Planning family vacation with 3 yr old twins- want to check out Idaho Falls and Boise- any recommendations? (Pocatello: hotels)

[meow3331]

We are thinking of planning a week in Idaho this summer with the hope of checking out Idaho Falls primarily as a potential future relocation from Maryland. Is there any place anyone would recommend to stay as a base that would provide something for the kids to see at least one day- relaxing alot is OK too, but I would like to have them see a zoo or animal attraction also.

I have been struggling to find any information on traveling with small children in Idaho at all. We even looked at Coeur d'alene to check that out as an alternative just to see Idaho at all but the information we found was not very helpful.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! This will allow us to check out the area we are interested in so we can think towards the future of raising our kids in a more desirable environment than we are currently in.

Thanks!

[jack7y]

Hello, I'm not from Boise, but you should consider Boise. I've taken a trip there. There's a zoo for the kids in or near downtown. Zoo homepage: Home For you two as parents you could do a little shopping downtown and there are restaurants. I think Boise has a nice downtown. It is a fairly short trip down the street to downtown from the airport and all of the motels/hotels in the airport neighborhood. There's probably hotels downtown too. Since you are thinking summer, he heat is comparable temperature wise to the Midwest and East, but it is not humid and I actually like it much more.

[Torrie]

I've had a lot of clients stay at SpringHill Suites Boise ParkCenter. It's close to downtown and in a safe area, though I will say, just about all areas in Boise are safe. They have a pool the kids might enjoy for a quick dip, if they can. Surf around on the site as I know they list other activities available to you in the area.

SpringHill Suites Boise ParkCenter: Spacious hotel accommodations in Boise

I would recommend visiting Julia Davis Park, which sits between Capitol Boulevard and Broadway Avenue. Nearby is also Zoo Boise, Boise Art Museum and the Discovery Center. The same location will also take you to the nearby Greenbelt which runs along the Boise River.

If you click on the link above, look to the left on the site and then click on the link which says Area Information. Once in there click on where it says Boise City insider. There's information on there for things to do.

Another place that might be neat for the kids is the Birds of Prey Center. Below is their link.

The Peregrine Fund - World Center of Birds Of Prey

[meow3331]

I appreciate the information!

[Jedig33k]

For the Idaho Falls area I would suggest you take the quick drive up to Yellowstone Park, it's a nice drive and the park is amazing if you have never been. There is also a Grizzly Bear Park that you can drive through just outside of Idaho Falls on the way up. Look for it on the left of the highway. You could also stop by the St. Anthony Sand Dunes on the way up and let the kids play in the sand.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by meow3331

We are thinking of planning a week in Idaho this summer with the hope of checking out Idaho Falls primarily as a potential future relocation from Maryland. Is there any place anyone would recommend to stay as a base that would provide something for the kids to see at least one day- relaxing alot is OK too, but I would like to have them see a zoo or animal attraction also.

I have been struggling to find any information on traveling with small children in Idaho at all. We even looked at Coeur d'alene to check that out as an alternative just to see Idaho at all but the information we found was not very helpful.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! This will allow us to check out the area we are interested in so we can think towards the future of raising our kids in a more desirable environment than we are currently in.

Meow,

I have some suggestions for Idaho Falls. You didn't say when you would be there and for how long. There is a thread about various activities in Idaho Falls last summer. That may be useful.

What I would recommend, is contacting two main resources: Idaho Falls Magazine at Idaho Falls Magazine (or looking on line for many links and a calendar of community activities). Also, if you would like a print version of the magazine, just request a complimentary copy.

Depending on when you are in Idaho Falls, there are great summer activities even for 3 year olds. The Arts Council has worked very hard to create the Snake River Roaring Youth Jam, with Art Activities for children of all ages. There are other specific types of camps and activites. This is their link: Idaho Falls Arts Council. The dates are already posted for the SRRYJ for toddlers to teens. There are also other programs as you can see.

The local zoo, Tautphaus Park Zoo, has special programs for little ones as well. Their website is: Parks & Rec - Zoo Home Page. Many are surprised at the variety this zoo has to offer.

And of course the 4th of July is a huge event.

I'd encourage you to search the Idaho thread for the activities of summer, in the Idaho Falls area, some of us posted last summer. One mother in particular wrote about day trips from Idaho Falls (to the Tetons, to Jackson Hole, to Sun Valley or to West Yellowstone among others). She had specific recommendations of snacks, water etc. given the ages of her children.

I hope this helps you plan your vacation better. Just be aware the Idaho Falls Regional Airport is going to undergo a month long runway renovation during a very busy time of year: Sept. If you are considering traveling during that time, and are flying, check with the airline to determine what their specific plans are during that time.

Feel free to PM me about potential hotels that are family friendly in the Idaho Falls area, or if you have other questions I may be able to answer.

Have fun and enjoy seeing Idaho during a beautiful time of the year.

MSR

[IFgirl]

For 3 year olds -- I would not recommend a day trip to Sun Valley -- too far away. IF has a great zoo at Tautphaus Park which also has a carousel and ferris wheel. Be sure to buy some day-old bread and go to the river (which runs right through downtown) to feed the geese and ducks. On the west side of town, Reed's Dairy makes their own ice cream and you can see the cows . If you have bikes and a bike trailer or stroller, bring them as the greenbelt around the river keeps expanding. There is a farm-team for major league baseball. A rubber duck race during the summer, again at the river. We use to take our kids to the drive in movie in our pickup truck and park backwards with pillows and sleeping bags in the bed of the truck. Heise Hot Springs is a short drive north of Idaho Falls and has a hot pool, cold pool, and water slide. There is also mini-golf there. The 4th of July parade is fun, plus the fireworks are AWESOME! There is a museum downtown too. Jackson Hole is only about 1 1/2 hours away and there is a great little "hike" (more like a walk) to Hidden Falls. Hope you go and have a great time!

[IFgirl]

Pocatello (which is about 50 miles south of Idaho Falls) has a great swimming pool with lazy river. There is also a zoo there, but I've never been to that one. There is a replica of Fort Hall -- fun old west stuff.

If you go to Jackson Hole, be sure to stop at the Swan Valley gas station/convenience store (we called it the Commissary back in the day), for square-shaped hand dipped ice cream cones!