Whether you're in Boise for a quick getaway or you are a local lookin' for something fun to do with your family, this list is packed with 15 of the best things to do in the Boise area with kids - for FREE! The Treasure Valley is an amazing place for children to explore and boasts so many family-focused businesses and activities.
Whenever you're looking for something to do the best place to look is our family-friendly events calendar. It's updated frequently and always has great options for kids young and old. We're also alllllways sharing family fun over on Instagram and Facebook so be sure to follow along there for all the latest and greatest!
15 FREE Things To Do in Boise With Kids
Go downtown and explore the Freak Alley Gallery.
It's such an interesting, unique spot and you'll always discover a new area to fall in love with. You'll definitely want to bring a camera. And don't forget our super fun interactive scavenger hunt! Get a copy here!
Walk or ride the Boise River Greenbelt.
With over 25 miles to explore there's likely a great spot close to you. Check this post for our readers' favorite "family-friendly spots.
Have a blast at JUMP.
JUMP (Jack's Urban Meeting Place) is a staple in the Boise community. It was created with the intention of providing space for the community to "inspire, grow and innovate" and it definitely does exactly that! Your family will love all of the features of the "Park" like the five story tubular slide (weather and time permitting) and climbing up the three story net structure perfectly named "The Climber" - just to name a few highlights. Before you go, you'll want to check the events calendar to see what kind of fun things are happening.
Watch the fun at Boise Whitewater Park.
You'll blow peoples' minds when you tell them you saw people surfing in Boise, Idaho! But it's true! Just off the Greenbelt in Garden City your family will have a blast watching the surfers, kayakers and stand up paddle boarders at the Boise Whitewater Park.
Get outside and explore Bogus Basin.
Bogus Basin is much more than a super rad ski hill! It's a spot you can enjoy year-round with great hiking, biking and fun events - especially during the summer months! The views are breathtaking and it's a great change of scenery, just outside of town.
Check out the State Capitol building.
Have you been inside our beautiful capitol building yet? There are self guided tours with information you can download ahead of time here or guided tours at 10AM and 1PM Monday-Friday. Make sure to bring a copy of their fun scavenger hunt to keep your kids engaged!
There's so much to explore at the MK Nature Center just a few minutes drive past downtown. The grounds are open sunrise to sunset and the Visitors Center is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. with a suggested donation of "2 bucks."
Check out the Boise Watershed
The Boise Watershed is open Monday – Friday 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and every third Saturday of the month from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m with no admission cost. There are 15 different hands-on exhibits so something to engage all ages.
