Family Fun in Rexburg, Idaho
Known as “America’s Family Community,” Rexburg, Idaho, is the 4th fastest-growing micropolitan area in the United States. Just 20 minutes from Idaho Falls, Rexburg is Idaho’s most family-friendly stop when traveling to Yellowstone National Park, which is only an hour and a half away.
While Rexburg may seem like a sleepy small town, don’t let appearances fool you. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Rexburg, Idaho:
1
Pack a picnic
Visitors will find numerous inviting parks and green spaces throughout Rexburg, with Nature Park North as a dynamic recreational hub. It offers a range of amenities catering to all ages and interests, including the Claire Boyle Skate Park, serene ponds, and scenic walking paths. See what’s happening at the Frisbee Golf Course and the sports playing field for friendly competition. As a special-use park, Nature Park North provides a unique experience complementing traditional municipal parks, making it a truly fun stop for visitors seeking non-traditional outdoor activities.
Check out Rexburg.org for a complete listing of parks within city limits, and pack a picnic!
2
An underground adventure that's the bomb!
Formed from lava tubes stretching underground for thousands of feet, the Civil Defense Caves inspire the explorer in all who visit. Thanks to lava's insulating properties, the caves maintain a cool temperature even during the hottest summer days, often featuring ice near the entrance. Bring jackets, sturdy footwear, and flashlights for the adventure.
These caves earned their name during the Cold War era when they were seen as potential assets for civil defense, such as storage, shelters, or military facilities. Visiting the Civil Defense Caves provides a glimpse into history on a national level. Cement markers guide the way, with one located off Hwy. 33 and another at a fork in the road.Â
3
Hikes and Waterfalls
A short 20-minute drive takes you to a beautiful trailhead. Webster Dam, also called Manmade Falls or the Woodmansee Dam, sits abandoned within Moody Creek Canyon. The sediment accumulation behind the dam led to the stream dividing and cascading around both sides, forming two picturesque waterfalls, each approximately 15 feet tall. This destination offers year-round appeal. It is ideal for an enjoyable evening outing and is suitable for exploration in any season.
Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete. This trail is great for camping , hiking, and mountain biking , and you’ll unlikely encounter many other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
While Webster Dam is a fun hike for all ages, there are hundreds of hikes close to Rexburg to accommodate those seeking a sedate stroll through the forest or avid athletes looking for a mountain challenge.
4
History, Art and Architecture
The Teton Flood Exhibit at the Museum of Rexburg is fun and educational for the whole family. Visitors can learn about the devastating flood of 1976 that reshaped the region’s landscape. Then, stroll through downtown Rexburg to admire historic buildings like the Rexburg Tabernacle, the Jacob Spori Building , and the Madison County Courthouse, all of which showcase the city's history in architecture.
To glimpse local art and culture, visit the Hemming Village , an inner-city mecca for shopping and dining . At the Hemming Village Art Gallery, you can browse a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works by local artists. And don't forget to check YTT’s Calendar for various events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and food to history and heritage. Annual events to watch for are BYUI's Adventure Race , Teton Dam Marathon , the Madison County Fair and the Whoopee Days Rodeo.
Plan to visit Brigham Young University-Idaho , a gorgeous campus to explore in the heart of the city where you can also attend concerts and theatrical performances .
5
Go out to eat
No trip to Rexburg would be complete without sampling some of the town’s delicious cuisine. Start your day at a local diner like The Red Rabbit Grill, where you can "bring on breakfast" with a stack of syrup-drizzled waffles and fragrant hot coffee.
Head to one of Rexburg's many restaurants and eateries for lunch or dinner. You can savor mouthwatering barbecue at The Hickory or authentic Mexican cuisine at Taqueria El Rancho. You can always grab a slice with the family at the Pizza Pie Cafe. If you seek artisan Italian dining, take your honey on a date to Fresco Kitchen & Grill. And be sure to save room for dessert—stop by Mrs. Powell's Bakery for out-of-this-world cinnamon rolls or Paradise Donuts to satisfy your sweet tooth.
6
The sky is the limit
For an experience that will put your head in the clouds, visit the Legacy Flight Museum, where you can explore vintage aircraft and learn about the history of aviation. With its impressive collection of aircraft and artifacts, the museum offers visitors a fascinating journey through the evolution of flight. It showcases planes that shaped aviation history, from World War I fighters to Cold War-era jets.
Get starry-eyed at the BYU-Idaho Planetarium. Featuring state-of-the-art technology, the whole family can explore the cosmos, learn about astronomy, and deepen your understanding of the night sky. Discover distant galaxies! Learn about the planets in our solar system! Marvel at the beauty of the stars! The Rexburg Planetarium has special shows throughout the year to engage and inspire.
7
Family-friendly fun
Rexburg is the perfect destination for families, with plenty of activities and attractions to entertain everyone. Spend a day at Yellowstone Bear World, where you can observe bears, wolves, and other wildlife up close from the safety of your car. Or, head to Rexburg Rapids for a day of splashing and sliding at the local water park. Fun for all ages is a ride on the Idaho Centennial Carousel, the state's only wooden carousel.
The kiddos will love BYU-Idaho's orchards, where you can pick your own apples from September through October. Or, coincide your visit with the Annual Apple Blossom Festival held each Spring!
For indoor activities, hit up the Gravity Factory, where the kids can run wild on a jump floor, foam pit, tumble lanes, and Ninja Warrior course, or head to the Rock Gym and indulge your inner climber. If the weather isn't cooperating and you want to catch a movie, buy your tickets at Fat Cats and watch the latest big-screen release.
Rexburg has something for everyone. Learn more about this wonderful Eastern Idaho city and enjoy its family-friendly attractions.
