One of the best things to do near Bozeman when the temperature starts to dip is to visit a hot spring. There are a surprising amount of quality hot springs in the Bozeman area. Having lived there for over 6 years, we soaked in their steamy pools on many occasions with our kids. Here’s our opinion on the hot springs near Bozeman, Mt with all the details you need to choose the right one for your family to visit. 

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Are Hot Springs Okay For Kids?

Yes, depending on the age and the temperature of the hot spring. 

It is not recommended for children under the age of 5 to go into a hot tub, so if the temperature of the hot spring is too high, I wouldn’t have young kids go in. Usually kids ages 3 and up can handle a short time in a hot water pool. 

However, if you have older kids, hot springs can be so fun! In my experience, my kids are very active and go in and out of the hot spring. This works great because it gives time for their bodies to naturally return to a good temperature and they don’t overheat. 

Continue to monitor your child and have them take breaks outside of the hot water. Choose hot springs that are a little cooler in temperature (a little warmer than a bath is good) or outside so they can cool down easily. They will have a fantastic time! 

Why Visit A Hot Spring? 

There are so many benefits to visiting hot springs. For me, I love how relaxing it can be. I especially like to go after I have been active that day.

Imagine skiing all day and then returning to soak your tired muscles in a natural hot spring. Ah, glorious! Feels so good, and I have less pain in my muscles the next day. 

Hot springs have many other health benefits too. Some include increasing your blood circulation, pain reduction (such as the skiing example above), reducing stress, improving skin irritations, and helping your body naturally detox by sweating. 

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Hot Springs Near Bozeman, Mt For Families

If you are visiting Bozeman or the Bozeman area, you have many options for hot springs to relax in. I prefer visiting hot springs in the cooler months, but most are open year round.

Below are some great options for families. Each brings something different, so keep reading to find out which one fits your needs.

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Bozeman Hot Springs

The closest option to Bozeman is the Bozeman Hot Springs. It is a great choice for a family with their many pool options. There are 12 indoor pools and outdoor pools ranging from 57 – 106 F (14-41 C) degrees.

The variety of baths makes it perfect for the family. Young kids can swim in cooler pools and there is plenty of space to move around. 

Prices (Monday – Friday):

• Adults: $21
• Age 5-13: $20
• Age 0-4: $15
• Seniors (60+): $17
• Military: $17

Prices (Weekends & Holidays):

• Adults: $28
• Age 5-13: $25
• Age 0-4: $15
• Seniors (60+): $21
• Military: $21

Hours: 

• Monday – Thursday: 6:00am – 11:00pm
• Friday: 6:00am – Sundown*
• Saturday: Sundown* – 12:00am
• Sunday: 8:00am – 11:00pm

*The calendar on their website gives more detailed information on what time they consider sundown. 

Bozeman Hot Springs is alcohol free. They don’t sell it and you aren’t allowed to bring it in.

There isn’t a restaurant there, but they do allow you to bring in your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. Glass is not allowed. 

The pools are all natural hot springs. The indoor pools are drained and cleaned every night whereas the outdoor pools have a small amount of chlorine added for cleanliness. 

Every Sunday and Thursday evenings, Bozeman Hot Springs holds live music at the outdoor pools. 

In my opinion, Bozeman Hot Springs is a pricey option, especially for a family. Their facilities are nice and the location can’t be beat if you are staying in Bozeman though. 

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Chico Hot Springs

For a natural hot spring near Bozeman and near Yellowstone National Park, Chico Hot Spring is a great one to visit with kids.

It is probably one of the most popular ones for Bozeman locals to visit, even though it is about a 50 minute drive to get there.

Prices:

• Adults and Children (7+): $14
• Children ages 3-6: $8
• Age 0-2: free but they advise against children 2 and under to use the pools
• Seniors (65+): $8

Towel Rental: $2.50

Hours: 

• Everyday: 8:00am – 11:00pm

Chico Hot Springs is located in the beautiful Paradise Valley. The location and drive to the hot springs is gorgeous. 

There are two natural geothermal pools at Chico. The larger pool is the cooler one at about 96F (35.5C) and the smaller pool is 103F (39.4C). Children need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.

The large pool is perfect for kids as it is a nice temperature and big enough for them to play. You can bring pool toys if you want and they even have some available to purchase at the gift shop.

To break up the day, Chico has a poolside grill and a saloon with food and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) available for purchase. Outside food and drinks are NOT allowed. 

Chico is also a resort and you can spend the night there too. If you are a guest, the hot springs’ pools open up an hour earlier for you and towels are available for free. 

There is also a large locker room with showers and toilets to use. This is nice so you can change easily before driving back to Bozeman afterwards. 

In my opinion, Chico is a great option for a hot spring near Bozeman. The price is affordable for the whole family and the option to purchase food is nice, just in case those little ones get hungry.

