Free/Cheap things to do with your kids in the Pocatello area

This is a list of reliable, repeated events in the Pocatello area. If you know of others that should be included or if any of these have changed or been canceled please let us know!! Feel free to add comments below.

Time of year	Event	Details	Place	Cost	Contact info
All Year
	Museum of Clean	Huge family friendly museum of cleaning supplies and techniques presented in a quirky way	711 S. 2nd Ave. Pocatello, ID 83201	$6 adults $5 kids 3-11 $20 for a family (2 adults & up to 3 children)	http://museumofclean.com.s158603.gridserver.com/
	Lava Hot Springs	Warm pools for year round swimming	Lava Hot Springs	$6 or less per person, with multi packs and daily deals available	http://www.lavahotsprings.com/rates/hot-pool-hours-rates.html
Mid April through Mid October	Idaho Falls Zoo	This Zoo claims to have the largest collection of wildlife in the state	Rogers St & Carnival Way, Idaho Falls, ID 83402	Adults (13-61): $7.50 Seniors (62 & over): $6.00 Children (4-12): $4.50 Children (3 & under): FREE	http://www.idahofallsidaho.gov/city/city-departments/parks-recreation/parks-recreation-zoo.html
	The Library	Don't overlook this resource, the libraries around the Pocatello area offer more than just books, they also have games, videos and regular programs to keep you and kids entertained	Marshal Public Library is on Garfield in old town and the Portenuf district library is on Stuart ave in Chubbuck	FREE	http://www.marshallpl.org/ http://portneuflibrary.org/
Open to the public every 3rd Saturday of the month. 10 AM until 2 PM. Open every Saturday after Thanksgiving in November and ending the Saturday before Christmas Eve 10 AM until 2 PM.	Pocatello Model Railroad and Historical Society	Replica of the Oregon Short-line Roundhouse with 53 stalls set at 6 degree intervals around a 100 foot long turntable. 65 HO modules occupying ~75% of a 6000 sq. ft. room.	b59 S Harrison Ave, Pocatello, ID 83204	FREE	(208) 236-5359
	Pocatello Rec Center	The Community Recreation Center is a complete family recreation center offering a wide variety of activities and classes throughout the year including swimming, dancing, rock climbing, weight lifting, cardio, racquetball, and more.	144 Wilson Avenue Pocatello, ID 83201	Daily Usage Fees* Age Admission Fee Under 1 FREE Ages 1–5 $2 Ages 6–17 $3 Ages 18–59 $5 Senior (60+) $3 *Daily Usage Fees do not include usage of the Pool except during our Public Swim Hours.	http://www.pocatello.us/297/Community-Recreation-Center
	Deleta Skating	Deleta Skating and Family Fun Center: skating, laser tag, games, food, family atmosphere and more. All the makings for the perfect family night out!	520 Yellowstone Ave Pocatello, Idaho	Monday Wednesday and Thursday 5 to 9 p.m.is $4.50. Friday and Saturday night 7 to 11 p.m. is $7. Saturday daytime, 11 to 5 is $6	https://www.facebook.com/pg/deletaskating/about/?ref=page_internal
	Idaho Potato Museum	The Idaho Potato Museum is a unique museum which appropriately showcases Idaho’s Famous Potatoes®. Located in the old Oregon Short Line Railroad Depot you’ll discover the world of potatoes®.	130 NW Main St, Blackfoot, ID 83221	Adult Admission $3.00 Seniors, AAA, Military $2.50 Children Ages 6-12 $1.00 Children 5 & Under Free Groups of 15 or more $2.00 each	http://idahopotatomuseum.com/
	Hiking	Visit trails.com for locations of tons of trails at all difficulty levels	Basically everywhere	Free	www.trails.com
	Reel Theater	Second Run movies, New seats recently installed	310 E Oak St, Pocatello, ID 83201	Matinees are $2.50 after 5pm all movies are $3.00 Except Tuesday when all movies are $2 all day long	https://www.reeltheatre.com/showtimes-pocatello
	ISU Bowling	Bumpers available for kids (or adults who are terrible at bowling)	Student Union Building, lower level	Bowling is $2.50/game for students shoe rental is $1.75	http://www2.isu.edu/union/gamescenter/bowling.shtml
	Free Camping Spot	Hiking, biking, fishing (with a licence) and OHV Trail-heads, Beautiful location with a stream nearby, toilet available.	Approx. 10 Miles west of McCammon, on Green Rd.	You bring the supplies, the space is FREE	https://www.blm.gov/style/medialib/blm/id/publications.Par.69670.File.dat/RecreationSummary_Final-small.pdf
December
Second Wednesday of December	Customer Appreciation Day	Lava wants to say a big thank you to their customers with free admission to the Lava Hot Springs Hot Pools all day	Lava Hot Springs	Free	http://www.lavahotsprings.com/info/events.html
February
First Saturday of February	Fire & Ice Children's Water Carnival	A children’s Water Carnival will be held during Lava Hot Springs Fire & Ice Winter Festival at the Lava Hot Springs’ Indoor Aquatic Center. There will be games, prizes, and water fun. Events will be oriented towards a 12 and under crowd but all ages are welcome. Events include floatie relays, wall climb races, diving contests, and a splash event.	Lava Hot Springs	Admission is FREE for all ages.	http://www.lavahotsprings.com/info/events.html
March
Second Saturday	Teddy Bear Clinic	a trip to the hospital can be overwhelming and a bit frightening for little ones. If your child’s stuffed animal can handle a visit to the hospital to get stitches or a bandage, then, if or when, your child needs to visit the hospital for an injury or illness, they will be less frightened.	Portneuf Hospital	Free	https://www.portneuf.org/annual-teddy-bear-clinic-set-for-saturday-march-12-2016/
