article by Hannah Olson

Summer in Billings is made for kids who love to explore, create, move, and try new things. From art studios and theater camps to outdoor adventures, hands-on museums, and music under the open sky, the Magic City offers countless ways for families to turn ordinary days into memorable moments. This creative summer bucket list is your go-to guide for filling the season with curiosity, connection, and fun, whether you’re planning full camp weeks or just looking for the next great afternoon adventure.

MAKE ART ALL SUMMER LONG

Visit the Yellowstone Art Museum for creative experiences and summer camps where kids make everything from sculpture to watercolor, storytelling art, and more. Their children’s camps blend exploration and technique for kids of all ages.

Do this: Sign up for a week of Summer Art Academy or drop into family art days.

YMCA SUMMER CAMPS ADVENTURE

Join the Billings Family YMCA summer camp lineup for weeks of themed activities including traditional day camp, sports camps, dance & cheer, fitness camps, and even a scuba camp!

Do this: Pack lunches for field trip days, swim, explore parks, learn new skills, and make new friends.

GET OUTSIDE AT LAKE ELMO

Spend a day at Lake Elmo State Park, where kids can swim, paddle, explore the playground, and enjoy nature within city limits–perfect for a picnic or adventure break from camp routines.

Do this: Try non-motorized boating, fishing, or splashing in the water with the family.

EXPLORE NATURE WITH THE AUDUBON CENTER

The Montana Audubon Center offers summer nature programs and camps where kids can learn about birds, wildlife, and the Yellowstone River ecosystem.

Do this: Join a summer nature walk, scavenger hunt, or outdoor science activity.

ZOOMONTANA CAMPS & ADVENTURES

While best known for visits, ZooMontana also offers nature-and animal-focused camps that connect kids with wildlife, hikes, and interactive learning.

Do this: Attend a themed day or multi-day camp exploring animals and habitats.

DIVE INTO PARKS & REC CAMPS

Billings Parks & Recreation offers seasonal summer camps featuring outdoor activities, music camps, adaptive recreation, and youth sports.

Do this: Try a week of outdoor adventure or join themed park activities with new friends.

GET CREATIVE AT GRANITE KIDS SUMMER CAMP

Kids ages 4–12 can enjoy themed weeks full of arts and crafts, music, science projects, swimming, and fun experiments–perfect for creativity and active play.

Do this: Join theme weeks like Animal Week, Space Week, or Best Summer Ever Week.

TAKE A STUDIO CLASS

Look for one-off creative classes (like those at Yellowstone Art Museum) and other local studios that offer open sessions for kids, like Arts Paper & Paint, Yellowstone Coffee and Canvas, Bitterroot Sip and Paint, or Billings Children’s Art Classes. It's a great way to break up summer days with hands-on making.

Do this: Create art connected to museum exhibits or explore new techniques.

CATCH OUTDOOR MOVIES & FESTIVALS

Check seasonal schedules for Skypoint downtown events, outdoor movie nights, and summer festivals that often include performances, crafts, and family fun under the sky. Watch for the Strawberry Festival or Summer Fest for some of the best and most fun opportunities!

Do this: Shop for handcrafted goods from local artists while catching some great local performers.

ROOT FOR THE HOME TEAM

Cheer on the Billings Mustangs at Dehler Park during summer baseball games, a quintessential local event for families.

Do this: Make it a stadium family night and load up on snow cones, mini donuts, and freshly grilled cheeseburgers! On Sundays, kids get to run the bases following the games.

BUILD, TINKER, AND EXPLORE AT WISE WONDERS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Wise Wonders is a hands-on discovery space where kids can build, imagine, experiment, and learn through play. From STEM exhibits to creative problem-solving stations, it’s a go-to summer stop for curious minds.

Do this: Spend a morning rotating through exhibits, then let kids pick their favorite station to explore longer. There are also some great STEM camps to explore!

TAKE THE STAGE WITH BILLINGS STUDIO THEATRE OR NOVA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Summer is the perfect time for kids to try theater, whether they’re seasoned performers or brand new to the stage. Both organizations offer youth camps, workshops, and productions that build confidence, creativity, and teamwork.

Do this: Sign up for a weeklong theater camp or attend a youth performance to spark interest in acting, singing, or stagecraft.

PACK A BLANKET FOR SYMPHONY IN THE PARK WITH THE BILLINGS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Few summer experiences feel more magical than live orchestral music outdoors. Symphony in the Park brings classical and family-friendly favorites to a relaxed, open-air setting where kids can move, listen, and experience music in a whole new way.

Do this: Bring lawn chairs and snacks, and let children dance or draw while listening to the music.

EXPLORE INDOORS ON HOT DAYS

On very warm days, visit indoor family spots such as Wise Wonders, Get Air, Lava Island, or Billings Public Library for story times, reading challenges, and drop-in creative activities.

Do this: Join a summer reading challenge or library craft event.

Originally printed in the March 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

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