.It’s tough to make the holiday season feel magical when you're worried about makingends meet. That tension is wha...
In the heart of downtown Billings, tucked inside the vibrant walls of the NOVA Center for the Performing Arts, kids aren’t just learning to act. They’re also learning to trust themselves, take creativ...
Sunny Day Real Bird’s latest endeavor started with a dream long in the making: in addition to the standard offering of Spanish, German, and French courses, she wanted students in Billings to have the...
It’s a staggering yet often unseen reality: one in five people in Yellowstone County are food insecure.Back in 2007, nutritionist Ginny Mermel recognized that many students were going hungry when fre...
All aboard! You’ve heard the phrase, “dinner with a show!” Well, this is more than that. It’s an experience, to say least. This unique dinner train, which makes a 56-mile round-trip journey, is locate...
Thirty years ago, country music icon Dolly Parton launched the Imagination Library to benefit the children in her hometown of East Tennessee, to increase literacy and foster a love of reading from an...
When the calendar flips to October, chances are that “Back to School” excitement has started to fade as notebooks collect scuff marks and pencils show signs of wear. However, there are several ways to...
Occupational therapists are experts in helping people overcome mental and physical limitations to reach their potential. Aimee Roberts, founder and director of Blue Skies Pediatric Therapy, has been p...
A purr-fectly charming new nonprofit offers Billings residents a cozy place to d with conversation and cuddly cats. The Kitty Corner Café, co-founded and mental health professionals Anna Claypool and...
Dogs hold a special place in our hearts, offering unconditional love, loyalty, and companionship. While some are cherished through their golden years, others aren’t as lucky – abandoned, surrendered,...
Our pets are family, and caring for them means supporting every stage of their lives. From keeping tails wagging with healthy treats and trusted veterinary services to honoring their memory with digni...
When you meet Kylie Prill, her easygoing, down-to-earth nature might catch you off guard. With a 4.36 cumulative GPA, a full schedule of honors and AP courses, varsity letters in track and field, lead...
My son, Crew, was born on November 15, 2021, weighing just one pound, due to his premature birth at 25 weeks of gestation. After an extended, yet victorious 115-day stay in St. Vincent Hospital’s neon...
You don’t need a big studio or fancy supplies to make art a meaningful part of your child’s everyday life. Nicole Hodge, owner of Children’s Art Classes, believes that with just a few simple tools and...
Iona Stookey is no stranger to small-town school spirit, currently in her 36th year teaching and coaching in the neighboring community of Huntley Project. “I love every minute of it. To say I am proud...
For Brittani Hoiness, husband Devan, and their two kids, Bobcat football is more than just a game; it’s a way of life. It’s full of tradition, spanning several generations. It’s a culture of community...
In 2023, one in five high school students seriously considered suicide, and Montana’s youth suicide rate is nearly three times the national average. This heartbreaking reality highlights a growing cri...
Back-to-school season is more than fresh outfits and new notebooks; it’s a golden opportunity for families to hit the reset button. As routines fall back into place, it’s the perfect time to focus on...
As we busy our days buying fresh notebooks and first-day outfits, it’s important to remember there’s more to back-to-school prep than shopping lists. “Many students struggle with re-establishing routi...
Billings Public Schools is home to countless stories of growth, thanks to passionate educators and programs working behind the scenes. The Reading Intervention and Quest programs are powerful examples...
On a warm and sunny June afternoon at the Lockwood Rural Fire Department, community members, lawmakers, firefighters, and beyond joined together to behold a new type of emergency response being made a...
Summer has come and gone, and more often than not, the memories made along the wayare only stored in our mental memory bank. Residents and businesses share ideas on how to make the most of your summe...
While summer often calls for road trips and getaways, there's something refreshing about slowing down and enjoying what’s right in our own backyard. As thoughts shift from pool days to packed lunches,...
When summer’s temps start spiking, finding your chill in and around Billings has never been easier. Whether a day at the pool is high on your list of priorities, or your jam is something more adventur...
