Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park
4.6(2.9K)google
4.3(9)yelp
WildlifeFamilyKidsEducational
Overview
Tautphaus Park is a city park located in Idaho Falls, Idaho encompassing 84.5 acres. Park amenities include Funland Amusement Park, Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park, Joe Marmo/Wayne Lehto Ice Arena, softball and baseball fields, tennis courts, four picnic shelters, basketball court, skateboard park, all access playground equipment, horseshoe pits and restroom facilities.
Practical Info
Every day9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-3 hours
Best TimeThe best time to visit is from May to September during the warmer months, as the zoo closes for the winter season. The golden hour of the day is right at the 9:30 AM opening; species like the African lions, penguins, and scarlet ibises are highly active post-feeding, allowing premium viewing before the midday heat sets in.
Getting ThereLocated inside Tautphaus Park in central Idaho Falls. Driving is highly convenient: from downtown, head south on South Blvd for about 1.5 miles, then turn right onto Tautphaus Park Rd. The zoo features an expansive, paved surface parking lot directly outside the main ticket turnstiles that is completely free for all guests.
Travel Tips
- The zoo operates on a hard seasonal winter freeze, locking public access gates completely from late October through early April; verify active dates.
- The active penguin and pelican enclosures close to early visitors at 16:15 daily as keepers move animals indoors; complete interactive tracks prior.
- The broader park lot is complimentary but congested by regional little league baseball tournaments; locate vehicles in the spacious south lot quadrants.
Reviews
Positive
- Dubbed 'the best little zoo in Idaho'; compact in size but boasts a rich diversity of animals including snow leopards and penguins.
- Wonderful interactive designs! Kids can buy feed to hand-feed adorable goats or walk among a vibrant flock of scarlet ibises.
- The zoo grounds are lushly shaded by mature trees, staying cool in summer, with child-friendly graphic signs.
- Incredibly cheap tickets (only a few dollars) combined with reasonably priced ice cream and gifts make it a top budget choice for families.
Heads up
- Due to limited acreage, visitors used to grand zoos might feel the lion and tiger enclosures are somewhat cramped and restrictive.
- Tucked inside an older community park, its dedicated parking lot fills up quickly on weekends, forcing street parking outside.
- Some older bird and primate cages look outdated with basic ventilation, resulting in a noticeable odor on humid summer middays.
- The zoo closes completely from November to April due to freezing winters, dynamic disappointing off-season tourists.