My favorite things to do in Sun Valley Idaho

I have been coming to Sun Valley, Idaho since I was 3 years old. This was our families favorite place to visit in both the winter and the summer months. We would come up and go skiing over Valentine’s Day and we would always spend a couple weeks in the summer enjoying everything this lovely town has to offer. Now most of these favorites are Summer Time activities, but some of them can certainly be done during the winter months too. If you have never been to Sun Valley you definitely need to put it on your list off places to visit!

 

Fly Fishing: Clearly there are many access points to rivers in Sun Valley, so there are lots of places to go Fly Fishing. But don’t forget to get your fishing gear and fishing license before you head out. We always go to Silver Creek Outfitters for everything we need related to fishing in Sun Valley. You can also get a fly fishing guide there as well. But if that seems like a little much for your crew, than grab your fishing pole and worms and head over to Penny Lake. This is where I learned out to fish when I was very young and they stock the pond which makes this fishing a lot more fun for the littles.

 

 

Riding Bikes around Town – Bike trails are everywhere in Sun Valley. You can rent bikes for the whole family and spend the day outside enjoying the beautiful surroundings that is Sun Valley, Idaho. We always grab our bike rentals from the Elephant Perch.

Float down the Snake River – There are plenty of places to grab some rafts and jump in along the snake river. Just be sure to plan out your float area along the river, or have someone pick you up when you are ready to stop.

 

 

Bowling at the Sun Valley Lodge – If you aren’t staying at the Sun Valley Lodge, be sure to head over there and enjoy their family friendly bowling alley. This is a super fun activity for the whole family. It is $90 for an hour for up to 6 people with shoes. E-mail: [email protected]

 

Gondola Rides up to the Roundhouse – Lift operates late June – Labor Day weekend from 9am – 3:45pm daily. In the summer time this is a summer fun activity. You can technically hike up and down the mountain. Or you can pay to ride up the gondola and have lunch at the Roundhouse. It has outstanding views of the whole valley. I suggest making reservations before you go. You can take one more chair lift up after lunch and see even spectacular views. You can purchase your Gondola tickets at the base of the mountain.

 

 

Pioneer for dinner – A trip to Sun Valley is not complete without a dinner at the Pio. This is a must and I highly suggest making reservations before you leave on your trip. You can expect and old country looking bar and restaurant, serving up delicious steaks and rainbow trout. I look forward to this dinner every time we arrive in Sun Valley. For reservations call:  (208) 726-3139 and located at 320 N Main St, Ketchum, ID 83340.

 

 

Ice Cream in the Town Square – After dinner at the Pioneer we always walk over to the Ketchum Town Square where they usually have local folks playing music and a fantastic ice cream pop-up called Leroy’s Ice Cream. We grab some ice cream, take a seat and listen to music. It is the perfect way to end the evening with your family. Even if there is no music the kids can still run around and enjoy their ice cream. Leroy’s Ice Cream can be found at 480 East Ave North, Ketchum, ID 83340.

 

 

Grumpy’s – This is a must stop when visiting Sun Valley. During the day you can take the kids to this bar or leave them at home for a night out. Grab a burger and a schooner and sit outside on the patio with your family. Or after a long day on the mountain you will find many friends enjoying a schooner before heading home or back to their hotel. Don’t forget to snag some merch to show all your friends that you have been to Grumpy’s in Sun Valley.

 

Take your picture in the big Chairs around town – Kinda one of those things that you just gotta do.

 

 

Parades– When it comes to holiday parades, Sun Valley does a great job. They have one parade on the 4th of July and one on Labor Day for Wagon Days. The kids will love both of these parades as they still have that small town feel we all crave. Everyone in town puts out their chairs along the parade route the night before to save their spot. But don’t worry there will still be plenty of lovely viewing spots when you show up the day of the parade.

 

Honorable Mention – Bumble Bee in Bellevue. Just south of Hailey you will find Bellevue, Idaho. In the parkin lot of the Silver Creek Hotel you will find an adorable Ice Cream/tea/Boba truck. Definitely worth a stop to enjoy a root beer float and sit at the tables next to the truck. You can find the adorable truck at 721 N Main St, Bellevue, ID 83313