7 Fall Activities To Do in Boise

Fall in Boise is one of the most spectacular sights. The verdant landscape of the City of Trees is painted in vibrant red, yellow, and orange and the weather is just perfect, meaning you can wear a cozy sweater and river sandals at the same time. Here’s a list of ideas to enjoy our beautiful autumnal season.

(Photo by: Jake Melara: Unsplash)

Take a Hike at Bogus Basin

Located just a quick 35-minute drive from downtown Boise, Bogus Basin Recreation Area spans acres along the mountain range above the city. Most famous as the local ski resort, Bogus has many non-snow activities from the Glade Runner Mountain Coaster, mountain biking, outdoor concerts, and hiking that keep us heading up the hill year round. The rolling foothills turn to dense trees and the foliage within the forests are a blaze in beautiful color. Gorgeous wildflowers, including Indian Paintbrush, are alive during this time of year providing great photo opportunities. The crisp air is perfect for longer day hikes traversing the landscape that will become covered in powdery white snow as ski season approaches. Stop in one of the lodges for a bite to eat and hot toddy to seal this epic day adventure. If all the coloring and nice weather wasn’t enough, the views are the cherry on top overlooking the Treasure Valley and neighboring mountain ranges (including the Sawtooths!).

 

Bogus Basin Recreation Area

Head north on Bogus Basin Rd to end.

 

 

(Photo by: Caleb jones: Unsplash)

Go for a Drive to See Fall Colors

The variety of terrain surrounding Boise presents many opportunities to enjoy nature’s seasonal showcase of color. Head north up Highway 55 or Highway 21 towards the mountains for scenic drives where the evergreens are accented by bright yellow aspen groves and fiery shrubbery. The colors along the Payette River topped with an indigo blue sky make for a visual delight that you can’t forget. If you’re short on time and looking for a quicker drive, head up Table Rock Road in NE Boise to see the city glow in a sea of autumn colors from under the iconic Table Rock cross.

 

Closer to home:

Table Rock Road Highway 21 to Idaho City

 

Try this loop:

Highway 21 to Lowman/Stanley and back down Highway 75 through Sun Valley

 

(Photo by: Michael Payne: Unsplash)

For the Whole Family: Boo at the Zoo

Zoo Boise is located in Julia Davis Park hosts a family-friendly Halloween event for all ages to dress up in their costumes, collect treats, and tour the zoo. There are trick or treat stations, costume contests, vendors, photo ops, face painting, special Halloween themed treats for the zoo animals, and much more fun. 

 

Saturday, October 29th and Sunday, October 30th: 10am - 5pm

 

Zoo Boise:

355 Julia Davis Dr

Boise, ID 83702 United States

 

Cost: 

General (ages 12 – 61) – $12

Senior (ages 62+) – $9

Kids (ages 3 – 11) – $9

Children 2 and under – Free

Zoo Members – Free

 

Website

 

(Photo by: Marius Ciocirlan: Unsplash)

Check Out a Local Pumpkin Patch

Idaho has deep roots in agriculture and plenty of locally-owned family farms that host their own version of a fall festival. From smaller pop ups like Jordan’s Pumpkin Patch to big operations like Lowes Family Farmstead, there is a place to enjoy harvest season by picking your own pumpkins, hay-barrel rides, corn mazes, petting zoos, and more. 

 

Smaller/Less Crowded:

Jordan’s Pumpkin Patch & Christmas Tree Lot (Boise)

Cabalo’s Orchard and Gardens (Kuna) (also great for apple picking!)

 

Larger/More Activities:

Lowes Family Farmstead (Boise)

Cherry Hill Farms (Caldwell)

 

View a full list of Idaho Preferred Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes

 

For the Fearless: Take a Tour at the Old Penitentiary

Spooky season is upon us and that means taking on the adventure of investigating Boise’s scariest and most haunted places. The first stop on that list should be the Old Idaho Penitentiary, rumored to be a hotspot for paranormal activity (although there are no firm conclusions). Self-guided tours are available daily during normal admission hours until 5pm, and staff-guided tours are available on occasion for an additional $2 fee.

 

2445 Old Penitentiary Road

Boise, ID 83712 

 

Cost:

Regular admission is $8 for adults (ages 13+)

$6 for seniors (ages 60+) and $5 for children (ages 6-12)

Children under age 6 are eligible for free admission

 

Watch a Boise State Football Game

In the fall, Boise has a spirited college town feel, home to Boise State University and its iconic blue turf stadium. Located near downtown along the Boise River, Albertson’s Stadium has one of the best views of Boise in the upper stadium where the downtown skyline and foothills can be seen. The roar of the crowds (Albertson’s Stadium named to be one of the loudest in college football), cool but sunny weather, and sea of blue and orange make up the distinctive experience of a Boise State football game. Of course, no Bronco game would be complete without a sighting of the infamous Elvis’s at the South End Zone and the inaugural ride of “Blue” leading the team onto the famous smurf turf.

 

Albertson’s Stadium

1400 Bronco Ln, Boise, ID 83706

 

Get Tickets Here

 

(Photo by: Matthew Rumph: Unsplash)

Pick Apples at a Local Orchard

Round out the fall season with this simple yet wonderful family activity. Many u-pick farms are dotted around the Treasure Valley and the majority are in Emmett (about a 50-minute drive from Boise). Rows of perfectly set trees dotted by reds and yellows make a great backdrop for photo ops. The fun doesn’t stop once the apples are picked! Enjoy the moments of making fresh fruit pies, jam, and cider together right in the comfort of home. Besides, who doesn’t love the smell of fresh baked apples and cinnamon this time of year?

 

 

Candy Apple Orchard

Williams Fruit Ranch

Tylers Rocky Point Orchard