Seven Places in Idaho to See Animals with Your Preschooler

Preschool is a time where learning and exploring will help to ensure a future of growth and a passion for learning. As a preschool, we make sure that our children can learn about all subjects with both examples and hands-on exploration.

As such, today's post is about animals and where you can take your child to see what nature has to offer. We've rounded up the seven best wildlife parks and zoos in Idaho that you and your child can visit for the day or the weekend for a few lessons about nature and the earth.

Yellowstone Bear World

Located in Rexburg, Idaho, this wildlife park is dedicated to the bears. Here, you will be able to get a view of what free-roaming and wild bears live like and do daily. It's not all about bears though, during a drive through you might see elk, bison, whitetail deer, mule deer, goats, moose, and even wolves! In addition, you can learn about the bottle fed cubs that are being rehabilitated and even play with deer in the petting zoo. Admission will get you into the zoo, the amusement rises, and unlimited driving trips through the park.

The Wolf Education and Research Center

Located in Winchester, Idaho, this park is for the dogs. Specifically, the wolves. It's important to remember that taking your preschooler on this tour will require at least 24-hour notice as this place can't give tours on a moments notice. The center will connect your children with wolves, their environment, and how they live in the region.

Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park

The Idaho Falls Zoo is the perfect place to watch lions, sloth, wallabies, or bears in a small environment that they call home. Though it's closed October through March, this zoo is perfect for summer trips for your child to learn about what lives in the world outside the USA. Also, for a special treat, make sure to check online for any events that your preschooler would love to attend.

Zoo Boise

The second zoo in our list, this educational wonder will teach your preschooler about over 200 animals from 80 different species from around the world. Make sure you check the website for open hours and costs as well as any rules that you might need to think about. For example, they don't allow food or drink into the park.

Zoo Idaho

Located in Pocatello, this 25-acre zoo is the biggest on the list. As such, you should expect the most educational and face to face zoo for your preschooler possible. They will be able to see everything from bobcats to bison and foxes to snakes. Also, the petting zoo will allow them to be hands-on with the learning opportunities around the park. Don't forget to check the website for more information.

Aquarium of Boise

Though less hands-on, this an aquarium allows for new teaching opportunities for preschoolers. Here they will be able to see everything from clownfish to sharks. You can expect over 250 species of animals as well as all the plants and environmental factors that each would need to live. Have fun learning at this family-friendly spot with special feeding areas and talks throughout the location.

Ruth Melichar Bird Center

We've looked at animals on the ground and under the sea. However, our smart preschoolers haven't had an opportunity to look at birds and what it means to be a wildlife rescue. At the Ruth Melichar Bird Center, you and your child will be able to see what Idaho does to keep hurt and recovering animals safe before they can return to the wild. This nonprofit location helps to rehabilitate all manner of wildlife and also love to help bring the next generation into the game by offering tours and talks about what it means to be a wildlife rehabilitator.


Preschoolers love to learn and try new things. As such, it's important that we give them every opportunity possible to expand their knowledge and grow into the person they were meant to be. Let us know if you know of any more great places for preschoolers to have fun on the weekends while they learn about nature and the creatures that live in it.

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