The US state of Idaho has abundant and diverse fun, including theme parks, wildlife safaris, healing hot springs, and historic locations. You'll find all kinds of excitement for just about anyone, from couples on a honeymoon to families enjoying a get-together. 

Idaho has a mountainous landscape, with acres of protected wilderness. Plenty of outdoor activities away in notable landmarks like the Rocky Mountain, Shoshone Falls Park, and the Boise River. Embark on a fun-filled holiday with our list of Idaho's most popular activities and attractions. 

What are the best things to do in Idaho?

  • 1

    Lava Hot Springs

    Reset in a natural mineral pool

    Lava Hot Springs
    • Adventure
    • Couples

    Lava Hot Springs is an Idaho resort city where you can enjoy a wide range of attractions, the most popular of which is a natural mineral pool. The hot spring has soothing therapeutic and healing properties, making it a great way to relax and recharge your batteries. 

    Lava Hot Springs has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a full waterpark with slides. You can also enjoy outdoor recreation at a wealth of nearby parks, explore historic sites, and walk along the shores of a mountain lake in Bannock County.

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    photo by fishermansdaughter (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 2

    Lake Coeur d'Alene

    Where you can enjoy a modern city and natural landscape

    Lake Coeur d'Alene
    • Adventure
    • Photo

    Lake Coeur d'Alene in North Idaho is a dam-controlled lake that's 25 miles long, with the city of Coeur d'Alene at its northern end. This massive yet peaceful spot offers plenty of recreational opportunities, such as fishing, kayaking, and watersports. 

    You can head to the city for fantastic dining, shopping, and nightlife options, as well as all of the amenities you could want from an urban holiday. It's the best of all worlds – modern excitement paired with photo opportunities only a natural lake can provide.

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  • 3

    Idaho Botanical Garden

    Walk the trails at this vibrant and colourful garden

    Idaho Botanical Garden
    • Couples
    • Families

    The Idaho Botanical Garden is a picturesque spot in Boise. While the nonprofit garden was founded in 1984, it served as the Old Idaho State Penitentiary's farm and nursery until 1973. You can stroll along serene paths that overlooking hundreds of plant species with their natural scents perfuming the air, 

    Surrounded by bursts of colour, the Idaho Botanical Garden makes a great backdrop for events throughout the year. It's an ideal escape for just about anyone, especially couples and families in Idaho's capital city. 

    Location: 2355 N Old Prison Rd, Boise, ID 83712, USA

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 7 pm

    Phone: +1 208-343-8649

    Map
  • 4

    Museum of Clean

    A quirky spot to know about cleanliness

    Museum of Clean
    • History
    • Unusual

    The Museum of Clean is one of Idaho's quirky places, as it's dedicated to the value of hygiene. The complex encompasses 74,000 sq ft of gallery space, using many different types of displays, artwork, and exhibits to exemplify the idea and value of clean. 

    Many of the exhibits are hands-on, all offering a fun, educational, and interesting look at the very idea of cleanliness. There's even a display of 250 pre-electric vacuums.

    Location: 711 S 2nd Ave, Pocatello, ID 83201, USA

    Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)

    Phone: +1 208-236-6906

    Map
  • 5

    Silverwood Theme Park

    Have fun at one of Idaho's largest amusement parks

    Silverwood Theme Park
    • Adventure
    • Couples
    • Families

    The Silverwood Theme Park, founded in 1988, is the largest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. The park offers more than 70 rides, including roller coasters, whitewater raft rides, and bumper cars, as well as the adjacent Boulder Beach Water Park.

    You'll also find dozens of classic amusement park and carnival games. Feeling peckish? Food vendors have just about every type of snack you could want, from fries and burgers to candy floss and funnel cakes. The Silverwood Theme Park is in the city of Athol, around 32.2 miles northeast of Spokane Valley.

    Location: 27843 US-95, Athol, ID 83801, USA

    Open: Friday–Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm, Sunday–Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm

    Phone: +1 208-683-3400

    Map

    photo by Jeff Pittman (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 6

    Route of the Hiawatha

    Cycle along this 15-mile route

    Route of the Hiawatha
    • Adventure
    • Photo

    You'll definitely want to tackle the Route of the Hiawatha if you're looking for an outdoor adventure in Idaho. This bike trail takes you on a 15-mile journey of lush and green natural surroundings. There are also viewpoints with panoramic views that make for excellent photo opportunities.

    It's a challenging track converted from old railway tracks, going through 9 tunnels and over 7 trestles of varying heights. See an astounding variety of landscapes and terrain, while getting in some exercise during your holiday. 

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  • 7

    Yellowstone Bear World

    Join an American safari to see grizzlies and black bears

    Yellowstone Bear World
    • Adventure
    • Families

    Yellowstone Bear World is a wildlife park in Madison County that offers plenty of fun for all ages. It's most famous for its drive-thru wildlife safari, which takes you to see animals roaming freely in their natural habitat. Some of the park's most popular residents include black bears and huge grizzlies. 

    Yellowstone Bear World has a petting zoo where your kids can feed various farm animals. Between spring and fall, there are theme park-like rides to enjoy at the wildlife park. 

    Location: 6010 S 4300 W, Rexburg, ID 83440, USA

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm

    Phone: +1 208-359-9688

    Map

    photo by Sayjinlink (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 8

    Warhawk Air Museum

    See historic fighters and military craft

    Warhawk Air Museum
    • History

    The Warhawk Air Museum is a great attraction for fans of aviation and military history. The museum offers dozens of real planes and artefacts, along with interactive exhibits on important wars and modern aircraft. 

    You can see real, historic warbirds up close and even get a look at the personal items of soldiers who fought in WWI, WII, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War. It's all on display to educate and entertain those interested in the technology that played a role in these conflicts and the sacrifices made by pilots seeking to serve their country.

    Location: 201 Municipal Dr, Nampa, ID 83687, USA

    Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Phone: +1 208-465-6446

    Map

    photo by Tamanoeconomico (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 9

    The Wolf Centre

    Learn about grey wolves at this research centre

    The Wolf Centre
    • Adventure
    • Families
    • Photo

    The Wolf Centre is a nonprofit research centre dedicated to the grey wolf and its habitat. Located in Winchester, it's a great place to learn about conservation efforts related to these majestic creatures. You'll be able to walk through enclosures where wolves are kept and see them close up. 

    Join a tour of the facility to discover the life cycle and ecology of the wolves. The centre aims to dispel some of the many myths surrounding the wolf. If you're passionate about nature or interested in wolves and their relationship with humans, the Wolf Centre is a must-visit. 

    Location: 518 Joseph Ave, Winchester, ID 83555, USA

    Phone: +1 208-924-6960

    Map
  • 10

    Roaring Springs Waterpark

    Hit the waves and slides

    Roaring Springs Waterpark
    • Adventure
    • Families

    Roaring Springs Water Park has something to thrill and entertain the entire family. Located in Meridian, this theme park offers a wave pool, a lazy river area for quiet and relaxing rafting, waterslides of different lengths and speeds, and a refreshment section where you can grab a snack. 

    Seasonal passes are available if you want to go more than once on your trip. You can check out the neighbouring Wahooz Family Fun Zone and Pinz Bowling Centre, thanks to a walkway connecting the theme parks.

    Location: 400 W Overland Rd, Meridian, ID 83642, USA

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 3 pm to 8 pm, Friday from 3 pm to 10 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm

    Phone: +1 206-884-8842

    Map