Leave Bozeman around 8:00 AM for Hamilton, following US-191 south through Gallatin Canyon, then MT-41 and US-93. The drive is roughly 3½–4 hours without stops, but winter conditions can add time, especially around mountain passes and shaded canyon stretches. Check 511 Montana before leaving, keep the fuel tank comfortably full, and pack breakfast or snacks so you can stop when conditions—not hunger—dictate. A scenic stretch or rest stop near Ennis or Twin Bridges makes a practical midmorning break; plan to arrive in the Bitterroot Valley with enough daylight for your afternoon plans.
After checking in and settling at your hotel, head to the Bitterroot River frontage near Hamilton for an easy 45-minute walk. In December, expect cold, muddy, or icy sections rather than a polished trail, so bring waterproof shoes and warm layers; keep this flexible if snow or wind makes the riverbank unpleasant. Continue to the Bitterroot Valley Historical Museum for about an hour. Its Sunday schedule can be limited in winter, so verify opening hours before committing; if it is closed, enjoy a slower drive through Hamilton’s historic downtown rather than rushing the day. Then allow about 1½ hours for the Daly Mansion Preservation Trust, whose seasonal and holiday hours should also be confirmed in advance. The mansion is especially atmospheric in winter, but tours may be appointment-based or unavailable outside the main season.
Have dinner at a well-reviewed family restaurant in downtown Hamilton, budgeting about $15–30 per person. Nap’s Grill is a practical local-style choice for burgers, sandwiches, and a relaxed family meal, while Bouilla is worth considering if your group wants something a little more distinctive—check current Sunday hours and holiday closures before heading over. Most downtown stops are close enough to reach by car in a few minutes, with straightforward street parking. After dinner, return to the hotel, confirm the next day’s breakfast hours, and prepare for the short drive to Butte; winter travel is easier if everyone is packed and on the road soon after breakfast.
After breakfast at the hotel, ease into the day with the Bitterroot Valley winter drive along US-93 between Hamilton and Stevensville. Allow about 1½ hours, stopping only at safe pullouts—winter shoulders can be icy and some viewpoints may not be maintained. The route has beautiful views of the Bitterroot Mountains, especially with fresh snow, and it is much more enjoyable at an unhurried pace than as a straight point-to-point drive.
Continue to St. Mary’s Mission in Stevensville for roughly an hour. This historic site marks Montana’s oldest permanent settlement and offers a meaningful sense of the valley’s early history. Because it is Sunday and close to Christmas, verify the museum and mission’s holiday hours before leaving Hamilton; if the buildings are closed, you can still enjoy the grounds and save the indoor visit for another trip. Keep a packed lunch available, as winter Sunday dining options in smaller valley communities can be limited.
Spend about an hour at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, also near Stevensville, looking for wintering waterfowl and other birds along the short walking areas. Bring binoculars, warm layers, and shoes that can handle frozen or muddy paths; daylight is limited in December, so aim to arrive by early afternoon. From there, return to Hamilton before dusk rather than stretching the outing late—wildlife roads and rural stretches are less comfortable after dark in winter.
Have dinner at Bitterroot Brewing in Hamilton, a relaxed choice for a family group with casual food and local beer; expect approximately $15–25 per person, with nonalcoholic options for the teenagers. Afterward, take a 45-minute stroll through downtown Hamilton and stop for hot drinks at an open coffee shop. Many independent stores close early on Sunday, particularly in December, so treat the shopping as a pleasant walk rather than counting on a full retail outing. Before bed, check 511 Montana for the next morning’s route toward Butte, and confirm the hotel’s breakfast opening time so the family can get an early start.
Leave Hamilton around 8:00 AM for Butte, allowing 2½–3 hours on US-93 and I-90. In December, give yourselves extra time for ice, reduced visibility, and snow near the passes; check Montana 511 before pulling out and keep lunch supplies accessible in the car. After checking into your hotel or dropping bags, have lunch before sightseeing—Front Street Station in Uptown Butte is a convenient, casual choice with burgers, sandwiches, and enough variety for teenagers.
Start at the World Museum of Mining, where the guided underground tour and above-ground exhibits make Butte’s copper-mining story tangible rather than merely historical. Plan about 1½ hours, and confirm the winter schedule before leaving Hamilton because seasonal hours and holiday closures can affect access. Wear warm layers and sturdy shoes; the mine area is notably chilly. Admission is commonly in the roughly $15–25 adult range, with youth pricing usually available.
