Idaho Falls, located in Bonneville County, Idaho, is a city that attracts tourists visiting adjacent Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks, as well as anglers on the Snake River. The city offers a friendly business environment, low utility rates, and countless leisure opportunities. Its primary sources of income include the high-tech sector, livestock, agriculture, tourism, and the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory. According to the World Population Review, this city has many activities and sights. This article details free activities available in Idaho Falls, Idaho, based on information from provided sources.
Activities for Children
Several free activities in Idaho Falls are suitable for children. A large playground and zoo are located at Tautphaus Park, though it is noted that the zoo requires an admission fee. The Idaho Falls Public Library offers regular free children’s events and is described as a thriving community hub in the heart of downtown, featuring engaging programs and cozy reading corners. The Greenbelt provides miles of paved trails along the Snake River for exploration.
Reinhart Park is a 9.31-acre land with a splash pad featuring 12 different settings, running in three-minute cycles with the push of a button. Children can play on the playground, while teens can use the baseball/softball field. The park also has tables and a gazebo-style shelter for family picnics. Located on Washburn Avenue, it is a place to bring family or friends.
Mel Erickson Sunnyside Park spans 20.38 acres and is one of the ten largest parks in Idaho Falls. It includes a softball/baseball field, two soccer fields, and four tennis courts for children. Some tables are available for picnics with family and friends. The large green grass is perfect for kids and dogs to run around, play soccer, frisbee, or fly a kite. Located on Mel Erickson Sunnyside Park, it is a great place to celebrate birthday parties and enjoy the amenities.
Civitan Park is a 4.22-acre park located on West Elva/Riverside Drive, with an elevation of 1,439 metres and lots of trees providing ample shade. It has a playground for children to swing, slide, and climb on newer rubber mulch, picnic shelters for snacks or lunch, benches to rest, and a baseball field for the whole family to enjoy playing baseball or softball.
Becker Pond is in Ryder Park and is a great place to bring children to learn how to fish or practice casting methods. The pond observes a limit of two fish, offering anglers high catch rates and a delightful experience. Children 12 years old and under are always free to fish at Becker Pond. The types of fish might vary, including bass, brook trout, tiger muskie, and whitefish. Ryder Park prohibits motorized boats, radio-controlled craft, small watercraft, flotation devices, and swimming due to the pond’s small size. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
Outdoor and Scenic Attractions
The Snake River Greenbelt is a paved walking path with picnic tables next to it. Visitors can take in views of a wide waterfall from a railed path, surrounded by rocks, native foliage, and trees. It is located at Idaho Falls City Center, Idaho Falls, ID 83402.
The Idaho Falls River Walk features falls and 14 miles of riverbank. As you stroll the walkway, you can see lots of ducks and geese sunbathing on the lawn close to the river, and you can even feed them. After a leisurely walk, you can rest on the benches and eat at the picnic tables, so it is recommended to bring food.
The Japanese Friendship Garden is located inside Sportsman’s Park and offers serenity amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown. It is a lush garden inviting visitors to escape the chaos and immerse themselves in its serene beauty. You can meander along peaceful pathways and enjoy a moment of calm amidst a garden tucked next to the Snake River. The garden provides beautiful scenery and a cultural experience.
Art and Cultural Activities
Downtown Idaho Falls offers several free art-related activities. The Downtown Mural Walk is a public art walk featuring a gallery of vivid, larger-than-life murals. Each mural is a work of art that brings the past to life right before your eyes.
Free Little Art Galleries are charming, pint-sized showcases offering delightful surprises from local artists. They are a testament to the community’s commitment to celebrating creativity.
The Willard Arts Center Galleries (WAC Art Galleries) in downtown Idaho Falls are a haven for art enthusiasts. With rotating exhibitions featuring local and national artists, they offer a diverse array of artistic expressions. From paintings to sculptures, these galleries showcase the boundless creativity within the community. The centre hosts the work of many communities, groups, and societies of art and has a breathtaking backdrop, populated by statues and artifacts placed on its mountain-side premises.
The Museum of Idaho is another attraction where everyone can find interesting things, whether adults or children. The children have their own reserved area with hands-on exhibits, while adults can choose from any of the more than three permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Markets and Community Events
The Idaho Falls Farmers’ Market is free to browse local goods. It is a bustling market in downtown Idaho Falls where the vibrant energy of the community meets the freshness of local produce. Visitors can savour the taste of farm-fresh goods, handcrafted artisanal products, and the lively atmosphere of this weekly gathering. It is described as a celebration of local flavour.
The Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation (IFDDC) hosts a myriad of community events in downtown Idaho Falls.
Additional Free Activities
Other free or low-cost activities mentioned include the Snake River Greenbelt, the Museum of Idaho, and the Willard Arts Centre. The list from Tripbuzz includes 15 free or cheap things to do in or near Idaho Falls, including 28 different types of inexpensive activities like bowling, movie theatres, other entertainment, and breweries. From the Snake River Greenbelt to the Museum of Idaho, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Idaho Falls and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Rexburg and Ririe.
G & H Paintball Supply & Gamefield sells a full line of paintball guns, equipment, ammunition, apparel, and accessories, located at 2344 Briarcliff Avenue, Idaho Falls, ID 83404.
Conclusion
Idaho Falls offers a wide range of free activities for families, children, and adults. From parks with splash pads and playgrounds to scenic river walks and gardens, there are numerous opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. Art enthusiasts can explore murals, free little art galleries, and the Willard Arts Center, while community events like the Farmers’ Market provide local flavour. The Idaho Falls Public Library serves as a hub for free children’s events and learning. These attractions contribute to the city’s appeal as a destination for leisure without significant expense.