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Family Things to Do in Idaho Falls: 3-DAY ITINERARY

Plan a fun-filled family trip to Idaho Falls with this 3-day itinerary — museums, a zoo, vintage rides, a river walk, and a stop at Reed’s Dairy petting farm

Family Things to Do in Idaho Falls:
3-DAY ITINERARY

Idaho Falls packs a surprising amount of family fun into a walkable, easy-to-navigate city — think hands-on museums, a zoo full of free-roaming peacocks, vintage carnival rides, and a river walk made for lazy evening strolls. Here’s how to spend three perfect days here with the kids.

At a Glance

Length: 3 days / 2 nights
Best for: Families with kids of all ages
Best season: Spring through fall (Reed’s Dairy petting zoo and Greenbelt biking are best when it’s warm)
Pace: Easygoing — most stops are within a few minutes of each other

Museums, Fish, & Falls

Morning: Museum of Idaho

Start at the Museum of Idaho, where a dedicated kids’ play area and rotating hands-on exhibits keep young ones busy for a solid two hours. It’s engaging without feeling like a “quiet museum voice” kind of day.

Afternoon: East Idaho Aquarium

Head to the East Idaho Aquarium next. Feed tokens let kids get up close with stingrays, sturgeon, and a very friendly raccoon.

Pro tip: Go earlier in the day — the animals (and the feed supply) are more active before the afternoon crowds.

Evening: Sunset on the Greenbelt

Wind down with a stroll along the Snake River Greenbelt as the falls catch the evening light. It’s flat, stroller-friendly, and a favorite local golden-hour spot.

Where to Eat

Grab dinner at Bacon and Bleu Family Restaurant. The namesake Bacon and Bleu burger and a classic patty melt are crowd-pleasers. Don’t skip the skookie — a warm skillet cookie — for dessert.

Zoo Days & Old-Fashioned Fun

Morning: Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park

The zoo is compact and easy to navigate, and famous for its free-roaming peacocks that wander right up to visitors. Budget about two hours to see the primates and big cats.

Midday: Funland

Right next door, Funland is a delightfully old-school amusement park with restored vintage rides — a carousel, mini train, and Ferris wheel — all for a flat $15 wristband with no lines.

Afternoon: Japanese Friendship Garden

Cool off with a peaceful walk through the Japanese Friendship Garden, tucked right along the Greenbelt. Keep an eye out for marmots along the water.

Where to Eat

For lunch between stops, swing by Abracadabras, a beloved local breakfast-all-day spot. The French toast, Hawaiian omelette, or a simple grilled cheese with tomato basil soup are easy wins for picky eaters.

Pedal, Play, & Sweet Treats

Morning: Snake River Greenbelt Bike Ride

Rent bikes or scooters and take the family for a ride along the Greenbelt — a flat, scenic 2–5 mile loop with plenty of spots to stop for photos.

Midday: Reed’s Dairy

This is the highlight you didn’t know you needed. Reed’s Dairy is a working dairy farm with a petting zoo on site — kids can meet the farm animals before digging into rich, locally made ice cream (huckleberry is a fan favorite).

It also doubles as a great low-cost lunch stop, with grilled cheese, chili, and other simple hot food options alongside the ice cream counter.

Afternoon: Collectors Corner Museum

Duck into the quirky, one-of-a-kind Collectors Corner Museum, packed with toys, memorabilia, and stories from the charming owners — a great rainy-day backup too.

Late Afternoon: Giant Eagle Waterfall Nest

Snap a family photo at this whimsical waterfall-and-eagle-nest fountain, tucked into a downtown roundabout.

Where to Eat

Close out the trip at Off The Rails Cafe. The beef tallow fries are a standout, and the in-house pool table gives the kids something to do while the adults finish their meal.

Ready to plan your family trip? Idaho Falls has lodging for every style and budget — from riverfront hotels within walking distance of the Greenbelt to family suites just minutes from the Zoo and Funland. [Browse Idaho Falls hotels and places to stay]

Explore more of the region with Yellowstone Teton Territory — and don’t miss our Couples Getaway Itinerary for your next trip without the kids.