Nothing tames the searing heat of a hot summer day in Idaho quite like a dip in the pool. But if ye olde swimming hole isn’t cutting it, or if you’d like a little more excitement than your backyard kiddie pool and pool noodles are offering, we have the answer! Across the state, exciting water parks and unique water attractions galore offer family-friendly fun with something perfect for everyone. From water slides and wave pools to family-sized rapids, check out what’s on tap this summer at these refreshing Idaho water parks and aquatic centers:

1. Boulder Beach, Athol

27843 US-95, Athol, ID 83801, USA
Boulder Beach Water Park/Google
With multiple wave pools and family rides, this low-key waterpark is made extra special by being a part of the larger Silverwood Theme Park near Coeur d'Alene.

2. Silver Rapids, Kellogg

610 Bunker Ave, Kellogg, ID 83837, USA
Mike U/Google
As the largest indoor waterpark in Idaho, Kellogg's Silver Rapids at the Silver Mountain Resort is perfect for cooling off on a summer day. The endless "Flow Rider" wave will take you straight to the beach, while the North Fork lazy river, waterslides, and more will keep the kids entertained for hours.

3. Lava Hot Springs, Lava Hot Springs

195 N Center St, Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246, USA
Lava Hot Springs Olympic Swimming Complex/Google
Lava Hot Springs is renowned for its relaxing hot pools, but summertime also means the water slides and Olympic pool are open, while the indoor aquatic center is open year-round.

4. Ross Park Aquatic Complex, Pocatello

2901 S 2nd Ave, Pocatello, ID 83204, USA
Ross Park Aquatic Complex/Google
The Ross Park area is filled with plenty of awesome, family-friendly things to do, but the aquatic center at its core is more than a step above your average community pool. A lazy river, zero-entry splash pad, and playground, along with a separate activity pool means your family will have plenty to do to keep occupied!

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5. Roaring Springs, Meridian

400 W Overland Rd, Meridian, ID 83642, USA
Rodney Munson/Google
There's plenty to love about this massive waterpark just outside Boise! Often labeled as the "largest waterpark in the Northwest," Roaring Springs has enough adrenaline rides to give you a rush, with plenty of lounge time available in the wave pool, multiple kiddie areas, and an endless river. Plus... Dippin' Dots and fried candy bars, anyone?

6. Raptor Reef, Hayden

175 W Orchard Ave, Hayden, ID 83835, USA
Ankit Patel/Google
Triple Play Family Fun Zone is aptly named for its three main components: an arcade and bowling center, the central hotel, and the indoor Raptor Reef Water Park. This 25,000-square-foot facility features a wave pool, children’s lagoon, water slides, squirt gun zones, and even jacuzzis for adults.

7. Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center, Moscow

Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center, 830 N Mountain View Rd, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
Jonathan Boulden/GoogleMaps
Moscow's outdoor pool is THE place to play during the hot summer months. With two main pools, a zero-depth entry point, a lazy river, water slides, and multiple spray areas mean you'll never run out of places to play! Large grassy areas also allow for resting in between dips in the pool.

8. Boise Natatorium and Hydrotube, Boise

Natatorium Pool, 1811 E Warm Springs Ave, Boise, ID 83712, USA
SUSAN H/TripAdvisor
Perhaps Boise's best-kept summertime secret, this massive community pool is also home to a water slide, splash pads, play fountains, and pool recreation zones.

Wish you were there, right? Idaho’s waterparks have something to offer all ages – and a little splashing goes a long way toward beating the summer heat!

If you’re looking for more ways to cool off, check out these swimming holes in Idaho. 

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More to Explore

Amazing Attractions in Idaho

William Suphan | June 01, 2023

What are some bucket list natural attractions in Idaho?

Some bucket list natural attractions in Idaho include:

  • Sawtooth Mountains. This aptly named mountain range of jagged peaks juts out of lush forests and looks magical.
  • Balanced Rock. This top-heavy rock is quite a fascinating sight as the bulk of it rests on a mere three feet wide base.
  • Craters of the Moon National Monument. This vast landscape of hardened lava really does look like the surface of a moon.
  • Ritter Island. This island in Thousand Springs State Park is a gorgeous area of cliffs, waterfalls, and mesas.

Find out more about these and other bucket list natural attractions in Idaho. 

What are the most beautiful hiking trails in Idaho?

The most beautiful hiking trails in Idaho include:

  • Roosevelt Cedar Grove. This is an awe-inspiring area of old-growth forest with trees reaching 150 feet in height.
  • Boxcar Bend Preserve. This is a rather popular hiking trail and it’s easy to see why with all the greenery and wildlife.
  • Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. If you’re looking to catch glimpses of wildlife, this is where you want to go.
  • Cougar Bay Wildlife Preserve. This is a gorgeous area teeming with wildlife and includes the lovely Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Discover more about the most beautiful hiking trails in Idaho. 

What are the most stunning natural attractions in Idaho?

The most stunning natural attractions in Idaho include:

  • Hells Canyon. This is the deepest river gorge in the country and the views here are utterly gorgeous. 
  • Beaver Bay Beach. Since there’s no coastline in Idaho, this is the place to go for some time at a beach. It’s simply stunning.
  • Lochsa River. This is wild, rugged wilderness at its best. Rushing rivers, lush forests, and spectacular views are all around.
  • Craters of the Moon Cavern. These caves look like something from another world. They even have skylights!

Learn more about the most stunning natural attractions in Idaho. 

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