55 Fun Things To Do In Idaho Falls

by | Oct 19, 2015 | local | 0 comments

Looking for some fun things to do in Idaho Falls?

Whether you’re just visiting, new to the area or an established resident, this curated list will quickly fill up your calendar.

There are plenty of things to do in and around Idaho Falls no matter the season. The list below covers a wide range of activities from family-friendly to adrenaline junky. Everything from walking the greenbelt to whitewater rafting to snowmobiling the Bone Area Trails at 6,500 feet.

To help you navigate this monster list, we’ve broken things out into the following categories:

Summer

Winter

All Season

Each activity includes an image, short description and a link to learn more about each thing you can do in and around the Idaho Falls area. If we missed anything, please leave a comment below the post and let us know.

Enjoy!

Things to do in Idaho Falls in the summer

#1: Walk the beautiful Snake River greenbelt

Things to do in Idaho Falls - walk Idaho Falls greenbelt

Walking, running or biking, get out and enjoy the greenbelt walkways covering 5 miles on both sides of the beautiful Snake River.

Learn more.


#2: Hell’s Half Acre

Things to do in Idaho Falls - visit Hell's Half Acre

Photo by Aaro Keipi: www.aarography.com

Hell’s Half Acre is a 5000 year old lava flow encompassing 320 acres. The geological oddity features ravines, caves, rock formations and hard=packed eroded earth. It was used as the location for the fictional planet of “klendathu” in the movie Starship Troopers.

Learn more.


#3.White Water Rafting

Things to do in Idaho Falls - go white water rafting

Image credit: Southern Idaho Living

Pump up the tube, grab an oar, strap on a helmet and enjoy. People travel from across the world to raft these waters.

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#4. Go off roading on the St. Anthony Sand Dunes

Things to do in Idaho Falls - go off roading on the St. Anthony sand dunes

Image credit: Dirt Toys Mag

Endless off road opportunities, camping and horseback riding across 10,000 acres of sand dunes rising to heights of 400 feet.

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#5. View exotic animals at Tautphaus Zoo

Things to do in Idaho Falls - visit the exotic animals at Tautphaus Zoo

Image credit: Idaho Falls CAB

Lions, leopards, dingos, wallabys and more. Get up close and personal with weird and scary creatures from all corners of the globe at the Idaho Falls Tautphaus Zoo.

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#6. Watch a Chukars game at Melaleuca field

Things to do in Idaho Falls - watch a Chukars game

Image credit: milb.com

Stop by Melaleuca stadium and watch the Idaho Falls Chukars minor league baseball team in action.

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#7. The Cable Factory

Things to do in Idaho Falls - go wakeboarding at the Cable Factory

Image credit: facebook.com

Hit the water at America’s first snowboard cable park, frequented by top amateur and professional wakeboarders from across the United States.

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#8. Hike up to the Darby Wind Caves

Things to do in Idaho Falls - hike up to the Darby Wind Caves

Image credit: rexburgfun.com

A 5.2 mile round trip hike from the trail head is rewarded with fun playing in the caves and spectacular waterfall.

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#9. Mountain Brewers Beer Fest at Sandy Downs

Things to do in Idaho Falls - visit the Mountain Brewers Beer Festival at Sandy Downs

Image credit: utahbeer.blogspot.com

Over 80 breweries, hundreds of beers, live music, a stacked food court and silent auction tent. All proceeds benefit local charities.

Learn more


#10. Slip N’ Slide Party at Egin Lake

Image credit: blog.rexburgapartment.com

Join over 1,000 college students on Egin Lake for one of the largest parties of the summer. Volleyball, skim boarding, music and plenty of slide action to be had by all.


#11. Saturday Market

Things to do in Idaho Falls - go to the Saturday market

Image credit: youridahofalls.com

A great 3 season tradition in Idaho Falls. This open-air market located along the beautiful Snake River greenbelt provides a great opportunity to get and see locally grown fruit and vegetables, fresh baked breads, specialty meats, outdoor decorative items and local musical entertainment.

