How to Go to Hot Springs with Kids: A Complete Guide

Last Updated on October 17, 2025 by Audrey

​Visiting geothermal waters with kids is one of our favorite family activities! Living in Montana and Idaho, we have an abundance of hot springs options to visit as a family, from quirky commercial hot springs in horse troughs to hot springs with water slides, or natural mineral-rich waters that require a hike. 

If it’s your first time at hot springs, or you’re just considering visiting hot springs, the idea of swimming in geothermal pools with children can be overwhelming. This guide is here to help alleviate any worries you may have, while also introducing you to a guide to make your hot springs experience the best yet!

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What to Look for in a Hot Springs 

When choosing a hot springs for your family, first look at the water temperature of the pools. Most natural hot springs have guides on the temperature, allowing you to choose a pool for the whole family. When choosing a natural hot spring, look for those that are near a cooler source, such as a hot spring near a river, to make adjustments to the temperature. I prefer natural hot springs that require an easy hike to access, and my favorites are always along a cool river, allowing for temperature adjustments. 

If you’re interested in a commercial hot springs, consider one with cooler temperatures that better accommodate kids of all ages. One of my favorite hot springs nearby is Quinn’s Hot Springs. This fantastic soak includes a variety of outdoor pool options with different temperatures. This is the perfect choice for younger children, because they provide age suggestions for all their pools, based on the temperature. 

Commercial Hot Springs vs. Natural Hot Springs

There are two types of hot springs: commercial hot springs owned and operated as a business, and natural hot springs, typically on National Forest land. These are typically operated by volunteers. 

What are Commercial Hot Springs?

Developed hot springs are the perfect choice for families looking for a similar experience to visiting a local pool, only with warmer water! A commercial hot spring is a hot spring that operates as a business. Most developed hot springs charge a fee for soaking or swimming in their pool, and these fees can vary depending on the hot springs. It’s best to first check the prices before committing to a developed hot springs. 

Many commercial hot springs will include swimming pools, a hot tub, water slides, or other features that are found at any swimming location. Others can include spa services or hotels. Some include an indoor pool, while others can be outdoors. There’s nothing better than spending an afternoon at a developed hot springs as a family, especially on a cool fall day or a snowy winter day. National Parks, like Yellowstone, even have hot springs resorts nearby. Hot Springs National Park features hotels with private baths flowing with mineral water. Some developed hot springs may require day passes or prior reservations. Others only allow overnight guests to enjoy the hot water. It’s best to do your research before going to a commercial hot springs, to ensure your family has the best soaking experience possible. 

Some commercial hot springs keep their rustic nature, resembling slightly more developed hot springs than their natural counterpart. These are a great place for families to try before venturing into more rustic waters! We’ve been to remote commercial hot springs that are little more than a hot plunge in the forest, yet are still owned and operated privately. Typically, you will find changing areas and restrooms at a rustic commercial hot springs. This is not always the case with natural pools! 

Commercial hot springs can vary greatly, depending on the business. Be prepared by doing your own research before you arrive at your destination! 

What are Natural Hot Springs? 

Natural hot springs are undeveloped hot springs with natural mineral water, typically in more remote areas. We prefer to choose hot springs with a short hike, then spend the day picnicking and enjoying a relaxing soak in nature. Natural hot springs are the perfect place to experience a unique outdoor adventure as a family. 

When choosing a natural hot springs, look for a hot springs with good flow and the ability to adjust the temperature. This can be through man-made pipes, adjusting the hot water by moving stones around the pool, or simply bringing a bucket and scooping cool water from a river or creek. 

How Long Can Kids Be in Hot Springs?

Hot springs, especially undeveloped hot springs, can vary greatly in their temperature of the water. I’ve been to a remote hot springs where the water was coming out of the ground at a boiling temperature– not ideal for anyone to soak in! I’ve also been to hot springs that have spring runoff plunging their temperatures well below a comfortable soaking level. It’s always best to research your destination in advance to know what to expect. 

Children younger than twelve years old can be in hot water between 98-102 degrees for fifteen-minute increments. Older children and teens can follow adult guidelines for hot water usage. In order to prevent dehydration or overheating, please be sure to follow these guidelines! 

For our family, we typically do a few things to make our soaking experience the best possible. First, we choose warm water locations and pools that can be adjusted, in order to avoid higher temperatures. Next, we take frequent breaks outside of the hot pools. Playing around the creek, taking a short hike, enjoying a snack, and drinking a lot of water are great ways to take breaks between soaks. We also bring a tarp with us and will build a deeper, cooler pool for our kids near the hotter pools. This isn’t always a possible option, but it definitely makes the best soaking experience! 

