27 Fun Family-Friendly Things to Do in Boise with Kids
For families, Boise is a little piece of heaven on earth.
Boise was named the second finest city in America to raise a family by Forbes because it is so lovely, enjoyable, and age-friendly.
And if you’re fortunate enough to travel to the state capital of Idaho, be sure to explore our list of family-friendly activities in Boise.
But be cautious.
You might never want to leave Boise with your kids.
- Zoo Boise — North End
The zoo is home to nearly 300 intriguing creatures, from regal lions to playful and cheeky meerkats.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Without a doubt, Zoo Boise is a top attraction for families traveling to Boise.
Families will enjoy a great day at this zoological park, which features a variety of endearing creatures from around the globe.
Additionally, it’s an informative event that teaches kids exciting facts about protecting animals and their natural habitats.
Recommended Ages
Visitors can engage in activities, lessons, and animal interactions at Zoo Boise.
- Boise River Greenbelt — Southeast Boise
Are you looking for free family activities in Boise?
Visit the Boise River Greenbelt afterward to take more than 20 miles of rejuvenating splendor.
Why We Recommend This Activity
This urban sanctuary, located in the middle of the city, is ideal for families seeking a soothing escape from the daily grind.
The whole family will enjoy the basic, free activities available at this park, such as riding and taking in the beautiful scenery.
You can hang around here and have a picnic with the group if you don’t feel like doing anything.
Walking along its tree-lined pathway, you may also see some local wildlife.
Recommended Ages
A tranquil rest stop for adults, teenagers, and children of all ages is the Boise River Greenbelt.
- Idaho Botanical Garden — East End
The Idaho Botanical Garden is more than just its beautiful, eye-catching, fragrant flowers.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Are you taking a trip with a future gardener?
A quick visit to the Idaho Botanical Garden will make your budding gardener ecstatic.
You and your friends can enjoy the aromatic blooms at this botanical park, where you can also pick up priceless gardening tips and skills.
Additionally, your kids will like the kiddie adventure garden, which has a canopy treehouse, even if they are not into gardening.
In addition, there is a playground and a fountain with several tadpoles in the garden.
Recommended Ages
Children ages three and older can participate in displays and activities at the Idaho Botanical Garden.
- Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area — North End
Do you want to see some exciting frosty action in Boise during the winter?
Visit the cherished Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area as a favor to yourself.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Despite being known for skiing, this recreation area has expanded and now provides a range of family-friendly pastimes.
In addition to skiing, the area’s winter attractions include a mountain coaster and a snow tubing hill.
Bogus Basin also maintains the chairlifts running during the summer, offering breathtaking rides for the whole family.
Excellent mountain bike tracks are available in the vicinity for riders of all skill levels.
Recommended Ages
Ages 6 and up can participate in various activities at Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area for adults, youths, and kids.
However, their chairlift is secure and great for kids of all ages.
When traveling with a baby in Boise can even be enjoyable.
- Kathryn Albertson Park — Southeast Boise
The heaven-sent Kathryn Albertson Park is well-known for its breathtaking scenery and fascinating species.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The 41-acre urban paradise, Kathryn Albertson Park, is filled with wide sidewalks.
The park also features pavilions, ideal for its primary activity—observing wildlife.
A variety of owls, herons, and waterfowl can be seen here.
As a bonus, the park also harbors other animals, including rabbits, beavers, bullfrogs, turtles, and salamanders.
Did we also mention that the fall foliage is spectacular there?
Recommended Ages
Both adults and children ages three and older are enthralled with Kathryn Albertson Park.
- State Capitol Building — Downtown
Take a free tour of this fantastic piece of Idaho’s past.
This structure is also brimming with sights that the whole crew will enjoy, making it one of the top family activities in Boise.
Why We Recommend This Activity
A tour of the State Capitol Building is a fantastic way for families to begin their visit to Downtown Boise.
Find out more about this state’s history and visit various fascinating places.
