Things to do in Idaho Falls Idaho include parks, events, museums, outdoor attractions, and nearby family activities. The city sits along the Snake River, known for its wide, cascading falls. Because of this setting, a walk along the water is often the first stop for visitors.
Idaho Falls also holds a cluster of museums and a small zoo within easy reach of downtown. Meanwhile, the city’s temple and visitor center anchor one of its most recognizable views. Together, these spots make for an easy day of local sightseeing.
The River Walk covers five miles along both sides of the Snake River. Its centerpiece is the man-made falls that give Idaho Falls its name. Walkers, joggers, and cyclists share the paved path past parks and public art. Additionally, the trail links downtown to several of the city’s other attractions.
This downtown museum focuses on the history and science of Idaho and the wider Intermountain West. Rotating traveling exhibits have covered topics from dinosaurs to ancient Egypt. Regional Roots, a permanent exhibit, recreates a 19th-century frontier street. As a result, the museum draws close to 90,000 visitors each year.
Known locally as the “best little zoo in the west,” this zoo sits inside Tautphaus Park. It houses more than 300 animals across roughly 130 species, from African lions to snow leopards. The zoo is run by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Meanwhile, a children’s zoo and seasonal Funland rides round out a family visit.
This museum sits directly on the greenbelt, overlooking the Snake River. Five galleries showcase rotating exhibits alongside a children’s interactive art area. Studio classes and artist talks run throughout the year for visitors of all skill levels. Later, its riverside location makes it an easy add-on to a River Walk stroll.
The Idaho Falls Temple has stood along the Snake River since 1945 and remains one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. Its adjoining visitors’ center is free and open to the public daily. Exhibits include films, displays, and a reproduction of Thorvaldsen’s Christus statue. Because the grounds sit right along the River Walk, most visitors combine the two.
A relaxed Idaho Falls day can begin with a walk along the River Walk toward the falls. After that, visit the Museum of Idaho or The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho downtown. Later, add the Idaho Falls Zoo or the Temple Visitors’ Center for the afternoon. Finally, confirm hours before leaving, since the zoo closes seasonally from November through March.
Idaho Falls offers parks, local events, nearby museums, outdoor trails, and family-friendly stops. Visitors can enjoy riverside walks, a small zoo, and a cluster of museums all within a short distance downtown. Additionally, the Snake River ties much of the city’s sightseeing together in one scenic corridor.
Overall, things to do in Idaho Falls Idaho feel scenic, family-friendly, and easy to plan.