Free National Parks day 2012

There are more free days at the national parks this year.
June 9
September 29
November 10-12

Also besides the free days there are other ways to enjoy these parks. You can get a year long pass to Yellowstone only for $50 or you can get one far ALL the parks $80.

Also there are way to get a free pass:
- Active duty military? Get a annual pass free
-  Over 62? Get a lifetime pass for just $10
- Permanent disability? You can get one free too! As well as a 50% discount on other amenities.
http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm


Heres the link.
http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm

BackCountrySecrets.com

I just found this great website that lets you know all the not-so-well-know places around you. You can type in anywere, the link is for a 30mile radius around Rexburg. You can search for whatever your interested in; Swimming holes, Hiking, Kayaking etc.

Back Country Secrets.com

Yellowstone Bear World

If your like I was I passed Yellowstone Bear World I pointed out the animals to the kids but thought of it as a tourist trap and so never went. Last year My friend bought me a season pass and it was wonderful! There is of course the drive through area. This has variouse animals that the kids get a kick out of getting so close to. The Lodge has a gift shop that I always make my kids put their hand in their pockets as we alk through. Behind the lodge theres a place to see the small bear cubs, a bridge where you can feed fish, a petting zoo with deer, chickens, goats, etc., and then theres the rides. The petting Zoo and the Rides are what realy makes it a great locals area. The rides are run by the workers there and the kids can play for hours!!

Yellowstone Bear WorldWho: The whole family
What: Drive to see animals, Carnival type rides, Petting Zoo
Where: 5 miles south of Rexburg just off Highway 20
When: Memorial day thru Labor Day

Swimming Pools

There are three Swimming Areas close to Rexburg that offer unique oppurtunities.

Greens Canyon
Who: Families
What: Swimming fun, Hot tub, Camping, Fishing, Bike Riding,
When: Year Round

Heise Hot Springs
Who: Families
What: Swimming, Hot Tub, Water Slide, Fishing, Golf, Food, Camping
When: May thru Sept

Dies Aquatic Center in Idaho Falls
Who: Families
What: Swimming. The reason I love this place so much is because you can take the kids to the outdoor wadding pool for cheap! The Wading Pond is $2 per kid (4-12) and free for accompaning parents. The wading pool with water that sprays into the air, and a grassy spot for a picnic. Theres also a life gaurd on duty.
When:

Medium Hiking Trails

PackSaddle Lake
Location: Foot hills west of Driggs, ID
Distance: 5 miles rountrip
What to do: Swimming, Fishing, Camping, Horseback, Enjoying the scenery



Wind Caves
Location: Darby Canyon, SE of Driggs
Distance: 5.2 miles roundtrip
What to do: Caves, Waterfalls

Golden Lake
Location: Harriman State Park
Distance: 4.3 miles rountrip
Fee: $3 car
What to do: Hiking, Fishing, Mountain Biking, Horseback riding

Aldous and Hancock Lakes
Location: North of Kilgore Idaho
Distance: 4.6 miles rountrip
What to do: Fishing, Camping, Horseback, Mountain Biking

Coffe Pot Rapids
Location: Near Macks Inn, Highway 20
Distance: 3.6- 5 miles roundtrip
What to do: Camping, Restrooms Fishing

Twin Bridges

Who: The Whole Family
What: Camping, Swimming in the river, Fishing, Picnic, Bathrooms
Where: Archer Lyman Ririe Highway

http://www.rexcc.com/thingstodo/parkstrails/parkscounty/twinbridgespark.html

Short Hiking Trails near Rexburg

As a mom I love to be outside with my kids, but often get stuck in a rut and dont know what to do. Here are a few short hikes near Rexburg.

BYU-Idaho Gardens: I know I forget about them all the time, but there's so much to see there. There are ponds, streams, flowers and even this adorable little house.

Cress Creek Nature Trail:
Location: West of Heise Hot Springs
What to do: Wildlife Veiwing, Scenic Overlook, Bathrooms, Handicap Access

Mesa Falls
Location: Highway 47 NE of Ashton
What to do: Cute Hike to a waterfall. This is beautiful in both summer and winter, though more accessable in summer.

Big Springs
Location: East from Mack's INN off Highway 20
What to do: Camping, Waterfowl and wildlife viewing, Bring something to feed the fish under the bridge.

Dance Festival

The International Folk Dance and Music Festival is a lot of fun, and has many free family events.

July 30, Saturday
8:00pm- Opening Ceremonies BYU-I Viking Stadium (Free Event)

Aug 1, Monday
5:00pm - 9:00pm International Street Festival
6:30- International Parade - I love this because you get a chance to see all the different countries.
9:00- 11:00pm International Street Dance Main Street (Free). RPD Blocks off the street and therea a dance on main street from Center to 1st East. Its a great chance to mingle with the participants from other countries.

Aug 2, Tuesday
9:00 am -12:00pm Rigby Youth Culture @ the New High School ages 6-16 (free)

Aug 5, Friday
7:00pm Pre-Show
7:30pm Gala Performance @ BYUI Hart Auditorium (Ticketed)

Aug 6, Saturday
11:00am - 2:00pm Closing Ceremonies @ Smith Park
7:00pm Preshow
7:30pm Gala Performance @ BYUI Hart Auditorium (Ticketed)

Parks in Rexburg

There are so many Park in Rexburg, many that people dont even know about!

