Idaho Family Vacations: 25 Fun Things To Do (2024)

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image of Idaho river & mountains with text overlay. Plan exciting Idaho family vacations in this beautiful state! Homeschool, travel, and learn with CaptivatingCompass.com

Are you ready to explore the beauty of Idaho? From stunning mountain peaks to alpine lakes, Idaho’s majestic landscape is ready to be explored! From exciting outdoor adventures to relaxing family activities, let’s explore a list of 25 fun things to do during Idaho family vacations. You are sure to find something both fun and interesting for everyone in your family!

Planning a trip to Idaho? Keep up on the COVID-19 information concerning travel to Idaho here.

Experience Idaho With Kids & Teens

Idaho family vacations are a great opportunity to experience North America with kids and teens. With a wide array of outdoor activities available, you can enjoy horseback riding, hot springs, and more. Get ready to take your family on an unforgettable journey through Idaho! Here are 25 fun things to do that will keep the kids entertained all vacation long. Hit the slopes at one of several ski resorts or explore the great outdoors with hiking and fishing trips. You can also take a guided tour of the Craters of the Moon National Monument, which is sure to fascinate children.

For an idyllic day out in nature, visit Thousand Springs State Park where you can see numerous waterfalls cascading into clear blue pools. For adventure-seekers, take on white-water rafting down the Salmon River or kayaking across Payette Lake.

Make sure to stop by Yellowstone Bear World for an up-close encounter with some furry friends or head over to Silverwood Theme Park for a thrilling rollercoaster ride.

Idaho family vacations encompass everything you need for a perfect trip with your whole family. With an abundance of outdoor activities to choose from, there’s never been a better time to plan a trip to Idaho with your loved ones!

Ready to hit the road and explore Idaho? Buckle up, it’s going to be a wild ride (especially if you forget the snacks).

Exciting Family Fun

Idaho with kids and teens is packed with exciting family fun. There is so much interesting history, art and culture to be found in this beautiful US State. Let the landscape, culture, and richness of Idaho inspire you as you explore Idaho with kids and teens.

Your family will be captivated by all of the history and exciting places to explore and learn about in Idaho. These Idaho family travel destinations are great places to add to an exciting family travel itinerary as you explore Idaho. If you want to road trip or learn virtually, keep reading because you can explore and have awesome adventures in Idaho with kids and teens.

Idaho Family Vacations: Road Trip

Idaho is a wonderful place for a family vacation, perfect for a road trip. Here are some exciting things you and your loved ones can do that’ll make your visit memorable.

  • Head to Lake Coeur d’Alene– this picturesque lake offers plenty of activities, including boat cruises and paddleboarding.
  • Explore national forests- Idaho has several, including the Sawtooth National Forest, which has great hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints.
  • Visit Shoshone Falls – known as the Niagara Falls of the West and for good reason. The falls offer breathtaking views of nature in all its glory.
  • Paddle the Salmon River– experience nature like never before with a rafting expedition along Idaho’s longest undammed river.

In addition to these activities, there are other excellent ways to spend quality time while on an Idaho vacation. For example, Northern Idaho is home to Silverwood Theme Park, which is fun for all ages. Alternatively, head southeast from Boise and visit Trin Falls and Idaho Falls which have various tourist spots like museums and parks.

If you’re after some relaxation instead, forget the hot tub. A great way to enjoy a few favorite things it to consider spending some family time at hot springs like Lava Hot Springs or Challis Hot Springs where wellness therapies abound. Regardless of what you choose to do, an Idaho Family Vacation Road Trip will surely give you a unique experience like no other!

If you’re like me, you may not have a degree in history, but you’ll still want to go back in time to experience the awesome historical sites in Idaho.

Are ready to let your family experience everything Idaho has to offer? If that’s the case, then an Idaho with kids & teens road trip is the perfect way to use the world as your classroom. Road-tripping allows you to explore and experience a place just like the locals. That’s the great thing about road trips (and GPS); you can wander wherever you like. Road-tripping can be such an adventure and a great way to learn.

In our family, road-tripping is a series of car journeys from one destination to another to do a field trip. A 5-day road trip usually means at least three of those days will be filled with activities and attractions. But if you live locally or regionally, you may decide to take that road trip in smaller chunks and plan several field trips around the great state of Idaho. Below are all the resources you need. Included are super fun ideas that will also super-size your child’s learning about US History, Geography, and famous people & places. So have fun using the world as your classroom with intentional family travel. Let’s explore the historical sites in Idaho!

Idaho Family Vacations: Historical Sites & Parks

Experience Idaho’s deep-rooted history at historic sites like Fort Boise or relive pioneer life at the Idaho Museum of Natural History. Yellowstone National Park is just a short drive away, but there are still many more places to explore within Idaho’s borders.

Uncover hidden gems like the City of Rocks National Reserve or spend an afternoon relaxing by the water at Lake Cascade State Park. The opportunities for adventure and relaxation are endless in this great place!

Idaho Family Vacations: Museums, Gardens, Zoos & Aquariums

When planning a family vacation in Idaho, there are endless options for entertainment and education. Visit some of the best places in the state to learn about art, culture, and wildlife with your loved ones!

