Did you know that Idaho was nicknamed the gem state? It’s because of its abundance of rare minerals, but there are also SO many hidden gems all across Idaho. So if you’re planning an Idaho family vacation, we’ve got a great list of fun things to do in Idaho for a family vacation.
We spent more than a week in Southern Idaho in the summer of 2021 with our young children (and then again in 2022) and found lots of cool things to add to your Idaho family vacation list. I am telling you, you’ll probably fall in love with the gem state as we did and want to go back.
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Why vacation in Idaho?
If I am perfectly honest here, before planning our western USA road trip, I knew there was a state called Idaho, but that we pretty much it. It wasn’t a destination that was necessarily on our bucket list, but now we are planning to visit again,and again.
Called the “Gem State” for a reason, Idaho has so much to offer. So much more than just potatoes. 😉
For example, did you know that:
- Idaho is home to more than 60 named waterfalls.
- Idaho has the most soakable hot springs in the United States.
- There are a few young volcanos in Idaho, and one of them (at Craters of the Moon National Monument) may erupt in the near(ish) future.
There are many reasons why Idaho is a good family vacation spot, but here are a few:
- You’ll get to chase a lot of waterfalls
- You’ll learn about volcanic fields and discover lava tube caves
- You’ll enjoy warm hot spring pools
- You’ll meet friendly people.
P.S. You may want to download our IDAHO BUCKET LIST and complete it during your Idaho family vacation. Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram.
Idaho Family Vacations – South East Idaho
Below are a few things to do in Idaho with the family in the South East portion of Idaho.
1. Relax in One of the Hot Pools at Lava Hot Springs
The town of Lava Hot Spring became famous for its hot spring sources (of course). The hot springs are located just a few blocks from the city center.
The Lava Hot Springs facility offers five outdoor pools each holding a different natural water temperature, ranging from 102˚ F to 112˚ F. With little kids, it’s better to stay in the coolest of the pools (and it’s one of the biggest) as the temperature of the other ones may be too hot for their little bodies.
The site is incredibly beautiful and family-friendly. And while it’s a commercial hot spring, they did a good job at using natural material. If time allows, walk on the little hiking trails above the hot springs. The view is great.
If you are traveling with older kids, you might also want to rent some tubes and go down the river.
2. Do a Wagon Ride in a Bison Farm at Diamond P GrassRoots Bison.
Only 20 minutes from Lava Hot Springs is the Diamond P GrassRoots Bison, a privately owned farm with a bison herd. The owner offers wagon rides to meet the herd and sell some bison products such as bison jerky.
Plus, they offer 3 overnight camping spots for self-contained RVs and vans.
This place can be visited through the Harvest Host platform, where you’ll get to visit and stay overnight in many cool places across North America, such as this bison farm. And by using this link you’ll get 15% off your membership. You can also read our article for more details on what Harvest Host is and if it’s worth it.
Try Harvest Host for your next camping trip. And get 15% off your membership.
3. Take a Sip of Naturally Carbonated Water at Hooper Springs Park
Considered as “one of the marvels of the Oregon Trail” by many emigrants, Hooper Springs is a naturally carbonated mineral water source.
The Hooper Springs is located in the tiny town of Soda Springs, where you can taste one of the purest water in the United States, and maybe even the world.
Bring a cup or a glass and try this carbonated water. The taste differs from grocery store carbonated water, but it’s still a cool experience while on an Idaho family vacation. There is also a nice playground for the kids to burn off their extra energy.
4. Enjoy the Captive Geyser of Soda Springs
Contrary to other natural geysers that may be unpredictable, the Soda Spring geyser goes off every hour on hour. And the eruption lasts for a good 10 minutes. The geyser blows water 70 feet into the air. There is a nice boardwalk around the geyser, so you can see it from many angles.
Why is this geyser so predictable? The geyser of Soda Springs is captive and man-made. It’s thus set on a timer with the City of Soda Springs.