Drive a few minutes to the Berkeley Pit Viewing Stand for a quick look at Butte’s enormous, vividly colored former open-pit mine. Allow about 30 minutes, and bring coats—the viewing area is exposed and can be windy. From there, continue into Uptown Butte for the Butte-Silver Bow Public Archives, a worthwhile 45-minute stop for photographs, maps, and local stories. Check holiday hours in advance, particularly because this Monday falls close to Christmas.
Spend the remaining daylight wandering the Uptown Butte historic district, where ornate commercial buildings, old theaters, and steep streets give the city its distinctive personality. Keep this relaxed rather than turning it into a formal architecture tour; a short loop around West Park Street, Main Street, and Park Street is enough, though icy sidewalks may make driving between sections preferable. For dinner, settle into Uptown Café on West Broadway Street, a well-regarded local restaurant with hearty Montana-style fare and vegetarian options; budget about $18–35 per person. Reservations are sensible for a family of five, and confirm Christmas-week hours before heading over.
Leave Butte around 8:00 AM on I-15, allowing 3½–4 hours of driving plus a winter-weather buffer and a quick packed-lunch stop. Check Montana 511 and Idaho 511 before leaving; the route is straightforward, but snow, wind, and icy stretches can slow you down. Keep lunch, water, and warm layers accessible rather than buried in the luggage. With three teenagers, a brief fuel and stretch stop near Dillon or Lima is worthwhile.
After checking into your hotel and taking a short break, head downtown for the Idaho Falls River Walk, a pleasant 45-minute stretch along the Snake River. The paths and overlooks are especially nice in winter if the weather is clear, but expect icy patches and dress warmly. Continue to the nearby Idaho Falls Temple grounds for about 30 minutes; the landscaped setting beside the river makes this a peaceful stop, though outdoor access and lighting can vary seasonally.
Spend roughly 1½ hours at the Museum of Idaho, where regional-history exhibits give the family a good sense of southeastern Idaho beyond the highway view. Verify holiday-period hours before setting out, since December schedules can change. Downtown parking is generally easy, and the riverfront, temple grounds, and museum are close enough to combine without repeatedly moving the car.
If everyone still has energy, drive a few minutes to Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park for a compact, hour-long visit. Confirm the seasonal schedule first—winter hours and animal visibility can be limited, and this should be treated as a bonus rather than a must-do. Return downtown for dinner at The SnakeBite Restaurant, a popular local choice with burgers, steaks, seafood, and family-friendly portions; expect approximately $18–30 per person and possible waits during the dinner rush. Since hotel breakfast is part of your plan, pick up any breakfast items or drinks tonight in case the next morning’s service starts later than expected.
Leave Idaho Falls around 8:00 AM on I-15, allowing 3½–4 hours with a fuel, restroom, and packed-lunch stop. Check Idaho 511 and UDOT before leaving; wind, black ice, and snow near the Malad Summit can make the trip slower than the mileage suggests. Aim to park at or near the Utah State Capitol first—street parking is limited, and downtown garages generally run about $2–4 per hour or have daily caps.
Start at the Utah State Capitol, where the marble interior and elevated views toward the Wasatch Range make a good first stop after the drive. Allow about an hour, but verify holiday access and security hours before setting out; December 23 is close enough to Christmas that schedules may be reduced. From Capitol Hill, drive or walk downhill to Temple Square—roughly 15 minutes on foot, or a few minutes by car—where construction-related closures may change the route. Focus on the open historic grounds, seasonal lighting, and visitor information displays rather than assuming every building is accessible. Plan about an hour here.
Walk a few blocks to City Creek Center for an indoor break, snacks, and a chance for everyone to regroup. The center is especially useful in winter because it has restrooms, seating, food counters, and plenty of room for teenagers to browse without committing to another formal attraction. Allow about an hour, and keep lunch flexible: you can use the food court or your packed food if the family is not ready for a full meal. Later, continue to The Gateway, about a 10-minute drive or a 20-minute walk west; its open-air layout, shops, public art, and casual atmosphere work well for an easy evening wander. Check individual holiday hours, as some stores may close early.
