Tautphaus Park Idaho Falls
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Tautphaus Park Idaho Falls

4.6
·2k reviews·Idaho Falls, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, active animals

CrowdLow
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Tautphaus Park Idaho Falls

Tautphaus Park Idaho Falls

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, active animals

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(2k reviews)

"A cute zoo that is totally doable in about 90 mins. Kid friendly, stroller friendly, great location."

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TIP

🎯 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park

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

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

Seasonal Ice Rinks

Off Rollandet, Tautphaus Park

Enjoy outdoor ice skating during colder months. Check for opening status and weather conditions before visiting.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Tautphaus Park Visit

Beat the crowds by visiting Tautphaus Park on weekdays, especially in the morning. Weekends and summer afternoons can get busy with families and events. Check the zoo's hours before you go, as they can vary seasonally.

Park Amenities & Accessibility

While Tautphaus Park offers playgrounds, picnic areas, and ball fields, stroller and wheelchair access to the playground can be challenging due to uneven terrain. Consider this if you have young children or mobility needs.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, active animals
Crowd
Low
When
Spring & Fall
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer smells
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter (ice rink season)
Why
Unique seasonal activity
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The freezing temperatures have brought with them some very good news! The outdoor ice rinks located off Rollandet in Tautphaus park are OPEN! Enjoy the outdoor ice rinks as long as the weather permits. When planning a visit, please check the weather and for the most recent opening/closures call: 208-612-8479. If it is warmer than 32 degrees Fahrenheit, please don't skate on the ice. The ice rink...
ifparksandrec
22 likes • 2.5K views

🎯 Zoo Visit Timing

Visit the zoo first thing in the morning for the most active animals and fewer crowds. Reddit

👟 Playground Accessibility

Be aware that paths to the playground can be uneven; strollers and wheelchairs may face challenges. Reddit

The Best Park in Idaho Falls is: Tautphaus Park Idaho Falls is home to several parks (I'll highlight more of them) but Tautphaus Park in my opinion ranks right at the top! Its one of the oldest and largest parks in the area. It has some fun history behind it as well. The park is 84.5 acres covered in large grass fields, tons of mature trees, and is beautiful year round. Inside the sprawling acr...
makeidhome
12 likes • 414 views
Tautphaus Park in Idaho Falls hosted @theextremetourofficial for the 2025 season finale! That last stop was so full of love! 🤳🏾: @officiallydanyellespeaks YouTube vid up now
imfinacurk
349 likes • 5.2K views

🧊 Ice Rink Status

Call ahead to confirm ice rink opening status, as it depends on weather conditions. Instagram

🌳 Mature Trees & Shade

Enjoy the mature trees offering ample shade, especially during warmer months. Instagram

🍂 Go for a little drive and see these leaves this week! Blink and fall is gone! Don't miss out! Let us know what places in Idaho Falls we missed! 🍂 Tautphaus Park 🍂 Freeman Park 🍂 Kate Curley Park 🍂 Greenbelt 🍂 Snake River Landing #eastidahoadventures #fallinidahofalls #katecurleypark #fallinidaho #idaholeaves #freemanpark #tautphauspark #greenbeltidahofalls #snakeriverlanding #visitidahofall...
eastidahoadventures
525 likes • 12.1K views

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. Reddit

👟 Playground Accessibility

Be aware that paths to the playground can be uneven; strollers and wheelchairs may face challenges. Reddit

🧊 Ice Rink Status

Call ahead to confirm ice rink opening status, as it depends on weather conditions. Instagram

🌳 Mature Trees & Shade

Enjoy the mature trees offering ample shade, especially during warmer months. Instagram

🎾 Pickleball Courts

Find pickleball courts inside the Joe Marmo/Wayne Lehto Ice Arena, adjacent to the zoo. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

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

Cute and manageable zoo
Affordable family fun
Beautiful mature trees

What People Dislike

Playground accessibility challenges

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. Reddit

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. Reddit The zoo within the park is noted as stroller and wheelchair accessible with rentals available. Reddit

Parking is generally available within the park grounds, especially near the zoo and sports fields. During special events, additional parking might be designated. Instagram

Yes, the Idaho Falls Greenbelt provides a pleasant and walkable connection to areas near Tautphaus Park, offering scenic views along the river. Reddit

Information on specific public transportation routes to Tautphaus Park is limited. Driving or utilizing ride-sharing services are the most common methods of access. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

Tautphaus Park occasionally hosts events, including the Extreme Tour which featured a season finale there. Instagram The park also has seasonal ice rinks. Instagram