Idaho Family Vacations – South Central Idaho
Below are a few things to do with kids in Idaho in the South Central portion of Idaho. But first, where would you stay?
Where to Stay in South Central Idaho:
Twin Falls is a great home base to explore South Central Idaho. Here are a few options in town:
- TownePlace Suites Twin Falls
- Holiday Inn Twin Falls
- KOA Twin Falls/Jerome
For some more authentic lodging near Thousand Island State Park, it’s worth looking at:
- 1,000 Springs Riverhouse
- Billingsley Creek Lodge
There are not many lodging options near Craters of the Moon National Monument, but there is a great KOA in Arco.
5. Admire the Shoshone Falls
The Shoshone Falls, also known as “The Niagara of the West” is one of the largest natural waterfalls in the USA. The fall is 212 feet (65 m) in height, making it 45 feet (14 m) higher than Niagara Falls, and more than 1000 feet (300 m) in width.
There is a nice path along the canyon rim with great views over the falls. For more adventurous outdoor adventures in Idaho, why not paddle on the Snake River to the Shoshone Falls, an 8 miles water adventure?
6. Walk Behind the Perrine Coulee
Much small in width than Shoshone Falls, the Perrine Coulee is amazing to look at … from behind. A small path from the street parking area will lead you to the other side of the waterfall, walking under the fall. You’ll get a little wet, but it’s going to be worth it.
We visited the Perrine Coulee Falls twice during our stay in Twin Falls, and it remains one of our favorite moments. We recommend going at golden hours to get the perfect lighting and views. There were also many families doing professional photoshoots. It’s definitely a great photography vacation spot.
7. Explore the Thousand Springs State Park
Idaho doesn’t have any national parks on its territory (well technically, a small section (1%) of Yellowstone National Park is in Idaho, but it’s home to a wonderful state park: The Thousand Springs State Park.
Thousand Springs State Park is a must-see during your family vacations in Idaho. In the heart of the Magic Valley, the Thousand Springs State Park is divided into six different units to explore – each short driving distance away:
- Niagara Springs Unit: Look at the water falling from the grassy mountains at the Niagara Spring Fall
- Ritter Island Unit: Visit the island, paddle on the river around the island, admire the Lemon Falls
- Malad Gorge: Walk along the rim, look down the canyon from the suspended bridge
- Box Canyon: Enjoy the view from the lookout.
There are nice hiking trails and lookout points across the park. You’ll also have the opportunity to chase a few waterfalls in the Thousand Island State Parks. We personally loved the Niagara Spring Falls and the Lemon Falls.
8. Swim in the Warm Pool at Banbury Hot Spring
Visiting a hot spring is a fun family-friendly activity in Twin Falls and Idaho. Banbury Hot Spring is a good pick for families. It offers a big, kid-friendly warm swimming pool. All the family will have a blast. The pool is heated by artesian mineral water at 138 F and is cooled by the Banbury Springwater. You can also decide to book a private pool by the hour or hour and a half.
On-site you can borrow life jackets, balls, and a few other water toys.
But Banbury Hot Spring is not only a naturally heated pool facility, it also offers:
- SUP and kayak rentals. You can paddle for a mile down to reach the Blue Heart Springs.
- RV and tent sites
- Cabins and other lodging options.
If you want to test another hot spring facility, the Miracle Hot Spring is located nearby.
9. Visit a Volcanic Lava Tube Cave at Idaho’s Mammoth Cave
Idaho’s Mammoth Cave is the world’s largest volcanic cave opened to visitors. The tours are offered as self-guided tours. The cave had a well-maintained path and you’ll be given lanterns. Then you simply have to follow the path.
Make sure you bring a light jacket as the temperature is around 41F all year round.
It’s dark inside the cave, but with the lanterns, we see pretty well. Our kids, aged 2.5 and 4.5 years old, were doing great in the cave.
10. Take a Guided Tour of an Ice Cave at Shoshone Ice Cave
Another great thing to do with kids in Idaho is to visit an ice cave. With a temperature of 37F all year round, the Shoshone Ice Cave is full of ice. During your guided tour, you’ll walk down ice-filled lava tubes.
