
Tautphaus Park Idaho Falls
A beloved 84.5-acre park featuring a charming zoo, playground, picnic spots, and seasonal ice rinks.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active animals

Tautphaus Park Idaho Falls
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active animals

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved 84.5-acre park featuring a charming zoo, playground, picnic spots, and seasonal ice rinks.
"A cute zoo that is totally doable in about 90 mins. Kid friendly, stroller friendly, great location."

🎯 Zoo Visit Timing
Visit the zoo first thing in the morning for the most active animals and fewer crowds.
👟 Playground Accessibility
Be aware that paths to the playground can be uneven; strollers and wheelchairs may face challenges.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park
Within Tautphaus Park
A charming 7-acre zoo with active animals, baby creatures, and a friendly atmosphere. Perfect for a 90-minute family outing.

Tautphaus Park Playground
Central area of the park
A fun-filled playground for kids, offering space to run and play. Note potential accessibility challenges for strollers and wheelchairs.

Seasonal Ice Rinks
Off Rollandet, Tautphaus Park
Enjoy outdoor ice skating during colder months. Check for opening status and weather conditions before visiting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Tautphaus Park Visit
Park Amenities & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Zoo Visit Timing
Visit the zoo first thing in the morning for the most active animals and fewer crowds.
👟 Playground Accessibility
Be aware that paths to the playground can be uneven; strollers and wheelchairs may face challenges.
🧊 Ice Rink Status
Call ahead to confirm ice rink opening status, as it depends on weather conditions.
🌳 Mature Trees & Shade
Enjoy the mature trees offering ample shade, especially during warmer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Zoo Visit Timing
Visit the zoo first thing in the morning for the most active animals and fewer crowds.
👟 Playground Accessibility
Be aware that paths to the playground can be uneven; strollers and wheelchairs may face challenges.
🧊 Ice Rink Status
Call ahead to confirm ice rink opening status, as it depends on weather conditions.
🌳 Mature Trees & Shade
Enjoy the mature trees offering ample shade, especially during warmer months.
🎾 Pickleball Courts
Find pickleball courts inside the Joe Marmo/Wayne Lehto Ice Arena, adjacent to the zoo.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tautphaus Park is a well-loved community hub, particularly praised for its charming zoo and family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the affordable activities and the park's natural beauty. Some minor accessibility issues with the playground are noted, but overall, it's considered a great local gem.
"Such a cute zoo that is totally doable in a bout 90 mins. Kid friendly, stroller friendly, great location. They have ably 7 acres of animals located by a park. The enclosures are wel kept. The animals were very active as I went first thing in the morning. The staff were friendly and eager to share facts about the animals. There were lots of baby animals too!! It was a great little stop!!!"
Kim Tyler
"Great, affordable place to take the family. Large selection of interesting animals. Animals look well care for. Walkways are mostly shady. Some habitats are plain but in good shape. Look for the 500lb tortoise! He's awesome."
Stefanie Crow
"Great experience for the family. Wheelchair accessible with rentals for wheelchairs and wagons for kids. The lion was not there and didn’t see the snow leopard but the Tiger was out, the sloth bears were playing and the red pandas were enjoying their enrichments. There is a petting zoo for goats and various bird’s to view. Snack area was closed but they have a small gift shop. Lots of monkeys and Lamar’s to see as well. Great price for what’s available."
Jacqualynn N.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tautphaus Park is located in Idaho Falls, ID. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. For those looking for a scenic route, the Idaho Falls Greenbelt is very walkable and offers beautiful views of the river and falls, connecting to various parts of the city.
While the park has large grassy areas and picnic tables, direct paths to the playground can be challenging for strollers and wheelchairs, requiring travel over the lawn. The zoo within the park is noted as stroller and wheelchair accessible with rentals available.
Parking is generally available within the park grounds, especially near the zoo and sports fields. During special events, additional parking might be designated.
Yes, the Idaho Falls Greenbelt provides a pleasant and walkable connection to areas near Tautphaus Park, offering scenic views along the river.
Information on specific public transportation routes to Tautphaus Park is limited. Driving or utilizing ride-sharing services are the most common methods of access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tautphaus Park itself is a public park and generally free to enter. However, the Idaho Falls Zoo located within the park has an admission fee.
Zoo hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Idaho Falls Zoo website or call ahead for the most current operating hours, especially before planning a visit.
While advance ticket purchase might be available, it's often possible to buy tickets upon arrival at the Idaho Falls Zoo. Checking their website for current policies is advised.
Tautphaus Park occasionally hosts events, including the Extreme Tour which featured a season finale there. The park also has seasonal ice rinks.
Admission to the Idaho Falls Zoo is considered affordable, making it a great value for families.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tautphaus Park offers a playground, picnic areas, ball fields, and shelters. It's also home to the Idaho Falls Zoo and seasonal outdoor ice rinks.
The zoo features a variety of animals, including tigers, sloth bears, red pandas, monkeys, llamas, goats (in a petting zoo), and various birds. Visitors have also noted seeing a 500lb tortoise.
Yes, Tautphaus Park provides picnic tables and lawn space, making it ideal for a family picnic.
Absolutely! Tautphaus Park has a playground that kids can enjoy.
The Idaho Falls Zoo offers rentals for wheelchairs and wagons for kids.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The zoo within Tautphaus Park has a snack area, though it may be closed seasonally. A small gift shop is also available. For more dining options, consider nearby restaurants in Idaho Falls.
Yes, Tautphaus Park is a great spot for picnics, with ample lawn space and picnic tables available for visitors to bring their own food.
For a family afternoon getaway, brunch at Snakebite Restaurant in Idaho Falls is a recommended option before visiting the park.
While there's a snack area, a full-service restaurant is not typically available within the Idaho Falls Zoo itself.
Information on water fountains is not readily available, so it's advisable to bring your own water bottles, especially during warmer months.
📸 📸 Photography
The mature trees offer beautiful natural backdrops, especially during fall foliage. The zoo provides opportunities for close-up shots of animals, and the park's open spaces are great for family portraits.
Photography is generally allowed at the Idaho Falls Zoo for personal use. Be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography or restrictions around certain exhibits.
The seasonal ice rinks offer a unique winter photography opportunity. Additionally, the park's mature trees provide stunning scenery, particularly during autumn.
A versatile zoom lens is recommended for capturing both wide park landscapes and animal close-ups at the zoo.
Regulations regarding drone usage in public parks can vary. It's best to check local ordinances or contact park management for specific rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Walkers & Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Idaho Falls Zoo
Accessibility is a strong point for the zoo itself, with stroller and wheelchair rentals available. However, it's worth noting that the park's playground area can be less accessible due to uneven terrain. Despite some habitats being described as 'plain,' the overall care for the animals and the quality of the environment are consistently praised, giving it the feel of a larger city venue.
Seasonal Fun: Ice Skating at Tautphaus Park
Before planning your visit, it's highly recommended to check the weather forecast and call ahead to confirm the most recent opening and closure status. The number provided for inquiries is 208-612-8479. This ensures you don't make a trip only to find the rinks closed due to warm weather. The ice rinks provide a fun, affordable activity for the community during the winter season.
Park Amenities and Accessibility Considerations
However, a key consideration for visitors, particularly those with young children or mobility challenges, is the accessibility to the playground. Reviews indicate that there isn't a paved path directly to the playground, requiring users to navigate over the lawn. While manageable for strollers and wagons, this can present significant difficulties for wheelchair users. For those seeking more accessible walking paths, the Idaho Falls Greenbelt is frequently recommended as a highly walkable and scenic option.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit