As a Missoula family photographer, I’m always on the lookout for enchanting spots where families can create lasting memories. One such place that never fails to captivate both children and adults alike is Dragon Hollow Missoula. Nestled in the heart of downtown Missoula, this whimsical playground offers a unique blend of imaginative play and community spirit.
About Dragon Hollow Missoula
101 Carousel Drive, Missoula, MT 59802
Dragon Hollow is adjacent to the beloved A Carousel for Missoula in Caras Park. This playground was brought to life in 2001 through the collaborative efforts of over 4,000 volunteers, including local artists and schoolchildren. Their combined creativity and dedication resulted in a play area that feels like stepping into a storybook. In 2019, Dragon Hollow underwent a significant refurbishment and expansion to become an all-inclusive play area, ensuring that children of all abilities can enjoy its wonders together.
The Dragon Hollow Experience
Dragon Hollow Missoula boasts a vast wooden play structure adorned with intricate carvings, slides, and climbing areas that spark the imagination. The playground’s design includes accessible features such as poured-in-place rubber surfacing, making it navigable for wheelchairs and strollers. Adjacent to the playground is A Carousel for Missoula, one of the first fully hand-carved carousels built in the United States since the Great Depression, featuring 38 unique ponies and two chariots. The proximity of the carousel adds an extra layer of charm and offers families a delightful experience combining both attractions.
Specialty
What truly sets Dragon Hollow apart is its role as a central Missoula gathering space for family-focused events throughout the year. Located beside Caras Park, it regularly hosts beloved community celebrations like the Fairy Tale and Superhero Festival and Kidsfest. These events transform the playground into a lively, interactive hub that brings stories to life and invites children into imaginative worlds. It’s more than just a park—it’s a place where local families come together to celebrate, connect, and make memories. That spirit of community and creativity is what keeps families coming back again and again.
I Hope Your Family Loves Building Community At Dragon Hollow Missoula
Discovering places like Dragon Hollow Missoula reinforces the beauty of community-driven spaces that prioritize inclusivity, imagination, and connection. It’s the kind of place that invites kids to dream big, play freely, and simply be kids. Meanwhile, parents take a breath, connect, and soak in the joy of it all. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or it’s a weekend favorite, the magic of this playground never wears off. It’s also one of those rare places that feels just as alive during a quiet weekday morning as it does during a bustling festival weekend. Every visit is a chance to slow down, explore, and make memories. Special memories that stick with you long after the day is done.
As a Missoula family photographer, I love capturing those real, joy-filled moments that unfold naturally in places like this. Bare feet on the bridge, giggles on the slide, tiny hands reaching for carousel ponies. If you’re ready to preserve a season of your family’s story in a way that feels playful, connected, and completely true to you, I’d be honored to help. Let’s plan a session that captures the wonder, the chaos, and the quiet beauty of your real life—right here in Missoula. Reach out today, and let’s create something meaningful together.