You’ll want to bring a jacket and maybe an extra headlamp.
Outside the cave are a small museum and a panning station. The boys each got a bag of gems to pan. It was a lot of fun.
11. Watch for the B.A.S.E jumper at Perrine Bridge
Perrine Bridge is a popular place for B.A.S.E jumpers. If you go in the park by the Idaho visitor center in Twin Falls, you’ll get the chance to see jumpers getting ready and actually jumping off the bridge.
Another cool place to watch the B.A.S.E jumpers is from the Snake River during a paddleboarding (or kayaking) tour.
12. Paddleboard or Kayak on the Snake River
The Snake River offers great paddling (or kayaking) opportunities. During the summer season, AWOL Adventure Sports rents SUP and kayak right by the waterfront at the Centennial Waterfront Park. From there, you can paddle down the river, admire the Perrine Coulee from the water, then head under the Perrine Bridge.
You can even make your way to the base of the Shoshone Falls.
13. Visit a volcano at the Craters of the Moon
Craters of the Moon National Monument is a vast field of lava flows with cinder cones mixed with sagebrush. It’s one of the few National Monuments on Idaho’s territories and it’s one in a kind.
After taking the Junior Ranger Program (to become a lunar Ranger), you’ll be ready to explore caves such as: the Dewdrop Cave, The Boy Scout Cave or the Beauty Cave.
There are also a few hikes to do and a few great viewpoints. You’ll definitely be transported to the moon when visiting Craters of the Moon.
Idaho Family Vacations – South West Idaho
South West Idaho is mostly Boise and the surrounding areas. Below are a few things to do in Idaho with family around Boise and the SouthWest.
Where to Stay in South West Idaho
Boise is a great place to stay to explore the southwest region. Here are a few options in town:
- Hampton Inn & Suites Boise Downtown
- Holiday Inn Express Boise Downtown
- KOA Boise/Meridian
14. Visit the Old Idaho Penitentiary
A visit to the Old Idaho Penitentiary will teach you how the prison operated over a period of 100 years. With 30 historical buildings, you’ll see what Solitary Confinement is, you’ll walk in cell blocks and on the death row aisle. The facility also has an exhibit of historic weaponry.
15. Take a scoop of Ice Cream at The STIL in Boise
The STIL Ice Cream makes great and creative flavor ice cream from Idaho dairy. There are also some vegan options made from oat and coconut.
They also have a selection of “booze”-infused ice cream for their clients aged 21 years old and older. You can to a tasting with ice cream and wine/beer pairing and even create your own ice cream sandwich.
16. Enjoy the Beach at Esther Simplot Park in Boise
Esther Simplot Park is a vast public park with a kid’s playground, different river water access, and a small beach. On a warm day, it’s the place to spend an afternoon of your family vacation in Idaho. You can also try to surf on one of the first adjustable rive waves in the world.
17. Try the JUMP spiral slide in Boise
Located in downtown Boise, JUMP is a co-working/art display place but hides a few cool features for kids. There is a cool kid climbing/playground structure, a mist/spray park and … a spiral slide. Not any kind of slide, but a 5-story slide running down the building. It is worth testing.
18. Hike the Old Oregon Trail near Boise
The Oregon Trail was used by emigrants to connect the Missouri River to the valleys of Oregon, passing through Idaho. In Idaho, you’ll have the chance to learn all about the Old Oregon Trail and see a few large-wheeled wagons. But you can also do short (or longer) hikes on this old historical trail.
Final Thoughts: Fun Family Vacations in Idaho
And that’s it, our 18 recommendations of things to do in Idaho for your next Idaho family vacation. I hope you will enjoy Idaho as much as we did.
Don’t forget to download our Idaho bucket list. And why not tag us on Instagram when you complete it.
Do you have anything else to add to our Idaho bucket list to start planning your next Idaho family vacation?