Nancy Besel Belinak has a heart for those beyond the fold, the belonging-seekers. After dedicating 25 years to teaching Special Education and Gifted students, raising a family of her own, and caring f...
Transformation: “A significant or profound change, often involving a shift in self-concept, beliefs, or behaviors, leading to a more positive and fulfilling existence.”
At fifteen years old, Ty Nelson was trying out for the high school swim team and went to the doctor for a sports physical. Instead of the routine green light he anticipated, Ty was diagnosed with kidn...
In Montana, solitude is easy to find. It spills across the plains, climbs on top ofthe mountains, and runs through the long expanses
When Tommy Roberts stood before 3,000 world leaders in Istanbul, Turkey, sharing his journey as a disability rights advocate, it was a moment he never could have imagined.
Imagine your ideal Mother's Day: a sunlit morning spent planting flowers, surrounded by your family's laughter and love of your family. The most cherished gift? Having everyone join in, their hands in...
A new local fundraising effort is underway to bring a basketball court to our city’s beloved Pioneer Park – but the story behind the court is so much bigger than basketball. It is a story of tragedy a...
This May, the Special Olympics Montana State Summer Games return to Billings, bringing together over 1,000 athletes from statewide. For these athletes, Special Olympics is more than just competition;...
Montana proudly boasts the fact that it is considered one of the top adventure destinations in the country, and while many residents partake in the plethora of activities that Big Sky Country offers,...
In a world where the click of a smartphone button can bring a doorstep delivery withinhours, making things for yourself has become something of a lost art.
In May, Billings will welcome the Special Olympics Montana State Summer Games again, bringing over 1,000 athletes and their families to the city.
1,000 hours outside a year? For most parents, this sounds like an impossible feat, but it’s the ultimate dream come true for kids. The idea of swapping hours on screens for adventures in the great out...
Let the creative juices flow with these dance, music, and theater camps!
Unleash your kiddo's inner artist this summer with these arts & crafts camps!
Get your kiddos moving this summer with a wide variety of sports and fitness camps!
Camps that allow your child/teen exceptional outdoor exploration!
Faith-based camp options for all ages (from the littles to the bigs!)
Camps specifically for children with special needs.
Let your child's curiosity run wild this summer!
Register early for your classic summer camp experiences!
From swim birthday parties to swim lessons, let your little fishies loose in the water this summer!
While we welcome spring, don’t miss the ultimate guide for summer planning- our 2025 Summer Camps & Activities Guide.
An old saying suggests, “Your perception is your reality.” This rings especially true for children with limited life experience and narrow worldviews.
Education is most kids’ first “job.” They report to class, complete tasks, and are evaluated on outcomes.
If you had asked 12-year-old me what I wanted to be when I grew up, the immediate answer would’ve been a paleontologist. I have always been fascinated by the gigantic, awe-inspiring creatures that onc...
Explore our 2025 Early Childhood Guide, your ultimate resource for finding the best preschools, programs, and early learning opportunities around town to give your child a great start!
With Christmas and New Year’s behind us, the long stretch of winter can feel daunting. It’s easy to slip into a routine of cozying up indoors, longing for the sun-soaked days of summer. But Montana wi...
When you step into 406 Native Roots, you’re welcomed by a tangible warmth and authenticity. The store is more than just a shop; it’s a vibrant cultural haven, a support hub, and a bridge between commu...
Every parent knows the morning rush: the scramble to get everyone dressed, fed, and out the door on time. During this hustle and bustle, it's tempting to turn on the TV, hand over a tablet, or let you...
The holiday card season brings with it a sense of excitement, nostalgia, and warmth. One cherished tradition that often shines brightly during this time is the exchange of Christmas cards.
We love them both,” says LaVie CEO Cindy Nordstog, who refers to pregnant moms seeking services and their unborn babies. LaVie Health stands boldly in the heart of downtown Billings as a beacon of hop...
