Are you planning an Idaho road trip from Boise to Twin Falls and looking for some inspiration? We’ve got you! We spent a few weeks in Idaho and have curated this itinerary for you.
This itinerary offers a perfect blend of adventure and leisure while keeping kids entertained with sights that range from historical monuments to wildlife museums.
Not only will your family get an up-close view of stunning natural landscapes, but they’ll also be able to enjoy water adventures and snake pits.
Idaho surprised us so much that we are planning another trip this year. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we did.
Idaho will blow you away. There are many hidden gems and things to do here, especially in Twin Falls (with and without kids).
Let’s look at our road trip to Boise Twin Falls, Idaho.
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Day 1: Boise (Oregon Trail, Downtown Boise)
Boise (pronounced “BOY-see”) is the most populous city in Idaho, with more than 225 000 inhabitants. It’s located an hour away from the Oregon border. It has many things to offer.
Start your first day with a hike on the Old Oregon Trail at the Oregon Trail Historic Reserve West Parking Lot and Trailhead.
Old Oregon Trail
Here, you will get breathtaking views of the abutments that held wagons traveling along the Oregon Trail from 1864 to 1883. It’s a 2.6-mile (4 km) loop on the historic Oregon Trail.
As you walk, enjoy the panoramic views of the Boise River and the surrounding foothills. Pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the scenic overlooks. It provides a perfect spot to relax and appreciate the area’s natural beauty and historical significance.
But note that it’s not a shaded trail and it can get hot in the summertime.
Then, head downtown for a stroll around the city center.
Downtown Boise
If the day is sunny and warm, don’t miss a good scoop of ice cream at The STIL. They have two locations in Boise but try the W. Broad Street location.
Kids will love the “Running Through the Sprinklers” and Cookies & Brownies flavors, while parents will love to try an ice cream & wine/beer paring tasting 😉
After, make your way to JUMP.
JUMP is a co-working and art display center. But it has some cool features for kids and adventurous minds. You’ll find a cool climbing/playground structure for kids and a spiral slide on top of the 5-story building. You’ll be sliding down the 5-story building. It’s worth a visit.
You can then end your day on the patio of one of the downtown restaurants. A few of them have live music on summer evenings.
🏨 Where to Stay in Boise:
Home2 Suites By Hilton Boise Downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites Boise-Downtown
Hyatt Place Boise/Downtown
Day 2: Boise (Bernardine Quinn Riverside Park, Old Penitentiary)
Your second day in Boise is all about exploring and being outside. Start your day at the Old Penitentiary.
Old Penitentiary
At the Old Penitentiary, you can take a guided tour (or a self-guided tour) of the premises. You’ll explore the historic structures and cells and learn about the inmates’ lives and the penitentiary’s storied past. It’s a great alternative to the famous Alcatraz prison in San Francisco.
What’s nice about taking a guided tour is that you’ll hear intriguing tales of notorious criminals and daring escapes.
After the tour, visit the on-site museums, including the J. Curtis Earl Memorial Armory, which houses an impressive collection of historic firearms and military memorabilia.
For a more active adventure, take a 1.59-mile hike from the Old Penitentiary to the summit of the Table Rock. This hike offers a beautiful view of Boise’s downtown natural beauty and the Owyhee Mountains.
Bernardine Quinn Riverside Park
Spend the rest of the day at Bernardine Quinn Riverside Park/Esther Simplot Park complex.
You can take a leisurely paddle ride around Quarry Pond. We spent so much time on the water that I got a sunburn. Good thing I had my UV guard rash.
You can bring your own kayak or rent one nearby to explore the calm waters. After your paddle, dry off with a stroll or bike ride along the scenic trail around the pond.
The kids will also enjoy the playground.
When we were there, we saw some people surfing on the Boise River falls just next to the park. It was pretty fun to watch.
Day 3: Drive from Boise to Twin Falls
Then go towards Malad Gorge at
And if you have some extra time left in your day, why not visit Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge – there are plenty of recreational activities here, such as boating, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, photography, horseback riding, hunting, and many more!
Day 3: Drive from Boise to Twin Falls
On the third day of the Idaho road trip, it’s time to leave Boise and drive to Twin Falls.
Your first destination is Dierkes Lake; this lake is big and beautiful, with lots of family-friendly activities, such as swimming, fishing, picnic areas, and playgrounds for all ages.
Afterward, experience one of Idaho’s most incredible sights at Shoshone Falls. Known as the “Niagara of the West,” one of the largest falls in the U.S., enjoy its breathtaking sight and take plenty of photos!
For adventurous travelers, check out the Shoshone Falls Observation Deck Trail and get impressed by the waterfall and the Snake River Canyon at the end of the trail.
After a day exploring these two beautiful natural sites, enjoy dinner at 2nd South Market – downtown Twin Falls, a bustling market that offers a variety of local products and services. The market includes food stalls, boutiques, craft stores, and amazing restaurants.
🏨 Where to Stay in Twin Falls:
TownePlace Suites Twin Falls
TJ Rancher – West Side Twin Falls
My Place Hotel Twin Falls ID
Day 4: Twin Falls
Spending the fourth day of your Boise to Twin Falls road trip in Twin Falls is a great way to take in all that this bustling Idaho city has to offer.
Start with a delicious brunch downtown at Twin Beans. This cozy spot in downtown Twin Falls offers a range of tasty options to fuel your adventures.
