During our last ski trip to Idaho, we ended up skiing for a day at Magic Mountain. Although it was the smallest ski resort we visited during the trip, we still had just as much fun! Sometimes the smaller mountains are just more fun. Shorter lines and less people on the trails means more ski time!

Magic Mountain Ski Resort

Lift Tickets

• Full Day Adult (18+): $39; Kids Ticket (7-17): $29
• Half Day Adult (18+): $30; Half Day Kids Ticket (7-17): $22
• Full Day Senior (70+)/Military/Police: $28
• Half Day Senior/Military/Police: $22
• Kids Under 6: Free with paying adult

Season Passes

• Adult 10 Punch Card (18+): $350
• Adult 5 Punch Card (18+): $175
• Junior 10 Punch Card (age 7-17): $250
• Junior 5 Punch Card (age 7-17): $125

Lessons

They do offer lessons, which if I am honest I was surprised. The place is tiny but they offer so much anyway. They only have ski lessons, no snowboarding lessons. 

Rentals

They do offer an on-site rental shop where you can do a half-day or full-day ski or snowboard rental.

• Skis Full Day: $20
• Skis Half Day: $18
• Snowboard Full Day: $25
• Snowboard Half Day: $23
• Helmet: $5
• Poles: $5

In addition to regular ski and snowboard rentals, they also have other items you can rent. 

• Snow Bike: $25
• Snow Shoe: $10
• Cross Country Skis: $10
• Season Rentals: $89

Be sure to check out our Ski Trip Packing List for Families to make sure you remember everything you need. 

Trail Map

Tubing Hill

Next to the small restaurant is a tubing hill. The tubing hill must be a lot of fun because there were loads of people there. Seemed like there were twice as many people there to tube as there was to ski. 

Things to do near Magic Mountain

To be honest there is not that much around this area. You will have to head back to Twin Falls to find things to do. I did hear that the area has good snowmobile trails, here is a trail map. 

Where to Eat near Magic Mountain

Although Magic Mountain was the smallest ski resort we visited during our trip to Idaho, some of us would argue that it had some of the best food. With classic options to choose from, burgers, fries, chicken tenders, and other choices, the food was simple and delicious. There is nowhere else around here to eat so you either need to bring food with you or plan to eat at the mountain’s restaurant. 

Where to Stay Near Magic Mountain

Do yourself a favor and get a vacation rental through VRBO,  this will be by far the best option. There is only one motel in Kimberly, so if you want to stay in a hotel you will need to plan on staying in Twin Falls. They’ve got a good Best Western there, a few Hilton properties, and a few Marriott properties. You can scroll through them all here. 

Magic Mountain FAQs

What time is it at Magic Mountain?

Magic Mountain is on Mountain time, so one hour later than Pacific Time. 

Where do I find the Magic Mountain snow report?

You can find the daily snow report at  

Where can I fly into to get to Magic Mountain?

The two closest major airports are Boise or Salt Lake City. There are some smaller airports that are much closer, like Twin Falls. Be sure to rent a car that has AWD. I rented a Jeep and that worked well. 

How far is Magic Mountain from Boise?

161 miles

How far is Magic Mountain from Salt Lake City?

224 miles which is a 3.5 to 4-hour drive depending on the weather. 

More Fun Places to Ski in Idaho

Soldier Mountain

Pomerelle

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Pomerelle Ski Resort

Although, Pomerelle is a small ski resort I promise you will be skiing all day. We had so much fun we extended our day and night skied for several hours. During the day both lifts run, but at night they only run one lift. I highly recommend only taking a car up here with AWD or 4WD. I had to use 4WD extensively coming down the mountain.

Lift Tickets

Full-Day: Adult $48, Child $35 (Children 6 and younger are free with a paying adult.)

Half Day: Adult $40, Child $30

Magic Carpet only $17

Season Passes

Pomerelle has an odd season pass pricing system. The more people in the family get a season pass the cheaper the pass. The first pass is $450, the second $410, the third $370, and the fourth $330. Any family members past that are $330. Children ages 7 – 12 are only $295. 

Lessons

The ski and snowboarding lessons here are excellent. They have private lessons and group lessons. Classes Depart at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. They are for 7 years of age and older. All abilities, skier or boarder. Group lessons start at $40 and private lessons start at $65. 

Rentals

You can get rentals onsite. You can rent Skis, Boots, Poles & Helmet for $30 or a Snowboard, Boots & Helmet for $30. Kid rentals are only $15. 

