70 Things To Do In Boise

We love Boise!

There are so many amazing activities to do here, especially during the summer! Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, foodie, or adventure seeker, Boise has an array of activities that will captivate your interest. We've compiled a list of 70 of our favorite things to do in Boise and the surrounding area!

Outdoor Activities

• Explore the Boise Greenbelt: Take a stroll, jog, or bike ride along the scenic Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile path that winds through the city and offers stunning views of the river and surrounding nature.
• Hike in the Boise Foothills: Lace up your hiking boots and explore the extensive trail network in the Boise Foothills. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and discover hidden gems like Table Rock or Hulls Gulch Reserve.
• Go river rafting: Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Boise River. Bring your own or rent a raft and navigate the Class III rapids.
• Visit Kathryn Albertson Park: Enjoy a peaceful walk through this beautiful park, known for its serene ponds, waterfowl, and vibrant flower gardens. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a few turtles!
• Go fishing: Cast a line in the Boise River or visit one of the nearby reservoirs, such as Lucky Peak or Arrowrock, to try your luck at catching fish!
• Picnic at Julia Davis Park: Pack a picnic basket and relax in Julia Davis Park, Boise's oldest park. It features expansive lawns, rose gardens, a duck pond, and several museums.
• Visit the Idaho Botanical Garden (pictured right): Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Idaho Botanical Garden, featuring themed gardens, a meditation garden, and year-round events.
• Rent a paddleboard or kayak: Head to Quinn's Pond or Esther Simplot Park and rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the calm waters and enjoy a day of outdoor fun.
• Go mountain biking: Hit the trails at Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, located just 16 miles from downtown Boise. Enjoy biking the many available trails and take in the breathtaking views.
• Take a scenic drive: Explore the picturesque landscapes surrounding Boise by taking a drive along the Payette River Scenic Byway or the Boise River Wildlife Management Area.

Cultural Experiences

• Visit the Old Idaho Penitentiary: Step back in time and explore the Old Idaho Penitentiary, a former-prison-turned-museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into Idaho's criminal history.
• Check out the Boise Art Museum: Discover a diverse collection of contemporary art, American art, and works by Idaho artists at the Boise Art Museum.
• Tour the Idaho State Capitol: Take a self-guided tour of the stunning Idaho State Capitol building, known for its neoclassical architecture and beautiful rotunda.
• Explore the Basque Block: Learn about Boise's Basque heritage by visiting the Basque Block, home to Basque restaurants, shops, and the Basque Museum and Cultural Center.
• Catch a performance at the Egyptian Theatre: Experience the charm of Boise's historic Egyptian Theatre by attending a live performance, concert, or film screening.
• Discover the Idaho State Historical Museum: Dive into Idaho's past at the Idaho State Historical Museum, featuring exhibits on Native American history, pioneers, and Idaho's role in World War II.
• Stroll through the Capital City Public Market: Browse local produce, crafts, and artisanal goods at Boise's vibrant Capital City Public Market, held every Saturday during the summer months.
• Explore the Boise Contemporary Theater: Catch a thought-provoking play or performance at the Boise Contemporary Theater, known for its innovative productions.
• Take a food tour: Embark on a guided food tour and sample Boise's culinary delights, from farm-to-table cuisine to craft beer and local wines.
• Attend a festival or event: Check the calendar and join one of Boise's many festivals and events, such as the Treefort Music Fest, the Boise Farmers Market, Boise Music Festival, or the Idaho Shakespeare Festival.

Family-Friendly Fun

• Visit Zoo Boise: Take the kids to Zoo Boise, where they can see a variety of animals, including giraffes, penguins, and red pandas.
• Explore the Discovery Center of Idaho: Spark curiosity and hands-on learning at the Discovery Center of Idaho, an interactive science center with exhibits for all ages.
• Ride the Boise Trolley: Schedule an outing on the Boise Trolley, a charming vintage streetcar that offers tours of downtown Boise and provides a unique perspective of the city.
• Spend a day at Roaring Springs Water Park: Just outside of Boise, cool off and have fun at Roaring Springs Water Park, featuring thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools.
• Visit Wahooz Family Fun Zone: Enjoy a day of family-friendly entertainment at Wahooz Family Fun Zone, offering mini-golf, go-karts, laser tag, and more.
• Explore the World Center for Birds of Prey: Discover the beauty and importance of birds of prey at the World Center for Birds of Prey, where you can see live raptors up close.
• Go bowling: Bowl a strike at one of Boise's many bowling alleys, such as Pinz Bowling Center or 20th Century Lanes, and enjoy some friendly competition.
• Have a picnic at Ann Morrison Park: Pack a blanket and have a picnic in Ann Morrison Park, which offers spacious lawns, playgrounds, and a disc golf course.
• Go ice skating: Enjoy a winter activity and go ice skating at the Idaho IceWorld, an indoor ice skating rink that offers public skating sessions.