For dinner, consider Crown Burgers on North Temple for a relaxed, budget-friendly meal—burgers, fries, gyros, and the local pastrami-burger specialty, with plenty of options for a group. Expect roughly $15–25 per person rather than the upper end of downtown dining, and order ahead if the restaurant is busy. If you prefer a sit-down meal closer to City Creek Center, The Copper Onion is a well-regarded choice with a more polished menu, though reservations are wise for six people and dinner will more likely run $25–35 per person. Afterward, keep the evening short and return to the hotel to recharge for the next day’s drive; downtown parking and holiday event traffic can add 10–20 minutes to the final transfer.
Leave Salt Lake City around 7:30 AM and take I-15 south, allowing 4½–5 hours plus a fuel, restroom, and packed-lunch stop. Check UDOT and Utah 511 first—winter weather can slow the route around Cedar City and the mountain stretches north of St. George. Keep lunch and warm layers accessible rather than buried in the luggage, and plan to arrive with enough daylight for the outdoor stops. After checking into your hotel, head first to Red Hills Desert Garden, where an easy walking path winds among Mojave Desert plants, red rock, and small interpretive displays. Allow about an hour; admission is free, but some paths may be slick after rain.
Drive roughly 10 minutes into central St. George for the grounds of St. George Utah Temple. The temple interior is not generally open to visitors, but the white-stone exterior and landscaped grounds make a worthwhile 30-minute stop; be respectful around worshippers and check for any holiday access restrictions. Continue to the Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum, a family-friendly natural-history collection with taxidermy displays from around the world. Set aside about an hour and verify its Christmas Eve hours before relying on it—holiday schedules can be shorter or change at the last minute. If it is closed, keep the stop flexible rather than adding another major attraction.
Finish with a relaxed wander through Historic Downtown St. George, browsing the independent shops, murals, and compact historic blocks. The area is easy to explore on foot, and parking is generally straightforward in public lots near Main Street; bring jackets because the temperature drops quickly after sunset. For dinner, George’s Corner Restaurant on East St. George Boulevard is a practical family choice with a broad menu and generous portions, usually around $18–30 per person. Christmas Eve hours may be limited, so call ahead or ask your hotel to confirm before setting out, and reserve an early table for five if possible.
Leave St. George around 8:00 AM for the longest drive of the trip: roughly 6½–7½ hours behind the wheel, plus fuel, lunch, and winter-weather buffers. Take I-15 south toward Las Vegas, then US-93 and I-11 toward Phoenix. Check Utah 511, Nevada 511, and AZ511 before leaving; high winds, icy stretches, or holiday traffic can change the timing. Fill the tank in St. George and keep your packed lunch, water, and warm layers within reach—services may be limited on Christmas Day.
Plan a short stop in Kingman’s Route 66 Historic District, about 45 minutes off the main rhythm of the drive. Stretch your legs along Andy Devine Avenue, where neon signs, vintage storefronts, and classic Route 66 touches make a fun family photo stop. The Powerhouse Visitors Center and Arizona Route 66 Museum are worthwhile if open, but Christmas Day hours may be reduced or the buildings may be closed, so treat this primarily as an outdoor walking break. Keep the stop brief and park legally on or near the historic strip.
If roads are clear and everyone is still feeling good, consider the optional detour to London Bridge in Lake Havasu City. Allow about 45 minutes for the bridge, waterfront views, and a quick leg stretch; the walk is easy, and the desert light can be beautiful in winter. Skip it without regret if the drive is running late, weather is poor, or the teenagers need a quieter lunch break—the detour can add meaningful time to an already long Christmas travel day. Continue toward Phoenix afterward, keeping dinner plans flexible.
After arriving at your Phoenix hotel, allow about 1½ hours for check-in, showers, pool time, and unpacking rather than rushing straight back out. For dinner, The Mission in Old Town Scottsdale is a strong celebratory choice for modern Southwestern food, while Barrio Café in Central Phoenix is a lively Mexican option; expect roughly $20–40 per person before drinks and tip. Both are popular, so check Christmas Day hours and reserve ahead—otherwise ask the hotel for an open restaurant nearby. Keep the evening easy: after this drive, a good meal and an early night will make the next Phoenix day much more enjoyable.
After breakfast, drive to Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park for a relaxed start. Aim to arrive near opening, when the trails are cooler and parking is easier; from most central Phoenix hotels, allow roughly 20–30 minutes by car. Plan about two hours for the desert trails and seasonal displays. Admission is commonly around $25–40 for adults and less for teenagers, but holiday-period timed entry may apply, so reserve tickets ahead and check the garden’s current hours before setting out. Bring water for everyone—even in December, the sun feels strong on exposed paths.