The location is a little far from Bozeman, but if you plan a trip into Paradise Valley, Livingston or the North entrance of Yellowstone, it’s a great option.  

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Yellowstone Hot Springs

The newest hot spring on the block is the Yellowstone Hot Springs. They opened in spring of 2019 after completely renovating their pool facilities. All of the pools are natural and flow through, so you are constantly soaking in fresh, clean water. 

Prices:

• Adults and Children (13+): $18
• Children ages 4-12: $10
• Age 0-3: free hot pool by children under 2 years of age is not recommended
• Seniors (62+): $15
• Veterans: $15
• Yellowstone National Park Employees: $10

Towel Rental: $4

Hours: 

• Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00am – 9:00pm
• Closed on Mondays

There are 3 pools that range in temperatures. The hot pool is 104 F (40 C) degrees, the main pool is 102 F (39 C) and there’s even a cold plunge pool that is between 60 and 65 degrees F (15-18 C) . 

Yellowstone Hot Springs is an alcohol free and tobacco free facility. They also do not allow pets on site. 

Pool toys are also not allowed. If you have arm bands or waist floats for children, those are okay to use. 

There is a nice restroom with showers and baby changing stations. 

In my opinion, Yellowstone Hot Springs is not one of the best hot springs near Yellowstone for families. The pools are a little bit too hot for kids unless you jump in the cold plunge. There isn’t a place to buy food or drinks. The kids can’t use toys which are fun and also keep them entertained.

The area is quite beautiful, but I would just go to Chico instead if you are with kids.

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Norris Hot Springs

Norris Hot Springs is one of my favorite hot springs near Bozeman, Mt. The pool is smaller, but it is relaxing, kept at the perfect temperature, and the vibe is laidback and friendly. 

Prices:

• Adults and Children (13+): $12
• Children ages 12 and under: $5
• Babies: free (must wear swim diapers)
• Seniors: $5

Towel Rental: $5

Hours: 

• Thursday – Monday: 10:00am – 10:00pm
• Closed on Tuesdays for cleaning, Wednesdays open for private soaking (reservations required)

Norris Hot Springs is a natural hot spring that is free flowing. The pool is made out of fir planks and is directly over the hot springs source.

The sprayer system circulates the water and keeps the pool water the perfect temperature. In the summer it maintains temperatures under 100 F (37 C) and the winter no hotter than 106 F (41 C). 

The water is drained every night and refills naturally with fresh, clean water. Every week they pressure wash the pool. No chemicals are used in the cleaning. 

There is a restaurant on site, 50 mile Cafe and Grill, which serves snacks like nachos and meals like burritos or pizzas. They use their garden as much as possible for ingredients and if not, they use locally sourced ingredients as much as possible. 

No Loose Dogs Saloon is on site as well with a wide selection of beer, cider, kombucha and wine to choose from. 

You can’t bring your own food and drinks. 

In my opinion, Norris is a great option for a hot spring near Bozeman to visit. It has more local feel and has everything you need. The 40 minute drive next to the Madison river is a pretty one too.

The downsides are that their changing area is small and not very private and there’s only one pool. I haven’t experienced it being crowded, but it is a possibility at certain times. 

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Potosi Hot Springs

For an off-the-beaten path option about an hour away from Bozeman, check out Potosi Hot Springs. Located near the small town of Pony, Montana, you will find this hidden gem. It is a unique experience and therefore can only be experienced at specific times. 

Unfortunately, it is only open in the summer months. The majority of the time, you can only soak in the healing waters of the hot springs if you are a guest at the cabins on site. Every once in a while they will have public days, but these are few and far between. 

If you really want to experience this unique natural hot spring away from it all, book one of their cabins. Each of the cabins are for 4 guests. You can add two extra guests for an additional fee. 

The cabins are set up nicely for a family with a queen bed, bunk beds and a pull out couch. There is no wifi or tv in the cabins. You are here to disconnect! 

In my opinion, if you are visiting Bozeman in the summer months and want to experience a special experience away from any crowds, Potosi Hot Springs is the best option.

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Summary Of Hot Springs Near Bozeman, Mt

The hot springs near Bozeman, Mt all have pluses and minuses to consider when choosing a rejuvenating pool to soak in. 

If you don’t mind spending a little more money and don’t want to drive a far distance, Bozeman Hot Springs is for you. 

For little less money and a great experience in Paradise Valley, Chico Hot Springs is at the top of my list. 

Or stop by Yellowstone Hot Springs if you want a warmer pool where you can also do a cold plunge! 

If you are looking for a local hangout that has a chill vibe, don’t miss out on Norris Hot Springs.

Lastly, for a unique, hidden gem in the summer months, Potosi Hot Springs should be your choice. 

Whichever hot spring you choose, you will enjoy the calm, relaxing waters. Soak it all in! 

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