Best Family Weekend Destinations in Idaho

Idaho's family destinations combine the accessible Sawtooth scenery, Boise's urban amenities, Coeur d'Alene's lake culture, and the volcanic drama of Craters of the Moon and Shoshone Falls.

Coeur d'Alene
North Idaho's premier resort lake — family beach access at City Beach and Independence Point, paddleboard and kayak rentals from the marina, and the Coeur d'Alene Resort's indoor pool. The city's bike trail along the lake (the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes extends 73 miles on an old rail bed), the North Idaho Children's Museum, and the proximity to Silverwood Theme Park (the largest theme park in the Pacific Northwest, 20 minutes north) make Coeur d'Alene the top Idaho family destination.

Silverwood Theme Park (Athol)
The largest theme park in the Pacific Northwest — rides, roller coasters (including the Tremor — consistently one of the top wood coasters in the US), and the Boulder Beach water park. Located 20 minutes north of Coeur d'Alene.

Shoshone Falls and Twin Falls Area
Shoshone Falls (212 feet — taller than Niagara), Evel Knievel's canyon, BASE jumping from Perrine Bridge (viewing is safe and free from the canyon rim), the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail, and the Herrett Center for Arts and Science (planetarium) at College of Southern Idaho make Twin Falls a very full family day trip or weekend.

Boise: Discovery Center of Idaho
Boise's science and technology museum — the Discovery Center of Idaho has hands-on exhibits for all ages, a notable energy and electricity section (appropriate for Idaho's energy-intensive tech economy), and a planetarium. Boise's Julia Davis Park complex (museum, park, the Boise River, Zoo Boise, and the Idaho State Historical Museum) is a full family afternoon.

Craters of the Moon
The lava tube caves (bring flashlights), cinder cone hike, and alien landscape of Craters of the Moon National Monument engage children immediately. The monument's remoteness is an asset — no crowds, no noise, just volcanic geology. The visitor center has excellent Junior Ranger materials.