Top Things to Do in Summer in Boise

Boise in the summertime is a treasure trove of activities to keep the whole family entertained. From outdoor endeavors such as floating the river or paddleboarding to events such as the Western Idaho Fair, there is no shortage of things to do. Check out our list of our favorite ways to spend the summer months in Boise, Idaho.   Float the Boise River: One of Boise’s signature attractions is the Boise River, a 102-mile-long tributary of the Snake River that is a beloved spot to float down, enjoy the scenery, and relax during the warmer months of the year. Floating season officially begins in June when water levels are lower after the Spring runoff. The put-in for the Boise River float starts at Barber Park, located in SE Boise off of Eckert Road (about 6 miles from downtown). For more information on floating the Boise River, check out this blog.   Paddleboard at Lucky Peak Discovery Park or Esther Simplot Park/Quinns Pond: Cool down on the hot summer days and enjoy the thrill of paddleboarding at Lucky Peak Discovery Park or Quinn's Pond. At Lucky Peak Discovery Park, take in the breathtaking mountain views in the calm, clear waters perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers. For an adventure closer to downtown, head to Esther Simplot Park and Quinn's Pond, a popular spot that provides an excellent opportunity to cool off, get some exercise, and paddleboard with beautiful mountain views.   Boating at Arrowrock Reservoir: Located just 20 minutes from downtown Boise, Arrowrock Reservoir offers the perfect place to cool off amidst breathtaking natural beauty. With its vibrant blue waters surrounded by beautiful foothill landscapes, Arrowrock Reservoir is perfect for all types of boating, from relaxing cruises to water sports such as wake surfing and wakeboarding.    Swim at one of the local pools or splash pads: Photo credit to Daniel Olson.  As Boise summer temperatures rise, beat the heat in Boise by taking a refreshing dip at one of the local pools or splash pads. There are many public pools in Boise, from the iconic Natatorium Pool & Hydrotube, Ivywild Pool, Fairmont Pool, and more (check out the full list here). Or, check out a splash pad, an interactive water feature that kids will love. Splash pads are located at Molenaar Park, Borah Park, Comba Park, and more (full list here). With these great spots, Boise offers plenty of ways to stay cool and have fun in the sun!     Grab an Ice Cream Potato at Westside Drive In: Photo credit to West Side Drive In.  Nothing tastes better in the warm summer months than some freezing cold ice cream. The Westside Drive-in is a classic Boise staple that might be best known for its famous Idaho Ice Cream Potato, which is vanilla ice cream coated with cocoa powder and other toppings that looks just like a baked potato! This must-try fun dessert celebrates Idaho’s potato-filled history, and this popular drive-in even had its 5 minutes of fame on the show Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives with Guy Feiri.     Cool off in the mountains: Photo credit to Bogus Basin. Escape the heat and head to Bogus Basin, just a short drive from the city. With its higher altitude, Bogus Basin offers a refreshing retreat with cooler temperatures (sometimes up to 20 degrees cooler than the valley!) and stunning alpine scenery. Bogus Basin is also fully operational in the summer, with activities including hiking, mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides. They also offer an exhilarating mountain coaster for those seeking a thrill.      Visit the Idaho Botanical Gardens: Photo credit to the Idaho Botanical Garden. Summer in Boise means the Idaho Botanical Gardens are in full bloom. This lush, 50-acre garden offers a stunning array of themed gardens, vibrant plant collections, and scenic walking paths. The Idaho Botanical Garden also hosts a variety of events, workshops, and concerts, so make sure to check their calendar before you go. They are open from 9 am to 5 pm, with admission starting at $14 for nonmembers and discounts offered for children, seniors, and students.     Visit Green Acres Food Park: Photo credit to Green Acres. Tucked away on the Boise Greenbelt right by Payette Brewing Co., Green Acres offers local food trucks, drinks, and live music in a relaxed park setting. It is family-friendly and dog-friendly with plenty of yard games to keep everyone entertained. They are typically open from 11 am to 8 pm, but check the daily schedule before you go for more details!     Enjoy an outdoor concert: Boise has no shortage of outdoor concerts in the summertime. The Neighborhood concert series offers free pop-up concerts in parks around Boise with food trucks, vendors, and beer from Lost Grove Brewing. The summer schedule includes 6 concerts and can be found here. Another great spot is Outlaw Field, a wide-open grassy, park-like setting with a backdrop of the foothills located by the Old Idaho Penitentiary and the Idaho Botanical Gardens. For more information on outdoor concerts this summer, check out this blog.   Go to the Western Idaho Fair: Photo credit to Expo Idaho. Held annually in August, the Western Idaho Fair offers a fun-filled mix of thrilling rides, live entertainment, and delicious fair food. With plenty of agricultural exhibits, lively concerts, and exciting rides, the fair is sure to have something for everyone. This summer it will take place from August 16th through 25th, and more information can be found here.    

