Experience gifts are becoming increasingly popular. Kids have so many toys these days, I completely understand why parents might be looking for something more meaningful than yet more colorful plastic (though don’t get me wrong, my 4 year old is totally getting a giant hideous plastic “Mighty Jet” from Paw Patrol. He’s told three different Santas all about it and I cannot wait to see his face when he opens it). There are many great options for experience gifts in this area (which we’ve outlined for you here), but this year there is a new opportunity in town that is perfect if you don’t know which particular pass or membership to invest in.
The Idaho Falls Adventure Pass gets you one-time admission to each of four great non-profit locations in town: ARTitorium on Broadway, the Museum of Idaho, the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, and the Idaho Falls Zoo. It also includes discounts and deals at four other attractions: Bob’s Indoor Golf, the East Idaho Aquarium, the Edge Climbing Gym, and the Joe Marmo/Wayne Lehto Ice Arena. And it gets you discounts off annual passes or memberships at some of the locations if you like what you see.
You can buy a family pass for $77 for up to 6 people or individual passes for $20 each and can use them any time between January 1 and December 31, 2020.
There are several benefits to buying the passes:
- If you make use of every deal on the family pass, you save over $90. If you only use the free admissions on the front of the pass, you still save $31.
- You are giving kids the opportunity to have meaningful and educational experiences while also having fun.
- You are supporting arts and culture in Idaho Falls; which is good for everyone!
If you’re not familiar with the different venues included, here’s a quick overview:
ARTitorium on Broadway is an interactive art center for kids. Imagine a science center or a children’s museum, but where every attraction has a focus on art. Popular features include a green screen, animation stations, a virtual gallery, and hands-on activities that change monthly. Activities are geared towards ages 0-12. artitoriumonbroadway.org
The Museum of Idaho brings world class traveling exhibitions to Idaho Falls along with their Idaho exhibits (currently being revamped, slated to open in 2020) and their ever popular Discovery Room for kids. In 2020, you can see Darwin & Dinosaurs through May, which will be followed by a top secret exhibition that might be similar to BODIES: The Exhibition, which toured several years ago. museumofidaho.org
The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho has rotating art exhibits, an Art Studio space designed exclusively for kids, and regular family days. They exhibit a wide variety of artworks from primarily Idaho artists and maintain a very welcoming atmosphere. Keep an eye on their website for current exhibits, but one that’s always worth a look is Young at ART, showcasing artworks by school children, on view in March, 2020. theartmuseum.org
The Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park has more than 300 individual animals representing 130 species from around the globe, and is known as the “best little zoo in the west.” The Zoo is open May through October and is a great experience for visitors of all ages. idahofallszoo.org
Bob’s Indoor Golf is a new attraction in town that offers a putting green and Pro Golf Simulators. bobsindoorgolf.com
The East Idaho Aquarium has a range of fabulous exhibits, including sharks, eels, stingrays, birds, and reptiles. There are many opportunities for kids to feed or interact with the animals. eastidahoaquarium.com
The Edge Climbing Gym is Idaho’s largest indoor rock climbing gym. They offer bouldering and sport climbing for all ages and abilities. edgeclimbinggym.com
The Joe Marmo/Wayne Lehto Ice Arena offers high quality hockey and ice-skating programs. They are open October through April. idahofallsidaho.gov/785/Ice-Arena
If you’re local, an Adventure Pass is a great way to save money while visiting all of the facilities during the year. If you’re just visiting the area (or know someone who is), it’s perfect for granting you access to some of the best attractions in Idaho Falls during your stay.
Passes can be purchased online or in person at ARTitorium on Broadway.
Hope to see you at one of these locations soon!