Culinary Delights

• Dine at local farm-to-table restaurants: Experience Boise's vibrant culinary scene by dining at farm-to-table restaurants that showcase fresh, local ingredients.
• Try Boise's craft breweries: Sample a variety of craft beers at Boise's many breweries, such as Woodland Empire Ale Craft, Payette Brewing Company, and Barbarian Brewing.
• Indulge in Basque cuisine: Explore Boise's Basque heritage through its cuisine by visiting Basque restaurants and trying traditional dishes like paella or pintxos.
• Visit the Boise Farmers Market: Shop for fresh produce, artisanal products, and homemade treats at the Boise Farmers Market, held throughout the summer and early fall.
• Enjoy Boise's coffee culture: Sip on a cup of coffee at one of Boise's cozy coffee shops, such as Slow By Slow, Java, or the Flying M.
• Try Boise's food trucks: Sample a variety of delicious foods from Boise's diverse food truck scene, offering everything from gourmet tacos to artisanal ice cream.
• Taste Idaho wines: Visit local wineries in the Boise area, such as Bitner Vineyards, Cinder Winery, or Sawtooth Winery, and savor the flavors of Idaho wines.
• Visit the Boise Co-op: Explore the Boise Co-op, a community-owned grocery store that specializes in organic, local, and specialty foods.
• Attend a cooking class: Learn new culinary skills by attending a cooking class or workshop at one of Boise's cooking schools.
• Enjoy Boise's dessert scene: Treat yourself to delectable desserts at Boise's pastry shops and bakeries, such as Janjou Pâtisserie, Amaru, or Guru Donuts.

Shopping and Entertainment

• Browse downtown boutiques: Wander through downtown Boise and discover unique boutiques, antique stores, and art galleries, showcasing local artists and designers.
• Explore Hyde Park: Visit the quaint Hyde Park neighborhood, known for its charming shops, restaurants, and beautiful Camel’s Back Park.
• Shop at Boise Towne Square: Spend a day shopping at Boise Towne Square, the largest shopping mall in Idaho, featuring a wide range of stores and dining options.
• Catch a Boise Hawks baseball game: Cheer on the Boise Hawks, a minor league baseball team, and enjoy a fun-filled evening at the ballpark.
• Play games at Big Al's: Have a blast playing arcade games, bowling, or watching sports at Big Al's, a family-friendly entertainment center.
• Explore Freak Alley Gallery: Marvel at the vibrant street art and murals in Freak Alley Gallery, the largest outdoor gallery in the Northwest.
• Attend a live music performance: Immerse yourself in Boise's music scene by attending a live performance at one of the city's many venues, like The Olympic or Neurolux.
• Watch a movie at The Flicks: Experience independent and foreign films at The Flicks, Boise's beloved independent movie theater.
• Go antiquing: Embark on a treasure hunt and explore Boise's antique shops and vintage stores, where you can find unique collectibles and one-of-a-kind items.

Sports and Recreation

• Attend a Boise State University football game: Join the passionate crowd and cheer on the Boise State Broncos football team at Albertsons Stadium.
• Play disc golf: Try your hand at disc golf by visiting one of Boise's disc golf courses, such as Ann Morrison Park.
• Join a recreational sports league: Stay active and make new friends by joining a recreational sports league in Boise, whether it's soccer, softball, or ultimate frisbee.
• Go rock climbing: Challenge yourself and go rock climbing at the Boise Climbing Gym or explore the natural rock formations in the surrounding area.
• Play golf: Tee off at one of Boise's golf courses, such as Warm Springs Golf Course or Quail Hollow Golf Club, and enjoy a round of golf in beautiful surroundings.
• Join a running group: Lace up your running shoes and join one of Boise's running groups or clubs to explore the city's scenic trails and meet fellow runners.
• Take a yoga class in the park: Find your zen and participate in a yoga class held in one of Boise's picturesque parks, such as Camel's Back Park or Ann Morrison Park.
• Go horseback riding: Enjoy the beauty of Idaho's countryside by going horseback riding at a nearby ranch or equestrian center.
• Play tennis: Challenge a friend to a game of tennis at one of Boise's public tennis courts, or join a club and improve your skills.
• Try skydiving: Experience the thrill of skydiving and put your sense of adventure to the test!

Day Trips and Nearby Attractions

• Visit the Bruneau Dunes State Park: Take a day trip to Bruneau Dunes State Park and climb the tallest sand dune in North America or stargaze in the park's designated observatory.
• Explore the World Center for Birds of Prey: Venture to the World Center for Birds of Prey, located just outside Boise, and learn about these magnificent creatures through educational programs and live bird demonstrations.
• Go wine tasting in the Snake River Valley: Embark on a wine tasting tour in the Snake River Valley, Idaho's premier wine region, and sample award-winning wines amidst beautiful vineyards.
• Visit the Old West town of Idaho City: Step back in time and explore the historic town of Idaho City, once the largest city in the Pacific Northwest during the gold rush era.
• Discover the beauty of Shoshone Falls: Take a scenic drive to Twin Falls and witness the awe-inspiring Shoshone Falls, also known as the "Niagara of the West."
• Go camping near Stanley: Escape to the charming mountain town of Stanley, located in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, and enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, and breathtaking views.
• Visit the World's First Dark Sky Reserve: Head to the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places for stargazing in the world, and witness the brilliance of the night sky.
• Explore the Craters of the Moon National Monument: Marvel at the unique volcanic landscapes of the Craters of the Moon National Monument, featuring lava fields, caves, and scenic hiking trails.
• Go hot springs hopping: Relax and rejuvenate in one of the many natural hot springs located near Boise, such as Kirkham Hot Springs or Gold Fork Hot Springs.
• Visit the Sawtooth National Recreation Area: Discover the rugged beauty of the Sawtooth Mountains and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

With so many diverse activities and attractions, Boise is a destination that caters to all interests. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, family-friendly fun, culinary delights, shopping, or sports and recreation, Boise has something for everyone. Plan your trip, explore the City of Trees, and create lasting memories in our vibrant and welcoming city.

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