Idaho is the perfect place for a family adventure that parents and children of all ages will never forget. A visit to the Gem State means plenty of low-cost, relaxing, outdoor fun to keep everyone entertained. Consider these 10 family-friendly activities for your next trip. The fun awaits!
Visit a Theme Park or Water Park
If you're in search of big rides, big slides and big fun, you're in the right place. The largest of it's kind in the Northwest, Silverwood Theme Park has over 65 rides, slides, shows and attractions, including four roller coasters, Boulder Beach Water Park, a steam engine train, and live entertainment that make for a rowdy day with the kids. Want a mix of water and snow? Surf the earth at North America's longest gondola and then head down to find the perfect wave at Silver Rapids, Idaho's largest indoor waterpark. Bowling, mini-golf or laser tag more your speed? Triple Play Family Fun Park has a variety of attractions from go karts to bumper boats. If you just want to make a splash, Roaring Springs may be the place for you with a variety of speed slides and leisure lagoons. Right next door, pop over to Wahooz Family Fun Zone for 24 lanes of bowling, batting cages and more.
Bike the Hiawatha Trail
In northern Idaho, the Route of the Hiawatha is a 14 mile bike path along an old 1900s railroad route. This trail takes riders through ten tunnels and across seven high trestles and across the Bitterroot Mountains to the Idaho/Montana border. Families can rent bikes and bike trailers from the Lookout Pass Recreation Area, the operator of the trail. Day tickets are only $9 for adults and $6 for kids. Remember to bring a snack or a picnic to keep the energy level up. Still need convincing? Check out this video.
Cast a Line
The Snake River runs throughout Idaho and some of the best fly-fishing in the world is in the Ketchum and Sun Valley area. Local outfitters like the Silver Creek Outfitters offer highly customized, guided trips, usually for two people – the perfect father and son outing.
Keep Cool on the Ice
Central Idaho is home to Sun Valley, the tucked-away Idaho resort town that’s famous for being the first destination ski resort-in the nation. But Sun Valley is a blast in the summer too. Against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, kids can learn to ice skate on the Sun Valley Resort’s outdoor ice skating rink. Or watch Olympic medalists and world-class figure skaters perform on summer Saturday nights during the Sun Valley Summer Ice Shows.
Ride a horse in the Wild West
Saddle up! Many Idaho outfitters and guest ranches offer horseback riding lessons and trail ride experiences. Lewis & Clark Adventures of Gibbonsville, in central Idaho, takes families on horseback and rafting tours along the same route that Lewis and Clark traveled with Sacajawea. This trip pairs adventure and education as kids and parents learn about the land and the history of the pioneers who explored it.
Actually, DO Feed the Bears
Visit Yellowstone Bear World in Rexburg, Idaho for some up-close and personal interaction with the wild. Here, visitors can bottle feed bear cubs with the assistance of professional keepers. Curator tours take visitors through the park in a secure, open-top vehicle. Rocky Mountain elk, bison, moose, wolves and bears are just a few of the wild animals that roam the park.
Whitewater Raft Like a Pro
Idaho has more miles of whitewater than any other state in the contiguous U.S. The Idaho Whitewater Guide is an online resource for family-friendly trips and outfitters that can get you in the raft and on the river. Favorite spots include Boise River Park and Kelly's White Water Park.
Hit the Green
If your vacation takes you off the beaten path, enjoy the 14-course Idaho Golf Trail. Spread over four scenic loops across the state, the Trail includes destination courses like Sun Valley Resort, Teton Springs, Circling Raven and Coeur d’Alene Resort.
Bruneau Dunes State Park
Climb up, slide down, and run around. At 470 feet, Bruneau Dunes has the tallest single-structure sand dune in North America. The dunes offer countless physical, fun challenges and endless exploration. The small lakes at the base of the dunes are fun for frolicking and fishing. And if you camp for a night, don’t miss the chance to see the stars from the Bruneau Observatory located right in the park.
Take a Dip in Nature’s Hot Tub
Idaho has more natural hot springs than any other state. Often, getting to the hot springs is half the adventure. Near McCall, the Burgdorf Hot Springs are located around the old town site of Burgdorf, which was settled in 1870 and is now considered a ghost town. Families can rent cabins and stay for the night, soak in the hot springs and explore the wide-open natural surroundings. Better known, the town of Lava Hot Springs earned its name from the local hot springs where Indian tribes gathered for centuries. Today visitors enjoy the odor-free mineral pools and an indoor mineral spring swimming pool with family recreational facilities like a poolside climbing wall.