Fun For Kiddos

Come Out and Play!

You don’t have to go far to find family fun in Southeast Idaho! If you’re looking for a morning, afternoon, or overnight outing, here are some great ideas for you.

American Falls Reservoir

Hook, Line, & Sinker

Have you wanted to take your kids fishing, but you weren’t sure where to begin? The Idaho Fish & Game “Take Me Fishing” Trailer hosts events at local ponds to make fishing easy for you. During the event, kids don’t need a fishing license and can check out fishing equipment for free as long as they sign up at the trailer. Even if you’ve been fishing before, this is a convenient way to get outdoors and enjoy fishing in a low-hassle, fun-filled occasion. Find out when the “Take Me Fishing” Trailer will be near you at IdahoHighCountry.org/cat/fishing. When you’re ready to fish beyond the trailer, take a trip to one of the 31 reservoirs, creeks, streams, and rivers in Southeast Idaho. You can add this to a day of outdoor fun or a weekend of camping.

Zoo Idaho

Cougars, & Elk, & Bears, Oh My!

Get acquainted with species from the Intermountain West at Zoo Idaho. With 25 acres, 30 exhibits, and nearly 100 animals, your family will enjoy seeing indigenous species up close. Watch wildlife others may only see from afar at Yellowstone National Park, including bears, bison, deer, elk, and cougars. Learn more about Zoo Idaho at IdahoHighCountry.org/item/pocatello-zoo.

Lava Hot Springs Olympic Swimming Complex

Get Caught In The Splash Zone

Not only does Idaho have over 30 lakes and reservoirs, but there are also many local swimming pools which provide a fun and safe environment for families. Here’s a list of the local swimming pools you’ll want to check out. Possibly the most popular option, Lava Hot Springs Olympic Swimming Complex has the largest swimming pool in the region, holding nearly one million gallons of water. Its lengthy speed slides over the road and extremely high, 33-foot diving platform attract many visitors from out-of-town. From the shallow end to the 17-foot-deep diving area, this pool offers larger than life fun for the family during the summer. Adjacent to the Olympic-sized outdoor pool is an Indoor Aquatic Center with a kiddie water playground, hot tub, 25-yard indoor swimming pool, diving boards, and poolside rock climbing.

If you are planning a family reunion or want to camp with a pool nearby, Indian Springs is a great option. Indian Springs Resort and RV Park has 200 acres of RV sites, campgrounds, and pavilions. You don’t need to stay overnight to use the swimming pool, making this great for a day trip or multi-day stay. Another pool with camping options is Downata Hot Springs, complete with a large pool, steam pools, and four exciting water slides. If you get hungry, they offer snacks and meals near the pool! Overnight accommodations include an RV park, yurts, tipis, cabins, vacation rentals, and even covered wagons.

Located just five miles north of Preston, Riverdale Resort has four warm pools, including a children’s pool and two waterslides. With a hotel, cabins, RV sites, camping sites, condo, and event center, you can host a family gathering, visit for a day, or stay overnight.

If you’re looking for a pool to entertain children from very young to teens, Ross Park Aquatic Complex in Pocatello has several great amenities, including a 25-yard pool, lazy river, waterslide, activity pool, and zero depth pool. You can also plan a day filled with swimming and a visit to Zoo Idaho across the street.

In addition to a large pool and two waterslides, Malad City’s pool, Le Grande Aqua Plunge, offers water aerobics, lap swimming, mom and tots swimming, and swimming lessons. Open summers, children and parents will have a blast playing at these pools. Learn more about these pools at IdahoHighCountry.org/cat/ waterparks-and-swimming-pools.

Idaho Museum of Natural History

Learn Something New

There are various local museums to delight your family. When the weather isn’t great, or you’re ready for educational entertainment indoors, check out one of these great museums.

At the Idaho Museum of Natural History, you will see fossils of animals that used to live right here in Idaho, including whorl tooth sharks and dinosaurs! Children will get excited about earth and life science with hands-on activities in the Discovery Room. Plus, check their calendar for more events.

Got potatoes? Have fun learning about potatoes that put Idaho on the map at the Idaho Potato Museum. With creative exhibits, a museum shop, and the chance to eat a freshly baked potato on your way out, this museum will educate and entertain. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the iconic giant potato while you’re there.

For a unique experience, check out the world’s only Don Aslett’s Museum of Clean. This 74,000 square foot museum houses a one-of-a-kind collection of historical household cleaning products and accessories that attract visitors from all over the nation. Sprinkled with handson experiences, children will have fun learning about familiar and unfamiliar cleaning practices. Who knows, maybe it will also inspire your children to clean their rooms when you get home?

Go back in time at these two historical museums in Montpelier. Visit the last standing bank Butch Cassidy robbed at the Butch Cassidy Museum. Learn about this historical event and walk where Butch Cassidy walked.

Did you know that the Oregon Trail passed through southeast Idaho? Connect with pioneer history at the National Oregon/California Trail Center with live actors, simulated experiences, and fun dining indoors. Both museums are open during summer months.

You can find more great museums at IdahoHighCountry. org/cat/museums.

Have a Great Time Visiting These Indoor, Family Fun Activities in Southeast Idaho:

The Atrium, Lava Hot Springs

Deleta Skating & Family Fun Center, Pocatello

Geronimo’s Trampoline Park, Chubbuck

Heber Hatchets Axe Throwing, Pocatello

Jump In, Pocatello

Level Up, Pocatello

Malad Bowl, Malad City

Outer Limits Fun Zone, Pocatello

Pocatello Recreation Center Rock Climbing Wall, Pocatello

Pop’n Pins Bowling Alley, Preston

Spare Time Lanes, Soda Springs

Tough Guy Lanes, Pocatello

Learn more about these indoor activities at IdahoHighCountry.org/cat/ indoor-recreation.