Be sure to check out our Ski Trip Packing List for Families to make sure you remember everything you need. 

Trail Map

Where to Eat Near Pomerelle

I recommend that you plan to eat lunch and dinner at the lodge. There are other places once you get down the mountain but depending on when you visit they may not be open. The day we were in the area we couldn’t find an open restaurant.

During the day there’s an outside grill serving hamburgers and hotdogs. We had the hamburgers with the pepper toppings and they were delicious and filling. The outdoor grill does have drinks and cocktails as well.

Inside the lodge is another restaurant with lots more options and cheaper than the outdoor grill. The chili cheese fries and hot chocolate make a good afternoon snack. The West Texas girl inside me was thrilled to see steak fingers on the menu! You can see the menu pictured above.

Piggy Sue BBQ – A delicious food truck in Albion. 

Things to do near Pomerelle

Durfee Hot Springs

Durfee Hot Springs –  a natural warm spring operating with 2 hot tubs, 1 kiddie pool, & 1 large lap pool, in Almo, Idaho.

Snowmobile at Mount Harrison – Located near Pomerelle Mountain Resort and accessed by Howell Canyon. Here you will get incredible panoramic views of the valley below and reliably deep powder.

Where to Stay Near Pomerelle

Almo Inn

Finding somewhere close to Pomerelle can be somewhat difficult since it’s a sparsley populated area. 

Almo Inn

This is a small rustic-looking hotel. It is pictured above. It’s located just south of Pomerelle in Alma. When we stayed here there were no restaurants open and we hadn’t planned in advance for this. So, if you stay here plan accordingly. If you get in late it can be a little confusing which room is yours or where you are supposed to check-in. There’s nowhere to check-in. Look for the post-it note on the door with your name on it. We stayed in the Buffalo Bill room. It’s two stories with a kitchenette, master bedroom with a king bed and full bath. Upstairs is a bedroom with 2 full beds, another bathroom and rear access with balcony. (Pictured above.)

Pomerelle FAQ’s

Where is Pomerelle?

The address is 961 E Howell Canyon Rd, Albion, ID 83311.

What time is it at Pomerelle?

Pomerelle is on Mountain time, so one hour later than Pacific Time. 

Where do I find the Pomerelle snow report?

You can find the daily snow report at on their website at http://www.pomerelle.com/conditions/index.htm.

Where can I fly into to get to Pomerelle?

The two closest major airports are Boise or Salt Lake City. There are some smaller airports that are much closer, like Twin Falls.  Be sure to rent a car that has AWD. 

How far is Pomerelle from Boise?

It is a 2 hour and 58-minute drive from Boise to Pomerelle. 

How far is Pomerelle from Salt Lake City?

It is a 2 hour and 43-minute drive from Salt Lake City to Pomerelle. 

More Fun Places to Ski in Idaho

Sun Valley

Magic Mountian

Soldier Mountain

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Soldier Mountain Ski Resort

The resort has two chairlifts reaching heights up to 7,177′ and a magic carpet for the little ones or beginners to learn on. They offer a nice assortment of green, blue, and black trails. They have 36 runs. Because of the nearby airbase, Mountain Home AFB, they offer a good military discount. 

Lift Tickets

Full-Day Ticket: Adult $47, Child $27

Half a Day Ticket: Adult $40, Child $20

Children 5 and under free.

Full-Day with Military Discount: Adult $30, Child $19

Magic Carpet Only: $16

Season Passes

Season pass holders enjoy a few special perks like two complimentary winter lift tickets to Bogus Basin near Boise and three complimentary tickets to Nordic Valley Ski Resort in Utah. Pass holders also receive a 40% discount at the following ski resorts: Kelly Canyon, Pebble Creek, Magic Mountain, Snow King Mountain Resort, and Beaver Mountain Ski Area!

Adult $435, Child $225

Military Adult $249, Child $129

Seniors ages 70+ $119

Lessons 

Soldier Mountain offers a variety of lessons depending on what day you visit and the snow conditions. For example, if there is not enough snow to run the Magic Carpet there will not be any lessons. You can take a group lesson or a private lesson. Lessons are taught by Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) certified. Here are the prices:

• (1.5 hr) Private Lesson $58
• (1.5 hr) Group Lesson $40
• 3 (1.5 hr) Private lessons $160

Cat Skiing

If you want to elevate your ski experience consider doing cat skiing. A cat will take you up to an elevation of 10,095′ where you can ski down Smoky Dome’s private powder. This part of the mountain has 2,000 acres of skiable backcountry terrain. ​For a single seat on the cat to ski this area the cost is $299 for a single seat. Cat ski prices include the use of a transceiver, backpack, shovel, and probe. You need to be an expert skier or snowboarder in order to participate. 

