Idaho may be known for the towering Sawtooth Mountains and world-class trout fishing, but it is also home to the Northwest’s largest water park. Visiting this park is a must for anyone seeking one of Idaho’s most exciting summer experiences.
While the Gem State is famous for its rugged beauty, it’s also packed with parks that deliver high-speed coasters, twisting water slides, and family attractions you can enjoy year-round. Some parks cater to thrill-seekers, others to young families, and a few transform into seasonal wonderlands that are worth a special trip.
In this guide, you’ll find the must-visit theme parks in Idaho for 2025, when to go for special events, and insider tips to make your day unforgettable. Whether you want a lazy river, a haunted Halloween night, or a winter holiday light show, you’ll know exactly where to go.
What You’ll Learn
Which Idaho theme parks offer the biggest thrills and the best family-friendly attractions.
When to visit for special seasonal events, from spooky Halloween nights to festive holiday light displays.
Insider tips for making the most of a visit, from avoiding long lines to finding hidden gems in each park.
Overview
Idaho offers a diverse range of theme parks, from thrilling coasters and water slides to family-friendly attractions and seasonal events, with the best choice depending on group age, preferences, and time of year.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Major Theme and Water Parks
Roaring Springs Water Park – Meridian: This is the Northwest’s largest water park, ideal for both thrill-seekers with high-speed slides and families seeking a lazy river or wave pool.
Silverwood Theme Park & Scarywood Haunted Nights – Athol: The largest theme park in the Northwest, it features over 70 rides and slides, including major roller coasters, and transforms into a haunted attraction in the fall.
Family Entertainment Centers
Wahooz Family Fun Zone & Pinz Bowling – Meridian: This year-round destination combines indoor activities like laser tag and bowling with outdoor attractions such as go-karts and mini golf.
Triple Play Family Fun Park & Raptor Reef – Hayden: An indoor/outdoor complex that includes Raptor Reef indoor water park, a climbing wall, go-karts, and an arcade, suitable for all seasons.
Community-Focused Parks
Lakeview Water Park – Nampa: A smaller, budget-friendly water park with slides, splash zones, and picnic areas, best suited for families with young children looking for a relaxed experience.
Seasonal Events and Best Times to Visit
Spring (April–May): Parks like Silverwood begin opening for weekends, offering shorter wait times and comfortable weather.
Summer (June–August): This is peak season for water parks, with extended hours and all attractions typically open.
Fall (September–October): Features like Scarywood Haunted Nights at Silverwood offer unique, horror-themed experiences.
Winter (November–December): Indoor parks like Wahooz and Raptor Reef provide year-round entertainment.
Insider Tips for Visitors
Arrive Early: Getting to the park before opening helps minimize wait times for popular attractions.
Use Combo Tickets: Some parks, like Roaring Springs and Wahooz, offer combined tickets for better value.
Visit on Weekdays: Weekdays generally have smaller crowds, especially outside of mid-June to mid-August.
More Than You Might Expect
Idaho’s theme parks have grown into destinations that rival some of the best in the Northwest. They combine rides, shows, and attractions with the welcoming atmosphere the state is known for. Some parks have been around for decades, continually adding new experiences, while others focus on year-round entertainment with indoor and outdoor fun.
What makes them stand out is the variety. You’ll find massive water slides, towering coasters, go-kart tracks, wave pools, and family zones designed for younger kids. Many parks host seasonal events that completely change the experience: haunted nights in the fall, holiday light displays in winter, and extended hours in summer.
These parks aren’t only for locals. Visitors from across the region often plan trips around them, pairing a park visit with nearby attractions. That means whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer vacation, there’s a way to fit a theme park adventure into your plans.
Roaring Springs Water Park – Meridian
Known as the Northwest’s largest water park, Roaring Springs is a summer favorite for families and thrill-seekers. It offers everything from high-speed body slides to a lazy river perfect for younger visitors. The park recently expanded with new attractions, making it even easier to spend a full day here. If you’re visiting with children, check out the kiddie play areas and wave pool for safe, fun water adventures.
Highlights:
Lazy river and wave pool for all ages
High-thrill rides like Corkscrew Cavern and Snake River Run
On-site dining and shaded cabanas
Extra Details:
Location: Meridian, just west of Boise
Season: Typically late May to early September
Kid Zones: Kiddie Kowabunga and Bearfoot Bay for toddlers
Special Events: Summer nights with extended hours
Combo Ticket: Discounts when paired with Wahooz Family Fun Zone
Silverwood Theme Park & Scarywood Haunted Nights – Athol
Silverwood is the largest theme park in the Northwest, offering over 40 rides, slides, and attractions. During the summer, families flock here for roller coasters, water rides, and live entertainment. Come fall, the park transforms into Scarywood Haunted Nights, a horror-themed event with haunted houses, scare zones, and nighttime roller coasters.
Highlights:
Wooden coasters like Timber Terror and Tremors
Water park section: Boulder Beach with wave pools and lazy river
Scarywood’s haunted mazes and thrill rides
Extra Details:
Location: Athol, between Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint
Season: May through September; Scarywood runs late September–late October
Family Attractions: Steam engine train rides, live shows, and kiddie rides
Signature Rides: Aftershock (inverted coaster), Panic Plunge (free fall)
Special Tip: Arrive early for shorter coaster lines in summer
Wahooz Family Fun Zone & Pinz Bowling – Meridian
Perfect for year-round fun, Wahooz combines indoor and outdoor attractions. In the warmer months, enjoy go-karts, bumper boats, and mini golf. Indoors, you’ll find laser tag, an arcade, and bowling at Pinz. It’s a great option for families looking for a mix of activities in one location.
