Is It Really Illegal To Lie About Your Kid’s Age In Idaho?

We've all done it. If you say that you haven't, you're lying, or you've been super-rich for your entire life. You buy movie tickets for your family and think, "My 13-year-old could pass for 11. I'm getting the child ticket instead of paying full price." Maybe you're at ZooBoise and think, "My four-year-old could pass for two. I'll go for the free admission instead of paying $12.50."

These choices are all based on the fact that we don't think we'll get called out on it. And if you're an employee of one of these places, unless someone is trying to pass off an 18-year-old with a mustache as a 12-year-old ordering from the kids' menu, you'll probably not say anything.

Besides, how much trouble can you possibly be in if you get caught? The answer depends on where you lie; I mean, forget how old your kid actually is.

In Idaho, making a little white lie is not against the law. In fact, most of us do this every day. If you think you don't lie, let me ask you about your drive to work. Did you come to a complete stop at that stop sign? Did you really drive the speed limit the whole way? Do you really weigh what it says on your driver's license? I rest my case. While there are plenty of lies that won't get us in trouble, sometimes lying about your kid's age will.

Recently, one mom was escorted out of Disneyland for lying about her kid's age to get free admission. In her case, it was obvious that her kids were over two years old.

A movie theater or ZooBoise probably won't ask you for proof, but they could. If you can't provide documentation, they could charge you the total price or ask you to leave, but you won't go to jail.

But, regarding state or city services, including public schools, you better tell the truth. Lying about your child's age for specific benefits could result in criminal fraud charges. The severity of the punishment depends on what you receive from the State of Idaho or the city you live in.