From the garden, it is only a short drive or walk, depending on your energy, to Hole-in-the-Rock. This is a brief but uneven climb, usually taking about 45 minutes including time at the overlook; sturdy shoes are helpful, and younger or less confident hikers should take the steps slowly. Afterward, settle into Papago Park for your packed lunch and an easy family walk. This is a good place to let the teenagers spread out a little without committing to another major attraction, though use a cooler and avoid leaving food unattended in the car.
Continue through Papago Park to the Phoenix Zoo for two and a half to three hours. Since this is a popular holiday-week activity, purchase tickets in advance if timed admission is being used, and check the day’s closing time before you arrive. The zoo is large enough that you will not see everything comfortably; choose a few priority exhibits, use the shaded rest areas, and consider renting a stroller or mobility aid if anyone tires easily. Allow roughly 10–15 minutes between the park stops and the zoo, with traffic and parking potentially adding more during the holiday period.
For dinner, drive about 20–30 minutes south to The Farm at South Mountain. Its farm-to-table setting makes a memorable change from a standard restaurant, and casual meals generally run about $15–30 per person. Hours and individual food outlets can vary seasonally, so confirm that dinner service is operating and whether ordering or reservations are required. After a full day outdoors, keep the evening simple: eat, wander briefly around the farm if it is still open, then return to your hotel for an early night.
After the hotel breakfast, head to Taliesin West in north Scottsdale for the first timed tour of the day, ideally around 9:00 or 9:30 AM. From central Phoenix, allow 35–45 minutes by car; from a Scottsdale hotel, it may be closer to 15–25 minutes. This is a guided visit rather than a place to casually wander, so reserve the tour in advance and arrive 20–30 minutes early for parking, check-in, and the walk to the visitor area. Plan about two hours, with comfortable shoes and water—the campus is exposed, and some paths are uneven. Tour prices vary by format but are commonly around $40–$60 for adults, with youth pricing often available.
From Taliesin West, drive roughly 15 minutes to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Choose one of the easier, lower-elevation trails and keep this to about 90 minutes; winter is an excellent time for the desert, but bring hats, sunscreen, and more water than you think you need. Trailhead parking can fill on pleasant weekends, so do not linger over lunch—eat your packed lunch before or after the hike at a permitted picnic spot or in the vehicle. There is generally no admission fee, but facilities are limited, so use the restrooms before leaving Taliesin West.
Continue about 20 minutes to Old Town Scottsdale for a slower, browse-and-wander afternoon. The galleries and Western-themed shops are concentrated around Main Street, Marshall Way, and the nearby Arts District; Sunday hours vary, so treat this as a flexible stroll rather than a shopping mission. Allow about 1½ hours, then walk or make the short drive to Scottsdale Waterfront for a relaxed 45-minute canal-side break. The paved paths are easy for the whole family, and this is a good spot to let teenagers spread out a little before dinner.
Stay in Old Town for dinner rather than adding another drive. For a polished but family-friendly meal, consider The Mission Old Town, Citizen Public House, or Culinary Dropout at The Scott; expect roughly $25–$45 per person before drinks and tip. Reservations are wise during the holiday period, especially for a group of five. After dinner, take one last short walk through the lit streets around Civic Center Park, then return to the hotel for an easy evening—tomorrow’s Phoenix plans will be more enjoyable if everyone gets a quiet night after this full but unhurried day.
After breakfast, head downtown to the Arizona Science Center for the morning, when the interactive galleries are freshest and the crowds are usually more manageable. Allow about 2½ hours, especially with three teenagers—leave time for the hands-on exhibits, planetarium or special presentations if operating that day. Holiday hours and timed-entry requirements can change, so check the official schedule and reserve tickets in advance if offered. Parking is available in nearby downtown garages; allow roughly 15–25 minutes from a central Phoenix hotel, longer during event traffic.
Walk or make the short drive to Heritage Square, Phoenix’s oldest surviving residential block, for a quick look at the preserved Victorian buildings and the city’s early downtown. It is a compact stop—about 45 minutes—and works well before lunch. Then continue to the Phoenix Public Market to browse local vendors and pick up snacks for the afternoon. Because weekday vendor schedules can vary, verify that today’s market hours and food stalls are operating before setting out; if you are packing lunch, this is a good place to supplement it with fruit, pastries, or drinks.
