10 Things to Do with Kids in Boise, ID

Boise is a well kept secret. It was named the second best city to raise a family by Forbes! If you are lucky enough to visit Boise, here are 10 of the best things to do with your children! Beware, you may never want to leave.

 10 Things to Do with Kids in Boise, ID

1.  Floating the River –  A yearly ritual for many Boise residents, floating the river is a beautiful, fun, and relaxing experience. You’ll see children of all ages out on a raft, inner tube, or just swimming! And there’s so much more to do by the river than just float. You’ll find people fishing, playing, hiking, biking, even surfing! For extreme river excursions check out Boise’s White Water Rafting trips! 2.  The Greenbelt –  This 25 mile trail that follows the Boise river is used to connect 22 different parks and places of interest in Boise. Some people even use it as an alternative route of transportation. Take a day trip to hike and park hop along this tree lined path. You’ll be glad you did! 3.  Lucky Peak –  This state park has three different areas perfect for swimming, BBQs, and water sports. Any one of these would be a great spot on a hot summer’s day. You can even take your bike on the greenbelt to get there. 4.  Zoo Boise –  My favorite exhibits are by far the Giraffe encounters, and Butterflies in Bloom. Each offer VERY close interaction with the creatures. They also have special events, like camping over night, that your children will never forget. 5.  Art in the Park –  Boise’s Art Museum is a great place to take your children because of the hands-on projects they get to participate in. But if you are visiting in September, make sure you check out their annual Art in the Park event. With 260 artists, food vendors, live entertainment, children’s art tent and more, you are sure to find something for art lovers of all ages. If you missed the event, be sure to check out Boise’s free monthly art program for children. 6.  Explore the world of science –  The Discovery Center is Idaho’s largest hands-on science center. A little scientist’s dream, this center boasts over 200 exhibits which makes it a full day event. 7.  Bogus –  Don’t ask why they named it that because it’s definitely not fake. It’s Boise’s premier Mountain Recreation area. You can golf, hike, and mountain bike for free in the summer. The slopes are open with fresh snow from November to April, weather permitting. And 5th and 6th graders can get a free pass! 8.  Idaho Botanical Gardens –  There is always something fun happening at the Botanical Gardens. General admission is free and concerts, events, even movie showings happen weekly for an extra fee. If you are in town during the holiday season, their spectacular Winter Garden aGlow Christmas light display is a must see. 9.  State Capitol Building –  Take a tour of this beautiful piece of Idaho’s history. Boise was’t always Idaho’s Capitol! Since the final decision was made, this building has been a symbol of Idaho individualism. History buffs will love taking a guided tour of this century old building. You can also take a quick self-guided tour to see all the highlights. This would be a great place to start your exploration of Downtown Boise! 10.  Go Downtown –  There’s so much to do downtown it would be impossible to do it all in one day. The Zoo, museums, Library, University, several parks, and more are all located within blocks of each other. Shopping, fine dinning, and event centers are also in the mix. First Thursday offers unique event and shopping opportunities throughout the downtown area on the first Thursday of each month. There is no way someone could get bored hanging out downtown! For even more things to do with kids, search “Big Calendar” on the Idaho Statesman’s Website or visit KTVB.com’s event page.  Boise; it’s where families love to work, live, and play! Hope to see you here sometime!