Lava Hot Springs, Idaho Family Guide
Lava Hot Springs - Hot Pools on Main Street
Know Before You Go
Lava Hot Springs is busiest during their summer season for river activities. These peak times do make it harder to book, so plan ahead if that is your time frame for travel. The hot springs are open year round though, and from our experience, this is a great stop during the off-season, even in winter. However, during off-season some things may be closed or only available during limited hours.
It is a 4 hour drive from Boise and a 2.5 hour drive from Salt Lake City. SLC is the nearest major airport for flying in, so expect to rent a car and drive.
The drive to Lava is beautiful, green, and mountainous. Expect road construction during the early end of the season as they repair from winter conditions.
Where To Stay
Lava Landing - Escape & Stay Rental
The rental home we stayed at was in a great location; we were walking distance to most everything. However, its no longer available for rent anywhere I could find, but there are a plethora of Airbnb home rentals available in Lava Hot Springs that have similar amenities, and all are very walkable to the hot springs, river access, restaurants, and shops.
Home Hotel Lava Hot Springs
This historic hotel is the shortest walk to the hot springs and still a short walk to multiple amenities downtown. Recent updates include having rooms with bunkbeds for the kids, and they also boast having natural hot springs water in most of their rooms, so you can keep enjoying the natural spring the whole stay! We stayed here previously with friends and it was a lovely little getaway.
Where To Eat
Groceries
If you plan to purchase groceries, know that there is only one grocery store in town, Mike’s Market. While I always try to purchase local when we travel to help build the local community, it may be best for your family to stock up in Pocatello on the drive in for any specific dietary needs you might not find in a smaller town grocery store.
Restaurants
78 Main
This is a great local restaurant with plenty of seating and great service. We enjoyed their Mother’s Day breakfast together, and our kids devoured their french toast. Their veggie omelet was well made, and the skillet breakfast was great for my husband. The time from order to eating was a bit longer than other places, but it seemed from the food that everything was cooked fresh to order.
Chuck Wagon
This thematic restaurant is has indoor and outdoor seating and a small bar area. The food was well priced, with a comprehensive kids meal and plenty of options for different tastes. Their house made fry bread with honey butter was a top favorite.
Riverwalk Thai Restaurant
This Thai restaurant was created out of the old gas station, but did not feel like a gas station on the inside. The staff were friendly and very accommodating for our large group, and the food was delicious. Their Pad Thai was excellent. The Lettuce Wraps and Currys received excellent praise as well. As there is no specific kid menu, we ordered our kids a garden salad to share and let them eat off our plates as they felt inclined. They do take online orders if you want to grab it on the go after a day on the river or in the hot springs.
Sweet Stuff
This little sweets + ice cream shop was a fun stop. We walked down one night after the kids were in bed. This small shop packed a lot of punch, with nostalgic + unique candies (Bob Ross themed Fun Dips, anyone?) and their unique ice cream scooper delivers square/rectangular shaped scoops!
Where To Play
Lava Hot Springs
Of course, the main attraction! This hot spring has been divided into several smaller pools in order to negotiate the flow of the spring, as well as to give different temperatures of hot springs to the waters. Running anywhere from 105-112 degrees F, these pools are shallow enough for soaking with plenty of bench/walkway to help keep smaller children from being too deep. The area is surrounded by beautiful gardens and covered to prevent sunburn while in the pools. Attached is a gift shop, massage parlor, locker + dressing rooms, bathrooms, and some convenience snacks + swim gear items for purchase. As always with hot water, be advised of all health warnings for adults and for children, and ensure to plan on ways to cool down between soaks.
Majestic Park
A great park located directly across the street from the hot springs and next to the river, this was a fun way to let the kids run out their energy and enjoy the day. It would be a great picnic area as well, with a covered patio area available. There is river access, so be vigilant regarding water safety here.
Purple Moon World Market
This eclectic and beautiful shop did not disappoint. Whether you are window shopping or looking for the perfect souvenir from the trip, this is a great local business with quite the selection of goods. Keep in mind that kids will need to be supervised inside, but there also is a small area that was great for our kids to be more hands on. The shop employees were especially helpful and kind, and pricing was just right.
Olympic Swimming Complex + Indoor Aquatics Center with Kiddie Cove
This beautiful facility includes multiple outdoor water slides, a zero entry area for young children, diving platforms, and plenty of grassy area to stretch out and enjoy. Indoors includes a climbing wall, diving board, and indoor kids playground. Both pools are filled by the hot springs water and kept open year round. Be sure to check their hours for the season you visit as alter during off-season.
Sunken Gardens
A beautiful small walking trail just above the hot springs pools, stop by to see beautiful native and imported plants and learn about the history of the area. There is no individual parking lot so plan to walk from your hotel or park across the street from the hot springs.
Lava Zipline & Ropes Course Adventure
For the adventure seeking family, this is a great summer activity and will definitely be a highlight of the trip. Expect to take 3-4 hours and they can transport you directly from Lava Hot Springs main street to their location north of Lava. Their age limits are based more on weight and ability, listing that children at 40 lbs can ride ziplines with an adult if they fit the harness and helmet provided. Be sure to book ahead as spots are limited.
Main Street view of Lava Hot Springs, Idaho
Overall Reflections
We are so glad we planned this family and friends trip! It was just the right setting for a low-key, inexpensive, relaxing get-together. Definitely consider Lava Hot Springs for your next family adventure!
