PARKS &
RECREATION

First Time Adventure Program

Have you always wanted to camp outdoors, fish or paddle, but didn’t know the basics, have the proper equipment, or even know where to go?  Our First Time Adventure Program brings families and the great outdoors together!  We host a fun-filled, outdoor experience for first-time adventurers. Our park's knowledgeable and friendly staff will provide you with gear, show you the ropes and make sure you have fun in the process.

Activities May Include:

• Camping fundamentals (what to bring, setting up a tent, cooking, safety tips, etc.)
• Hiking
• Snowshoeing
• Interpretive programs - wildlife, history, culture
• Fishing
• Paddle sports (canoeing, kayaking)
• Outdoor cooking instruction

Participating State Parks

Castle Rocks State Park
Hells Gate State Park
Lake Cascade State Park
Lucky Peak State Park
Lake Walcott State Park
Massacre Rocks State Park
Priest Lake State Park
Winchester Lake State Park
 

First Time Adventure Programs within Idaho's State Parks are generously sponsored by:

Park Interpretation

The story of Idaho can be told in its state parks. Each of Idaho's 30 state parks provides a window into the political and social development of Idaho and the West.

From the pristine setting of Glade Creek, where the Corps of Discovery once camped, to the land of the Yankee Fork, where you can still gaze upon the ghosts of frontier mining; from Harriman State Park in the east, reflecting Idaho's rich ranching heritage, to the former naval base at Farragut in the north -- Idaho's state parks each have a story to tell.

Some of Idaho's parks are the result of enthusiastic private citizens who saw a need. Sometimes that need was protection of cultural values. Often it was an attempt to capture the rush of tourists passing through Idaho to destinations elsewhere.

But in a state famous for its federally administered public lands, Idaho's state parks have had to compete for their place in the sun.

Idaho Public Television produced an hour-long special that explores the history of the state parks movement in Idaho, how state parks are faring in today’s economy, and the value of state parks to Idaho’s residents. The State of Our Parks.

	There's so much to do outside! Get your kids engaged in the outdoors. Visit www.beoutsideidaho.org for a lengthy list of things to do!
	A great downloadable guide for even the littlest adventure seeker!

Be Outside, Idaho is a coalition of over 100 diverse organizations (Including Idaho Deparment of Parks and Recreation) that collaborate and share resources to help address ‘nature deficit disorder’ and connect Idaho’s youth to the outdoors. Our partners include representatives from: state and federal public lands managers, wildlife managers, healthcare providers, educators, city parks and recreation departments, nonprofit organizations, elected officials, individuals and others. Be Outside Idaho provides resources and opportunities to Idahoans that promote youth activity and outdoor time. Check out the many, many resources available: Link to teacher's resources

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation created a teacher resource kit and student workbook to celebrate the centennial of Idaho state parks in 2008. The material is still fresh and available for free to teachers and home schoolers. You can download the entire workbook and resource guide, or download individual modules. Be sure to ask for the free, fun DVD and park resource guide that goes along with it.

Additionally, Thousand Springs State Park offers experiential learning that meets Idaho's State Teaching Standards in Geology, U.S. History, and Idaho History. Click here to download a brochure that discusses this program and others available in the area via a partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service.

First Time Adventure Program

Have you always wanted to camp outdoors, fish or paddle, but didn’t know the basics, have the proper equipment, or even know where to go?  Our First Time Adventure Program brings families and the great outdoors together!  We host a fun-filled, outdoor experience for first-time adventurers. Our park's knowledgeable and friendly staff will provide you with gear, show you the ropes and make sure you have fun in the process.

Activities May Include:

• Camping fundamentals (what to bring, setting up a tent, cooking, safety tips, etc.)
• Hiking
• Snowshoeing
• Interpretive programs - wildlife, history, culture
• Fishing
• Paddle sports (canoeing, kayaking)
• Outdoor cooking instruction

Participating State Parks

Castle Rocks State Park
Hells Gate State Park
Lake Cascade State Park
Lucky Peak State Park
Lake Walcott State Park
Massacre Rocks State Park
Priest Lake State Park
Winchester Lake State Park
 

First Time Adventure Programs within Idaho's State Parks are generously sponsored by:

Park Interpretation

The story of Idaho can be told in its state parks. Each of Idaho's 30 state parks provides a window into the political and social development of Idaho and the West.

From the pristine setting of Glade Creek, where the Corps of Discovery once camped, to the land of the Yankee Fork, where you can still gaze upon the ghosts of frontier mining; from Harriman State Park in the east, reflecting Idaho's rich ranching heritage, to the former naval base at Farragut in the north -- Idaho's state parks each have a story to tell.

Some of Idaho's parks are the result of enthusiastic private citizens who saw a need. Sometimes that need was protection of cultural values. Often it was an attempt to capture the rush of tourists passing through Idaho to destinations elsewhere.

But in a state famous for its federally administered public lands, Idaho's state parks have had to compete for their place in the sun.

Idaho Public Television produced an hour-long special that explores the history of the state parks movement in Idaho, how state parks are faring in today’s economy, and the value of state parks to Idaho’s residents. The State of Our Parks.

	There's so much to do outside! Get your kids engaged in the outdoors. Visit www.beoutsideidaho.org for a lengthy list of things to do!
	A great downloadable guide for even the littlest adventure seeker!

Be Outside, Idaho is a coalition of over 100 diverse organizations (Including Idaho Deparment of Parks and Recreation) that collaborate and share resources to help address ‘nature deficit disorder’ and connect Idaho’s youth to the outdoors. Our partners include representatives from: state and federal public lands managers, wildlife managers, healthcare providers, educators, city parks and recreation departments, nonprofit organizations, elected officials, individuals and others. Be Outside Idaho provides resources and opportunities to Idahoans that promote youth activity and outdoor time. Check out the many, many resources available: Link to teacher's resources

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation created a teacher resource kit and student workbook to celebrate the centennial of Idaho state parks in 2008. The material is still fresh and available for free to teachers and home schoolers. You can download the entire workbook and resource guide, or download individual modules. Be sure to ask for the free, fun DVD and park resource guide that goes along with it.

Additionally, Thousand Springs State Park offers experiential learning that meets Idaho's State Teaching Standards in Geology, U.S. History, and Idaho History. Click here to download a brochure that discusses this program and others available in the area via a partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service.