May
Memorial Day Weekend	Idaho Field of Heros Memorial	Memorial Ceremonies and Tributes	Century High School	Free	https://www.facebook.com/IdahoFieldOfHeroes/
Summer
Memorial Day Weekend throgh the beginning of school	Fort Hall Replica	A visit to the Fort Hall Replica is to enter the 19th Century world of explorers, trappers, fur traders, Native Americans, pioneers, Gold seekers, historic figures, and common folk; all of whom visited the place called Fort Hall on the banks of the Snake River in what is now Southeast Idaho.	3002 Alvord Loop Upper Level Ross Park	Adult: $4.00 Seniors: $3.00 Youth: $2.00 (3-17)	http://www.forthall.net/index.html
Memorial Day Weekend throgh the beginning of school	Ross Park Aquatic Complex	25 yard by 25 meter Main Pool - 2 lap lanes always open Activity pool with cargo net and lily pads and basketball keep everyone busy Concession stand provides patrons with snacks and beverages Dressing/locker rooms and 2 family changing areas Large Waterside for those wanting to add on to their pool experience Lazy river offers fun and relaxation Open deck and turf areas Zero depth pool with playground	Ross Park	Under 1 - Free Child (1-6) - $2 Youth (7-17) - $5 Adult (18-59) - $6 Senior (60+) - $4 Water Slide - Unlimited Use: $3 Water Slide - One-Time: $1 Monday and Wednesday Family Night : All admissions 50% off from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m	http://www.pocatello.us/331/Ross-Park-Aquatic-Complex
June
Second Saturday Every June	Idaho Free Fishing Day	All anglers, residents and nonresidents, can celebrate the day by fishing Idaho's waters without a license. All other fishing rules and regulations including creel limits, opening dates and tackle restrictions remain in effect. Always check the seasons and rules for the water where you plan to go fishing.	All public lakes and streams, check with Fish and Game to see where free equipment loans will be available for this day only.	Free, if you have tackle or find a location with loaners	https://idfg.idaho.gov/events/free-fishing-day
Second Weekend Every June	Pocatello City Creek PedalFest	Cross country mountain bike races. Takes place in the City Creek Trail System, located in Pocatello, Idaho. Open class is 27 miles, with over 4000 feet of climbing, sport is 17, and beginner is 12 miles. Free Kids race Friday Night.	City Creek	Kids Race is Free	http://www.pocatellopedalfest.com/
July
First Weekend of July	Annual Malad Valley Welsh Festival	Festival events typically include presentations on Welsh history and culture, games, and vendors, local history presentations, quilt and photography shows, wagon tours of historic sites in Malad	Malad, Idaho	entertainment is free food is reasonably priced	http://welshfestival.com/
4th of July	Fireworks at Bannok County Fairgrounds	Times and events change date and location maintain	Bannock County Fairgrounds
Second Weekend of July	Marsh Valley Pioneer Days Parade and Rodeo	Parade, Crafts and a Rodeo	Main Street McCamon ID	Parade is free 4pm Saturday	http://mvpdr1937.wixsite.com/mvpdr
July 24th	Bancroft Pioneer Days	Celebrating the pioneers of the area. Featuring a breakfast, parade, and rodeo along with other events all day for all ages	Bancroft Rodeo Grounds S 1st E, Bancroft, Idaho 83217	Parade at 10am is free Rodeo Tickets: $7 for adults $5 ages 6-12	https://www.facebook.com/BancroftPioneerDays/
Last Saturday of July	Annual POW*MIA Awareness Rally and Motorcycle Rodeo	Motorcycle Rally, Loudest Pipes contest, Live Music, Tattoo contest, Tributes to lost servicemen , and more	Bannock County Fairgrounds	Both Day Admission $15 adults, $10 Teens 14-18, 14 and under Free	http://powmiarodeo.org/
Last Weekend of July	That Famous Preston Night Rodeo	Three Nights of Parades Carnivals and Rodeos, All day activities	Franklin County Fairgrounds, and surrounding area	Parades are free and so is the Friday Morning Rodeo Roundup for Kids	http://www.prestonrodeo.com/events.htm http://www.prestonrodeo.com/2016/clown-roundup-2016.pdf
August
Seccond Weekend of August	Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival	An incredible variety of events from golf and skateboarding to tribal dances and a feast	Fort Hall Festival Grounds	Most events free for spectators	http://shobanfestival.com/
Seccond Weekend of August	Chubbuck Days	Parade in the morning and All day FREE Event at Cotant Park in Chubbuck	Cotant Park - Chubbuck	Free	http://cityofchubbuck.us/chubbuck-days/
Third Saturday in August	Riverfest	A day of food, music, and family activities. Riverfest provides the majority of the funding needed to operate the Greenway Foundation and meet the match funds required by most grants used to build trails. Free kids' events, Live music, Lots of food	Raymond Park	Free kids' events, Live music	http://portneufgreenway.org/
September
First Week of September	Eastern Idaho State Farir	State Fair	97 Park Street Blackfoot, Idaho 83221	$5	https://funatthefair.com/
Seccond Saturday of September	Dogapooloza	Dogs are allowed to swim in the outdoor pool—although their humans need to stay on the deck—and play in the fully fenced lawn area. Wiener Dog Races (on land)		$10 per dog entry fee Humans are free! (but are not allowed in the pool)	http://www.lavahotsprings.com/dogapoolooza.html