10 Best Things to Do With Kids in Boise

Boise is the perfect mix of quiet country and bustling city, offering boundless opportunities to get out with the family. Boise is one of the most popular cities for raising a family… and for good reason. With hundreds of parks, dozens of kid-friendly trails, and a wide assortment of indoor activities that are sure to keep the whole family entertained. We’ve rounded up our 10 Best Things to Do With Kids in Boise for indoor and outdoor fun.

1) Discovery Center of Idaho

Located downtown right off of the Greenbelt next to Julia Davis Park, the Discovery Center of Idaho is a wonderful indoor playground for the curious. Exhibits rotate throughout the year, keeping this a fresh option with themes like dinosaurs, planets, and beyond. The interactive and STEM-focused approach is engaging for both children and adults as they experiment at different stations. Another cool thing? They offer spring and summer camps for your scientist at heart.

131 W Myrtle St, Boise, ID 83702

(208) 343-9895 | Events

Cost: $$

2) Nature Hikes 

One of Boise’s blessings is the access to nature. Introducing your family to the outdoors can be as simple as a walk through Boise’s diverse landscape, offered within our famous Ridge to Rivers trail system. From views atop the rocky bluffs to serene creekside forest walks, there is a trail for any level of experience. There are many flat trails that are perfect for all-terrain strollers and wagons, or the smooth paved Greenbelt is suitable for all strollers and wagons. Studies show that getting children out in nature is critical for development, building confidence, and overall well-being.

Ridge to Rivers Trails

(208) 493-2531 | List of Family-Friendly Hikes

Cost: Free

3) Paddle Boats in Julia Davis Park

In the warmer months, we recommend taking the family out for a paddle boat excursion in Julia Davis Park. Owned by the same family for years, this charming service is one of Boise’s beloved past times. Take a boat down the waterway and under a canopy of trees to the park’s large pond. Here, ducks and geese swim freely alongside boats. The pontoon-style boats are totally human powered with pedals, similar to riding a bike. This is a slow pace activity, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful park landscape and be present with your kids.

At the entrance near Myrtle and 3rd St: 700 S. Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83702

(208) 412-2278 | Facebook Page

Cost: $

4) Bike Rides on the Greenbelt 

Stretching 25 miles alongside the Boise River throughout Boise and towards Nampa, the Boise River Greenbelt is a paved pedestrian and bike only path with gorgeous views and convenient access to the park system. Connecting our prized ‘Ribbon of Jewels’ parks, the Greenbelt is a great place to enjoy a weekend ride with the entire family. It’s common to see families of all ages cruising together to take in Boise’s scenic beauty. Toddlers and older children alike love the movement, and stopping by any of the playgrounds along the way is perfect for stretching their legs. Bring your bikes and park in any of the public parks for free, or rent bicycles from nearby recreation businesses like the Boise Gear Collective or Idaho Mountain Touring…located in Downtown Boise and close to the Greenbelt.

Boise Greenbelt Map

Cost: Free without bike rental

5) Wahooz Family Fun Zone

If your family loves the classic fun zone with arcade games, miniature golf, laser tag, and go karts, Wahooz is the place to be. Actually located in Meridian, Wahooz is an easy 17-minute drive from downtown Boise and is right off of the highway. There’s plenty of parking and even more attractions to keep you occupied. Perfect for indoor and outdoor activities, Wahooz is a games center that is exciting for your little balls of energy, and the ideal destination for birthday parties. Popular attractions include: bowling, arcade games, ropes course, laser tag, miniature golf, batting cages, go-karts, and bumper cars.

400 West Overland Rd, Meridian, ID 83642

(208) 898-0900 | Website

Cost: $$$

6) Roaring Springs Water Park

Next door to Wahooz, Roaring Springs is the largest water park in the Northwest. With dozens of towering and winding slides, refreshing wave pools, and not to mention an endless lazy river for parental R&R, it is the ideal destination for a summer day getaway. They offer passes for repeat fun and rentable cabanas for the ultimate experience.

400 West Overland Rd, Meridian, ID 83642

(208) 884-8842 | Website

Cost: $$$

7) MK Nature Center

Nestled between the Boise River Greenbelt and Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park, the MK Nature Center is dedicated to informing visitors about Idaho’s wildlife and landscape. Take a stroll down the StreamWalk, a wooden plank boardwalk meandering through serene environments and catch a glimpse of wildlife in their natural habitat.The printable brochure makes this a fun and interactive experience for the whole family, with a checklist of things to do and items to scavenge for.

600 S Walnut St, Boise, ID 83712

(208) 334-2225 | Website

Cost: $

8) Idaho State Museum

Learn the story of Idaho at the newly renovated Idaho State Museum. Located in Julia Davis Park next to the Boise Art Museum, this museum educates on the vast history and culture of Idaho. Visitors can explore Idaho’s history with over 500 artifacts and interactive exhibits outlining the vast landscapes, people, and events that shaped the fabric of what Idaho is today. Did you know that Idaho’s State bird is the Mountain Bluebird, or that the Idaho State flower is the Syringa? These and many more interesting facts can be found here at the museum!

610 Julia Davis Dr, Boise, ID 83702

(208) 334-2120 | Website

Cost: $$

9) Freak Alley Gallery

One of the most visually stimulating and FREE activities for families to do in Boise is to take a walk down Freak Alley Gallery in the heart of downtown. The largest open-air gallery in the northwest, the downtown buildings between 8th and 9th streets have been dressed by custom murals by local and national artists. The artwork changes every year, creating a new and unique experience each time.

In the alley between 8th and 9th Streets

Website

Cost: Free

10) Camel’s Back Park

This treasured park has been a long-time favorite for Boiseans. Tucked away in Boise’s Northend under the iconic ‘Camel’s Back’ foothill, the park has sprawling green space, a playground, outdoor gym, volleyball court, tennis courts, picnic tables, restrooms, and of course the climb to the top of the hill. The park is enjoyed year-round, with children’s laughter echoing throughout the air after a big snowfall, or sounds of tennis balls bouncing about. The hill can be climbed directly, assisted by stone steps and handrail, or along either side of the dirt trails, to reveal a picture-perfect view of the downtown skyline. Kids of all ages can enjoy the park and trails, and the Hulls Gulch Interpretive Trail and Nature Center is nearby.

1200 Heron St, Boise, ID 83702

Website

Cost: Free