Learn more


#12. Hit The Links

Things to do in Idaho Falls - go for a round of golf

Image credit: golfif.com

Keep your game sharp this golf season. Choose from several championship courses, including Sage Lakes, Sand Creek and Pinecrest.

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#13. War Bonnet Roundup

Things to do in Idaho Falls - attend the War Bonnet Rodeo

Image credit: idahofallsmagazine.com

Grab a cowboy hat and a pair of boots and make your way down to Idaho’s oldest rodeo. The event welcomes over 300 cowboys and cowgirls every year with 12,000 spectators in attendance. 

Learn more


#14. Live After Five

Things to do in Idaho Falls - Live After Five

Image credit: facebook

Every Wednesday venture downtown for live music, beer and great food.

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#15. Lift off with Idaho Balloon Rides

Things to do in Idaho Falls - hot air balloon rides

Image credit: idahohotairballoonrides.com

Look down on the world in a hot air balloon.

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#16. Attend East Idaho’s Biggest Garage Sale

Things-to-do-in-Idaho-Falls---attend-east-Idaho-largest-garage-sale

Image credit: klce.com

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Come out & shop hundreds of garage sales all in one place. You never know what little gems you’ll uncover.

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#17. Ride the Kelly Canyon Loop Mountain Bike Trail

Things to do in Idaho Falls - ride the Kelly Canyon mountain bike trail

Image credit: Snake River Mountain Bike Club

Enjoy over 5 miles of mountain bike trails ending with a scenic lookout at the top of the mountain.

Learn more


#18. A Mad Dash Through The Tetons

Things to do in Idaho Falls - run in a marathon

Image credit: allevents.in

Starting at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and finishing on the banks of the Snake River, the MAD Marathon will take you on a spectacular journey throughout the valley of the Grand Tetons.

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#19. Gourge at the Annual Scoop Jam

Things to do in Idaho Falls - attend the Idaho Falls scoop jam

Image credit: idahofallsmagazine.com

All-you-eat-icecream, complimentary fun jumps and live music. Enough said 🙂


#20. Visit Mesa Falls

Things to do in Idaho Falls - visit Mesa Falls

Image credit: wikipedia.org

Located right on the edge of Yellowstone National Park, Mesa Falls offers one of the most scenic walks in North West.

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#21. Fly Fishing on the south fork of the Snake River

Things to do in Idaho Falls - fly fishing on the Blackfoot river

Image credit: Big Sky Fishing

Fish for trout on the stretch of river that inspired Norman Maclain to write the Novel “A River Runs Through It”.


#22. Trail hike along the Menan Buttes

Things to do in Idaho Falls - hike the Menan Butte trail

Image credit: americansouthwest.net

Go for a hike on the 2 mile trail at Menan Buttes, two of the world’s largest volcanic tuff cones

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#23. Party on the Banks of the Snake River

Things to do in Idaho Falls - attend the Idaho Falls youth jam

Image credit: photographers.com

The Greenbelt Main Stage will be alive all day with local performers, including bands, choirs, cheer squads, dance groups and anyone else looking for a chance to grab some of the local spotlight.

Learn more


#24. Idaho International Dance and Music Festival

Things to do in Idaho Falls - attend Idaho Falls summerfest

Image credit: idahosummerfest.com

Every summer hundreds of performers from around the world descend on nearby Rexburg to provide an unforgettable dance and music festival. In recent years the festical has featured performers from Russia, China, Peru, Egypt, New Zealand, India and Mexico.

Learn more


#25. Packsaddle Lake

Things to do in Idaho Falls - go for a swim at Packsaddle Lake

Image credit: twotrekkers.weebly.com

Marked by crystal clear water, tree swings and one very creative diving board, Packsaddle Lake is a hidden gem tucked away in the Teton Valley.