You may even want to get up close and personal with some exotic wildlife at Idaho’s zoos and aquariums. Nothing says family vacation like staring into the eyes of a shark.

  • Explore the Zoo Boise: With over 300 animals from around the world, including endangered species like the Amur tiger and Coquerel’s sifaka, this zoo is sure to delight both young children and adults.
  • Visit the Boise Art Museum: This museum boasts an extensive collection of contemporary American art as well as a sculpture garden that features works by acclaimed artists.
  • Discover Basque history at the Basque Museum: Learn about Idaho’s unique Basque community through exhibits on traditional dance, cuisine, and crafts at this museum located in downtown Boise.
  • Dive into underwater worlds at Idaho Aquarium: With over 35 exhibits featuring sharks, rays, sea turtles, and other aquatic creatures, families can enjoy hands-on encounters with marine life.

But there’s more to explore! Discover interactive exhibits at the World Center for Birds of Prey or visit Old Idaho Penitentiary State Historic Site to learn about Idaho’s prison history. Looking for some outdoor fun? Take a hike in Sawtooth National Forest or explore beautiful botanical gardens at the Idaho Botanical Garden.

For more options for family fun in Idaho or recommendations tailored to your preferences; consider chatting with locals who know their way around. 

Idaho’s family fun never ends – add these thrilling experiences to your itinerary and make memories that will help make learning history and geography fun.

Idaho Bucket List Activities for Adventurous Kids

Idaho Family Vacations: Add These To Your Itinerary

If you’re planning an Idaho family vacation, make sure to add these exciting activities to your travel itinerary. Your trip to the Gem State is sure to be full of lifelong memories with these fun things to do for both younger and older kids.

  • Enjoy a thrilling day out at the Silverwood Theme Park.
  • Take a relaxing horseback ride through the scenic Sun Valley.
  • Cool off during hot summer days at one of Idaho’s many water parks.

Make sure to check out the other exciting activities available for families in Idaho, such as visiting national parks or exploring local museums that can offer engaging educational experiences.

Idaho offers so many exciting things to do! Museums, outdoor activities, and exciting adventures throughout the state. Are you finding it hard to fit it all in or afford to do it all while you are visiting? Luckily, there are great online resources at many of the museums and parks so you can keep learning about Idaho.

Pro Tip: Plan ahead and book in advance for popular attractions such as Silverwood Theme Park, especially during busy travel seasons.

Idaho Places To Visit For Virtual Travel & Learning

Make the most of learning about Idaho by taking a few virtual field trips and incorporating the Idaho State Study pack into your pre- and post-visit activities. Your kids will enjoy hands-on activities and museums more when they have a little understanding of the people and places they will be visiting. Add in a good book, some digital activities to learn history and geography, and some super art for easy ways to inspire and educate. It’s all in these US State Study resources.

Idaho – Use The World As Your Classroom

The Idaho State Study pack makes it easy for your family to have fun learning about Idaho at home (virtually) or on the road.

Learn About Idaho’s Famous People

  • Gutzon Borglum – Sculptor
  • Philo T. Farnsworth – Inventor
  • Sacagawea – Native American

Learn About Idaho’s Famous Landmarks:

  • City Of Rocks National Reserve 
  • Craters Of The Moon National Monument And Preserve 
  • Nez Perce National Historical Park 

You will also find resources for science, art, and geography to round out a packed week (or longer) of learning resources for kids aged 4th grade to 12th grade.

The Idaho State Study has all the resources in a PDF. You and your kids can pick and choose which ones you want to complete. It is a carefully curated course with separate sections for elementary & middle/high schoolers. There are exciting videos and selected lessons so your family can easily learn online.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Travel in Idaho

What are some fun outdoor activities for families in Idaho?

Some fun outdoor activities for families in Idaho include hiking in the Sawtooth Mountains, whitewater rafting on the Payette River, and camping near Redfish Lake.

What are some family-friendly attractions in Boise?

Some family-friendly attractions in Boise include the Idaho Botanical Garden, the World Center for Birds of Prey, and Zoo Boise.

Where can we go to see hot springs in Idaho?

Some popular hot springs in Idaho include Gold Fork Hot Springs, Burgdorf Hot Springs, and Kirkham Hot Springs.

What are some family-friendly resorts in Idaho?

Some family-friendly resorts in Idaho include Sun Valley Resort, Tamarack Resort, and Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

What are some unique experiences for families in Idaho?

Some unique experiences for families in Idaho include visiting the Craters of the Moon National Monument, exploring the City of Rocks National Reserve, and visiting the Idaho Potato Museum.

What are some fun winter activities for families in Idaho?

Some fun winter activities for families in Idaho include skiing at Sun Valley Resort, snowmobiling in Island Park, and tubing at Tamarack Resort.

Use The World As Your Classroom

Exploring The West?

Oregon, Washington & Montana are exciting stops for families that love to use the world as their textbook. These posts will help you homeschool, travel, and learn together. Have fun! Below are a few more resources to help you use the world as your classroom.

Homeschool, Travel & Learn With The Let’s Study The Americas, the Caribbean, Australia & Oceania Bundle

No more cobbling your curriculum together and hoping it works! Everything you need is included in these World Geography bundles!

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