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

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Top 10 Things To Do in Boise (and Beyond) in Winter

Boise and the immediate surrounding areas are known for its easy access to all things outdoors and long summers, but the colder months offer plenty of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. With mild winters (an average of 18" of snow per year and high temperatures in the low 40's), Boise is the perfect winter wonderland for a staycation or seasonal destination. Thinking about moving to Idaho? Check out our relocation page! 1. Hit the Slopes at Bogus Basin Photo courtesy of Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area Located a short 45-minute drive from Boise, local resort Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area has over 2,600 acres of powdery goodness to play in all winter long. Aside from dozens of groomed ski runs and backcountry terrain, the area offers a winter tubing hill, snowshoe/Nordic skiing trails, a mountain coaster, and cozy lodges to rest in. More info 2. Wander the Winter Garden Aglow Photo courtesy of Tony Moody The Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise transforms into a magical world of color and light during Winter Garden Aglow. More than 500,000 lights are strung throughout the garden, creating a captivating and Instagram-worthy photo opportunity! Bundle up the family and enjoy strolling through the garden with complimentary hot cocoa and cookies. Open nightly from November 25th-December 31st. Other light displays to consider: Scentsy campus in Meridian and Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell. Order tickets 3. Go to a Steelheads Hockey Game Photo Courtesy of Boisy.org Perfect for an indoor activity, minor league 'Steelies' hockey games are great for date nights or the entire family. Traditions include 'Chuck the Puck,' meeting Blue the mascot, and the First Goal Fish Toss. Located in the Grove Hotel at the Idaho Central Arena in the heart of downtown Boise. Season runs from October-March. View schedule 4. McCall Winter Carnival Photo courtesy of Local Guides Connect A beloved event dating back to 1961, the McCall Winter Carnival is a must-do on anyone's winter Idaho list. The charming mountain resort town of McCall rests on the shores of Payette Lake and hosts this spectacular winter carnival featuring creative snow sculptures, dog sledding races, fireworks over the lake, and more! Located a 2.5 hour drive from Boise, this is the perfect day trip or overnight stay if you include a few ski runs at Brundage Mountain. Starting January 28, 2022 and lasting until February 6, 2022. Learn more 5. Visit a Greenhouse Photo courtesy of Edwards Greenhouse There's no better way to beat the winter blues than with a little hint of spring. Edwards Greenhouse, located on Sand Creek Street off of Hill Road in Boise, is a great option to stay out of the cold and take in the greenery and warmth. They host a variety of events, including wreath making, to keep your green thumb green over the winter. Keep an eye out for their events calendar or Facebook page for specific dates. Calendar of Events 6. Winter Wonderland at Indian Creek Plaza Photo courtesy of visitidaho.org A hidden gem for family-friendly fun lies in the heart of downtown Caldwell. Located about 40 minutes west of Boise, this charming small town hosts their Winter Wonderland, decorating their downtown with over ONE MILLION lights. Enjoy outdoor ice skating, dining, horse-drawn carriage rides, and an amazing light display at Indian Creek Plaza. The lights are currently on display and will be on until January 9th, 2022. Learn more 7. Watch The Nutcracker at the Morrison Center Photo Courtesy of The Morrison Center A holiday tradition, The Nutcracker takes the stage after Thanksgiving to early December at the Velma V. Morrison Center on campus at Boise State University. The joy of the season is captured with beautiful ballet and live music from the Boise Philharmonic. A true Boise classic! Get tickets 8. Shop 'Til You Drop at The Village in Meridian Photo Courtesy of Doug Petersen Photography The Village in Meridian opened after much anticipation in 2013. Since then, it has been a source of family-friendly fun and incredible shopping. This beautifully designed outdoor mall hosts dozens of shops, restaurants, a gym, a luxury movie theater, and a gorgeous plaza centered around a water fountain. In the winter, strung lights and festive cheer fill the air. The plaza becomes an ice rink, and photos with Santa are a fan favorite! See Shops 9. Head to the Forests to Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Photo courtesy of Victoria Greenery Photography Nothing says Christmas in Idaho like a fresh-cut Christmas tree. With thousands of acres of forest land surrounding the Treasure Valley, there are many areas to venture out to. For a great day trip, pack lunches and a few thermoses of warm beverages to make this an unforgettable family experience. AWD or 4x4 vehicles are recommended due to snowy conditions. Permits are required and cost $10 per tree. They can be ordered online, or picked up at any forest service office. More Info 10. Tour Holiday Light Displays in Our Neighborhoods                   A wonderful 'indoor' activity that gets you out of the house is getting in the car and touring to neighborhoods throughout the Treasure Valley to view light displays. Some folks take decorating to the next level, setting up complex light displays coordinated to music that is played over the radio. View Map

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