Family Travel

Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Idaho with your Kids

“But, Mom, I don’t want to go to Idaho!”� Is that what you would expect to hear from your kids if you told them that was what your plans were for the family’s summer vacation this year? Well, perhaps once they find about the numerous amusement parks, the interesting ghost towns, and the exciting waterfalls that the state has to offer, they’ll quit complaining. Get ready to fill your scrapbook with lots of photographs from your summer vacation to Idaho.



Amusement Parks, Water Parks and Fun Centers

There are more family fun spots in Idaho than you might’ve thought. Those listed on the official tourism site for the state are:

“�� Anderson Camp - Your kids can get a summer camp experience with just a day pass at this indoor/outdoor adventure spot. “�� Boondocks Fun Center - Your basic mini-golf, laser tag, all-day activities spot. “�� Idaho Ice World - Get in out of the summer heat with a day spent at this indoor skating rink and ice center. “�� Raptor Reef Indoor Water Park / Triple Play Family Fun Park - These side by side water and amusement parks offer much for the kids to do, supervised. And they also have spots for you (like the Jacuzzis at the water park). You can stay at the adjacent hotel to make things even easier. “�� Roaring Springs Water Park - Water slides and wave pools are what summer fun is all about. “�� Silverwood Theme Park - This is the big one as far as rides and games go. “�� Sorenson’s Family Fun Center - Boise’s spot for batting cages and go kart racing. “�� Wild Waters - A paddleboat lagoon, a water toy playland and water slides for the kids. Hot tubs for the parents.

Ghost Towns and Gold Mines

You can take the kids on a more historical adventure in Idaho by visiting one of the area’s ghost towns or going panning for gold as a family. Some of the spots that are available to families interested in doing this with their vacation include:

“�� Atlanta - An old mining town where you can see rural Idaho that doesn’t look much different now from what it did back then. “�� Custer Historic Mining Town - A more interactive location where the kids can experience some of the Wild West. “�� Idaho City Historical Area - Take the kids for ice cream cones along the old-fashioned storefront boardwalk of this tourist’s area. “�� Sierra Silver Mine Tour - If the kids are old enough to enjoy going down into the mines, this could be a unique experience for their summer. “�� Silver City Historic Area - This old mining community operates today during the tourist season to give visitors a look at what it was like to live here long ago.

Waterfalls

Believe it or not, your kids can spend all day playing in and around the beautiful waterfalls located throughout the state of Idaho. And you’ll be able to get in some great summer relaxation in these gorgeous nature spots, building up memories as you hike with your kids.

“�� Cave Falls - This one is popular with families who enjoy hiking together. “�� Fern Falls - Short trails and spots good for picnicking can be found in the area around these falls. “�� Mesa Falls - Designed with families in mind, there are lower and upper falls here with viewing platforms and boardwalks to keep everyone safe. “�� Moyie River Bridge and Falls - This is one for families with older kids, because you aren’t likely to want those little ones running across that bridge. As the kids get older though, this beautiful place can be great for memory-making. “�� Thousand Springs - Enjoy swimming with your family here.

Here are more ideas for Family Vacations in Idaho!

Technorati Tags: Idaho, ID, Idaho vacations, Idaho ideas, destinations in Idaho, family travel in Idaho, family vacations to Idaho, Idaho Tourism, travel to Idaho, ID vacations, family travel ideas, family vacations, family travel