Family Activities in Boise, ID — 2026 Guide
Boise is an emerging family destination with a laid-back outdoor culture, affordable living, and surprisingly rich attractions. The City of Trees offers families great parks, quirky museums, and easy access to Idaho's wild landscapes.
Get personalized ideas — text Emmie at (877) 703-6643Indoor Activities
Discovery Center of Idaho
Interactive science museum with 40+ hands-on exhibits covering topics from bubbles to machines.
131 W Myrtle St, Boise, ID 83702
Visit websiteAquarium of Boise
A community-run aquarium with over 250 species, plus special pools where kids can feed sharks and rays.
64 N Cole Rd, Boise, ID 83704
Children's Museum of Idaho
Pretend-play exhibits including grocery shopping, space travel, and vet clinics. Perfect for rainy days.
790 N Meridian Rd, Meridian, ID 83642
Wahooz Family Fun Zone
15 indoor and outdoor attractions including go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, bowling, and arcade.
77 E Calderwood Dr, Meridian, ID 83642
Boise Art Museum
Art museum in Julia Davis Park with rotating exhibits and family art days.
670 Julia Davis Dr, Boise, ID 83702
Outdoor Activities
Zoo Boise
Located in Julia Davis Park with diverse animals, a butterfly exhibit, and goats at the kids' farm.
355 Julia Davis Dr, Boise, ID 83702
Visit websiteBoise River Greenbelt
A 25-mile paved trail along the Boise River connecting parks, playgrounds, and nature areas. Perfect for biking.
Settlers Park
Splash pad, musical playground, and family movie nights. A summer favorite.
505 E Settlers Way, Meridian, ID 83642
Camel's Back Park
Hiking trails with city views, wildflowers in spring, and a popular playground.
1200 Heron St, Boise, ID 83702
Lucky Peak State Park
A swimming beach and water slide in summer, a snow tubing hill in winter.
9725 ID-21, Boise, ID 83716
Free Things to Do
Boise River Greenbelt
25 miles of free paved trail for walking, biking, and nature exploration.
Settlers Park Splash Pad
Free splash pad and musical playground in Meridian.
Julia Davis Park
Free green space with a pond, rose garden, and playgrounds alongside the zoo and museums.
Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
Free late-summer hot air balloon festival with Kid's Day where families meet pilots.
Rainy Day Plan
Discovery Center of Idaho
40+ hands-on science exhibits indoors.
Children's Museum of Idaho
Pretend-play exhibits for young children.
Wahooz Family Fun Zone
Indoor go-karts, bowling, arcade, and more.
Boise Public Library
The main library has an excellent children's section with regular story times and activities.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring
- •Wildflower hikes in the foothills
- •Boise River float season begins
- •Saturday farmers market opens
Summer
- •Splash pads and river floating
- •Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
- •Alive After Five outdoor concert series
Fall
- •Fall foliage along the Boise River Greenbelt
- •Haunted World
- •Corn mazes and pumpkin patches
Winter
- •Bogus Basin skiing (20 miles away)
- •Snow tubing at Lucky Peak
- •Idaho Botanical Garden holiday lights
Nearby Day Trips
Bruneau Dunes State Park
65 miles southeast
The tallest single-structured sand dune in North America, plus an observatory for stargazing.
World Center for Birds of Prey
15 miles south
See rare raptors up close and learn about conservation efforts for California condors and other birds.
McCall & Payette Lake
100 miles north
A mountain lake town with swimming, kayaking, hiking, and a charming downtown.
Local Parent Tips
Boise summers are hot and dry. The Boise River is the best place to cool off.
Bogus Basin ski resort is just 16 miles from downtown, making it easy for a half-day ski trip.
The Saturday Boise Farmers Market (April-October) is a great family outing.
Explore More Family Resources
Emmie finds activities your family will love
Text Emmie at (877) 703-6643 for personalized family activity ideas.
Free to start · No credit card required