Water Activities to Dive Into in Boise: Cool off this Summer in Boise’s Hot Spots

  Credit: roaringspringswaterparkidaho Instagram Summer is right around the corner and the Treasure VAlley offers a variety of water activities that are bound to delight adventure seekers and water enthusiasts. From relaxing ponds to thrilling water parks, this beautiful area we call home offers an array of aquatic wonders waiting to be explored. Dive in and discover some hidden gems of water-based fun that Boise and surrounding areas have to offer!   Quinn's Pond Credit: cityofboise.org Tucked within the sprawling 31-acre Bernardine Quinn Riverside Park lies widely-known Quinn's Pond. This idyllic body of water is a haven for recreational activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Submerge yourself in the tranquil atmosphere and soak up the sun as you paddle across the glimmering surface. For convenience, Idaho River Sports provides rentals for paddle boards and kayaks. And when it's time to refuel, indulge in the nearby local food trucks and snow cone shacks, ensuring a fun-filled day by the water's edge.   Roaring Springs Water Park Credit: roaringspringswaterparkidaho Instagram A visit to Roaring Springs Water Park is an absolute must on your summer bucket list for the whole family. Undergoing recent renovations and the addition of a sprawling new area, this kid-friendly paradise guarantees endless laughter and entertainment. Dive into the cool waters, hurtle down exhilarating slides, or simply relax in the lazy river. Roaring Springs offers various ticket options, including day passes and seasonal passes, along with enticing summer fun savings for the entire family. Make memories that will last a lifetime at this water park of endless entertainment!   Public Pools Credit: idahounpeeled Gather your friends and family, pack some snacks, and head to one of the city's finest pool destinations. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Natatorium Pool, Ivywild Pool, Borah Pool, Fairmont Pool, South Pool, or Lowell Pool. These local gems provide a safe and enjoyable environment for splashing around and cooling off during the scorching summer days. Grab your swimsuit and make a splash!   Payette River Rafting Credit: bearvalleyrafting.com Seeking a thrilling half-day adventure for the whole family? Look no further than Payette River Rafting—a rejuvenating way to embrace the essence of Idaho's outdoor lifestyle. Embark on a memorable rafting adventure along the Payette River, where the rapids promise an adrenaline rush while surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Whether you're a seasoned rafter or a first-timer, this experience caters to many ages and guarantees unforgettable moments in the great outdoors.   Splash Pads & Fountains Credit: cityofboise.org For a more playful and whimsical water experience, Boise offers a collection of delightful splash pads and fountains across its city parks. Engage in interactive fun at the Ann Morrison Interactive Fountain, revel in the refreshing spray at Borah Park Spray Pad and Comba Park Splash Pad, or cool off under the misters at Franklin Park. The Grove Plaza Fountain and Molenaar Park Splash Pad are also perfect spots to embrace the joy of water play on a hot summer day. Let the water dance and laughter flow as you explore these charming water features.        

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Our Favorite Campgrounds in Idaho

