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Are you and your family planning to spend some time in Idaho soon? Maybe you plan to enjoy one of its many lakes or hiking trails on your trip. No matter where you are in the great state, you will surely find family-friendly activities. If you need help finding fun day trips on your next visit, there’s plenty to do in the Gem State.
1. National Oregon/California Trail Center
Take a step back in time at The National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier. The center is on the same route the pioneers took on their journey to the West Coast. Kids can learn about these travelers’ trials and tribulations with interactive exhibits and live reenactments.
2. World Center for Birds of Prey
This sanctuary for birds of prey is just a short drive south of Boise. At the center, visitors can get up close and personal with some of the best predators of the sky. The center houses many species of owls, eagles, hawks, and California condors. If you’re lucky enough to visit in the fall, you can watch these raptors show off their aerial flight skills right before your eyes.
3. Warhawk Air Museum
This aviation museum in Nampa has a vast collection of airplanes from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Visitors will learn how the brave men and women helped advance aviation technology over the years. In the 40,000-square-foot museum, you’ll find two of only a few remaining Curtiss P-40 World War II fighter airplanes and an extremely rare P-51C razorback Mustang fighter airplane, among other flying relics.
4. Go Tubing
USA Today recently voted the Portenuf River in Lava Springs as the number one tubing river. You can bring your own tube or rent one from the many vendors and go for a fun-filled adventure. What better way to enjoy the fresh air with your family than floating down a relaxing river? The trip takes about a half hour, but shuttles will take you to the start so you can do it all over again!
5. Idaho State Museum
The Idaho State Museum in Boise provides an entertaining experience for families of all ages. Visitors learn about the history of the state, its land, and its native inhabitants. With over 500 artifacts and a dozen multimedia displays, you’ll feel like an expert on all things Idaho after a quick visit.
6. Zoo Boise
Zoo Boise is located in Julia Davis Park, home to over 300 animals. The zoo recently expanded with a replica of Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique, Africa, where 20 different species are housed. Kids will love learning about and observing majestic animals like Amur tigers, giraffes, African lions, hyenas, zebras, warthogs, servals, leopards, and other native African animals.
7. Hang out at Jump
Jack’s Urban Meetup Place, or JUMP, has quickly become a go-to place for families with younger kids in Boise. The center has multiple slides, a three-story net climbing structure, a splash pad, a colorized water fountain, basketball courts, and yard games like giant Jenga and corn hole. Kids will love all the activities and new friends they meet at this fun-filled play place.
8. Boise Whitewater Park
Would you believe me if I told you Boise was a hot spot for avid surfers? It’s true! The Whitewater park makes a riptide in the river, creating a perfect opportunity for surfers to shred some waves. Enjoy the show these surfers and kayakers put on while trying to keep their balance in the water. Are you up for the challenge? Grab a board and jump in to see if you can hang ten.
9. Eagle Island State Park
Just outside of Boise is this vast outdoor recreational area. The park has many beaches, horseback and biking trails, a disc golf course, and grassy areas to set up for a picnic. During the summer, the city puts up floatable water slides; in the winter, there are various hills for snow tubing.
10. Old Idaho Penitentiary
The Old Idaho Penitentiary once housed some of the Old West’s most feared and dangerous criminals. This unique tour will give your kids a glimpse of life in an old jail cell. Prison experts are available to teach visitors about the history of jailbreaks and scandals the old prison experienced, as well as artifacts from some of the most notorious criminals of the time.
11. Craters of the Moon National Monument
Craters of the Moon National Monument is home to three major lava fields, including one of the world’s most prolific rifts in the Earth’s crust. The 800-foot rift open rip in the Earth’s surface due to the active volcanism. You will feel like you are exploring this park in a whole new universe, even though it is a short day trip from Boise or Idaho Falls.
12. Perrine Bridge
At first glance, Perrine might just look like another bridge providing a way for people to cross over the Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls. But there is so much more to it than that. Many people come for the insane views of the river, lakes, and waterfalls, while others hang out, hoping they can see some base jumpers test fate and jump off the bridge. It is a famous jumping spot, so you are likely to catch a glimpse of these daredevils.
13. Mesa Falls
The beautiful waterfall at Mesa Falls is on the Henrys Fork in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest in Ashton. This easy two-mile out-and-back hike will bring you as close as safely possible to the 114-foot tall, 200-foot-wide rushing cascade of water. Get your cameras ready; this is one of the prettiest sites in Idaho.
14. Raptor Reef Indoor Water Park
If you want to cool off and enjoy some fun in the water, you might want to check out Raptor Reef Water Park in Hayden. Their indoor facilities make it perfect for year-round fun. There are many slides for the daredevils, wave pools, and a separate area for kids three and under. The park is ideal for the entire family; you’ll look like the hero taking them there.
15. Idaho Potato Museum
How can you leave the potato capital of the United States without stopping at the Idaho Potato Museum? Visitors can learn the history of potato farming in Idaho, the growing process, nutritional value, and new technologies used to harvest these delicious vegetables. Head up to Blackfoot for your family picture in front of their giant potato and pay homage to the vegetable that gave us french fries.
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