Highlights:
Indoor fun for winter visits
Variety of attractions in one spot
Located near Roaring Springs for a double-day adventure
Extra Details:
Location: Meridian, next to Roaring Springs
Indoor Features: Laser tag arena, 24 bowling lanes, ropes course
Outdoor Features: Batting cages, go-karts, bumper boats, mini golf
Birthday Packages: Popular for kids’ parties year-round
Dining: Full-service grill and snack bar inside Pinz
Triple Play Family Fun Park & Raptor Reef – Hayden
This indoor-outdoor complex offers something for every season. Raptor Reef, its indoor water park, is a hit during colder months, with a wave pool, slides, and a giant play structure. Triple Play also features a climbing wall, go-karts, and an arcade, making it a great pick for families visiting North Idaho.
Highlights:
Indoor water park for year-round fun
Great for multi-day trips
Close to Lake Coeur d’Alene
Extra Details:
Location: Hayden, minutes from Coeur d’Alene
Water Attractions: 25,000-square-foot Raptor Reef indoor water park
Other Activities: Bowling, bumper cars, laser tag, climbing wall
Lodging: Attached hotel for multi-day stays
Lakeview Water Park – Nampa
A smaller, community-focused park perfect for families with young children. Lakeview offers slides, splash zones, and grassy picnic areas for a relaxing day. It’s budget-friendly and ideal for locals or travelers wanting a more low-key experience.
Highlights:
Affordable family outing
Shallow play areas for little ones
Convenient location in Nampa
Extra Details:
Location: Nampa
Season: Summer months only
Best For: Families with kids under 10
Amenities: Lifeguard-supervised pools, shaded seating, snack bar
Tip: Visit on weekday mornings for lighter crowds
Insider Tips for Visiting Idaho Theme Parks
A little preparation can help you avoid crowds, save time, and enjoy more rides.
Arrive Early
Get to the park before opening to enjoy the most popular attractions with minimal wait times.
At Roaring Springs, head straight to high-demand slides like Snake River Run.
Use Combo Tickets
In Meridian, purchase a joint ticket for Roaring Springs and Wahooz Family Fun Zone for better value.
Plan one day for water attractions and another for indoor entertainment or outdoor activities like go‑karts and mini golf.
Visit on Weekdays
Tuesdays through Thursdays typically have smaller crowds, especially before mid-June and after mid-August.
Lakeview Water Park is especially quiet on weekday mornings.
Time Your Meals
Eat before or after peak lunch hours (12–2 p.m.) to avoid long concession lines.
Bring a refillable water bottle because many parks have filling stations.
Plan for Seasonal Events
Scarywood Haunted Nights is popular, so arrive early and head to haunted houses first.
Look for Hidden Gems
Silverwood’s Train Ride offers scenic views and a live performance mid-route.
At Triple Play, the FlowRider surf wave is often less crowded than the main slides.
Seasonal Events & Best Times to Visit
Idaho’s theme parks offer unique experiences throughout the year. Planning your visit around the right season can help you catch special events and avoid the biggest crowds.
Spring (April–May)
Silverwood Theme Park opens for weekends in late April with lower admission prices.
Cooler weather means comfortable ride days and shorter wait times.
Summer (June–August)
Peak season for Roaring Springs Water Park and Boulder Beach at Silverwood.
Arrive early or visit later in the afternoon to avoid midday heat and crowds.
Fall (September–October)
Scarywood Haunted Nights at Silverwood transforms the park with haunted houses, scare zones, and night rides.
Fall weather makes outdoor attractions more comfortable.
Winter (November–December)
Year-round indoor fun is available at Wahooz Family Fun Zone in Meridian and Raptor Reef Indoor Water Park, part of the Triple Play Resort in Hayden.
Travel Tip: Always check each park’s event calendar before your trip. Dates and hours may vary, and some events require separate tickets.
Best Theme Parks for Families with Young Kids and Teens
Idaho’s theme parks offer fun for every age group. Some focus on gentle rides and safe play areas for little ones, while others deliver the thrills and high-energy attractions teens love. This quick guide helps you choose the right park for your family’s next adventure.
Final Thoughts
From water parks filled with slides and lazy rivers to thrill rides that test courage, Idaho’s theme parks offer experiences unique within the state. Seasonal events like haunted nights and holiday light shows add even more reasons to visit throughout the year.
Whether you’re traveling with young kids, planning a trip with teens, or looking for year-round indoor fun, the variety means you can match the right park to your group. With a little planning, you can turn a simple day out into a memory that lasts long after your visit.
Plan Your Trip with AmeriFreight Car Shipping
If you’re traveling from out of state to explore Idaho’s theme parks, having your own vehicle can make the trip easier and more flexible. Driving between destinations like Meridian, Nampa, and Coeur d’Alene lets you see more and set your own schedule.
With AmeriFreight Car Shipping, you can arrange reliable transport for your car, truck, or SUV to Idaho so it’s ready when you arrive. As a trusted auto transport broker, we connect you with licensed carriers that handle the transport, so you can focus on your visit, not the drive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there any Christmas-themed events at Idaho theme parks during the winter season?
No. Idaho’s theme parks, including Silverwood Theme Park and Triple Play Family Fun Park, do not run traditional Christmas-themed events during the winter.
Are there transportation options from Spokane to Silverwood Theme Park, Idaho?
Yes. Silverwood is about a 45-minute drive from Spokane, and shuttle services may be available during the summer months.
Does Roaring Springs Water Park have a lazy river suitable for young children?
Yes. Roaring Springs has a gentle lazy river and several shallow play areas designed for young visitors.
When does Scarywood Haunted Nights typically start and end each year at Silverwood?
Scarywood usually runs from late September through late October on select nights.
