17 Exciting Things to do in Twin Falls, Idaho (12 are Free)

Thinking about a trip to Twin Falls, Idaho? I recently drove 9 hours with 5 kids to meet grandma and explore Twin Falls, Idaho. I want to share with you the best things to do in Twin Falls based on our personal family vacation. 

Twin Falls and the surrounding area are home to many natural wonders as well as fun activities in town. Below is a list of family-friendly sites and activities to help you plan your family vacation.

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About Twin Falls

The city of Twin Falls, located in Southern Idaho, is the largest city in Twin Falls County. Described as a “Gateway to the Snake River Canyon,” Twin Falls is also the commercial center of the Magic Valley area.

Euro-Americans first visited the region in 1812 but the Native Americans were living there long before that. The Great Basin culture area of Idaho was inhabited by the Shoshoni, Bannock, and Northern Paiute tribes (source).

The first permanent European settlement in the area took place in 1864.

Twin Falls was formally founded in 1904 as a planned community, and this planning is reflected in the northwest to southeast street layout in the oldest part of town.

Twin Falls has in recent times become famous for being near the site where Evel Knievel attempted his famous jump across the Snake River Canyon

If you are looking for a place to stay we found Fairfield Inn and Suites and Town Place Suites by Marriott to be excellent for families

Twin Falls Visitor Center

The Twin Falls Visitor Center should be your first stop on your visit to Twin Falls. Overlooking the Snake River Canyon, the center’s parking area also provides access to the Snake River Canyon Trail.

Before entering the building, you can see the Cooper Norman Agricultural Heritage Plaza outside. Inside the center, you will find all the information you need for your visit, along with interactive exhibits on the local history and geography.

The center also has a gift shop that includes sundries as well as souvenirs unique to Idaho. And if you are driving up in a Tesla, there are car charging stations out front.

• Website
• Location: 2015 Nielsen Point Pl, Twin Falls, ID 83301
• Hours: Open Daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Temporarily closed due to Covid-19)
• Cost: Free admission.

Evel Knievel Jump Site

This mound overlooking the Snake River Canyon is the site where daredevil stunt motorcyclist Evel Knievel made his famous 1974 (failed) attempt to jump over the canyon on a specially built rocket motorcycle. For those too young to remember, Robert “Evel” Knievel was a stunt motorcyclist famous for his airborne motorcycle jumps, including one over the Snake River Canyon. Unfortunately, his parachute deployed early, interrupting his momentum, but saving him from a fatal crash into the canyon. 

Although decades later, another stunt motorcyclist, Eddie Braun, succeeded where Knievel failed, this spot has always been associated with Knievel’s famous attempt. Today, you can see the mound of dirt from where he began the jump, and even climb up it. The location also offers a beautiful view of the canyon

The area is also great area for hiking and is only two miles from Shoshone Falls. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash.

• Website
• Location: (near) 1965 Blue Lakes Blvd. N., Twin Falls, ID 83301.
• Hours: Monday—Friday 7 a.m.-10p.m., 24 hours Saturday.
• Cost: Free admission.

Shoshone Falls Park 

Shoshone Falls has been described as “the Niagara of the West” and the park is considered a “must-see” for visitors to the region. These falls are even higher than Niagara Falls and are one of the largest falls in the U.S. The best time to see the falls during the spring when the flow is at its peak ( it is partially diverted for agricultural purposes during the summer).

Shoshone Falls has been a popular destination to visit since the 19th century. Since 1900, there have been efforts to make it a national park, but they never passed Congress. The park is now owned by the city of Twin Falls

Shoshone Falls Park is stroller and ADA accessible. RV parking is permitted, but overnight camping is not. There is plenty of green grass for a picnic. I recommend you add Dierkes Lake to your day as it is in the same area.

