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A little time spent wandering Southwest Idaho and it is easy to see this place is made for family fun. Enjoy our water parks (both natural and man-made), brilliant stars (the sparkly kind that come out at night), and natural wonders (worth a wander) that make it easy for every member of the family to find reasons to smile – yes, even teenagers.

Snake River Birds of Prey: Visit Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey to learn through interactive exhibits and intimate encounters with live birds, including the endangered California Condor, Harpy Eagle, and Aplomado Falcon.

Water parks (man-made): Looking for a way to beat the heat? Head over to Roaring Springs water park where lots of big attractions offer something for everyone.

Biking: Active families love to hit some of Southwest Idaho's thousands of miles of biking trails that weave through the area's foothills and mountains. Those looking for something a bit gentler will find it on Boise's “Greenbelt,” a 25-mile riverfront path.

Rafting: Idaho is home to some of the best whitewater in the nation. And we're not just saying that. The Payette River (both its north & south forks) provide a wide range of fun, from “just-enough excitement” Class II rapids to “that was freakin' crazy” Class IV rapids. Guided trips from a few hours to a few days are available.

Camping: Your options are nearly endless. Some favorites include camping on the shores (a penisula, actually) of Payette Lake at Ponderosa State Park, or at the base of North America's tallest sand dune at Bruneau State Park. You can also find dozens of other options along the Snake River or near Idaho City. For a unique experience, stay at Givens Hot Springs or camp on-site at Starlight Mountain Theatre.

Take a float: We may be known for our whitewater, but Southwest Idaho also offers many flatwater opportunities for those who'd rather chill than thrill. For a wilderness experience, try the North Fork of the Payette River near McCall. The beautiful mountain setting overflows with opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Also Consider

Historic towns: 150 years ago or so, Southwest Idaho had some of the West's great mining boomtowns. You can still explore them today. Walk along historic wooden sidewalks and peek through the bars of the old Territorial Jail in Idaho City. Enjoy a meal in the historic Idaho Hotel in Silver City. Or explore the other “ghost towns” that dot the Southwest Idaho map.

Boating: Slip on those water skis or wakeboard and get out to one of our many scenic lakes, including the ginormous Lake Cascade or the Ponderosa Pine bordered Payette Lake.

Hell's Canyon: Southwest Idaho is your jumping off point to jet boat or raft North America's deepest canyon. Big water. History. Fun.