If Idaho wasn’t the Gem State, it would surely be dubbed the Hot Springs State. With more than 300 natural hot springs dotting Idaho’s terrain, there are truly hundreds of opportunities to experience the geothermal wonders of Idaho. For families on the go, there are plenty of options to take a soak in the more developed hot spring destinations that don’t require a hike and offer some of the added comforts of home. Treat the kids to an unforgettable trip at one of these Idaho hot springs.
1. The Springs, Idaho City
Idaho City’s hot springs retreat, The Springs, features a geothermal pool and hot tub with all the relaxing resort amenities plus some—like kid-friendly snacks and complimentary sunscreen, towels, life vests and swim diapers. Every Sunday is family day at The Springs, with special pricing for families and pool toys galore. Reservations prior to arrival, which can be made online, are required.
2. Gold Fork Hot Springs, Donnelly
Gold Fork Hot Springs is perfect for families looking for a natural hot springs experience with the comforts of a permanent pool. Gold Fork has six pools of varying temperatures, plus a sandy pool for the kids to enjoy. The sidewalks are also heated by the geothermal waters, making for a warm weekend getaway during a cool Idaho fall.
3. Mundo Hot Springs, Cambridge
Located three miles north of Cambridge, Mundo Hot Springs is a one-stop-shop for road-tripping families. With a geothermal pool and hot tub, a bistro and multiple lodging options, Mundo Hot Springs is prepped and ready for a family getaway. The on-site poolhouse can sleep up to seven and allows private, after-hours access to the pool and spa, or bring your RV or tent and set up camp right outside the pool area. Campers receive discounted admission and easy access to the Weiser River Trail.
4. Miracle & Banbury Hot Springs, Buhl
Miracle Hot Springs offers 15 private hot pools, six VIP pools for larger groups and four outdoor public pools. For a multiday stay, Miracle Hot Springs has numerous options, including private and group camping domes and several RV and tent camping sites.
Just 1.5 miles east of Miracle Hot Springs, Banbury Hot Springs has a large geothermal pool, private mineral pools and private jacuzzi pools. Lodging is available in a condo, cabin, bunk house or at one of several RV or tent sites. Banbury Hot Springs has direct access to the Snake River and offers canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals.
5. Lava Hot Springs Hot Pools, Lava Hot Springs
Lava Hot Springs has got it goin’ on when it comes to family fun. Open 365 days a year, the five outdoor hot pools range in temperature between 102° F and 112° F. Wednesday is family day, when a family of four can access the hot pools for less than $20. While there is no lodging or camping on-site, there are a number of lodging options within walking distance of these hot pools.
6. Downata Hot Springs, Downey
This 100-year-old hot springs ranch knows a thing or two about family adventures. Downata Hot Springs has a large hot pool complete with three slides, a water playground, two tube slides, a sauna and a hot tub. You’ll also find a volleyball court, horseshoes, playground and snack bar in addition to multiple lodging options. The kids will surely be warm, happy and tuckered out after a day at Downata Hot Springs.
7. Maple Grove Hot Springs, Thatcher
Resting alongside the Oneida Narrows Reservoir, Maple Grove Hot Springs is a beautiful spot to immerse yourself in the essence of Idaho. Soak in the steaming mineral water in one of three permanent hot pools or cool off with a dip in the swimming pool, all of which overlook the reservoir. There are various picnic areas dotting the property, as well as showers, changing rooms and a snack bar.
8. Indian Springs, American Falls
Indian Springs is nestled in the Salmon–Challis National Forest just outside of American Falls. The Olympic-sized swimming pool is a lovely 90° F and is surrounded by lush landscaping, grassy fields, creeks and 125 RV and camping sites. A nearby day hike along the Snake River helps make this perfect for a family adventure.
9. Heise Hot Springs, Ririe
Heise Hot Springs offers much more than a simple soak. There are two main pools—a natural mineral hot spring pool and a slightly cooler and shallower warm pool. The summer pool, open Memorial Day through Labor Day, is a great place to cool off and enjoy the 350-foot waterslide. Visitors looking for other activities will enjoy the zipline tour and nine-hole golf course. A pizza parlor and on-site RV and tent camping make Heise Hot Springs an ideal multiday getaway.
10. Mountain Village Resort, Stanley
Mountain Village Resort offers resort guests access to one of the most lavish hot springs experiences in Idaho. Filled by a nearby natural hot spring, the man-made pool is situated in a cozy log structure overlooking Valley Creek and the incredible Sawtooth Mountains. Therapeutic water and fresh mountain air, coupled with the luxury of privacy, make for a dreamy Idaho experience.
Bonus Year-Round Water Adventures
Raptor Reef Indoor Water Park at Triple Play, Hayden
Swimming and soaking in Idaho isn’t limited to hot springs. Triple Play Family Fun Park’s year-round indoor water park, Raptor Reef, is the perfect way to cool down and chill out after a long day at the amusement park. The 25,000-square-foot facility has a wave pool, waterslides, children’s lagoon and a two-story play structure decked out with slides and squirt guns galore.
Silver Rapids Indoor Water Park at Silver Mountain Resort, Kellogg
Make a splash during your next stay at Silver Mountain Resort with a fun time at Silver Rapids Indoor Water Park. Water park admission is included with a room reservation, so resort guests can boogie board on a continuous wave, float around on the lazy river, warm up in the heated tub or test their balance on the floating obstacle course. The whole family can get a thrill on the Moose Sluice family raft ride, and the littlest visitors can splash through the interactive spray park, Pollywog Pond and Minor’s Island.
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Updated on March 20, 2024
Published on October 3, 2017
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