Lets start with the three most Popular:
Smith Park: Located at 3rd East and Main street.
What it has: Basic Playground, Swings, Tennis Courts (2), Basketball Court, Base ball field (used for city little league games), Very large Slide, Tree'd area With Gazebo and Pavilions, Path around for walking, WW2 Veterns Memorial, bathrooms

Porter Park: Located on 2nd West and 2nd South
What it has: Basic Playground, Swings, Large area with trees to play and large field perfect for soccer or frisbee, Tennis Courts (2), Pavilions, Splash Park (free) and Carousel ($1 a ride), Bathrooms

Nature Park: Location: 5th West 3rd North
What it has: Basic Playground, Large grass area for playing, Basketball Court, Pavilion area, Scenic walks around the ponds, Ducks to feed, Skate Park, Fishing, Bathrooms

And there are many more parks in the area that are littler but often less crowded.

Beaver Dick Park Location: Highway 33 and 6000 West
What it Has: Camping, Fishing, Boat Dock, Playground, Picnic Area, Bathroom

Evergreen / Kiwanis Park Main Street and Poineer Road
What it has: Basic playground but with a cool climbing wall, large open field

Hidden Valley Park Location: Mill Race Road
What it has: Basic Playground, Open Field

Park St. Park Location: 5th West and Park Street.
What it has: Basic play ground, small open field, The best part is it has a Merry go Round- Its something that not alot of parks have anymore but my kids LOVE!

Rotary Park Location: East side of the old high school
What it has: Basic playground equipment

Zoo- Idaho Falls

Idaho Falls has the best Zoo in Idaho and is worth a visit. The monkey Exhibit is really fun because the monkeys get down and interact with the kids through the glass.

WHO: Everyone
What: Seeing and learning about animals
Where: MAPWhen: Tuesday through Sunday from 9am-5pm and Monday 9am-7pm.
Price: Admission Prices:
Regular

Adults (13-61): $6.00 plus tax
Seniors(62 & over): $4.50 plus tax
Children (4-12): $3.00 plus tax
Children (3 & under): Free
Members: FREE (w/membership card)
Parking: FREE

Group Rates (schools, scouts, and groups of 20 or more)

Adults (13-61): $5.00 plus tax
Seniors(62 & over): $3.50 plus tax
Children (4-12): $2.50 plus tax
Children (3 & under): Free


Upcoming Events at the Zoo:•Teddy Bear Day (June 18th, 1PM – 4PM) – Free admission for children 12 and under when they bring their teddy bear to the zoo. Enjoy a fun filled day of bear activities, crafts and games!
•Father’s Day (June 19th) – Fathers admitted free with a paying child admission.
•Zoo Concert Series (June 23rd, 6PM – 8:30PM) – Enjoy an evening at the zoo listening to the jazzy sounds of Idaho Falls artist, Kevin Young. More details to follow.
•Dr. Doolittle Day (July 16th, 10AM - 4PM) - Each year the Zoo Docents host this day of fun and education with games, crafts, prizes and animal encounters. This year's theme is "Myth or Fact". Investigate what stories are fact and which are myth during this fun day!
•Zoo Concert Series (July 21st, 6PM – 8:30PM) – Enjoy an evening of music at the zoo. More details to follow.
August

•Seniors Day (August 1st) – Free admission for seniors 62 and over. Have a box lunch, sit under a shady tree and enjoy up close encounters and old time music. Sponsored by Lincoln Court.
•Enrichment Day (August 6th) – See how our zoo keepers enrich the lives of our animals with a variety of activities designed to mentally and physically stimulate snakes, lions, penguins and more!
•Photo Safari Show (August 20th) – Check out the many wonderful photographic entries at our Photo Safari Show held under the tent on the green.
September

•Babes in the Zoo (September 5th-9th) – Free admission for an adult accompanied by a baby in a stroller.
•Fall Appreciation Free Day (September 24th) – Free admission for all of our zoo visitors.
October

•Zoo Closes Sunday, October 2nd.
•Boo at the Zoo (October 28th, 29th, & 31st) – 1,000 pumpkins, 200,000 lights, sculptures, tricks, treats, spiders and snakes, games and prizes make for a safe and enjoyable Halloween at the Zoo. This "merry not scary" event includes a number of trick-or-treat stations for all ages.

Splash Park- Free

The Splash Park Located in Rexburg Porter Park Is a great place to go for FREE.

Parent attendance required. Children under 3 must wear swim diapers. Diapers are available at the Carousel. Parents are required to check swim diapers often and change when neccessary. Shower before entering splash park. Please do not bring sick children.

WHO: Everyone
WHAT: A Free way to spend some time and cook off
Where: Rexburg Porter Park
When: 9:00 am - 10:00 pm Memorial Day through Labor Day

Farmers Market

During the Summer theres a fun Farmers Market here in Rexburg. There are many different booths, things to see, food to eat and fun homemade products to buy as well as fresh produce. Some of my favorites are the handmade soaps and the bratwursts! They also have live music and special days.

Who: The Whole Family!
What: Farmers Market
Where: On Center st by the Tabernacle
When: 4:00- 8:00 Fridays May thru October

Lunch in the Park

Madison School District Offers FREE lunch in the park during the summer.

Who: Kids 1 to 18
What: Free Lunch
Where: Smith Park and Kennedy Elementary
When: 11:30- 12:30 Monday thru Friday