Really want to do CdA this year, and we usually make my long distance events a family trip, but I’m having a tough time selling Idaho to the wife and family. Any suggestions on things to do to keep everyone entertained? We’d like to stick around for 2-3 days after.
It’s always tough to sell the family on the idea of an ironman as family vacation! That being said, I really enjoy northern Idaho and Coeur D’alene in particular- of course it depends on how old your kids are. I like being able to stay downtown and walk to the beach. There are a lot of the basic summer activities nearby also- water parks, theme parks, and it’s a great place to use as a base to explore from. My kids are older now so I have lost perspective on what it takes to keep them entertained, but I usually spend a long weekend there whether I race or not.
Hiking at local trails, such as Tubbs Hill or Mineral ridge, biking on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes (rails to trails), crystal gold mine tour in the Silver Valley to name a few family friendly activities. Silverwood theme park (similar to Knotts Berry Farm) if you’re more into amusement parks. Just hanging out at city beach and the playground (Fort Sherman Park) is fun too.
CdA is a WONDERFUL place for family! We have done many, many Ironman/Challenge family vacation and CdA is the family’s all time favorite (in the US). My wife has spectated a lot of triathlons and CdA is by far her favorite! We have done CdA 3 times, so far, with family. How old are your kids? Lots and lots to do there! fembeast listed a number of great items and activities. The Silver mine was a favorite for us. We also did a “cowboy” evening at a local ranch - kinda corney but the kids loved it! We also hiked to the ancient cedar forest…it’s a tough haul but absolutely incredible! Lots of lake activities, hiking galore, super little town, and great people. I couldn’t encourage you more to make it a family vacation! Let me know if I can give you more insight.
Photos here: https://www.facebook.com/...172384433&type=3
CdA is a beautiful, fun place! Just walking around the town is a blast! I took my wife and 8 year old grandson there in 2010. We did the Hiawatha Trail, an 18 mile trail bike ride the day before the race (in retrospect, not my best idea), and then a few days after the race, we took off for Glacier Nat’l. Park (not too far of a drive, I believe), then northward into Canada. We actually ended up in Canada on Canada Day, which was completely unplanned! A very fun vacation. It’s really a beautiful area. If your family enjoys the outdoors and scenery, they’ll have a great time.
I did CDA in 2009 and stayed here:
Kids loved it. About a 15-minute drive to CDA though.
Head to Glacier NP. A beautiful drive there and the park is beyond stunning. Your family will remember that more than the race itself. But I would make room reservations now, if you plan on going.
Thanks so much for all the replies! We have one kid now who will be turning 2 when CdA comes around, and we’ll hopefully be pregnant with kiddo #2 as well. Sounds like there is a lot to do, as long as we can manage the logistics of a toddler and pregnant wife.
Best place in the world for a toddler (we were there with 2!). Wonderful park and playground right next to transition and the town is easy to get around in even on race day. Again, my wife says it is the best IM in the world for having kids in tow.
Best wishes,