This family-friendly location has a lot to offer, such as a life-size Abraham Lincoln statue and a Liberty Bell replica.
Recommended Ages
The State Capitol Building is suitable for all ages of people, including adults, teenagers, and kids.
- Camel’s Back Park — North End
Camel’s Back Park is a charming outdoor recreation area for families who prefer getting away from it all.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Camel’s Back Park is a great spot to get your kids used to outdoor adventures and help them develop their hiking skills.
It undoubtedly has a hike that will quench your family’s hunger for outdoor activities, with trails suitable for experts and novices.
In addition, the park has a children’s playground and a lot of open space.
Recommended Ages
The pathways in Camel’s Back Park are ideal for people aged six and up.
Children of all ages will enjoy the games and activities on the children’s playground.
- World Center for Birds of Prey — Borah
The Peregrine Fund’s main office is at the World Center For Birds of Prey.
It is a non-profit organization that aims to conserve the nation’s threatened raptors.
Amazingly, it also offers a range of kids’ activities and programs.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Families can have incredible encounters with owls, vultures, falcons, eagles, and hawks from many parts of the world at the World Center.
Even better, it offers your entire tribe engaging live bird displays.
In addition, toddlers will like the Discovery Room, where they can interact with interactive displays and play with puzzles.
Recommended Ages
One of the best attractions in Boise for families with young children of all ages is, without a doubt, the World Center For Birds of Prey.
- Idaho State Museum — Downtown
One of the most exciting and educational attractions in Boise for kids is, without a doubt, the Idaho State Museum.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The Idaho State Museum is the best place to go if you want to learn more about the state’s rich traditions and history.
For the little ones, learning is made easy, uncomplicated, and enjoyable with various exciting and interactive exhibits.
Recommended Ages
More than 500 items, 40 multimedia exhibits, and 800 photographs are available for children ages six and older at the Idaho State Museum.
- Aquarium of Boise — West Valley
With its spectacular animal interactions, the Aquarium of Boise is undoubtedly among the top family-friendly activities in the city.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Don’t be fooled by its appearance!
Despite being relatively tiny, this aquarium is home to approximately 250 different animal and marine species.
You’ll find tidepools, a stingray lagoon, a parrot aviary, and displays as you tour this aquarium.
Additionally, there are several possibilities to pet a pacific diamond ray, hold a parrot, and watch a shark consume its prey.
Recommended Ages
The animal interactions and displays at the aquarium best suit children ages three and above.
- Discovery Center of Idaho — Downtown
Need help figuring out what to do in Boise while it’s raining with kids?
It could be worthwhile to visit the Discovery Center of Idaho, renowned for its engaging exhibits.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The Discovery Center of Idaho is the place to go this weekend if you’re seeking instructive kid-friendly activities in Boise.
This science center encourages hands-on science education and exploration through learn-by-doing exhibitions, making it an excellent choice for families with younger children.
There is also a sizable T-Rex exhibit that children will undoubtedly enjoy.
Recommended Ages
Programs and classes at the Discovery Center of Idaho are geared toward children under 12.
- MK Nature Center — Warm Springs Mesa
The MK Nature Center will pique your child’s interest in local wildlife and animal conservation.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The MK Nature Center is a fun pit break where kids learn more about birds, beavers, and other local animals. It is tucked away along the Greenbelt.
Additionally, kids will love watching the enormous sturgeon and trout in the Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center’s park.
Recommended Ages
Children ages five and older will enjoy the lessons, trails, and activities at the MK Nature Center.
- Boise Whitewater Park — Downtown
For parents searching for heart-pounding family activities in Boise right now, Boise Whitewater Park is ideal.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Kayak the river rapids at Boise Whitewater Park for an adrenaline rush.
This adventurous paradise is open all year long for families who enjoy paddle boarding and surfing.
You may unwind and take in the view to avoid experiencing exciting splashes.
Recommended Ages
At Boise Whitewater Park, paddleboarding and surfing are more appropriate for teenagers, adults, and older children (9 years and above).
