10 Fun Things to Do in Idaho Falls (Instead of Cleaning)

7/7/2026

Imagine all your cleaning tasks for the week magically disappearing from your long to-do list.

Ahh, cue the sigh of relief.

You now have so much extra time to spend with your loved ones.

And, with Idaho Falls summers being as short as they are, it’s time to take advantage of them (instead of cleaning your summer away). So, we’ve put together 10 unique things to do in Idaho Falls this summer, plus a little secret for getting your weekends back for good.

1. Walk the Riverwalk and Grab Lunch Downtown

The Idaho Falls Riverwalk is one of the most scenic stretches in all of eastern Idaho. Running along the Snake River, the greenbelt offers miles of multi-purpose trails through some of the most beautiful summer scenery the city has to offer. Walk off the morning, then head downtown for lunch.

Bonus: the River Concert Series runs Tuesday evenings all summer long on the Greenbelt Stage, and it's completely free.

2. Go Antiquing

Idaho Falls has a surprisingly unique antique scene.

The Antique Gallery at Trackside Mall is a three-floor destination where discovery happens organically, 100% guided by curiosity.

The Country Store Boutique has been locally owned and operated for over 47 years, offering an ever-changing selection of vintage jewelry, unique home décor, and hand-restored furniture.

Then, try out Attic Annie's in Rigby or Hidden Treasures in Shelley (with new and antique furniture), which round out the options for a full afternoon of antiquing.

3. Soak at Heise Hot Springs (Then Get Pizza)

Hot springs + homemade pizza? Summer perfection.

About 20 miles east of Idaho Falls, Heise Hot Springs is a historic family resort featuring a 105-degree mineral pool, 350-foot water slide, zipline, 9-hole golf course, and a pizza parlor right on site.

The Heise Pizza Parlor has spent years perfecting its legendary pizza, and many locals make the drive up solely for that.

4. Catch the Saturday Market Downtown

The weekly Idaho Falls Farmers’ Market is one of our most beloved summer traditions. Fresh produce, local vendors, handmade goods, and a downtown Idaho Falls buzz that makes it almost impossible to leave. So, spend your Saturday morning supporting local, feeding your fam’s hungry bellies, and leaving with all the trinkets you didn’t know you needed.

5. Take the Kiddos to the Zoo

The Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park is home to around 130 species from all over the globe and is known as the "Best Little Zoo in the West." Visit for a family-friendly, easy-to-do afternoon that kids talk about for weeks afterward.

6. Explore the Japanese Friendship Garden

This is a peaceful, beautiful stop that most people drive right past.

Located on a rocky island in the Snake River in the heart of Idaho Falls, the Japanese Friendship Garden was developed to celebrate thirty years of partnership with the city's Japanese sister city, Tokai-Mura. It's free and open to the public daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

7. Spend an Afternoon at the Museum of Idaho

The Museum of Idaho is great for passing the time while learning fascinating history and science. It features both permanent and rotating exhibits, so there's always something new — from Lewis and Clark memorabilia to traveling exhibits like Genghis Khan and the Titanic. This summer’s exhibit is Life Before Dinosaurs.

8. Lake Day at Jefferson County Lake

Jefferson County Lake (also known as Rigby Lake) is one of southeastern Idaho's best-kept summer secrets, with sandy beaches, a lake slide, volleyball nets, walking trails, and playground equipment. The clear lake is fed by an underground spring, and paddleboat rentals are available right on site. Pack a cooler and plan to stay all day.

9. Hike Mesa Falls Nature Trail in Ashton

The Mesa Falls Nature Trail is a 2.1-mile out-and-back trail near Ashton, Idaho — generally easy, beautiful, and one of the best ways to see the Lower Mesa Falls.

Upper Mesa Falls stands as tall as a 10-story building, pouring over remnants of an ancient volcanic eruption deep in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. It's about an hour from Idaho Falls and absolutely worth the drive.

10. Have a Picnic at Freeman Park

If you don’t want to plan that far ahead, a simple fun day could be spent at Freeman Park. It’s a local favorite with plenty of open space, disc golf, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it perfect for an afternoon with the family. Bring a blanket, good food, and zero agenda.

Get Your Weekends Back (For Good)

Having a summer full of adventures is harder to pull off when you’re spending every Saturday cleaning. So, now that you have a list of unique things to do in Idaho Falls, let us make sure your summer adventures aren’t put on hold.

Because no one should have to clean all summer.

So, keep this in mind: when you book a weekly or biweekly clean, we fold deep-cleaning tasks right into your regular service. This way, you can make memories with your loved ones all year and have a clean home that actually stays clean.