Pocatello, Idaho is a bit of a hidden gem. It's a small city that people often drive through or go to for an event but never really get to know. Having just spent two and half wonderful years living there I thought I'd give you some insight into what makes it a really special place and some ideas for visiting Pocatello with kids if you're looking for a little getaway during Spring Break.
Family Friendly Activities:
4155 Yellowstone Ave.
Chubbuck, Idaho
(Inside the Pine Ridge Mall)
Take a look at the cute exhibits and learn more about a visit to Pocatello's newest children-focused museum. It's open 11am-6pm on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Your kids of all ages and abilities will love it!
520 Yellowstone Ave
Pocatello, ID 83201
If you want an absolute blast to the past experience, check out Deleta Skate Rink. It's just like what you remember skating rinks being like when you were a kid. It's run by the nicest
and if you happen to be around on Tuesday you'll have to check out the "Stroll N Roll" time where in addition to skating, kids can ride scooters and trikes and parents can push their babies in strollers around the rink.
423 E Chubbuck Rd
Chubbuck, ID 83202
Do your kids LOVE trampoline parks? Geronimos is Pocatello's best and great for all ages. See here for pricing, hours and specials!
Pocatello is home to Idaho State University and there's actually a few really cool kid-friendly things to do on/near campus:
Bowling - open to the public!
Rock Climbing - we only tried it once but my 6 year old loved it!
Museum of Natural History - in the heart of campus!
Red Hill trail "hike"up to the famous white pillars - we have so many family photos here - it's our favorite little spot. It gives you a great view of the city and is fun for the kids to play "I spy..." - it's definitely steep but YOU CAN DO IT! I did it at almost 41 weeks pregnant with a 10 pound baby in my belly (see the last pic). (And no it didn't kickstart labor like I was hoping.)
Lava Hot Springs:
Just about 30-45 minute drive southeast from Pocatello is a quaint little spot called Lava Hot Springs. (Some locals pronounce is "LAH-vuh" (versus "LAW-vuh") so don't be shocked if you hear someone say that!) There are some "world famous" hot pools and a fun little swimming complex with an indoor pool that's especially fun for kids. I'd say it's definitely worth the drive or overnight stay! I actually just stumbled upon an old blog post from Mo, over at Idaho Bucket List (who gave us the awesome guide to Twin Falls) and thought it was a great review of Lava. Read it here.
Hot Pools:
430 Main St
Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246
and
Indoor Pool:
195 N Center St
Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246
I think the best way to "do" Lava is to get a "Combination Pass" for one entry into the hot pools and all day entry to the indoor swimming pool. That way you get to experience the unique aspect of the famous hot pools and your kids can wear themselves out in the warm, indoor pool. Win-win.
Hours + Rates:
Monday - Thursday (hot pools: 9am-10pm, indoor pool: 12-5pm)
Ages 3+: $11.50 (winter rate)
Ages 2 & Under: $6.00 (includes 2 swim diapers, 1 for ea. facility)
Weekend (hot pools: 9am-11pm, indoor pool: 12-8pm)
Ages 3+: $14.00
Ages 2 & Under: $6.00 (includes 2 swim diapers, 1 for ea. facility)
Wanna grab a bite to eat?
We're pretty spoiled in Boise... there are a LOT of great restaurants and almost every fast food joint you can think of. Pocatello isn't so lucky. But here are a few of my favorite spots:
559 S 5th Ave
Pocatello, ID 83201
In my opinion, CARBS R LYFE and bagels are one of the best. 5th Street has great bagels, spreads and sandwiches along with yummy coffee, tea and boba drinks. If they have the cheddar jalapeno bagel - get it for meeee! My kids love the blueberry bagel with strawberry jelly and I'm a sucker for the "Three Little Pigs" with cream cheese instead of cheddar cheese. If you're a latte lover, the cinnamon toast latte is bomb.com.
Location and hours vary so check their website and find them!
This is my favorite "restaurant" in Pocatello even though it's not a brick and mortar spot. They serve up some of the best food in town. I think we've ordered everything on the menu at some point or another and have NEVER been disappointed. EVER.
305 E Lander St
Pocatello, ID 83201
If the weather is nice, the back patio of Jim Dandy is where it's at! There's usually a yummy food truck (Thanks a Brunch is there on Sundays!), some music goin and space for kids to wiggle a little. It's hard to pick a favorite beer so you can't go wrong with a sampler and the servers are great at making good suggestions based on your taste.
Need a "Special Treat"?
404 W Oak St suite B
Pocatello, ID 83201
An absolute hole in the wall treasure for a cheap $1/scoop dish of ice cream. Make sure you have cash - they don't take cards!
1219 Yellowstone Ave
Pocatello, ID 83201
I'm a bit of a cookie snob. I like the classics and nothing crazy sweet. The Cookie Place is just that - they don't try too hard and are consistently perfect. The sugar cookie is a family favorite but the Snickerdoodle is a close second. Cookies are made fresh daily!
502 N Main St
Pocatello, ID 83204
My kids love love love getting a vanilla, cherry or almond cream soda topped with whipped cream from the Bru House and my husband and I love the coffee drinks. We're always a sucker for the pastries, too. The inside is eclectic and fun and makes for a great mid-morning pick me up or spot to read or play games
502 N Main St
Pocatello, ID 83204
or
435 E Chubbuck Rd
Chubbuck, ID 83202
I had never heard of such a place before moving to Pocatello but if flavored soda drinks are your thing, The Soda Barn is the place for you. They also have really delicious cookies and even edible cookie dough!
If you end up making your way over to Pocatello, let me know! I've got plenty more tips and suggestions up my sleeve. There's so much to explore outdoors if the weather and trails are good! And we've been to almost all of the city parks so if you need a suggestion, holler!
If you've been, is there anything else you'd recommend?