Things to do in Idaho Falls

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by mrauber7

Do you know if the zoo is typically super crowded on the free day? I'm thinking it might be worth it for us to just pay the $14 for my husband and I in order to avoid the crowds, we would like to stroll and enjoy at a leisurely pace And I just looked up the corn maze, that looks like fun but I can't tell if it might be geared towards older children. Does anyone know if that's an appropriate activity with a one year old? Thanks everyone, for your input, we are headed down next Wednesday 9/24 and we can't wait! Might as well try this too, anyone have any recommendations for a hotel with a pool?

The Sleep Inn on I-15 exit 116 (Sunnyside Road) has an indoor pool, just had a look on Trip Advisor and they get good, recent, reviews.

As for how busy the zoo will be, that can be anyone's guess. It's the Saturday one week after Spud Days so that won't be a competition.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by cleosmom

The Sleep Inn on I-15 exit 116 (Sunnyside Road) has an indoor pool, just had a look on Trip Advisor and they get good, recent, reviews.

As for how busy the zoo will be, that can be anyone's guess. It's the Saturday one week after Spud Days so that won't be a competition.

I second what Cleosmom said about searching on Trip Advisor for a hotel. With a one year old you may have different needs than some who visit (laundry onsite, kitchen or kitchenette, crib etc..) don't need. Find two or three that meet your needs and budget. Then ask here if you want.

The Holiday Inn always has families with kids of all ages and breakfast that most like. I don't know how advanced your little one is in diet. I know many if not all Holiday Inns have refrigerators and Microwaves in the rooms. The Hampton Inns have shifted a bit to business travelers more with prices to reflect it. Not sure about LaQuita, but it has an indoor pool and kitchens. Check with one of the lodging websites. I prefer Travel Adviser myself but that is just me. I also agree with Cleosmom about the Sleep Inn. Call them to make sure you reserve a crib or to ask about Microwaves, Fridges etc.

As for your question about the zoo, usually weekdays are less crowded simply because kids are in school. But who knows, some school could have a field trip scheduled that day. It depends on your budget and how long you think your little one can tolerate the zoo before a nap etc. You can always contact the zoo and tell them you're coming from out of state. Ask if they have discounted tickets during the week.

I thought of another kind of funky museum, given what they display. It's called the Collector's Corner Museum.
When I searched for it I noticed it was reviewed on Trip Advisor too. We are discouraged from postings those links here. At Trip Advisor look under attractions or what to do - - I can't remember what their website calls attractions. I saw that Collectors Corner was rated #4. Make sure it's ok for a one year old. http://www.visitidaho.org/m/attraction/?id=31682.

Oh, the Corn Mazes, would probably not be the best with a 1 yr. old. You'd need a stroller given the size and that could be difficult.

Check the weather. It's bizarre. We're going to be almost 90 tomorrow, which is unseasonably warm.

I hope you are getting excited to have a nice vacation.

MSR

[mrauber7]

Great! Thank you. I'm excited to come down and check out the area, and I'm also excited to come back here and let you all know how it was!

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by mrauber7

Great! Thank you. I'm excited to come down and check out the area, and I'm also excited to come back here and let you all know how it was!

That sounds good mrauber7.

I noticed in today's paper the NEW exhibit at the Museum of Idaho doesn't open until a week from today (Sat). I don't know if they will be open the day you plan on visiting or whether you'll still be in Idaho Falls on Sat.

Check with them, as they have great exhibits. It says on their page they are closed until 09/25 to change exhibits.

Just an FYI.

MSR

[Mtn. States Resident]

If your family is still here you got to experience some weather swings. I hope your trip was fun and safe.

MSR

[mrauber7]

So, we only ended up spending 1 full day in Idaho Falls but it was lovely! We stayed at the Best Western Cotton Tree in their king suite for 2 nights, so we had our own full kitchen and 2 rooms. It was very affordable and the staff was pleasant. The pool was great for our little one; his first time in a pool and he loved it! We went to the zoo, it was not crowded and we had a very nice time. Little man loved the peacocks and hens running around and also the petting zoo, definitely a good activity for a 1 year old! We ate at Lucy's NY Pizzeria and we were very impressed! Wonderful pizza, very very friendly staff and a great family atmosphere. After dinner, we walked along the river down to the falls which was a quick walk out the back of the hotel. It was so pretty and the perfect ending to our quick little trip. We decided against a trip to the museum because we didn't think our son has the patience or the consideration for other patrons for that to be a good idea; maybe when he's a little older . We left right before the rain came so our weather was warm, sunny, and beautiful the entire time-a beautiful drive and a beautiful stay. Thank you, Idaho Falls, for having us, and thank you all for your helpful advice!

[cleosmom]

So glad to hear your trip was enjoyable and that the weather held out for you. I don't blame you, the museum isn't really geared at kids your son's age, good choice.

Yes, the staff at Lucy's rocks. They expanded to UT, perhaps they will make it up your way?

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by mrauber7

So, we only ended up spending 1 full day in Idaho Falls but it was lovely! We stayed at the Best Western Cotton Tree in their king suite for 2 nights, so we had our own full kitchen and 2 rooms. It was very affordable and the staff was pleasant. The pool was great for our little one; his first time in a pool and he loved it! We went to the zoo, it was not crowded and we had a very nice time. Little man loved the peacocks and hens running around and also the petting zoo, definitely a good activity for a 1 year old! We ate at Lucy's NY Pizzeria and we were very impressed! Wonderful pizza, very very friendly staff and a great family atmosphere. After dinner, we walked along the river down to the falls which was a quick walk out the back of the hotel. It was so pretty and the perfect ending to our quick little trip. We decided against a trip to the museum because we didn't think our son has the patience or the consideration for other patrons for that to be a good idea; maybe when he's a little older . We left right before the rain came so our weather was warm, sunny, and beautiful the entire time-a beautiful drive and a beautiful stay. Thank you, Idaho Falls, for having us, and thank you all for your helpful advice!

Glad you had fun. The hotel where you stayed is very reasonable and much cleaner than one that is south of it.

Now you'll have more to come back and see. The 4th of July is a very large celebration. As your little guy gets older, check the Idaho Falls Arts Council as they continue to add activities for even 2-3 years old at Roaring Youth Jam (in Aug.) And ARTitorium etc.
Colonial Theater, Willard Arts Center, ARTitorium on Broadway | Idaho Falls Arts Council

Thanks for writing. Other parents will benefit

MSR