Trail Map

Rentals

They do have a rental shop where you can rent ski or snowboard equipment. Rentals start at $21 and go up to $39 depending on what you need. All rentals include a free helmet. If you have your own equipment you can get it tuned up or waxed here. Be sure to check out our Ski Trip Packing List for Families to make sure you remember everything you need. 

Food

There’s a little cafe inside the lodge with excellent hamburgers. They also have great chili. Next door is a full bar, the Fox Den Pub. 

Fun Fact: At one time it was owned by Bruce Willis, but has changed owners a few times in more recent years.

Things to do near Soldier Mountain

Baumgartner Hot Springs – Located at the Baumgartner campground is a hot spring that stays at 101 degrees year-round. 

Snowmobile – Just north of Fairfield is a good area to go snowmobiling. The runs near Fairfield are groomed weekly and regularly from December to March. You can pick up a free map of groomed trails from the Fairfield Ranger District. You can take your snowmobile to Worswick Hot Springs. 

Skillern Hot Springs – You will have to be super motivated to reach this well-fed hot spring. It is a two-hour hike along the Smoky Mountains in the Sawtooth National Forest. 

Bike Couch Summit – Couch Summit has miles of doubletrack and singletrack trails. As you ride you enjoy amazing views of the Sawtooth and Smoky Mountain ranges as well as the South Fork of the Boise River.

Worswick Hot Springs – This hot spring is located north of Fairfield, Idaho on the way towards Soldier Mt. There’s a parking lot making it easier to find. 

Fish for Rainbow Trout – Go boating and fishing at Mormon Lake. 

Where to Eat Near Soldier Mountain

Wrangler Inn – Burgers and shakes. 

Soldier Creek Brewing Company in Fairfield – Live music, bar food, and a large selection of beer. 

Iron Mountain Inn – Homestyle family diners like New York strips, Leg of Lamb, Surf and Turf, and Chicken Fried Steak.

Where to Stay near Soldier Mountain

There are not really any hotels nearby other than Prairie Inn, so you will likely need to look for a house to rent. You could also stay further away in Sun Valley if you prefer a hotel. Fairfield is the closest place to stay. 

For a totally unique stay check out this yurt! It has a hot tub. 

Soldier Mountain FAQ’s

Where is Soldier Mountain located?

The ski resort is located at 1043 North Soldier Creek Rd., Fairfield, Idaho 83327.

What time is it at Soldier Mountain?

Soldier Mountain is on Mountain time, so one hour later than Pacific Time. 

Where do I find the Soldier Mountain snow report?

You can find the daily snow report at https://www.onthesnow.com/idaho/soldier-mountain-ski-area/ski-resort.html. 

Where can I fly into to get to Soldier Mountain?

The two closest major airports are Boise or Salt Lake City. Be sure to rent a car that has AWD. 

How far is Soldier Mountain from Boise?

It is a one-hour and fifty-five-minute drive from Boise to Soldier Mountain. 

How far is Soldier Mountain from Salt Lake City?

From Salt Lake City, Soldier Mountain is a four-hour and nineteen-minute drive. 

More Fun Places to Ski in Idaho

Sun Valley

Magic Mountian

Pomerelle

All in all, Soldier Mountain Ski Resort is great for a weekend getaway. Just don’t forget your skis or snowshoes – and some goggles if you plan on going down one of those hills! See ya at the top!

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Almost every single one of our favorite activities as a family is something outdoors. I refuse to let allergies slow us down. Like many people, all of us experience seasonal allergies, especially my daughter Eden and I. We both take Claritin for relief from seasonal allergies, so when we want an outdoor adventure we are ready!

How to Float a River with Kids

One of our favorite outdoor activities to do as a family is float the river. It’s relaxing and fun. We typically float for half a day so somewhere between 3 – 5 hours. If you’ve never floated a river, it can be a little intimidating even though there’s no skill needed. There are a few designated areas that I call out below where you can float.

There are some things you need to know before you float. For example, what to wear and how to chill your drinks.  Use your judgment and make sure conditions are safe before heading out.

