Fun Things to Do in Boise with Kids

When deciding where to go on your next family vacation, Boise may not be the first place that comes to mind…but maybe it should be! Idaho’s capital is home to recreational and outdoor activities that meet the needs of any adventure-seeking family. This incredibly friendly city is filled with many family attractions to explore. Here are eight fun things to do in Boise with kids.

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1. Bike the Boise River Greenbelt.

This flat pedestrian and bike-friendly path runs 30 miles along the Boise River, just five minutes from downtown. The Boise River Greenbelt is a gorgeous, gentle ride that is rightly beloved by Boise residents and downtown commuters, who call out politely when passing on the left.

The route passes many parks, green spaces, and golf courses, as well as Boise State University. The school is home to the incredibly popular Boise Broncos football team, and you can stop to catch a game at the NFL-worthy stadium with its unique blue turf field.

2. Explore the MK Nature Center.

Located along the Greenbelt, the Morrison-Knudson Nature Center provides a perfect stopping point to learn about beavers, birds, and other wildlife in the Boise area. Kids will love to spy on trout and huge sturgeon in the MK Nature Center’s pond.

3. Play at Boise Whitewater Park.

If you’re feeling really brave, kayak the river rapids at Boise Whitewater Park. Located along the western portion of the  Boise River Greenbelt, Quinn’s Pond is very popular with locals for outdoor recreation throughout the year. Active families can rent paddle boards for a fabulous core workout. If you’re not up for getting wet, sit back and watch the kayakers and even the surfers, who give the rapids a go.

4. Discover the Warhawk Air Museum.

The Warhawk Air Museum is worth the 30-minute drive to Nampa, west from Boise. From World War I to the Space Age, the history of aviation and warfare is recorded and memorialized here.

The volunteer-run museum would not exist without the efforts of volunteers and donors, who put together collections of memorabilia like POW and ration cards, condolence letters, and medals. These items, along with binders filled with photographs, interviews, and stories from veterans and their families, make the Warhawk Air Museum come alive with history. You can wander the Museum on your own but ask for a guided tour to make the most of your visit.

5. Go Birding at the World Center for Birds of Prey.

A winding road into the Nampa hills, not far from the Warhawk Air Museum, takes you to the hilltop location of the World Center for Birds of Prey. Guided tours teach visitors all about the lives and habits of eagles, hawks, condors, and other birds native to the West. The center features interactive displays, multi-media shows, and live demonstrations with raptors.

6. Tour the Old Idaho Penitentiary.

Visiting a decommissioned jail in a National Historic Site is one of the cooler things you can do in Boise with kids and teens. The first building in the Old Pen complex dates back to 1894. You can easily imagine the misery of prison life by looking into these old, tiny 3×8-foot cells. A guided tour brings the buildings to life. The fascinating Marked Men Tattoo Exhibit teaches the meaning and history of prison tattoos. A walk through the History of Arms and Armament building is included in the admission price.

7. Revel at the Idaho Botanical Garden.

The Idaho Botanical Garden is an oasis in the high desert. Situated next to the Old Penitentiary, the garden has grown and transformed over its 36+ years. In fact, the site served as the Old Idaho State Penitentiary’s farm and nursery until 1973. The Idaho Botanical Garden is made up of 12 themed gardens. The Meditation Garden is a peaceful place to wander and includes a flowing water pond. Meanwhile the Conservation Landscape displays water-conserving plants and the Fire Wise Garden showcases plants that are fire resistant. The unique and informative Lewis and Clark Native Plant Garden opened in 2006 to commemorate the bicentennial of the Lewis-Clark Expedition. Best of all for kids is the Children’s Adventure Garden complete with carnivorous plants and tree houses. Come to the Idaho Botanical Garden to revel in your freedom after visiting the Old Pen site.

8. Learn by Doing at the Discovery Center of Idaho.

The Discovery Center of Idaho promotes hands-on scientific exploration and education. This science center hosts popular, kid-friendly earth science and learn-by-doing exhibits. Dinosaur lovers will appreciate Tinker the T-Rex exhibit, complete with a cast of the most complete juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton found to date and opportunities to explore natural history, prehistoric fossils, and the wonder of this fascinating and fearsome creature.

Explore More of the Pacific Northwest

Idaho is a great destination for a ski vacation. Learn tips for new skiers considering an Idaho winter trip.

Take the family to Oregon with these tips for visiting Portland with kids or choose a farm stay vacation at Leaping Lamb Farm.

This guide to Seattle with kids will please all ages.

British Columbia in Canada bursts with kid-friendly fun, like these things to do in Vancouver with kids and these summer activities in Whistler.

Save These Activities for Families in Boise

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Which fun things would you like to do in Boise with kids? Want to share more family activities? Let us know in the comments below!

A Note from The Curious Travel Mama: Visit Idaho hosted my Idaho explorations. As always, my opinions are honest and my own.

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