“What activities can my kids do in Broken Bow?” We get asked this question a lot by our friends and guests, so I figured a list like this would come in handy. Here are the top 8 activities you can do with your kids in the area. Enjoy!

1. Hiking – Friends Trail has amazing views of the Lower Mt Fork River one of the most popular trails in the area, however it does have some steep climbs and is considered a moderate trail. If you’re looking for an “easy” hike, we suggest Beaver Creek Trail, which is marked with red on white tree blazes and is mostly flat.

2. Riding the train on Beaves Bend Depot and Stables – Beavers Bend Depot and Stables is located within Beavers Bend State Park right off of Highway 259A in the main area of the park. Kids and adults alike can ride the train which is 15 mins long and is a great way to enjoy nature and wildlife. The depot also offers horseback rides throughout the day (advance reservations required). The horseback ride lasts about an hour over a 2.5 mile trail within the park.

3. Mining for gems on Beavers Bend Mining Co. – My kids are obsessed with gems and they love this place! You purchase a pre-seeded bag and the kids get to take home the stones or gems that are in the bag. They also have a Pirate’s Cove and Mini Adventure Golf in the same area.

4. Horseback riding at Riverman Trail Rides – The horseback ride goes through the River Valley and offers glorious view of Glover River. They also offer wagon rides for little ones who may not be quite ready to ride horses. Reservations are required in advance.

5. Kayaking on the river – We highly recommend kayaking through Yippie Kayo Kayaks. This trip takes approximately 2-3 hours depending on how long you pull over and how fast you paddle. You can bring snacks as well. The age limit is 6 years, and they are also pet friendly (weight limit 20 lbs).

6. Ziplining through the forest – This exciting hour adventure by Rugaru Adventures starts by taking you through the canopies of the forest and ends with an amazing view over Broken Bow Lake. The tour consists of 6 zip lines for a total approximate distance of 3,200 ft. Keep in mind that the weight requirements are 70lbs to 250 lbs.

7. Candy shopping at Sasquatch’s Candy Den – This newest addition to Hochatown is located on Local259 which is off Sugarberry Trail. THey have over 150 types of bulk candy, from gummies, chocolates and gum balls with a wide assortment of nostalgic candy from every decade. It’s definitely a treat for my kids when I take them there!

8. Swimming – There are several swimming spots in Broken Bow, but we think the best spot for swimming is Stevens Gap, a scenic swim beach with picnic tables, campsites, a boat ramp, and nearby hiking trails. The water can be deep, so please use caution when letting children swim. Other options you can check out are the Beavers Bend Land & Water Park, Broken Bow Lake, and Beavers Bend Marina.