You only get 18 summers for awesome Fourth of July vacations with your family, so make them all count in Idaho. It’s the ideal destination for family adventure. Hike through a lush pine forest, stroll through a farmers market, or take a scenic bike ride overlooking the Treasure Valley. No matter what you choose, the great Idaho outdoors is the perfect setting to make your family’s Fourth of July one to remember! Stay in a beautiful hotel, choose to go camping, or step up your outdoor game by getting a vacation rental in the woods.
1. Shoshone Falls
Shoshone Falls, located at the edge of Twin Falls, is 212 feet high, making it higher than Niagara Falls! It also offers a great variety of recreational facilities against the naturally beautiful backdrop. Pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the shady, grassy areas that give you a perfect view of the Falls. There are playgrounds, hiking trails, picnic areas, a boat ramp, and a scenic overlook, everything you need for a fun-filled day in the sun. Pack water and snacks, because we’re sure your kids will want to relax, play, and stay all day.
2. Priest Lake State Park
Just 30 miles from the Canadian Border, Priest Lake State Park is nestled deep below the crest of the Selkirk Mountains. Surround yourself with the natural beauty of Northern Idaho with mile-high mountains and the shores of Priest Lake. Pick wild huckleberries, go fishing, hike through the dense cedar trees or just relax on the sandy beach. Priest Lake State Park offers adventure and relaxation making everyone in the family happy.
3. Lower Salmon River
The Lower Salmon Canyon might be Idaho’s best-kept secret, with pure white beaches, warm swimming water, roller coaster rapids, Native American pictographs, ancient Chinese miner rock cabins, and more. This portion of the Salmon River refers to a 2.3 million acre roadless area and the Frank Church Wilderness River of No Return. You and your family can explore the wilderness and really get away from it all. It’s also a great place for camping if you want an alternative to staying at a vacation rental.
4. Lava Zipline Adventure
Exploring Idaho by land is one thing, but what if you could see it from above? Take a tour at Lava’s only zip line adventure and soar 800-1,500 feet in the sky. The total tour time ranges from 2.5 to 3 hours and includes transportation from Main Street in Lava Hot Springs. Once you’re there, the guides do most of the work, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.
5. Swan Valley
The scenic valley nestled along the banks of the South Fork of the Snake River below Palisades Dam is collectively known as Swan Valley. It’s one of the premier tailwater dry-fly fisheries in North America, featuring world-class blue-ribbon trout fishing, but fishing isn’t the only game in town. There are great wildlife spotting opportunities, water sports, and hiking trails.
6. Main Payette River
If you’re looking for an adventure-filled vacation, look no further than the Main Payette River. This classic Idaho whitewater river has plenty of pool and drops rapids ranging from Class II to Class III. Don’t be intimidated because it’s perfect for families and first-time rafters. Bring a bottle of water, a hat, and sunscreen, and get ready to get wet!
7. Western Pleasure Guest Ranch
Hit Idaho’s scenic Northern Panhandle with a stay at the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch near Sandpoint. Let your kids play cowboy while they go horseback riding, fishing, and hiking. Choose from a two-hour guided trail ride, a day rides to a waterfall for swimming, a dinner ride, lessons in the arena, moving cattle, cattle sorting, and arena games.
8. Silverwood/Bounder Beach
The nature in Idaho is a vast playground, but we had to include a theme park on this list of great family Fourth of July vacations. Silverwood Theme Park is, in fact, the Northwest’s largest outdoor theme park with over 70 rides, shows, and attractions, four roller coasters, a steam engine train, live entertainment, restaurants and more. Cool off at Boulder Beach Water Park. Your kids will love it so much, they’ll want to go back next year!
Ready to plan your trip? Check out vacation rentals in Idaho here!