• Our Visit to Shoshone Falls
• Website
• Location: 4155 Shoshone Falls Grade Road, Twin Falls, ID 83301.
• Hours: Year-round, dawn to dusk.
• Cost: $5.00 per car, March 31-September 1. Seasonal passes are available for $25 and coupon books of 20 passes available for $30.
• Any discounts: Tour bus passes available for $20.

Snake River Canyon Rim Trail

The Snake River Canyon Rim Trail is an over ten-mile system of hiking and biking trails, that offers great views of the Snake River Canyon. The trail system is also a great place to watch wildlife, and in some places, BASE (Building, Antenna, Span, and Earth Jumping. Some parts of the trail are paved and trail maps can be obtained at the Twin Falls Visitor Center as well as city government offices.

The Snake River Canyon Rim Trail has three main access points: 1. The Twin Falls Visitor Center, 2. Shoshone Falls Park, and the North Shoshone, North end of Washington Street in Twin Falls. Parking is available at the Washington Street entrance or at Shoshone Falls Park/Dierkes Lake entrance on the eastern end. Bathrooms are available at the Eastern end of the trail.

• Website
• Location: Washington St. N. and Federation Rd. and Dierkes Lake Park.
• Hours: Open 24/7.
• Cost: Free admission.

Perrine Memorial Bridge

The Perrine Memorial Bridge, the most famous bridge in Idaho, is a popular roadside attraction just outside of Twin Falls. This 1500-foot-long bridge spanning the Snake River Canyon is part of U.S. Highway 94 and connects it with interstate 84.

The Bridge includes pedestrian walkways that offers great views of the canyon and river. It is a popular spot for BASE jumpers—and only place where it is legal year-round ( participation for adults only!) 

You can also view the mound from which Evel Knievel made his famous 1974 attempt to jump the canyon on his rocket-powered motorcycle in 1974. Parking is available at the south end near the Twin Falls Visitor center

• Website
• Location: Jerome, ID 83338
• Hours: Open 24/7
• Admission: Free admission

First Federal Bank Park

Because we were visiting with kids, we had to check out some of the local playgrounds. This playground is large and has an adjacent splash pad.

The park is part of a recreational complex with soccer fields, picnic areas, gathering shelter and plenty of grass for running. Also, bathrooms with running water and water fountain are located at the entrance to the park.

Dogs not allowed on the splash pad but can walk on the green grass

• Website
• Location:N 2700 E, Twin Falls, ID 83301
• Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM
• Admission: Free

Herrett Center for Arts and Science

The Herrett Center for Arts and Science, a popular local museum, is located on the campus of the College of Southern Idaho. It is home to exhibits of natural history and art, as well as the Faulkner Planetarium, which is the largest planetarium in Idaho. 

The Center’s natural history exhibits range from ancient technology to the simulation of a rain forest, and its Art division includes an outdoor exhibit. The Center is also home to the Centennial Observatory which features one of the largest wheelchair accessible telescopes.

The Herrett Center is temporarily closed due to the Coronavirus, but you can find virtual tours on its website to get ideas for planning a future visit.

• Herrett Center Website
• Location: 315 Falls Avenue Twin Falls, ID 83301-3389
• Hours: Tuesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, 9: 30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Saturday, 1-9 p.m.
• Cost: Free admission, Planetarium shows, $6.00.
• Discounts: For planetarium shows, Seniors $5, Children, 2-17, $4.00, under 2, free.

Harmon Park

Harmon Park, a public park in Twin Falls, is a multi-sport recreational facility. The park, which has been around since 1926, is home to Twin Falls’ first public swimming pool. Although the park no longer has a pool there are plenty of other recreational activities to enjoy.

Harmon Park’s current facilities range from baseball and softball fields and basketball courts to a horseshoe pit. The park also has a kids’ playground, picnic facilities, and Twin Falls’ only skate park. Picnic shelters are also available, by reservation.

• Website:
• Location: 450 Locust Street, S. Twin Falls, ID 83301
• Hours: Daily, 5 a.m-10p.m.
• Cost: Free admission, $25 shelter reservation fee.