What to wear while floating the river:

• Clothes and shoes that can get wet like your swimsuit
• Shoes that stay on your feet, like river sandals, aqua socks, or even tennis shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Do not wear flip flops.
• Sunglasses
• If you wear glasses, straps to keep them secure are a good idea.
• Hat
• Wearable Drybag

We have a pouch just like this to keep our stuff dry and it works well. I keep a cell phone in there and my keys. 

Other Items to Bring

• Raft or tubes: In Texas, tubes are ideal, because it’s so hot and the water is warm. In Oregon and Idaho, rafts are better because the water is so cold.
• Life jackets: Laws vary by state, but everyone should always have a life jacket. Never take a child into a river without a life jacket.
• Paddles: You may not need them, but on the off chance you do, you will be happy to have them with you.
• Sunscreen
• Snacks: Pack snacks with minimal packaging.
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Water: It’s important that everyone stays well hydrated while out in the sun.
• Mesh laundry bag: I use a mesh laundry bag and fill it with drinks and tie it to our raft. Typically the water is so cold it will keep the drinks super cold.
• Waterproof camera: Nowadays there are lots of waterproof cameras on the market.

What else to bring, but leave in the car until the end:

• A change of dry clothes
• Towel
• Pump: To air up your raft and tubes before you begin your float.

What Not to Bring

• Glass bottles or containers
• Styrofoam coolers or cups

Where to Float a River with Kids

Florida:

Fort White offers the most popular place to float in Florida at Ichetcucknee Springs State Park and is open May – September.

• Visitors bringing tubes into the park:  Enter park at the north park entrance located at 8294 SW Elim Church Road.
• Drivers will leave tubes and passengers at the tube drop off location in the upper parking lot area.
• Drivers will proceed to the South main entrance parking area located at 12087 SW U.S. Highway 27.
• Drivers will purchase a shuttle bracelet for transportation to North main entrance tube drop off from the general store. (The driver can also purchase tram bracelets for everyone in their party)
• Visitors renting tubes from within the park will need to enter the park at South main entrance instead, located at 12087 SW U.S. Highway 27.

Between Jacksonville and Tallahassee is Madison Blue Spring State Park, where you can float on weekends from May to September.

In Apopka, you can float Rock Springs Run in Kelly Park. Bring your own, or rent tubes for $5 – $7 from private outfitters located just outside the park. The float trip is short, it only takes about 25 minutes.  When you are done, it is a 5-minute walk on a paved sidewalk back to the start. The deepest part is about 5 feet and is much shallower in many places.

In High Springs you can do a short float down the Santa Fe River at Ginnie Springs. Put in at Devil’s Spring and float for an hour. You will exit at Twin Spring and walk back to where you parked. It takes around 15 minutes to walk back on the tubing trail. There are free air stations located in the park.

In Holt in the Florida panhandle is Blackwater River State Park. Blackwater River offers a four-mile stretch of water that will take you 3-5 hours to float.

Spring Creek in Marianna near Tallahassee offers a four-hour tubing experience.  Start at Merrit’s Mill Pond where Spring Creek opens up to the Chipola River.

Georgia:

Near Atlanta, in Roswell, you can float the Chattahoochee River. You will only want to float here if it is over 80 degrees outside because the water is cold.

In Blue Ridge, the Toccoa River offers smooth rides through the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Idaho:

In Boise, you can float the Boise River.  (Some people even surf it, but we just float!) You can park your car at Ann Morrison Park and catch a bus. For a few dollars, the bus will take you up the river and drop you off at Barber Park. Last time we paid $2 per adult and they didn’t charge me for the kids. At the drop off point, there’s air available and you can inflate your raft or tube. You can also rent a raft or tube where they drop you off. I recommend using a raft because this river is extremely cold. It takes about two hours to float back down to the park. There are two small drops so you will have to hang on to your kids a few times.

Oregon:

There are several rivers that you can float in Oregon, but we tend to stick to the same one. We float the Sandy River near Troutdale, Oregon. Start at Dabny State Park and pull out at Lewis and Clark state park. You do have to pay to leave your car in both of the parks. The last time we went it was $5 and they took credit cards.

Texas:

For the most part, there are shuttles available along popular Texas rivers. In Texas, the only legal access points are where bridges cross a navigable river. Keep this in mind if you’re doing it yourself and not using a shuttle service. The tube rental/shuttle companies are fairly cheap and make the whole thing super easy.

In San Antonio, you can float the Comal or Guadalupe River. Near San Antonio in Bandera is also the Medina River that can be floated

In San Marcos, you can float the San Marcos River.