After a break at the hotel or a leisurely drive through Midtown, spend about two hours at the Heard Museum. This is one of Phoenix’s essential cultural stops, with powerful exhibitions on Indigenous art, history, and contemporary life. Give the galleries more time than a quick photo stop deserves, particularly the exhibits focused on Native artists and the Southwest. Check holiday-season hours and admission prices ahead of time; allow approximately 10–15 minutes from downtown by car and use the museum’s lot or nearby street parking.
For your final Phoenix dinner, stay in Midtown Phoenix or Roosevelt Row so the evening feels easy rather than turning into another cross-town drive. The Duce offers a lively, family-friendly setting with broad menu choices, while Cibo is a comfortable option for pizza and salads in a converted bungalow; expect roughly $20–40 per person before drinks and tip. If the teenagers want a more casual finish, Pomo Pizzeria in Roosevelt Row is another dependable choice. Make a reservation where possible—late-December evenings can be busy—and use a downtown garage or rideshare rather than hunting for street parking.
Leave Phoenix around 8:00 AM after breakfast, allowing roughly 2½–3 hours on I-17, plus a fuel and restroom stop. Check AZ511 before departing—winter weather can bring snow and icy conditions near Flagstaff and the higher elevations. Keep your packed lunch accessible, since services are sparser once you leave the metro area. Your first stop is Montezuma Castle National Monument near Camp Verde; allow about an hour to follow the paved trail and see the remarkably preserved cliff dwelling. The visitor center and trail are generally open during daylight hours, but holiday schedules can vary, so verify hours shortly before the trip. Admission is typically around $10 per adult, with children 15 and under free; an America the Beautiful pass is also accepted.
Continue about 10 minutes to Montezuma Well, where a short interpretive walk circles the unusual limestone sinkhole and its desert vegetation. Plan approximately 45 minutes and bring warm layers—the open site can feel noticeably colder and windier than the Phoenix area. This is a good place for your packed lunch if weather permits, though there are limited facilities, so carry water and pack out trash. Afterward, continue north toward Flagstaff, allowing extra time for winter traffic and the climb into higher country.
After checking into your hotel, spend about an hour wandering Historic Downtown Flagstaff, especially Heritage Square, San Francisco Street, and the blocks around Route 66. Pop into Late for the Train Coffee or Macy’s European Coffeehouse for something warm, then browse the independent shops without trying to cover too much. In the late afternoon, drive or take a short rideshare to Lowell Observatory on West Mars Hill; parking is available, but roads can be icy, so allow extra time. Reserve timed admission in advance for the evening astronomy programs and exhibits—program availability and viewing conditions depend on weather. Plan about two hours, and bring serious winter gear: Flagstaff evenings can be far colder than Phoenix.
For dinner, Diablo Burger is a relaxed, well-reviewed downtown choice with burgers, salads, and vegetarian options, generally $18–35 per person. Pizzicletta is another good family option if everyone is happy with wood-fired pizza, though waits can be longer and holiday hours may change. Both are close enough to continue exploring downtown afterward, but confirm the December 29 schedule and consider joining a waitlist before leaving Lowell Observatory. With three teenagers, this makes a satisfying first northern-Arizona evening without adding another long drive after dark.
Leave Flagstaff around 8:00 AM after breakfast, with the day’s route taking you east on US-89 before continuing toward Kanab and St. George. Because you’re traveling in late December, check AZ511 before leaving and confirm that the roads to both monuments are open; snow and ice can affect the higher ground north of town. Keep your packed lunch, water, and warm layers accessible rather than buried in the luggage.
If conditions are good, make your first stop at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. The short volcanic-landscape walks are a good family stretch without turning the morning into a full hike; allow about an hour, wear shoes with traction, and expect chilly, windy conditions. Continue to Wupatki National Monument for another hour among the ancient pueblo ruins. Winter access and visitor-center hours can change, so treat both stops as weather-dependent and check the National Park Service alerts before setting out. The monument roads are paved but narrow in places, and there is little reason to rush between overlooks.
Return to US-89 and continue toward Kanab, allowing roughly 4½–5 hours of total driving to St. George, not counting the monument visits. Kanab is the sensible mid-route break: stretch, refuel, and eat your packed lunch for about 45 minutes. If you need a warm indoor stop, Kanab Food Hall is convenient for drinks and a quick restroom break, though holiday hours should be checked in advance. Keep expectations modest for this stretch—winter wind, snow near higher elevations, and slower traffic can easily add time.