Admission to the Idaho Falls Zoo is considered affordable, making it a great value for families. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit

The zoo features a variety of animals, including tigers, sloth bears, red pandas, monkeys, llamas, goats (in a petting zoo), and various birds. Reddit Visitors have also noted seeing a 500lb tortoise. Reddit

Yes, Tautphaus Park provides picnic tables and lawn space, making it ideal for a family picnic. Reddit

Absolutely! Tautphaus Park has a playground that kids can enjoy. Reddit

The Idaho Falls Zoo offers rentals for wheelchairs and wagons for kids. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The zoo within Tautphaus Park has a snack area, though it may be closed seasonally. A small gift shop is also available. Reddit For more dining options, consider nearby restaurants in Idaho Falls. Instagram

Yes, Tautphaus Park is a great spot for picnics, with ample lawn space and picnic tables available for visitors to bring their own food. Reddit

For a family afternoon getaway, brunch at Snakebite Restaurant in Idaho Falls is a recommended option before visiting the park. Instagram

While there's a snack area, a full-service restaurant is not typically available within the Idaho Falls Zoo itself. Reddit

Information on water fountains is not readily available, so it's advisable to bring your own water bottles, especially during warmer months. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The mature trees offer beautiful natural backdrops, especially during fall foliage. Instagram The zoo provides opportunities for close-up shots of animals, and the park's open spaces are great for family portraits. Reddit

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. Reddit

The seasonal ice rinks offer a unique winter photography opportunity. Instagram Additionally, the park's mature trees provide stunning scenery, particularly during autumn. Instagram

A versatile zoom lens is recommended for capturing both wide park landscapes and animal close-ups at the zoo. Reddit

Regulations regarding drone usage in public parks can vary. It's best to check local ordinances or contact park management for specific rules. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tautphaus Park is a fantastic destination for families. The Idaho Falls Zoo is a major draw, offering an engaging experience for children without being overwhelming. Reddit+1 The playground provides ample space for kids to burn energy. Reddit However, be mindful of the accessibility challenges to the playground for strollers and wheelchairs. Reddit Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy more active animals at the zoo. Reddit Bringing a picnic is a great way to save money and enjoy the park's picnic areas. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Tautphaus Park is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. The park itself is free to enter, offering vast green spaces for relaxation and play. Instagram The Idaho Falls Zoo has an affordable admission fee, providing significant value for the experience. Reddit Packing a picnic lunch is highly recommended, as it's a cost-effective way to dine within the park. Reddit The seasonal ice rinks also offer an inexpensive recreational activity during winter months. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Walkers & Nature Enthusiasts

For those who enjoy walking, Tautphaus Park offers pleasant strolls through its mature trees and grassy fields. Instagram However, for a more extensive and consistently walkable experience, the Idaho Falls Greenbelt is a must-visit. Reddit This scenic path follows the river, offering beautiful views and connecting various points of interest in the city. Reddit The park's natural beauty is particularly striking during the fall foliage season. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Idaho Falls Zoo

The Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park is a beloved local attraction, praised for its manageable size and engaging animal exhibits. Visitors often highlight the zoo's cleanliness and the active nature of the animals, especially when visited first thing in the morning. Reddit With about 7 acres, it's perfectly sized for a 90-minute visit, making it ideal for families with young children. Reddit The zoo features a variety of animals, including tigers, monkeys, llamas, and a popular 500lb tortoise. Reddit There's also a petting zoo for a more interactive experience. Reddit

Accessibility is a strong point for the zoo itself, with stroller and wheelchair rentals available. Reddit However, it's worth noting that the park's playground area can be less accessible due to uneven terrain. Reddit 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. Reddit

Seasonal Fun: Ice Skating at Tautphaus Park

During the colder months, Tautphaus Park transforms into a winter wonderland with its outdoor ice rinks located off Rollandet. Instagram These rinks offer a fantastic opportunity for families and individuals to enjoy classic winter recreation. It's important to note that the rinks are weather-dependent, meaning they are open as long as temperatures remain below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit). Instagram

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. Instagram 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. Instagram

Park Amenities and Accessibility Considerations

Tautphaus Park is a substantial 84.5-acre green space in Idaho Falls, featuring mature trees, large grassy fields, picnic areas, and ball fields. Instagram It's a popular spot for relaxation and recreation. The park also includes shelters and restrooms, adding to its convenience for visitors. Instagram

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. Reddit While manageable for strollers and wagons, this can present significant difficulties for wheelchair users. Reddit For those seeking more accessible walking paths, the Idaho Falls Greenbelt is frequently recommended as a highly walkable and scenic option. Reddit

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