Younger children can take in the lovely scenery or engage in non-water activities in the interim.
- Freak Alley Gallery — Downtown
Downtown Freak Alley Gallery provides kids and Instagram-obsessed parents with nonstop entertainment with its stunning paintings.
Why We Recommend This Activity
This multi-artist outdoor gallery, advertised as the largest in the Northwest, will make you want to take many pictures.
It is undoubtedly the best location for teenagers who want to enhance their Instagram game because of its enormous and vibrant murals.
Recommended Ages
The Freak Alley Gallery is a great pit stop for adults, teenagers, and budding photographers.
- The Grove Plaza — Downtown
The Grove Plaza is brimming with free activities and entertainment for the whole family.
It’s a great spot to take your kids, especially if you’re seeking some free entertainment.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Go to the Grove Plaza for some affordable, family-friendly activities.
More than 60 age-friendly activities, including cultural festivals and concerts, are held annually on the plaza.
The majority of them are offered for the universally favored price of nothing.
There is a bustling fountain where kids and dogs can run about.
Recommended Ages
Children ages three and up can participate in activities and events at The Grove Plaza.
- Wahooz Family Fun Zone
A family-friendly amusement complex with at least 15 indoor and outdoor attractions is called the Wahooz Family Zone.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Take your loved ones to the Wahooz Family Zone and engage in various enjoyable activities to make lifelong memories.
It contains a bowling alley, a go-kart track, a modern and vintage arcade, and a miniature golf course.
Additionally, it has a variety of restaurants where you can satisfy any craving, birthday party packages, a laser maze challenge, bumper cars, rock climbing walls, an indoor ropes course, batting cages, and much more.
Recommended Ages
Strict height, weight, and age limitations apply to each attraction.
Visit their website for additional information on which rides are suitable for your kids.
- Jump
Jump is a unique gathering place and a popular tourist destination in the city’s heart.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Choosing what to do in Boise with your kids is a challenge for you.
Then go to Jump to try something different.
You can participate in activities like attending informative workshops, watching displays about old tractors and steam engines, and more, depending on their plans.
A playground, a basketball court, a colored light fountain, a massive five-story slide, and a theater are a few of its attractions.
Recommended Ages
Visitors of all ages can enjoy and be entertained at Jump.
- Children’s Museum of Idaho
Children are the primary audience for the engaging and instructive Children’s Museum of Idaho.
It is located in Meridian, a city about 20 minutes away from Idaho.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Taking your kids to this museum can give them an enjoyable and instructive experience.
It includes a variety of interactive galleries, projects, and STEM and art-related displays.
Additionally, it provides storytelling, interactive activities, unique events throughout the year, summer camp programs, and more.
Recommended Ages
Kids from 2 to 8 can visit this museum. However, there are age restrictions for some activities.
For instance, kids must be between the ages of 5 and 8 to participate in the Summer Camp programs.
- Esther Simplot Park
A gorgeous urban park with 55 acres, and 23 ponds, is called Esther Simplot Park.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Bring your loved ones to the stunning Esther Simplot Park to spend much-needed time outside.
It’s the ideal location for taking in the fresh air while engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, taking lots of family photos, and chasing the kids around the playground.
Two reservable shelters for an excellent picnic, kid-friendly open play spaces, restrooms, and crystal-clear ponds where you may swim, wade, and teach your kids how to fish are all present and correct.
Recommended Ages
Families with kids of all ages will love this beautiful park.
- Float the Boise River
Floating on the Boise River is among the most well-liked pastimes for locals and visitors.
More than 125,000 guests are welcomed each year at this famous site.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Put sunscreen, pack your swimsuit, and get ready to cool off by floating with your family along the Boise River.
Take in the breathtaking sights of the landscape as you drift leisurely along with the mild river in a tube or raft.
Additional opportunities include fishing, water skiing, and other water sports.
Recommended Ages
You can take kids of all ages to float the Boise River as a relaxing activity.