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#26. Play Paintball at G&H Paintball Field

Things to do in Idaho Falls - play a game of paintball

Image credit: extraactionsports.com

Grab a group of friends. The person with the least bruises and less paint on them wins in this game of cat and mouse.

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#27. Field of Green Batting Range

Can you handle the fast ball? Put your batting skills to the test at the Field of Green Batting Range.


#28. Harvest Fest

Things to do in Idaho Falls - attend Harvest Fest

Image credit: visitsunvalley.com

In September, vendors from all across the globe will gather here to showcase a wide range of products and services such as bicycles, repairs, running, outdoor, jewelry, sunglasses and more. Decorate a scarecrow, carve a pumpkin or enter the secret ingredient cook-off at Harvest Fest

Learn more


#29. Catch a Flick at the Motor-Vu Drive In

Things to do in Idaho Falls - watch a flick at the Drive-In movies

Image credit: Ron Sayer Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Roll down the windows, hop in the flat bed and enjoy a classic flick under a summer starlit sky. Great fun for the whole family.  

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#30. Hike the paved Cress Creek Nature Trail

Things to do in Idaho Falls - hike Cress Creak Trail

Image credit: idahodownlow.com

Take a 1.25 mile hike along the scenic South Fork of the Snake River.

Learn more


#31. Tour Minnetonka Cave

Tour Minnetonka Cave

Image credit: Flickr

Minnetonka Cave, in beautiful St. Charles Canyon northwest of Bear Lake, offers a half-mile of fascinating stalactites, stalagmites, and banded travertine ceilings. From mid June to October the cave will be visited by 20,000 people.

Learn more


#32. First Thursday Gallery Walk

Things to do in Idaho Falls - First Thursday gallery walk

Image credit: idahofallsarts.org

On the first Thursday of the month from June to October you can view works of art by artists from across the region.

Learn more


#33. Jam out at the Snake River Concert Series

Things-to-do-in-Idaho-Falls---Snake-River-concert-series

Image credit: unitedwayif.org

Enjoy a free evening of music along the beautiful Snake River.

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#34. Visit Stinking Springs

Things to do in Idaho Falls - visit Stinking Springs

Image credit: eastidahonews.com

An outdoor wonderland for ATV enthusiasts, hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, the area receives 10,000 visitors a year. It’s closed seasonally to provide habitat for the critical mule deer population.

Learn more


#35. East Idaho Kid’s Fair

Kids get to meet their favourite Nickelodeon stars, watch singing and performances or jump in the inflatable bounce houses.

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#36. Sandy Downs

Things to do in Idaho Falls - watch the horse races at Sandy Downs

Image credit: bizmojoidaho.com

A great day out watching the horses race at the Sandy Downs Rodeo Grounds

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Things to do in Idaho Falls in the Winter

#37. Bone Area Snowmobile Trails

Things to do in Idaho Falls - go snowmobiling

Image credit: atvwest.com

Enjoy 200 miles of icing fun at an average elevation of 6,500 feet along the famous Bone Area snowmobile trail. Popular trails include Brockman, Long Valley and Skyline Ridge.

Learn more


#38. Go downhill skiing at Kelly Canyon, Grand Targhee or Jackson Hole

Go downhill skiing at Kelly Canyon, Grand Targhee or Jackson Hole

Image credit: Snow King Jackson Hole

Some of the best powder North America has to offer is right at your doorstep.

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#39. Ice Skating at Wayne Leto Ice Arena

Things to do in Idaho Falls - ice skating at Wayne Leto ice rink

Image credit: Snow King Jackson Hole

Put on the skates and get out on the Wayne Leto Ice Arena, the only fully enclosed ice rink in Southest Idaho.

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#40. Christmas on the River

Christmas on the River

Image credit: youridahofalls.com

Visit Santa, participate in the scavenger hunt, watch the spectacular tree lighting display or take a private horse carriage ride.