After checking into your hotel, head to St. George Town Square for an easy 45-minute walk through downtown. It is a pleasant way to loosen up after the car ride, with the red-rock landscape and historic buildings providing a distinctly different feel from northern Arizona. If the teenagers need more downtime, make this a short stroll rather than adding another attraction.
For dinner, book ahead if possible at George’s Corner Restaurant on East St. George Boulevard, a relaxed downtown choice with a broad menu that works well for families; expect approximately $18–30 per person before drinks and tip. Other central restaurants may keep reduced holiday-season hours, so confirm the closing time before walking over. After dinner, return to the hotel early—tomorrow’s winter drive is more enjoyable with a full night’s sleep, and it is worth checking Utah 511 again before departure.
Leave St. George around 8:00 AM for the 4½–5-hour I-15 drive north, allowing extra time for fuel, your packed lunch, and winter weather near mountain sections. With three teenagers, a late-morning stop at a rest area or quick fuel plaza will help break up the drive; keep an eye on UDOT road conditions before leaving. After checking into your hotel or dropping bags, head downtown to Brigham Young Historic Park for a quiet 45-minute riverside walk. It is an easy, low-key reset after the drive, with paths, water features, and views toward the Salt Lake City skyline.
Drive about 15–20 minutes east to the Natural History Museum of Utah in the University area. Plan roughly two hours for the dinosaur halls, Utah geology exhibits, and panoramic windows overlooking the valley—an especially good choice for teenagers because it feels more active than a traditional history museum. Holiday hours can vary, and timed admission may be used, so check the museum calendar and reserve tickets if required. From there, it is about 10 minutes by car to This Is the Place Heritage Park. Allow 1½ hours for the pioneer-era buildings and mountain scenery, but verify winter hours before committing; some attractions and buildings may operate on a reduced schedule. Dress warmly—the East Bench is noticeably colder and breezier than downtown.
Finish with an hour in the 9th and 9th neighborhood, browsing its independent shops, bookstores, and cafés around 900 South and 900 East. It is a pleasant place to let everyone split up briefly and choose a snack or small souvenir without adding another major attraction. For dinner, reserve ahead at Copper Onion downtown for polished, family-friendly New American food, or choose The Copper Common nearby if you want a more relaxed setting; expect approximately $20–40 per person before drinks and tip. New Year’s Eve seating fills early, so confirm the reservation, holiday menu, and closing time. Allow 15–25 minutes to return to your hotel afterward, with extra time for downtown parking and evening traffic.
Leave Salt Lake City around 7:00 AM for the return to Bozeman, allowing roughly 5½–6½ hours of driving plus fuel, lunch, winter-weather delays, and restroom breaks. Take I-15 north, then join I-90 east near the Idaho–Montana border. Check UDOT and Montana 511 before departure; wind, ice, and snow around Malad Summit, Dillon, and the Montana passes can change the timing quickly. If roads are poor, skip optional stops and prioritize reaching Bozeman in daylight.
If conditions are clear and everyone is comfortable, make the first short stop at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge near Brigham City, about an hour north of Salt Lake City. Allow roughly 45 minutes for the visitor area or a brief wildlife-viewing drive, but confirm winter access before detouring; refuge roads can be limited seasonally, and bird activity is best when visibility is good. Continue north with lunch supplies easy to reach in the car.
Use Idaho Falls River Walk as a practical half-hour reset rather than a major sightseeing stop. Stretch along the Snake River, take a few photos near the falls, and eat your packed lunch before the final leg. From there, continue on I-15 toward Dillon, then I-90 east to Bozeman. Keep fuel above half a tank in the more remote stretches, and expect the last portion to take longer if snow or darkness arrives early.
After checking into your Bozeman hotel, give everyone about an hour to unpack and rest. If you arrive comfortably before closing, consider Museum of the Rockies for a final 1½-hour cultural stop, but verify its New Year’s Day hours and last admission in advance—holiday schedules can be reduced. If arrival is late or the family is tired, save the museum for another visit rather than rushing through it.
Finish with a relaxed farewell dinner downtown. Blackbird Kitchen is a good all-ages choice for pizza, salads, and a lively atmosphere, while The Garage works well for burgers and a casual meal teenagers tend to enjoy; both can be busy on a holiday evening, so check hours and reserve if possible. After dinner, keep the evening easy—Bozeman’s downtown streets are pleasant for a short walk, but icy sidewalks and cold temperatures make an early night sensible after the long drive.
No packing list attached yet.