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Parks and Playgrounds

Sun or snow, find adventure around every corner

In Great Falls, we get up and get out every day. Sometimes that’s to work, sometimes to the slopes, and sometimes to one of the 57 neighborhood parks that span the city. That’s right – 57. For the record, the city of Great Falls encompasses 23 squares miles. That’s over two parks per square mile.

The River’s Edge Trail isn’t technically a park, but it is nearly 60 miles of opportunity to get out there and enjoy this fresh Montana air.

Yeah, you’ve got a lot of room to play.

Amenities

Whether you’re looking for a place to practice your backhand swing in the summer or somewhere to build snowmen in the winter, adventure is never far around here. The parks in Great Falls, Montana have varying amenities from simple open space to tennis and basketball courts, picnic shelters, baseball fields and playgrounds for children. The city also manages the summer hotspot that is the Electric City Water Park and the Riverside Railyard Skate Park.

There is no shortage of tennis and basketball courts; baseball, softball, and soccer fields; picnic tables, swing sets and more. Our parks are also kept clean and safe, which we know can’t be said for everywhere.

Great Falls is Montana’s basecamp for art and adventure, and both are summed up perfectly with the multitude of local artists’ pieces in the parks. Murals and sculptures abound all around. You’ll also find Great Falls Rocks as you stroll. When you spot a rock, make sure to post a photo on the Facebook page. We also have Little Free Libraries located randomly at parks around the city, take a book or leave one – or both!

A woman and her tennis partner volley tennis balls on a court in Great Falls, MT

For the Kiddos

Got kids? Pick up a cup of joe at your favorite café then let them loose at any of the wonderful parks in our community. They’ll make friends and expend some of that never ending energy while you enjoy catching up on your news feed or a book from the Little Free Library.

Of the 57 parks in Great Falls, 29 have play structures for children – swings and slides and rock walls and more, oh my! You’ll probably end up playing up there with them, and no one will judge you. Bring a ball to kick around or pack a picnic and enjoy an afternoon in the sun. The parks remain open all winter, where you’ll find snow forts, snowman families and lots and lots of sledding.

In 2017, Matt and Kim Ochsner and their daughter Amara set out to visit all 57 parks – and did it! You can read about their fun times and make sure to visit Sunnyside Park, Amara’s favorite, once you’re here.

Let the fun times roll!

Children feed ducks

Dog Parks

We know there’s lots to be said for human activities in Great Falls, but what about fun for our furry friends? Trust us when we say your doggos will love it here. Aside from trails for miles and plenty of green space for fetch, the Great Falls Dog Park is a pet favorite.

Located adjacent to River’s Edge Trail, the Pacific Steel and Recycling Trailside Dog Park is the place to be for your pups. The Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center’s website says:

“An attractively fenced and landscaped area where dogs can run and play “off leash” with their canine and human friends, it is a great place for dogs to exercise and socialize with other dogs. And, yes, the people enjoy the same amusements!

The park features separate fenced areas for big dogs and small dogs. These off leash areas are divided by a plaza with benches and a pavilion – an excellent viewing area for people who may not have a dog but would like to watch dogs romp, run and retrieve. Disposal bags and garbage cans are readily available, of course. A drinking fountain for both dogs and humans is also in place at the dog park, but this feature is winterized during the cold months, so please be prepared by bringing water for your dogs.”

Pools

The Electric City Water Park, Jaycee Pool, and the Water Tower Pool are three of the many summertime outdoor activities you’ll find to keep you cool ‘round these parts during the summer season. The beautiful Montana summer weather allows for fun in the sun all day, with no unbearably hot temperatures that force people to stay locked up in their homes during daylight hours.

Electric City Water Park is a summer hotspot that features two 160’ slides, two short and (incredibly fast) drop slides, a lazy river, bodyboarding and the Mitchell Pool, the largest heated outdoor pool in the state of Montana. There’s a shallow Squirt Zone for children 2 and under to safely play with adult supervision. The park has large grassy areas, shade trees, and a party deck. A concessions stand sells hot dogs, hamburgers, candy, beverages and more. Prices start at only $3.00 for all-day entry.

Jaycee Pool and the Water Tower Pool are two neighborhood pools that provide a whole lotta fun at only $2.50 per child and $3.50 per adult.

Both Electric City Water Park and neighborhood pools open on June 12 and stay open Monday through Sunday until August 25, when the kids go back to school. On occasion, the opening and closing dates of the neighborhood pools vary, so keep up to date with The Electric!

The City of Great Falls offers affordable Swim Lessons for children and young adults. Learn more here.

Two children swim with their mother at a water park in Great Falls, MT

Explore the Parks

Check out a map of the parks in Great Falls, Montana and explore their various amenities.

Explore Parks

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