Centennial Waterfront Park

The Centennial Waterfront Park is a multi-activity public park located on the north side of Twin Falls, near the Snake River Canyon. The park is home to a shop for rentals of kayaks and other small watercraft for AWOL Water Sports, a company dedicated to adventure sports.

The park is clearly a great place for water sports, with motorized and non-motorized boat launches, as well as guided boat tours. But the park also offers many land activities, ranging from walking and hiking to picnicking. It also offers a great view of the Perrine Bridge over the Snake River Canyon.

We spent an afternoon here playing on the playground and running in the green grass.

• Website:
• Location: Canyon Springs Rd., Twin Falls, ID 83301.
• Hours: 8a.m. -6p.m. daily
• Cost: Admission, free. For watercraft rentals, see AWOL site. For river tours—prices vary.

Gemstone Climbing Gym

The Gemstone Climbing Gym is an indoor climbing, yoga, and fitness center for multiple ages. The first gym of its kind in the region, the gym offers classes in yoga, fitness, and an outdoor youth obstacle course.

The gym, which naturally features an impressive indoor climbing wall is geared to all levels and offers free introductory climbing instruction to new patrons. The gym is also notably the only ADA-accessible climbing gym in the U.S.

Monthly membership and daily admission are available, and a liability waiver is required prior to use.

• Website:
• Location: 135 5th avenue S., Twin Falls, ID 83301
• Hours: Wed 3 p.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-p.m., Sun 12-8 p.m.
• Cost: $5 for a day pass, $20 unlimited monthly membership.
• Any discounts: Summer student specials currently available, see website for details.

Hummingbird Trail

Tucked in a secret place about an hour from town you will find a Hummingbird Sanctuary. Local volunteers fill over 40 Hummingbird feeders in the South Hills with gallons of sugar water.

You will feel like you have discovered a hidden gem in the middle of the Sawtooth National Forest. Read our full post on the blog about Visiting the Hummingbird Sanctuary.

• Our Article: How to See the Hummingbirds (+ directions)
• Location: 9 miles down FR 500
• Cost: Free

Zip the Snake with AWOL Adventure Sports

AWOL Adventure Sports is a multi-sport recreation company that is best known for its zip lines which span the Snake River Canyon. Zip line tours run 1-2 hours each. AWOL also offers kayak and paddleboat rental in summer through its rental shop located at Centennial Park.

Kayaks can be rented for a memorable trip down the Snake River that offers views of many of the area’s natural wonders. These trips can last several hours, so bring plenty of water. Additionally, AWOL runs a dive shop and offers scuba classes at several levels.

• AWOL Website
• Location: Dive shop, 468 Addison Ave W, Twin Falls, ID. 83301, Kayak rentals and AWOL Kiosk, Twin Falls, ID. 83301
• Hours: Rental Kiosk, 9 a.m.-8p.m. daily, dive shop 10 a.m.-6p.m. daily, Zip line: by reservation only.
• Cost: Zip Line tours, $48 adult, $38 twelve and under, SUP Board rentals $20-40 (depending on length of time), kayak rentals $15-55, depending on time length and whether solo or tandem; scuba classes—prices vary

Sawtooth National Forest

Sawtooth National Forest, offers a variety of activities, ranging from hiking and horseback riding to hunting and fishing. The park also has beaches and water activities range from swimming to boating.

We spent an afternoon here at the hummingbird sanctuary and splashing in the creeks. I wish we had more time to camp in they beautiful area.

There are also multiple camping options at Sawtooth Valley National Fores, including cabins and RV sites. We saw so many wonderful campgrounds and hiking trails.

I suggest adding a few days camping in the forest to your Twin Falls itinerary. If you love indoor plumbing and sleeping in a real bed, I suggest renting an RV from a local person. You can find RVs for rent on the peer to peer platforms like RVShare and Outdoorsy. Read more about on the blog about finding a cheap RV to rent

• Forest Service Website
• RV rental agencies we recommend: RVShare and Outdoorsy
• Cost: Free for entry and most activities. $80 for an annual pass for camping

Twin Falls

This waterfall near the city, for which the city of Twin Falls is named, borders Jerome and Twin Falls counties. The falls is located near the Snake River Canyon and is jointly administered by city of Twin Falls and Idaho Power company.

