Back to School Bucket List

As we are all wondering how summer flew by so quickly and school is right around the corner, make the most of these last few weeks of summer with our Back to School Bucket List!   Go to the Western Idaho Fair: Photo credit to Unsplash. The Western Idaho Fair, a beloved tradition since 1897, is back this year from August 16th to 25th. Immerse yourself in an exciting showcase of agriculture, ranching, and fun activities at this classic summertime event. This family-friendly fair offers something for everyone with thrilling rides, delicious fair food, live concerts, and captivating exhibitions. Tickets are on sale now and can be found here.   Float the river: Photo credit to LBRE. 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. Before the summer season is officially over, make sure to squeeze in one more refreshing float down the Boise! The put-in for the Boise River float starts at Barber Park, located in SE Boise off Eckert Road (about 6 miles from downtown). For more information on floating the Boise River, check out this blog.   Go to the Farmers Market: Photo credit to Unsplash. Heading to a farmers market, whether the Boise Farmers Market or the Capital City Public Market, is the perfect Saturday morning activity. From shopping for local and fresh produce, baked goods, jams, and other food items, to grabbing breakfast and a coffee, the farmers market is an awesome place to wander around and support local businesses. The Capital City Public Market is at the Grove Plaza on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and the Boise Farmers Market is at 1500 Shoreline Drive, Boise ID on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.   Venture out on a camping trip: Photo credit to Unsplash. One of the best things about summer is the warm nights perfect for camping. A last-minute camping trip doesn’t need to be a challenging endeavor, all it takes is packing your car with the essentials (tent, sleeping bag, food, etc.) and choosing a campsite near Boise. You can even make it a backyard camping trip for a fun and easy experience at home!   Enjoy a pool day: Photo credit to Unsplash. Stay cool in the last days of the summer and go swimming before pools close up and it gets too cold! Head down to a public pool (take a look at this blog to see all the public pools in Boise), or have a “beach” day at Quinn’s Pond to enjoy the last of outdoor swimming this summer.

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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.    

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5 Events in Boise and Beyond - March 29th - March 31st

Photo Credit: via Pexels   5 Events in Boise & Beyond 1. Easter Eggstravaganza Where: Zoo Boise When: Saturday, March 30 Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   2. PBR - Unleash the Beast Where: Ford Idaho Center When: Friday - Sunday Time: 5:30 - 9:30 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   3. Spring Egg Hunt at Winstead Park Where: 6150 W Northview Street When: Saturday, March 30 Time: 1:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   4. Community Egg Hunt Where: Kleiner Park When: Saturday, March 30 Time: 10:30 AM EVENT DETAILS HERE   5. 96.9 The Eagle’s Classic Car Show Where: Memorial Stadium When: Saturday, March 30 Time: 12:00 - 4:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE    

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