After breakfast, make your way to Centennial Waterfront. It’s a perfect place to soak in scenic beauty and enjoy the outdoors. There’s a small playground there, so if you’re traveling with kids, they can have fun here too.
Feeling adventurous? Time to hit the water! Try paddleboarding on the tranquil waters of Centennial Waterfront. It’s a fantastic way to experience the area’s serene beauty.
While making your way down, make sure to stop at Perrine Coulee, one of the tallest falls in Idaho. The surrounding scenery of the waterfall is breathtakingly beautiful, with a peaceful atmosphere.
You can access the falls via an easy 2-mile hike which will take 1 hour and 2 min to complete.
After the hike, consider renting a kayak from AWOL Adventure Sports at Centennial Waterfront and paddle under the famous Perrine Bridge. This unique experience allows you to appreciate the beauty of the area from a different perspective.
While you’re there, consider visiting the visitor center and see the B.A.S.E jumpers jump off the bridge. The thrill-seekers often take the leap starting from the bridge, creating a thrilling experience.
Then continue your journey by walking along the canyon rim and soak in the breathtaking views. The scenic canyon is truly impressive to see, with many great views which are perfect for capturing breathtaking photos. 🙂
And stop at First Federal Playground; for families traveling with kids, a visit to the First Federal Playground, featuring a playground and splash pad, is a must. Let the little ones have fun while cooling off during the warm summer days in Idaho.
Looking for more kids-friendly Playgrounds and more fun things to do in Twin Falls? Check on the GoWheeApp!
Finish your day with dinner at Elevation 486, which provides stunning canyon rim views while you enjoy a tasty meal.
Day 5: Buhl/ Hagerman
On Day 5 of your road trip, you’ll explore Buhl and Hagerman. Here are some exciting activities and places to check out:
Start your day by stopping at Balanced Rock, a fascinating natural wonder in Buhl. This wind-carved rock stands over 48 feet tall and weighs around 40 tons. Not only is this a jaw-dropping sight, but the surrounding Balanced Rock Park offers a perfect setup for a leisurely picnic and camping, best for families.
If you’re up for a hike, consider exploring the short and easy hike by the river at Balanced Rock Park. Many people visit the park for camping and fishing.
After the hike, check out the Banbury Hot Springs or Miracle Hot Springs for a relaxing morning soak or swim. Both offer pool-style hot springs and are close to the area, a perfect place for quick relaxation. Plus, there are mineral hot tubs and Jacuzzi, with water toys available for kids.
Next, make sure to check out Thousand Springs in Hagerman. This isn’t your average state park – it showcases the area’s natural magic.
It features several stunning attractions, including:
Niagara Spring /Crystal Springs-One of the park’s most unique and beautiful attractions in Idaho, known for its crystal clear water, the Niagara Springs, and the Crystal Springs Lake. A visit to Crystal Springs Lake offers fishing opportunities, making it a haven for fishing enthusiasts. Crystal Lake has picnic tables and shelters for visitors—the perfect place to spend time with families and friends.
Box Canyon State Park-Lookout-The park offers a moderate 6.9 km hiking trail that will take you through its scenic and beautiful landscapes down to the canyon but note that the trail is not recommended for kids. After reaching the falls, Box Canyon State Park is known for its crystal-clear swimming holes that are perfect for a dip.
Ritter Island-Here visitors can go fishing, kayaking, swimming in the spring, birdwatching, or take a leisurely hike through the nearby woods. There are also plenty of picnic spots and houses available for rent to those families planning to stay overnight.
And don’t forget to visit the beautiful and serene Lemon Falls near Ritter Island.
For dinner, head to Snake River Grill in Hagerman. This restaurant offers a delightful dining experience. Indulge in their delicious menu options while enjoying the charming and inviting atmosphere in the area.
🏨 Where to stay at Hagerman:
Billingsley Creek Lodge
Day 6: Buhl/ Hagerman to Twin Falls
The last day of this road trip is packed with breathtaking natural wonders and fun activities for that are best for families.
After leaving Buhl, the first stop should be in Gooding-Little City of Rocks. The park is big and wide, surrounded by stunning red sandstone formations with many scenic trails best for hikers, bikers, and horse riders.
Make your way to the Shoshone Ice Caves in Shoshone, Idaho. The Shoshone Ice Caves offer a fascinating experience as you explore one of the state’s largest lava ice caves.
If you want to learn and discover more about the underground, I suggest booking a guided tour, and the last tour is available until 5:00 PM.
Afterward, consider visiting and get amazed by the rock formations that have formed over thousands of years in the Mammoth Cave, known as the “World’s longest cave,” an excellent destination for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers.
As you explore the cave, remember that the temperature inside is consistently 41 degrees Fahrenheit, so having a light jacket handy is a good idea.
Before leaving the area, remember to stop at the Shoshone Snack Bar. Treat yourself to some fantastic soft-serve ice cream.
🏨 Where to stay in Twin Falls:
KOA in Jerome (swimming pool and playground for kids)
Final Thoughts
After taking in all the stunning views and attractions available along the route of Boise to Twin Falls, what more could you ask for?
This perfect Idaho road trip will remain in your family’s memories forever. It combines natural beauty with a host of exciting activities, and this getaway is kid-friendly.
Everyone can enjoy the serene atmosphere of the forests or play a fun game at one of the many gaming centers.
What’s more, you’ll save more than air travel or other holiday options.
Wherever your itinerary takes you along Boise to Twin Falls, we hope you have a fantastic time! 🙂
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Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.