There are so many educational adventures for homeschoolers in Idaho! Of course, there are popular places to go like the zoo, science center, and art museum, but you’ll also find many destinations unique to Idaho. Here are some great ideas to get you started!
Outdoor Adventures
Yellowstone National Park – Drive a little past Idaho Falls City limits and you can see free roaming bison and bears! People come from all over the world to see the country’s oldest National Park located in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. It is a nature adventure your family will never forget.
Craters of the Moon National Monument – Roughly the size of Rhode Island, Craters of the Moon is a preserve filled with young lava flows and strange scenic landscapes. If your children are interested in Geology, this is the perfect place to take them and explore. Their website has some great resources for homeschoolers including free curriculum materials! (Photo Credit: VisitIdaho.org)
Waterfalls – Idaho boasts 8 different waterfalls – the highest at 114ft and the widest at 250 ft. Most of them are located in northern Idaho. Don’t forget to checkout the over 3000 miles of whitewater for unforgettable rafting and kayaking trips.
Idaho Fish and Game – Lots of free and low cost wildlife learning opportunities are offered through Fish and Game. There are 3 centers with lots of hands-on learning opportunities including fishing classes!
Hiking Trails – Teaching your kids perseverance is so important and it’s easy to do. Just go on a hike! There is an estimated 19,000 miles of trails in Idaho for hiking, biking, horseback riding and more. Some popular trails are located in Bonners Ferry, Bogus Basin, Boise National Forest, and the Boise Greenbelt.
Educational Places and Tours
Idaho State Capitol Building – Learn about the history of Idaho’s government through a tour of this historic building. There are guided tours daily and a self-guided tour booklet is available for historical details and a building map.
Historic Silver City – One of the oldest mining towns in Idaho. This city hasn’t changed much in over 100 years!
Crystal Gold Mine Underground Mine Tours – The first hard rock mine in the Silver Valley, this is the only real underground mine tour in the Northwest.
Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center – Take a look at history’s biggest contributors to aviation and modern technology. Thanks to Dr. Forest Bird admission is Free!
The Centennial Observatory – Monthly Star Parties and Astronomy talk nights are hosted around one of the world’s largest public telescopes at the Harriet Center for Arts and Science.
World Center for Birds of Prey – All about conserving birds of prey, the center looks to educate people about endangered birds of prey species and save them from extinction. The campus includes falconry archives, breeding facilities, interactive displays, multi-media shows, and live demonstrations.
Water Treatment Plants – Look up your local water treatment plant to see if they offer tours. Although they may be small and short, these tours offer lots of valuable information about your local environment and the water cycle.
Local Fire and Police Stations – Call your local police and fire station for an educational tour or see when they are having events. Many stations host a yearly event where you can learn all about how they protect the community.
Boise Area Activities
Boise Zoo – My favorite exhibits are the Giraffe Encounter, and Butterflies in Bloom. Make sure you check out some of the unique events and educational programs the zoo offers throughout the year.
Boise Aquarium – We’ve been to the Boise Aquarium several times and it is always enjoyable. All the exhibits can be seen in about 1 hour so it is perfect for younger children.
Discovery Center of Idaho – Enhance your children’s science lessons by visiting the Boise Science Center. All 200 exhibits are hands-on. You can preview some of the exhibits on their website to review those particular science concepts ahead of time. Plan plenty of time for this attraction because you will love it, maybe even more than your children!
Boise Art Museum, Art in the Park – This special event, hosted by the Boise Art Museum, showcases 260 artists, live entertainment, and a Children’s art tent.
Lucky Peak State Park – There are three parks located close to the Lucky Peak Dam. Two of them are for swimming, fishing, and picnics. These parks are connected to the Boise Greenbelt for easy access. The other park is a full-service marina including boat ramps, long-term docks, and equipment rentals.
The Basque Museum and Cultural Center – Many Basque immigrants settled in Idaho after coming to the U.S. from Spain. Visit this center to learn all about Basque heritage and customs.
Boise Environmental Education – Public Works and Parks & Recreation provide lessons, field trips, and more to teach the public all about your unique local environment.
To find even more activities and events look up your local newspaper’s entertainment section, search the Idaho Statesman’s website for “Big Calendar”, or go to KTVB’s event page.
Here are some helpful tips for Homeschool Field trips to keep in mind before you plan on going to any of these amazing places.
Do you have a favorite place you like to go in Idaho?
More Posts in this Series:
Homeschooling in Idaho: Laws and Requirements
Support, Conventions, and Free Resources
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Thanks for the ideas!
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