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#41. Kick off the holiday season at the festival of trees

Things to do in Idaho Falls - visit the festival of trees

Image credit: facebook

This annual event in Idaho Falls features beautifully decorated Christmas trees and performances by community groups. Money raised benefits people with disabilities receiving services through Development Workshop, Inc. The festive atmosphere and fun activities provides a perfect way to kick off the holiday season.

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#42. Fun for all at Heise Hot Springs

Things to do in Idaho Falls - fun at Heise Hot Springs

Image credit: snakerivercommunity.com

Heise is one of the most popular hot springs in east Idaho. Enjoy the large pool, waterslide, picnic area and par 3 golf course.

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Fun things to do year round in Idaho Falls

#43. Grizzlies, Geysers and Buffalo

Visit Yellowstone National Park

Image credit: wikipedia.org

A short drive down the road is the world famous Yellowstone, widely held to be the first national park in the world

Learn more


#44. Explore the Moon on Earth

Things to do in Idaho Falls - Craters of the moon

Image credit: travelblog.org

Craters of the Moon formed during eight major eruptive periods between 15,000 and 2,000 years ago. Brimming with lava beds and underground caves stretching 618 square miles, this site was once visited by astronauts to get an idea of what it would be like to visit the moon.

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#45. Explore 17 Mile Cave

17 mile cave is a large lava tube extended about 1/4 mile. It maintains a year round temperature around 65 degrees, so bring a coat.

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#46. Idaho State Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Freeman Park

Visit the Idaho State Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Image credit: cityose.com

Visit the 24 foot high monument paying tribute to the 251 Idahoans that lost their lives during the Vietnam War.

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#47. Lace ’em up at Startlite Skating

Starlite skating in Idaho Falls

Image credit: local.amazon.com

The indoor skate rink is open year round. Stop by, lace up your skates and enjoy the ride!


#48. Guns-N-Gear

Things to do in Idaho Falls - visit Guns N Gear

Image credit: yelp.com

Guns-N-Gear Sports is a new premier indoor shooting range, fully outfitted retail floor, and training facility. It offers 15 indoor climate controlled ranges at 75 feet and on-site gunsmith. Both static and tactical lanes are available.

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#49. The Grape Van Gogh

Visit the grape van gogh in Idaho Falls

Image credit: grapevangogh.com

The Grape Van Gogh is the ultimate sip and paint art studio. Grab a glass of vino and let one of their atristic team members lead you step-by-step from blank canvas to masterpiece. Perfect for date nights, girls night out, baby showers, bachelorette parties, graduation, retirement, going away parties, office team building and more.

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#50. Colonial Theatre

Things to do in Idaho Falls - attend a show at the Colonial Theatre

Image credit: massvacation.com

Founded in 1919, the historic Colonial Theatre hosts 16-18 performances each year. In 2014, the Colonial Theater hosted over 25,000 patrons.

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#51. Take a Walk On The Wild Side

Things to do in Idaho Falls - visit Bear World

Image credit: yellowstonebearworld.com

Get up close and personal with the region’s Grizzly population.

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#52. A night of laughs at Peppertree Lounge

A night out at the PepperTree Comedy Lounge

Image credit: standupcomedykills.com

Food, drinks and plenty of laughs. A fun night to be had by all.

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#53. Family fun at BlastOff!

BlastOff! Idaho Falls

Image credit: propertyline.com

A ton of family fun! Play laser tag, putt putt golf, rock climbing and arcade games at BlastOff!

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#54. Catch a movie at Edwards

Catch a movie at the Idaho Falls Edwards cinema

Image credit: idahofallscab.com

Edwards Grand Teton Stadium 14 and watch a movie on the big screen.

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#55. Go fishing at Ryder Park Becker Pond

Fishing at Ryder Park

Image credit: bizmojoidaho.com

Rig up the pole, through out a line, sit back and relax. Who knows, you might even snag a big one!

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Conclusion

There you have it – 55 fun things to do in and around Idaho Falls. This list should keep you busy year round. If there are any other unique or exciting things we missed, please leave a comment below and we’ll get it added to the list.

 

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