Local Fun

26 Ideas for Fun: Explore the Roystone Hot Springs Area

 

Roystone Hot Springs is a hit no matter the weather—perfect for warming up after sledding or cooling down after a day on the river. Bring the RV and make it a weekend!

 

Outdoor Adventure & Recreation

 

Activity Location & Details Contact/Link
Kayaking & Water Sports Johns’ Sweet Kayak Rentals offers group tours and rentals. Catch the sunrise on the water! Call 209-880-2074 or find them on Facebook.
Paragliding Horseshoe Bend Flight Park offers tandem paragliding regularly. Fly like the birds! Call 541-314-4359 or visit hsbflightpark.com.
White Water Rafting Head to Banks ( mins away) for family-friendly and adrenaline-junkie trips on the Payette River. Cascade Raft & Kayak at cascaderaft.com or Bear Valley Rafting at BearValleyRafting.com.
Hiking & Biking Trails Find the right trail for hiking or biking at ridgestorivers.org or avimor.com/trails. ridgestorivers.org or avimor.com/trails
Fishing & Swimming Mill Pond in Horseshoe Bend ( miles away) is regularly stocked with trout and has a shallow, sandy beach for swimmers. IDFG Fishing Planner
Nature & Wildlife Montour WMA ( miles away) offers 110 acres of bird watching, wildlife viewing, walks, bike trails, and fishing on the Payette River. (Local bird hunting in season.) fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/wma/montour
Boating & Picnics Bring your boat, paddleboard, or fishing rod to Black Canyon Dam or Triangle Park ( miles away). Enjoy sand, water fun, and roasting hot dogs! USBR Black Canyon
Scenic Drives & Views Drive to Squaw Butte, Gem County’s highest point, for beautiful views, wildlife viewing, and hiking. Maps are available at the office.
Horseback Riding Access your inner cowboy and book a trail ride with Idaho Guest Ranch. idahoguestranch.com/trail-rides

 

Local Culture & Entertainment

 

Activity Location & Details Contact/Link
Movie Theater Frontier Cinema in Emmett offers a classic movie experience with old-fashioned prices. Call (208) 365-4393 or look them up on Facebook.
Musical Theater Follow the river to Starlight Mountain Theater in Garden Valley ( mins away) to enjoy musical classics under the stars. Starlightmt.com or call 208-462-5523.
Racing Fulfill your need for speed at The Firebird Raceway ( mins away). firebirdonline.com
Zipline Tours Start your day with an adventure high above the trees with Zip Idaho. Call 208-793-2947 or visit zipidaho.com.
Bowling KT’s Lanes in Emmett ( miles away) features cosmic bowling with strobe lights and glow-in-the-dark fun. ktslanes.com
Shopping & Finds Check out The Hen House in downtown Emmett for unique, Idaho-themed keepsakes. Call (208) 398-8300 or visit shoptkwalker.com/collections/hen-house.
Local Markets Visit the Emmett Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays for handcrafted and homegrown treats. emmettfarmersmarket.com
Youth Theater Check the schedule for performances by the Emmett Community Playhouse. emmettcommunityplayhouse.org
Local Art Tour Take a self-guided tour around Roystone Hot Springs to enjoy the beautiful metal art created by local artist, Ward Johns.

 

History & Scenic Drives

 

  • Visit Historic Ola ( miles North): Drive back in time to this quaint town. See the scenic church and school, and enjoy lunch at the Ola Cafe. The Sweet-Ola Highway is also a fun (if challenging!) road-bike ride.
  • Gem County Museum Tour: Go back in time with a tour—schedule a guided tour or simply stop by. gemcountymuseum.org/tours.html
  • Sweet Water Trough: Squeeze in some local history and drink from Sweet’s famous water trough. (Local rumor: the water may increase fertility!) gemcountymuseum.org/history-sweet.html
  • Black Canyon Dam & Powerplant ( miles away): Watch the powerful water drop feet over the dam! Bring a picnic to enjoy at Wild Rose Park, located at the same site. usbr.gov/projects/index.php?id=7

 

Annual Events (Check Dates Annually)

 

Month Event Description
January Annual New Year’s Cherry Rise Local celebration to kick off the new year.
April Youth Appreciation Day Free fun and games for youth at the Emmett Island Sports Complex.
June The Famous Emmett Cherry Festival Held the second full week of June since the 1930s. Features carnival rides, live music, a city parade, vendors, and more! emmettcherryfestival.com
July of July Fireworks Show Free admission at the Emmett Island Sports Complex. Bring a blanket!
July Classic Car Cruise & Show Two days of classic cars cruising the streets of Emmett.
August Gem County/Boise Fair and Rodeo Annual county fair and rodeo.
September Emmett’s Annual Glow Run Evening fun run event.
September Sweet Cowboy Days Old-fashioned fun at Syringa Hall with vendors, food, cowboy games, and contests.
October Emmett Harvest Festival & Street Fair Shopping, deals, and vendors in downtown Emmett. emmettidaho.com/events
October Witches Walk Dress in your finest witch attire for a fun evening haunting downtown Emmett and the city park.
October A River Through Time A Civil War Reenactment! Witness cannons, pan for gold, and meet historical figures like Abraham Lincoln. gemcountymuseum.org/river_thru_time.html
November Magic on Main Street Lighted Parade and Community Tree Lighting.

 

Local Church Services

 

  • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints: Services begin at 10:00 AM at 8775 Sweet Ola Highway, Sweet, ID.
  • Sweet United Methodist Church: Sunday School at 8:30 AM, Worship Service at 9:15 AM on Sweet-Ola Highway, Sweet, ID.
  • Sweet Vineyard Church: Services at 10:30 AM Sunday mornings at Sweet-Montour Elementary School, 6600 Sweet-Ola Hwy.

 

Unique Idea: Group Service Project

 

  • Looking for more than just fun? Get that warm, fuzzy feeling and sign your group up to serve those in need through a local service project! justserve.org/projects