Family-friendly
Some of life’s most cherished memories are formed on family adventures. From active pursuits to laid-back encounters and everything in between, Idaho offers recreation and relaxation for kids of all ages and activity levels.
Get Your Feet Wet
With more than 3,100 miles of whitewater, 2,000-plus lakes and approximately 130 soakable hot springs and 63 named waterfalls, Idaho is a playland for water babies, big and small. Pack your itinerary with whitewater rafting, jet boating, fishing, water parks, lake and river cruises or soaking in soothing hot springs.
Scream with Delight
Twist and turn at top speed aboard Idaho’s only mountain coaster or get your heart racing with more than 70 rides, slides, shows and attractions at Silverwood Theme Park—the Pacific Northwest’s largest theme park. Find more wild rides at other amusement and water parks.
Play Cowboys & Cowgirls
Treat yourself to an authentic Western experience at a guest ranch, offering days filled with horseback riding, swimming, hiking, biking, archery, skeet shooting, fishing, campfire cookouts and stargazing. Saddle up at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, Diamond D Ranch, Red Horse Mountain Ranch or other fine guest ranches around the state. Ever wanted to participate in a real horse drive? Experienced riders can herd 40+ horses through the Rocky Mountains of Idaho with Silver Spur Ranch.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Idaho boasts 19 ski areas with 21,000 acres and 29,000 vertical feet. From mom-and-pop ski hills to luxurious megaresorts, the state has it all. But beyond the daytime fun, night skiing has become one of the ways families without deep pockets can readily enjoy the sport. Several resorts offer big fluffy snow and bright lights to ski well into the evening, often for less than $25 a ticket. Top options include Schweitzer, Pebble Creek, Tamarack Resort and Bogus Basin.
Head to the Rodeo
Idaho’s deep-rooted cattle industry has shaped the state’s culture, especially through the sport of rodeo. With over 100 rodeos annually, there’s one almost every weekend in summer. Beyond the arena, Idaho’s Western heritage is visible in its unique clothing and boot retailers, luxe dude ranches and steakhouses showcasing local beef. Rodeo holds special significance for Idaho’s Native American communities. The state is the birthplace of Indian Relay Races, a tradition of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe, originating on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. This thrilling sport is featured at the Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival and the Eastern Idaho State Fair.
Ever wondered why many rodeos are held at night? You can thank Idaho’s That Famous Preston Night Rodeo for starting the trend back in 1934.
A standout event is the War Bonnet Roundup in Idaho Falls—the state’s oldest—celebrating 112 years in 2023 and welcoming 450 cowboys and cowgirls who compete before 15,000 fans.
Explore other memory-making inspiration for your family vacation itinerary.
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