In Austin, you can float the Barton Creek Greenbelt. There are no shuttles or tube rental outfits here.

In the Dallas/Fort Worth area, you can float the Trinity River.

Virginia:

Most people float the South Fork of the Shenandoah River in Shenandoah Valley. Virginia has a no drinking in public law, so leave the booze at home.

Washington:

Yakima River Canyon is a popular place to float near Yakima, Washington. – Start at Umtanum for a three-hour float to Roza. Leave one car at Roza, this is where you will pull out of the river. It will likely cost $5 per car to park.

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Floating the Boise river

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Boise, Idaho is the perfect spot for a family trip, or even just a family weekend getaway during the warm months. There are a variety of things to do in Boise. It is easy to get around and it’s a relaxing area.

Float the Boise River

I personally enjoyed floating down the Boise River.  (Some people even surf it, but we just float!)You can park your car at Ann Morrison Park and catch a bus. For a few dollars, the bus will take you up the river and drop you off at Barber Park. At the drop off point, you can inflate your raft or tube. You can also rent a raft or tube here. I recommend a raft because this river is very cold. It takes about two hours to float back down to the park. There are two small drops so you will have to hang on to your kids a few times. Don’t forget life jackets!

Julie Davis Park

Julie Davis Park is a great place to go bike riding or roller skating. They have paved sidewalks all along the Boise River. The Boise Zoo is also located at this park. The zoo was okay. It is no way near as good as any of the zoos you would find in Washington or Oregon.

Ivywild Pool

This is a great community pool with a fantastic area for toddlers. It is inexpensive and makes for a great day out!

• There are five other public pools in Boise. I have not tried them, but have heard good things about each of them.

Roaring Springs Water Park

Roaring Springs Water park is located right outside of Boise to the west in Meridian, Idaho. It is a good water park and they are pretty good about adding new stuff on a regular basis.

Boondocks Family Fun Center

Right next door to the water park is Boondocks Family Fun Center. The kids can putt-putt and play games.

Boise’s downtown area is nicely laid out and extremely clean. They have a farmer’s market on Saturday mornings during parts of the year that is fun to go to.

Tumble Time Gymnastics

We discovered this wonderful gymnastics gym, Tumble Time Gymnastics, in Boise, Idaho back in 2003 when our oldest was just two years old. They have a fantastic mommy and me program. They make gymnastics so much fun for all ages. The owners are great people and you can tell that they love what they do. Visit during their open gym time Mon- Thurs, 12-1 PM and Saturday from 11 AM – 1 PM.

Fly High Trampoline Park – Fly High Trampoline Park coupon. 

Morrison Knudson Nature Center 

Ann Morrison Park

This park is so great it should have its own post. We used to hang out here all the time. We would bring our bikes or roller skates, play tennis, or just watch the kids play on the massive playground they have.

If you want to float the Boise River along the green belt this is the park you need to be at in order to catch the bus. The bus never charged us for the kids and we were charged $1 or $2 per adult.

You can park at Julie Davis park, feed the ducks and then bike over to Ann Morrison Park along the Greenbelt.

There are always lots of people there playing horseshoes or cricket. I saw a lot of soccer teams out there playing. If you are visiting the area, it is a great park to take your kids to.

Boise Restaurants

An excellent kid-friendly Italian restaurant in Boise is Gino’s. They have several locations, including one in downtown.

The best Mexican food in the area that we were able to find was Rocca’s in Eagle, Idaho right outside of Boise.  

A good steak house is Cottonwood Grill, but I wouldn’t take the kids with you.

Dave & Buster’s – This is a great place for families. They have a huge arcade. 

Boise Hotels

The hotel we enjoyed the most while we were there was the Residence Inn by Marriott by the Boise mall.

Day Trips from Boise

Soldier Mountain

Two hours from Boise is a small ski resort, Soldier Mountain. This happens to be Eden’s favorite place to ski in Idaho. They are open every Thursday through Sunday. See our review of Soldier Mountain Ski Resort.

Magic Mountain

Another little ski resort not far past Twin Fallas. Magic Mountain Ski Resort Review

Pomerelle Ski Resort

Pomerelle Ski Resort is barely close enough to be a day trip but we love it, so I thought I would go ahead and include it. 

There are plenty of fun things to do with kids in Boise, Idaho! From the Zoo Boise and Discovery Center of Idaho to exploring local parks and caves, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy. With so many great options, you’ll never be bored in Boise!

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