- Warhawk Air Museum
At the Nampa Municipal Airport, the Warhawk Air Museum first opened its doors in March 1989.
You may find it in Nampa, a nearby city around 20 minutes from Boise.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Do any members of your family have a passion for flying?
In such a case, please visit the Warhawk Air Museum.
At least twelve different types of aircraft, as well as some guest planes, are based there.
Additionally, it offers museum rentals for special events, guided tours for a more informative experience, and various events all year long, including lectures and interactive programs.
It offers so much to offer your kids, including the Child’s Play class and scavenger hunts.
Your children will enjoy learning about the Second World War, patriotism, and other topics.
Recommended Ages
All ages are welcome at the Warhawk Air Museum.
However, because its STEM activities are primarily for third- twelfth-grade pupils, it is better suited for school-aged children.
- Boise Urban Garden School
The Boise Urban Garden School, sometimes known as BUGS, is a school that provides engaging, engaging, and family-friendly classes.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Do you prefer spending time outside with your kids, perhaps gardening?
Go to the Boise Urban Garden School if that’s the case.
It offers a variety of environmentally conscious activities and unique occasions where you may partake in activities like outdoor recreation, picnics, harvesting, and more.
It provides kids with week-long cooking and gardening camps in the summer.
Recommended Ages
The ideal audience for this instructional resource is school-aged children and their parents.
- Eagle Island State Park
Less than 30 minutes drive from Boise is the 545-acre Eagle Island State Park, established in 1983.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Do you want to escape the city without having to go far?
Then, I suggest spending the day in this state park that is fit for a photograph.
It provides a variety of enjoyable year-round sports, including horseback riding in the summer and skiing or snowboarding in the winter.
The facilities providing a fun-filled day include picnic areas, a water slide, a swimming beach, a volleyball court, a zip line, and an 18-hole disc golf course.
Recommended Ages
At Eagle Island State Park, you may discover a family-friendly activity for all ages.
- Old Idaho Penitentiary
In the 1870s, the Old Idaho Penitentiary was built as a working jail.
It is currently a well-known historical landmark and tourist destination.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Do any members of your family enjoy history?
Next, think about scheduling a visit to the Old Idaho Penitentiary.
This 150-year-old historical site offers informative tours where you can learn about its background, physical features, and former convicts.
Recommended Ages
Although there are no age limitations at the Old Idaho Penitentiary, older kids would benefit more from visiting.
- Idaho Anne Frank Rights Memorial
The Idaho Anne, Frank Rights Memorial, is an educational park and memorial located in the heart of Boise.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Are you seeking popular tourist attractions that you must visit but won’t require much of your time?
Consider going to the Idaho Anne Frank Rights Memorial if you are.
Anne Frank, one of the most well-known Holocaust victims, is honored on this page for her life and contributions.
Photographs of the two of you taken in front of the famous structure are abundant here.
Recommended Ages
This memorial is a kid-friendly destination that is great for families with kids of all ages.
- Basque Block
There are several cultural attractions in the bustling downtown Boise district known as The Basque Block.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Going on a culturally rich tour of the Basque Block is just one of the entertaining things for families to do in Boise.
Investigate locations like the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, where you can study images, displays, and relics to learn about the American West.
You can also go to the Basque Center, which hosts live performances of traditional music and dance.
Recommended Ages
Children of all ages and families are invited to The Basque Block.
- Lucky Peak State Park
A public leisure area covering about 240 acres, Lucky Peak State Park was founded in 1956.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Are you looking for outdoor activities for kids in Boise?
Then, Lucky Peak State Park is the ideal location.
This unique site has a lot to offer you: a full-service marina, a convenience store, watercraft rentals, picnic spots, and other first-rate amenities.
Spend time relaxing on a sandy beach, participating in water sports with your teenagers, splashing around with your toddlers in the seas near the shore, helping your kids build tall sandcastles, and other activities.
Recommended Ages
Family-friendly activities are available in the Lucky Peak State Park for children of all ages and their parents.