Take a moment to imagine classic lyrics from the beloved Christmas song, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” by Andy Williams; let it come to life in vivid detail:“With the kids jingle-bellin...
They call it “the fastest game on two feet.” A sport that was once only popular on the East Coast has grown in the last several years to become a favorite in the West, particularly in Billings.
What’s the best gift you can give your child this Christmas? The gift of GIVING! The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and cherished family traditions. But beyond the presents and festivit...
Ah, thrift stores, either you love them, or you avoid them at all costs. If you happen to love them, read on to learn some tips and tricks to enhance your experiences scouring racks and shelves for hi...
In Montana, construction is one of our long-running jokes: Montana has two seasons: winter and road construction. Jokes aside, the construction industry is critical to developing everything around us...
One fun way to embrace the magical fall season is by embarking on a Fall Scavenger Hunt to some of the most iconic and charming spots in and around Billings.
The grips of addiction are ruthless - and merciless. Promise was 24 when she hit rock bottom; she was pregnant, addicted to drugs, and “barely existing.” During this time, she witnessed a murder that...
Mommy’s job is painting, and daddy’s job is working,” says four-year-old Daisy, daughter of Kaitlyn Plenger and big sister to Harper.
As Italian composer Gioachino Rossini stated in the early 1800s, this sentiment still rings true today – the universality of music spans generations, bringing joy to the young and young at heart.
The permeation of technology today is undeniable. We carry it around, wear it on our bodies, and build our days around it. Smartphones provide access to many amazing things and create opportunities fo...
Our nation's youth are in a mental health crisis. In October 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), and the Children's Hospita...
The end of summer is always bittersweet. While we look forward to cooling temps, fall colors, and the return of routine, letting go of the longer days, warm sun, time with our kids, and the endless fe...
As summer winds down and the days grow shorter, the excitement of a new school year begins to buzz. Whether you're prepping your kids for their first day back or gearing up for a fresh start yourself,...
It’s July, and though Little League has mostly wrapped up for the summer, America’s favorite pastime is still in full swing.
The love of the game drives us to play hard and cheer loudly. And if our kids are on the field, there’s little we won’t do to support their devotion to the game.
Summer is just starting, and many days of play, adventure, and vacation are on the horizon. The air is (mostly) warm, and the garden is coming alive!
Our 2024 Simply Amazing Teen has big dreams, and his work ethic and level-headed determination will no doubt see his dreams take flight.
Jeremiah Yates is an 18-year-old senior at West High who dreams of being a broadcaster. This year, he’ll have an opportunity to truly test his skills. Billings is set to host to the 2024 Special Olymp...
Love and SONshine Ministries is dedicated to providing homeless teen moms a safe place to call home, as they navigate their newfound life in motherhood. Sisters Heather Petty and Heidi Williams knew t...
We’ve created a simple checklist to print out and stick in the glove compartment as a reference in case of an accident. While we hope you never have to refer to this list, it can provide a sense of ca...
It's important that we respect water’s place in our lives, and we’ve got to be proactive in keeping ourselves and our people safe in and around it. To help us do that, we chatted with Jake Hover, a Sw...
A thriving marriage stands on connectedness. Let’s dive into what it looks like to establish and nurture emotional intimacy with your spouse, and why it’s such a vital piece of the puzzle.
Here are a couple of ways to link arms with Special Olympics. It’s possible that volunteering will impact an athlete’s life, but it’s nearly guaranteed to change yours.
For almost 40 years, Family Tree Nurturing Center has been steadily working toward the prevention of child abuse and neglect in our community. Little do some know that the annual Festival of Trees fun...
In recognition of the National Day of Unplugging on March 1, discover the benefits of taking a break from screen time and how to break free from technology during a digital detox.
Reading is one of the most foundational skills for all children, and Billings Public Schools is working hard to adjust courses and support more students in their quest for literacy.
While we welcome spring, don’t miss the ultimate guide for summer planning- our 2024 Summer Camps & Activities Guide.
