If there’s one thing winter in West Yellowstone does well, it’s teaching kids how to embrace the cold—and KIDS ICE CAMP does exactly that, one drilled hole at a time. Ice Camp is a free, two-part educational program designed to introduce kids ages 5–17 to ice fishing in a safe, welcoming, and downright fun way.
Thanks to generous donations from private individuals and supporters of the Hebgen Lake Ice Fishing Tournament, the camp is open to the public at no cost (pre-registration required). First-time participants even receive fishing tackle, because every good ice fishing story deserves the right gear.
The day starts indoors at 8:00 a.m. at the West Yellowstone Visitor Center, where kids and families learn the basics—safety, ethics, conservation, and simple techniques. By 9:00 a.m., it’s time to head outside to the Yellowstone Holiday RV Marina, drill holes, and fish for three to four hours. While the focus is on first-timers, returning participants are encouraged to volunteer and help new anglers get started. Ice Camp is about more than catching fish—it’s about confidence, friendships, family time, and learning that winter isn’t something to fear, it’s something to enjoy.
Camps are planned throughout the season (December 20, January 3, February 7, and March 7), weather and ice conditions permitting.
For details or to register, families can visit kidsnsnow.org (sponsored by destinationyellowstone.com), and get ready to make some cold-weather memories that stick!
Feature photo via westyellowstonemticefishing.com/kids_fishing
