Ready to make the most of your vacation in Lava Hot Springs Idaho? From cruises down the Portneuf River to soaking in the surrounding natural hot springs, here are some must-do activities during your time there.
Planning Your Trip
Lava Hot Springs Idaho is the perfect getaway for all ages! We had children and teens with a 6 year age gap in between. It is not easy to plan vacations everyone loves and this was THE perfect trip!
Location
Lava Hot Springs is located about two hours outside of Salt Lake City Utah and approximately three hours away from Yellowstone Park. It is a located about an hour and a half hours from Idaho Falls Idaho and thirty minutes from Pocatello Idaho.
Lava Hot Springs has approximately 500 residents that live there. The town works hard to maintain a small town appeal while offering a variety of lodging and activities for families. You won't find chain restaurants, grocery stores, or fast food here. Everything is local and small business.
Food
There are plenty of delicious places to eat! You will find lot's of different places from quick eateries to sit down restaurants. There are lot's of food allergy friendly places to eat. The only thing you won't find in Lava Hot Springs Idaho are national fast food chains and eateries.
Activities
There are lot's of fun activities that you can do in Lava Hot Springs Idaho! Here are just a few:
- Float the Portneuf River: Get the shuttle, especially if you have children and teens it makes it so much more enjoyable!
- OIympic Water Park: The Lava Hot Springs Olympic water park is a very popular place for families of all ages to go. There are four diving boards (two low and two high dive), and platform diving too (low, middle and high). There are also four water slides and plenty of places for families to lay out or swim in the water. A kiddie pool is also included.
- Lava Hot Springs Pools: Unwind and relax in Lava Hot Springs' world-famous natural hot springs. These geothermal pools come in both public and private varieties, ranging from 88°F to 112°F of wonderful warmth. Soak your worries away while you enjoy the brilliant panoramas of the mountainside!
- Main Street: Lava Hot Springs also has some fun little shops that you can spend some time popping in and out of along Main Street. It's a great little adventure to find souvenirs and hop in and out of some of the specialty shops. you can even let the older kids try out renting scooters for a fun adventure and there is even an arcade bar!
- Go Kart Racing: Check your speed and enjoy some fabulous go kart racing!
- Zip Lining: Enjoy the thrill of racing over Lava Hot Springs Idaho on zipline!
- Baker Ranch: Located just outside Lava Hot Springs, you can enjoy fun winter adventures like fat bike cycling to summer chuckwagon dinner and hayrides!
Activities Right Outside of Lava Hot Springs
There are also some fun activities located right outside of Lava Hot Springs Idaho! Here are a few:
- Soda Springs: Located just outside Lava Hot Springs, Soda Springs is home to a giant geyser. While there, don't forget to stop at Hooper Park.
- Chesterfield: Visit an old ghost town in Chesterfield, Idaho. Learn ,more about early pioneerhood while visiting this family friendly establishment.
FAQ
We really would recommend this as a 2 to 3 day getaway. At the most maybe a week long stay.
There are a variety of different hotels and home rentals in the area. Staying along Main Street puts you right in the heart of the city and within walking distance of almost everything! Parking in the summer can be difficult to find depending on the time of the day. We stayed at a home close to Main Street called George & Lola's Place.
Zoe
It's too bad the Riverwalk Thai Cafe wasn't mentioned! I've been eating there since I was a little kid. Their spring rolls, cashew chicken and rice, and meat satay are super kid friendly. As an adult, I've never gotten a dish I didn't enjoy. It's the best Thai food I've ever had in my entire life!
burntapple
I've never been but will definetely have to try it next time I'm there. Thanks for the suggestion!