Technically, Twin Falls is today just one waterfall, since one of the pair has been diverted for hydroelectricity, but it is still worth a visit. The Best time to see between March and early June, when water is not being diverted for hydroelectric purposes.

1. Website
2. Location: Twin Falls, Idaho, 83341.
3. Hours: Open 24/7.
4. Cost: Free admission.

Hands on Pottery Studio

The Hands on Pottery Studio is a paint-your-own-pottery studio located in downtown Twin Falls. The studio also offers other kinds of do-your-own crafts, such as ceramic handprints and footprints, providing fun for all ages.

The studio also offers to-go gifts of pre-made crafts and offers classes and special events such as First Friday music night and Storytime Pottery. Due to the pandemic, the Hands on Pottery Studio is currently only offering to-go services.

• Website
• Location: 147 Shoshone St N, Twin Falls, ID 83301
• Hours: Currently taking to-go orders 10 a.m.-2 p.m. daily.
• Cost: Free admission, class and craft fees vary

Twin Falls County Historical Museum

The Twin Falls County Museum is a local Historical museum that focuses on the area’s pioneer heritage, but also offers pre-settlement history. The museum campus includes the main building and multiple historic outbuildings, including the Union School Building and Pioneer House.

I recommend watching its featured YouTube video to plan a future visit. The museum’s website also offers an online photo gallery.

• Website
• Location: 21337 US-30, Filer, ID 83328.
• Hours: Temporarily closed due to pandemic, normally open Tuesday through Saturday, 12-5p.m.
• Cost: Free, donations accepted

Wilson Lake Reservoir

This quiet little lake is about 25 minutes outside of town but it is worth mentioning here. Situated in the agricultural fields is a small reservoir and wildlife area. Valley Recreation District owns and maintains 40 acres at Wilson Lake, which includes a five-acre grassy park, picnic areas, a shoreline with sandy beaches and boat docks

The main area along the shore has boating, fishing, swimming and camping. The large grassy areas accommodates campers right near the docks and swim beach.

We spent a whole afternoon swimming and splashing in the swim beach. This would be a great place to dry camp outside the city. You could add this as a stop on an RV road trip.

• Website
• Location 700 S 1975 E, Hazelton, ID
• Admission: Free

When to Visit Twin Falls, Idaho

The weather in and around Twin Falls is fairly dry year-round, consistent with the region. Summers are usually hot with clear skies, and winters very cold with partly cloudy skies.

The average summer high is 90 degrees and the average winter low is 23 degrees. The best time to visit the region is between June and August if you want to make the most of the outdoors.

Getting there

Twin Falls is located at the crossroads of highway 93 and interstate 94, and the region can be reached by car via 1-80. It is within two hours of other Idaho cities such as Boise, Pocatello, and Sun Valley.

If you prefer to fly, daily flights available on Delta to Magic Valley regional airport. American Airlines and United also offer flights to Twin Falls, so I would recommend comparison shopping on sites like Expedia.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Twin Falls Idaho

Twin Falls is clearly a great place for the whole family to visit, with many beautiful natural sites surrounding the Snake River Canyon, Sawtooth National Forest, Shoshone Falls, and Centennial Waterfront Park. Our favorites were the Shoshone Falls and the Wilson Lake reservoir.

Both have plenty of cheap and free camping spots. Wilson lake is even on a donation system. We have plenty of tips on taking your first family RV Trip and renting an RV.

This is part of our series on Twin Falls, Idaho. Read our other posts for more information on planning your trip:

• Visiting Shoshone Falls (Niagara of the West)
• Directions to Hummingbird Trail
• Tips for an RV trip with Young Kids