Discover activities for the whole family
American Falls Reservoir on the Snake River is one of eastern Idaho's premier family recreation areas with beaches, boat ramps, and excellent fishing for walleye, catfish, and bass. Multiple county parks along the shoreline have picnic areas and playgrounds. A powerful waterfall at the dam is visible from the highway bridge.
Soda Springs is home to the world's only captive geyser—a natural carbon dioxide geyser accidentally tapped during drilling in 1937 that now erupts on a timer. The town's pioneer history is on display at the Oregon Trail visitor center. Iron-rich natural springs throughout town fascinate curious children.
Just outside Rexburg, Yellowstone Bear World is a drive-through wildlife park where free-roaming grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, bison, and elk pass within feet of vehicles. A petting zoo and cub viewing area offer close-up encounters with bear cubs. It is an unforgettable wildlife experience for all ages.
The St. Anthony Sand Dunes cover over 10,000 acres of shifting white quartz sand rising up to 400 feet—an extraordinary landscape that feels more like the Sahara than Idaho. Pedestrian areas allow sandboarding and hiking among the dunes without ATVs. Sunsets paint the sand in brilliant gold and pink.
Henry's Fork of the Snake River near Island Park is considered one of the finest fly-fishing streams in the world with large rainbow trout and exceptional insect hatches. Guide services offer family-friendly intro lessons and catch-and-release float trips. Non-anglers enjoy the stunning caldera scenery with Yellowstone just to the east.
Mesa Falls on the Henry's Fork River near Ashton features two spectacular waterfalls. Upper Mesa Falls drops 114 feet in an unobstructed curtain of water and is one of the few undisturbed major waterfalls in the American West. A historic 1916 lodge serves as the visitor center and a forested boardwalk reaches both overlooks.
The South Fork Payette River through Garden Valley offers calm stretches perfect for beginner kayakers and recreational floaters from June through September. Several outfitters in the area provide kayak rentals. The valley is gorgeous with ranches, ponderosa forests, and hot springs visible from the water.
Kirkham Hot Springs near Lowman on the South Fork Payette River is one of Idaho's most accessible natural hot springs. Multiple rock-lined pools sit directly above the river letting visitors dip between warm and cool water instantly. The forest setting is spectacular in all seasons especially during fall color.
The town of Salmon sits at the confluence of the Salmon and Lemhi rivers surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. Salmon Falls City Park offers a riverside walking path, a large playground, and picnic areas. The nearby Sacajawea Interpretive Center celebrates the famous Shoshone guide born in this valley.
Riggins sits at the confluence of the Salmon and Little Salmon rivers and is the whitewater capital of Idaho. Several outfitters offer family-friendly half-day float trips on the Lower Salmon with class II-III rapids and stunning canyon scenery. Minimum age is typically 6. The river corridor is home to eagles and deer.
Cascade Reservoir is one of Idaho's top recreational lakes popular for fishing bass, perch, and trout as well as boating and camping. The town of Cascade has a friendly waterfront park with a launch ramp, picnic shelter, and a walking path along the shore. Youth fishing licenses under age 14 are free in Idaho.
During summer Brundage Mountain Resort north of McCall opens its gondola for scenic rides to the 7,640-foot summit. Wildflower fields, panoramic views of the Salmon River Mountains, and cool alpine air make the ride memorable. Hiking trails fan out from the top for those who want to explore further on foot.
Ponderosa State Park juts into Payette Lake on a forested peninsula just north of McCall. Towering ponderosa pines shade a network of easy family trails with lake views from multiple vantage points. The Huckleberry Interpretive Trail is less than a mile and perfect for small children. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the park marina.
McCall sits on the south shore of Payette Lake in the central Idaho mountains offering a classic small-town mountain beach experience. Rotary Park features a large sandy beach, a swim area, and a playground with sweeping mountain views. The town is packed with ice cream shops, bike rentals, and family restaurants.
The tiny historic town of Harrison sits at the foot of Lake Coeur d'Alene and offers a lakefront park with a public beach, fishing pier, and kayak launch. The scenic drive south from Coeur d'Alene along the eastern shore is one of Idaho's most beautiful. Ice cream shops and a café line the short main street.
This 3.3-mile interpretive loop above Beauty Bay on Lake Coeur d'Alene climbs to panoramic views of the lake and surrounding forest. Interpretive signs explain the region's mining history. The trail is considered moderate and best suited for ages 8 and up with sturdy footwear.
Farragut State Park on the southern shore of Lake Pend Oreille was once the second-largest naval training station in the country and now offers over 80 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails through old-growth forest. A swim beach and boat launch provide water activities in summer.
The University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden in Moscow features over 1,500 species of trees, shrubs, and perennials across 63 acres. Self-guided maps lead families past Japanese cherry trees, native meadow plantings, and a children's discovery garden. Admission is always free.
The Kootenai River floodplain near Bonners Ferry is one of North America's most important habitats for the endangered Kootenai River white sturgeon. A riverside trail at Boundary County Park offers peaceful walking and wildlife viewing. Look for great blue herons, osprey, and deer along the water's edge.
Wallace is the only entire city in the United States listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The compact downtown features Victorian-era brick buildings, the Wallace District Mining Museum, and a manhole cover marking the self-proclaimed center of the universe. Walking tour maps are available from the visitor center.
In the heart of the Silver Valley, the Sierra Silver Mine in Wallace offers hard-hat guided tours through an actual working silver mine. Guides lead families through tunnels, explain drilling and blasting techniques, and demonstrate vintage mining equipment. It provides a vivid window into Idaho's silver-mining heritage.
Round Lake near Sagle is a calm, small lake with a sandy-bottomed swim area perfect for children learning to swim. A 1.5-mile forested trail loops around the lake through birch and fir. Canoes and paddleboards are available to rent at the park office for non-motorized exploration.
Priest Lake in the North Idaho panhandle is a pristine wilderness lake surrounded by old-growth cedar and hemlock forest. Kayak and canoe rentals are available at the state park. Paddlers often spot osprey, bald eagles, and loons on the calm open water. Beginner-friendly and suitable for young children.
Sandpoint's City Beach on Lake Pend Oreille is one of the most beloved family beaches in the Pacific Northwest with a large roped swim area, volleyball courts, and a playground. The lake's remarkably clear water stays swimmable through late summer. A waterfront park path leads to the marina and downtown shops.
Schweitzer Mountain Resort near Sandpoint opens its chairlifts in summer for scenic rides to the 6,400-foot summit overlooking Lake Pend Oreille and the Cabinet Mountains. A network of easy to moderate hiking trails winds through wildflower meadows. Guided nature walks for families run on summer weekends.