View more

Father's Day Events in Boise

Photo by Wahooz Family Fun Zone on Facebook Father's Day in Boise is full of fun events perfect for celebrating the special dads in your life. From car shows to mini golf, there's something for every dad to enjoy. Check out these Father's Day events happening around Boise to make this Father's Day truly memorable!   Father’s Day Car Show: On June 16th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, head to downtown Boise and explore a display of classic and unique vehicles in front of the Idaho State Capitol Building. The event includes car show voting from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM, with an award ceremony at 2:30 PM. This event is free and perfect for treating a car-loving Dad to an exciting day out. Photo by Downtown Boise Association   Go for a Mountain Bike Ride: Celebrate Father's Day with an exhilarating bike ride! Whether you’re exploring the scenic Boise River Greenbelt or hitting the trails in the foothills or at Bogus Basin, Boise has great biking opportunities for all skill levels. Don't have bikes for the family? No problem! Head over to George's Cycles, Idaho Mountain Touring, or Bogus Basin for a great selection of bike rentals and trail recommendations. Take in the beautiful summer scenery and make it a memorable Father’s Day outdoors. Photo by Daniel Olson   Free Round of Mini Golf at Wahooz: Celebrate Father's Day with a special treat for dads at Wahooz! On June 16th, from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM, dads can enjoy one free round of mini golf. Bring the whole family for a day of fun and laughter on this exciting mini golf course. Photo by Wahooz Family Fun Zone on Facebook   Go Fishing in the Boise River: Enjoy the beautiful weather and celebrate Father's Day by casting a line into the Boise River! Perfect for a relaxing and close-by fishing trip, the Boise River has rainbow trout, brown trout, and other fish right in the heart of Boise. Whether you're an experienced fisherman or just starting out, the tranquil setting and lush surroundings make for a great day with Dad. Photo by David Walsh, Reclamation   Fathers get in FREE at the Warhawk Museum: The Warhawk Museum is located in Nampa and contains aircraft from different wars, including World War 1 and 2, the Iraq War, and the Korean War among others. What makes this museum special is the collections of uniforms, photos, medals, gear, and written narratives about the wars donated by family members of local veterans. The Warhawk Museum is going to be open on Father’s Day and offering free admission to fathers. This activity is perfect for the whole family with plenty of vintage planes for kids to ooo and ahh over, and interesting information for adults to learn more about our local and national history. Photo by Warhawk Air Museum   Go Axe Throwing: Try something new this Father’s Day and go axe-throwing! Perfect for a fun and unique family activity, axe throwing offers a thrilling way to test your skills and enjoy some friendly competition. There are multiple axe-throwing spots in Boise, including Base Camp Pong + Axe, Section 37 Axe Room, and Ragers Smash-N-Axe. It's a fantastic way to spend quality time with Dad, create lasting memories, and who knows, maybe even discover a new favorite activity! Photo by TripAdvisor   Father’s Day Comedy Show: Celebrate Father's Day with laughter at the Father’s Day Comedy Show at Lounge at the End of the Universe on June 16th at 2 PM! Enjoy reminiscent stories of fatherhood and hilarious scenes inspired by audience suggestions—dad jokes included. This event is good for all ages and has a two-drink minimum, with non-alcoholic options available, and dads get a free drink! Doors open at 1 PM, and tickets start at $20. Photo by The Lounge at the End of the Universe on Facebook  

View more

5 Events in Boise & Beyond - June 7th - 9th

Photo Credit: pexels 5 Events in Boise & Beyond 1. Savor Idaho 2024 Where: Idaho Botanical Garden When: Sunday, June 9 Time: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   2. Eagle Rodeo Where: 8660 W Equest Lane When: Friday & Saturday Time: 7:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   3. Gem Faire Where: Expo Idaho When: Friday - Sunday Time: Times Vary EVENT DETAILS HERE   4. Snake River Raptor Fest Where: Indian Creek Winery When: Saturday, June 8 Time: 12:00 - 5:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   5. Nampa Farmer’s Market Where: Downtown Nampa When: Saturday, June 8 Time: 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE    

View more