While the lakes and rivers get most of the attention in the summer, the mountains pack a punch of family fun to rival any day at the beach. From mountain biking to horseback riding to a scenic chairlift ride, there is no shortage of adventures to wow the kids (and wear them out).
Whether you are staying for a week or a weekend, plan to spend at least half a day mountain biking at one of four bike parks: Brundage Mountain, Bear Basin, Jug Mountain Ranch, and Tamarack Resort. Each offers a variety of terrain for every skill level…everyone in the family, no matter their age, can find a trail to fit their mood and skillset.
Before you head to the mountain, give your little ones a bit of practical experience at the Pump Track near the McCall-Donnelly High School. The park features a pump track, jump lines, a log skinny, and berms so new riders can hone their skills.
At Brundage Mountain, we like the Greenhorn trail for an easy out-and-back lollipop. With minimal elevation change and a few fun, unintimidating features like berm turns and soft rollers, this is a great introduction to single-track riding. This trail also connects with some of the other lower mountain trails so you can extend your ride if everyone is having fun. Lift-serviced trails are also available for kids (and adults!) wanting a downhill riding experience.
Just north of town there is a hidden gem of trails at Bear Basin. Along with a fun skills park, one of our favorite trails for less experienced riders is the Sleepy Hollow loop. A few turns off the main drag and it feels like you are in the middle of a forest. The single track trail winds through the trees in a dense wooded area and features some fun elements like a bridge and optional rock features to keep things interesting.
At Jug Mountain Ranch, younger kids will love the North Elk Loop for their wide, flowy turns without the intimidation factor. On the weekends, you can also grab a shuttle to the top and take a scenic, leisurely ride along the Upper Jug Creek Reservoir on a trail called the Dam Loop. After your ride, swing into the Clubhouse Restaurant for an afternoon appetizer or dinner overlooking the Jug Mountain Ranch Golf Course.
If you choose to ride at Tamarack Resort, be prepared for a lot of options! Along with lift-serviced downhill trails, Tamarack is also home to a huge network of meadow trails that wind down along the Osprey Meadows Golf Course as well as some great beginner trails higher up the mountain in the famous Tamarack Grove in the Wildwood area. For an easy ride with kids, we like to start from the Lodge at Osprey Meadows and take the Lodge Trail to Pelican for an easy cruise around the perimeter of the meadow.
Once you have conquered the bike, its time for a new animal…literally. We can’t say enough about a horseback ride with the amazing team at Yahoo Corrals. For kids six and up, Yahoo offers two options, a 90-minute and 4-hour trail ride experience, through some of the most beautiful terrain in the area. The gentle horses and knowledgeable guides make it easy for beginners of any age feel comfortable. Have kids under six? They can still get in on the fun with pony rides at the corrals or a family horse-drawn carriage ride and dinner experience.
Not quite ready to saddle a horse or hop on a mountain bike? You can still see the mountain in a whole new way with a scenic chairlift ride from Brundage Mountain or Tamarack Resort. There really is something unique about riding a chairlift in the summer…and the view from the top feels like you can see the entire state of Idaho on a clear day. Scenic chairlift rides are a great activity for a family with a variety of ages – from young to young at heart, riding a chairlift is an easy, accessible activity everyone can participate in together.