What to Expect at a Natural Hot Springs

Natural hot springs are their own cultural experience with their own sets of etiquette. 

Most adults visiting natural hot springs are looking for an opportunity to relax and enjoy the health benefits of mineral water. Typically, when we go together, we’re looking for family fun. I don’t know about you, but family fun for us is typically loud, and definitely includes splashing! This can be in conflict with the adults visiting the natural hot springs, so we do a few things to ensure the people around us can have a positive experience as well. 

​We choose to research the natural hot springs we are visiting and look for:

  • hot springs with multiple soaking pools
  • hot springs with cooler temperatures (less relaxing!)
  • hot springs that are off the beaten path (no social media hashtags)
  • hot springs with specific rules against overnight camping and parties

We know that choosing to go to a natural hot springs may lead to interactions with all types of people. One common hot springs tradition is being clothing-optional. We prepare our kids so that they may see some nudity. Know that people can, and will, soak in the nude, and have a right to do that in a public environment. If you feel uncomfortable with your children potentially seeing nude humans, choose a developed hot springs instead. We’ve only seen a few people choosing to swim nude, but since we pre-planned our trip, we knew there were plenty of other pools to choose from, and we continued to a hot springs that was open. 

Sometimes hot springs can have algae build up. Sometimes we’re just not sure how fresh the water is. To ensure we’re swimming in fresh water, we will typically open the pool up (either by opening the drain or pulling rocks back to open a natural pool). We’ll flush the water out and let the pool refill with fresh water. If that’s not an option, a tarp across the bottom of the swimming pool can help with algae and often helps with temperature and flow issues. 

My husband will also use a tarp to create a deeper, cooler pool for our kids, diverting a little warm water into their own private soak. I LOVE it when he does this, because that means I get a peaceful, hot adult soak while my kids can have their own kiddie pool to splash and play in. 

What to Pack for Natural Hot Springs

Packing for a hot springs adventure is often an overlooked step for most new hot springers. My husband and I have been obsessively visiting hot springs across the West for over fifteen years, and feel that we now have our packing list down for a great trip. 

​We always pack: 

  • Water: at least 2 liters per person.
  • Snacks and lunches that require very little cleanup/work. 
  • Tarp
  • Collapsible Bucket
  • Trowel
  • Swimsuits
  • Towel (we typically share)
  • Water shoes 

Other extras:

  • Thermometer
  • Tubes/pipes for cleaning the hot pool 
  • Rain gear for wet days

Other Concerns While Hot Springing with Kids 

Some hot springs can carry a dangerous amoeba called Naegleria fowleri. This brain-eating amoeba lives in warm and hot water conditions and is considered rare but fatal. While incredibly rare, there is a risk that Naegleria fowleri may be in hot springs, especially those hot springs (both commercial and natural) that aren’t treated with chlorine. I encourage my kids to keep their heads above water while swimming at the hot springs. 

​Dehydration and overheating are the biggest risks when hot springing with kids. Push frequent water breaks, take dips in cold water, and be aware of how your kids are reacting to swimming in warm or hot water. 

Hot springs often have sharp rocks, so sturdy shoes are a must. My kids prefer wearing their Keens while hot springing. Some hot springs can also be subject to partying, and I’ve seen broken glass as well as trash left behind. Please follow Leave No Trace etiquette when hot springing! Keep pools open and safe for others. 

A lot of people choose to bring their dogs to hot springs. We did when we were younger, but now I don’t agree with hot springing with dogs. The water is too hot for them to safely swim, and dogs often get anxious while their owners are soaking. Choose to do this adventure dog-free for a happier experience for everyone. 

Undeveloped hot springs in remote areas should be approached with caution. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, and know that natural hot springs may not always be soakable once you reach your destination! Things like high water levels or spring runoff can ruin a soaking experience. Cold temperatures can make hot springing in the winter dangerous, especially for young children. We prefer to visit natural hot springs in the fall when the temperatures are mild and the pools are comfortable! 

How to Hot Springs with Kids

Hot springing with kids can be a fun and exciting family activity, whether you’re visiting a natural hot springs or a developed soaking pool. Choose the adventure that fits your family best. 

Developed Hot Springs

  • Perfect day trip 
  • It can be a similar experience to visiting a local pool, but with warm water. 
  • Can cost to swim
  • Can be a popular attraction 

Undeveloped Hot Springs

  • More primitive pools
  • Often volunteer-built and operated
  • May require hikes 
  • Unique experience in a wild area
  • Great option for an off-the-beaten-path adventure 

The most important thing when choosing to go on a hot spring adventure is to do your research. If you’re prepared with a plan, your family will have a fantastic time soaking at the hot springs! 

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