Early April Trip with Kids - Need activity recommendations

Question

Hi! We are traveling with a 7 and 9 year old for the first week of April and are looking for tours/horseback riding that is open and allows children under 10. Any recommendations? I've been searching for trail rides and it their ages and the time of year we are coming has not led me to much. I would be grateful for any leads. Thank you!

Answer

Traveling to Billings, Montana, in early April with children can be a fun mix of outdoor adventures and kid-friendly attractions. While trail rides and horseback riding options can be limited early in the season due to snow or muddy conditions, there are still several activities and tours suitable for young children.

Horseback Riding & Outdoor Activities

Billings Trail Rides / Ranches: Some ranches in the Billings area offer short pony or horseback rides for younger children, though many full trail rides may not resume until later in spring. Check with local ranches for “pony rides” or “kids’ trail rides” suitable for ages 5–10.
Yellowstone River or Bighorn Canyon area tours: Guided nature tours or wildlife viewing excursions are available and kid-friendly. These can include short hikes or interpretive walks appropriate for 7- and 9-year-olds.
Fishing or Nature Walks: Spring is a good time for beginner fishing trips with children. Several local outfitters offer family-friendly guided fly-fishing or simple rod-and-reel instruction along local rivers.

Indoor or Mixed-Weather Options

Moss Mansion: Historic home tours that are interactive and manageable for kids, giving a glimpse of local history.
Yellowstone Art Museum: Small, manageable museum with rotating exhibits; can be a good backup if the weather is cold or rainy.
Children’s Museums / Play Spaces: Check for temporary indoor activities or community centers in Billings that offer playtime or educational programs for children.

Other Tips

Early April can still be chilly in Montana, with occasional snow or mud. Dress in layers and prepare for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Call ahead to horseback riding or tour providers, as some operations may not be fully open until mid- to late-spring.
Consider short day trips to nearby attractions like Pompeys Pillar National Monument or Little Bighorn Battlefield, which are easy drives from Billings and provide educational, outdoor experiences.

With a combination of light trail rides (or pony rides), guided nature tours, and some indoor museums, your kids should have a memorable early-April visit without facing weather-related closures or overly long excursions.

Early April Trip with Kids - Need activity recommendations

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