Photo courtesy of Jenn Jackson Idaho’s bounty of outdoor beauty is one of its biggest draws. With hundreds of established campgrounds to choose from, it can be overwhelming to select the perfect place to set up camp and enjoy nature’s beauty. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite campgrounds in Idaho, and tips to make the most of your outdoor adventures. Not every campsite in Idaho requires a reservation, but many do. You can book up to 9 months in advance in any Idaho State Park. Don't delay, some campsites fill up as early as January and February. Make your Reservations Here See more camping tips at the bottom of this list! #1 Stanley Lake Campground Photo courtesy of Jenn Jackson This scenic campground offers a picturesque lakefront setting with a backdrop of iconic McGowan Peak. It is a smaller campground, offering only a handful of sites with one double-site, so reservations and patience are required to snag a little slice of this mountainous haven. The campground provides trailhead access to the Sawtooth Wilderness, where miles of trails connect throughout the majestic Sawtooth Mountain Range.  Best for: Scenery, waterfront, water sports, beach use, hiking, photography Best Time to Visit: After the snow melt in mid-June to late August  Reservations Required: Yes, with only a handful of first-come, first-serve sites available Distance: 3 hour drive from Boise #2 Pine Flats Campground Photo courtesy of Rolling Van Creative Nestled along the Payette River, this densely wooded campground is close enough to Boise for a quick weekend getaway, yet far enough to enjoy the splendors of the mountains. Best known for the hot springs nearby, the campground has various sites for RVs and tent camping. Visitors will need to hike into the Pine Flats Hot Springs, where a stunning hot spring waterfall descends into the river below.  Best for: Hot springs, water sports, RV and trailers Best Time to Visit: May - September Reservations Required: No, but recommended Distance: 1 hour 45 minute drive from Boise #3 City of Rocks National Reserve Photo courtesy of Jenn Jackson Like camping on another planet, the City of Rocks National Reserve is a natural wonder of rock formations in southeastern Idaho. This geological wonderland is ideal for climbers and hiking, with massive rocks jutting from the desert. A great option for Spring or Fall camping, and less crowded than the mountain campgrounds.  Best for: Rock climbing, photography, hiking, tent camping Best Time to Visit: May - September Reservations Required: No, but recommended Distance: 3 hour 20 minute drive from Boise #4 Farragut State Park Photo courtesy of visitnorthidaho.com Located on the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille in the Coeur d’Alene Mountains of northern Idaho, Farragut State Park offers unique scenery, history and an abundance of recreational opportunities. The 4,000 acre park is conveniently located near the town of Athol, where families can enjoy time at the Silverwood Theme Park. Best for: Historical attractions, World War II history, water sports, hiking, summer activities Best Time to Visit: May - September Reservations Required: No, but recommended Distance: 7 hour 20 minute drive from Boise #5 Swan Falls Dam Photo courtesy of Idaho Tourism This historic dam was built in 1901 to provide power to nearby mines, and is the oldest hydroelectric source along the Snake River. Many [free] campsites are poised along the river, offering outstanding canyon views and rugged beauty of southern Idaho. Be sure to bring your fishing pole, bass can be found in the calmer waters along the banks of the river. Popular for OHV traffic, the surrounding area has miles of old Jeep trails to explore. The area is also known for its exceptional viewing of birds of prey who nest along the river. Best for: Fishing, OHV recreation, bird watching Best Time to Visit: Year round Reservations Required: No, all sites are first-come, first-serve and free Distance: Less than 1 hour drive from Boise   Tips for making the most out of your outdoor adventures in Idaho: Plan your visit well in advance. Camping is quite popular throughout the State, and many established campgrounds require reservations to secure a campsite. Most campgrounds will fill up in the warmer months, so it is recommended to reserve campsites in early January when reservations open. Areas that reserve quickly include: Sawtooth Wilderness (Redfish Lake), Ponderosa State Park, and Cascade State Park Be flexible with your travel dates. Weekends are always much busier than the middle of the week for camping. Consider planning your trip during the week for better campsite options and less crowds. If planning to secure a first-come, first-serve spot, arrive between 10am-1pm as campers are departing. Explore the forest service roads. If you’re more on the adventurous side, taking a well-equipped AWD or 4x4 vehicle to the dirt forest service roads may lead to a rewarding experience of camping in solitude. Tent or car camping is best for these types of adventures as roads can become extremely challenging for larger vehicles and trailers. Be sure to bring a reliable map to navigate the winding roads and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the area. Locals tip: For a quick weekend trip, head up early on Thursday towards Idaho City. The forest service roads along the north and middle forks of the Boise River have dozens of campsites and small primitive campgrounds with stunning river views.  Leave no trace. We are so fortunate to live in a state that provides outdoor recreation so close by. In order to maintain the splendors of the outdoors, visitors are reminded to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack it in, pack it out, completely drown out campfires, respect wildlife, and leave your campsite better than you found it. We love sharing our beautiful state, and hope you find these recommendations and tips helpful. Please be kind and respectful to fellow campers and enjoy the rich offerings Idaho has to offer. Do you have a favorite campground not listed above? Share in comments, we’d love to hear about your experiences!

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Take a Dip: 5 Homes for Sale in Boise with Pools

  Need something refreshing from the heat? Take a quick dip and explore these 5 Homes in Boise with Pools. The best part? They are all available for sale and ready to enjoy for the rest of summer.   1560 E Nines Point Lane This luxury poolside setting is complemented by extraordinary downtown Boise views. This expansive resort-like setting includes a crystal clear lap pool, reflection pool with waterfall, and hot tub to enjoy the water with a backdrop of twinkling city lights. See More   5131 N Corralero Lane The way this property is situated in the foothills gives the pool an infinity-like effect where the sparkling blues roll into the city skyline. This remarkable backyard is made for outdoor parties, with a massive covered patio, large pool with sun shelf, fire table, and hot tub.  See More   1236 E Candleridge Drive If walls could talk, they would tell of the stories of cocktail parties and midnight dips in this groovy home. The incredibly private backyard features a uniquely-shaped pool and the cherry on top? A pool cabana with a bar (ready for a beer tap too!) See More   570 & 590 S Cole Road The only home on this list with an indoor pool, this home is a blast from the past. This architectural marvel is impressive in itself, but the year-round pool feature makes it an absolute standout in Boise. See More   3101 W Teton Street This beautifully renovated brick home in Boise's charming Depot Bench area has a cool surpise in the back, an in-ground pool and sprawling grounds. There's plenty of room for gatherings big and small here, and the neighborhood is rich with nostalgia. See More    - Honorable Mentions - These homes may not have a pool on site, but even better, they have access to one without having to worry about the maintenance. Check out these properties that have community pools. View List of Homes    

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