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.
Visit Eagle Island State Park
Just west of Boise you can escape into 545 acres at Eagle Island State Park! Bordered by the Boise River you can find beaches, a disc golf course, grassy areas and miles of trails to walk or even horseback ride. In the summer there is a big water slide and in the winter there is tubing on a big hill!
Play with Downtown Plays
The Downtown Boise Association recently started a fun new program called Downtown Plays where they travel around various downtown locations with a sweet cargo bike filled with yard games and activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Follow @downtownboise on Instagram to see where it pops up then join them for some fun!
Check out Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve
This hidden gem in the West Bench neighborhood of Boise offers 53 acres for families to explore. There are great walking paths, a big body of water and all kinds of birds and animals to discover.
Stroll through Hyde Park.
Hyde Park is quite possibly, unarguably the cutest neighborhood in all of Boise! With blocks of cute shops and restaurants surrounded by old, historic homes - Hyde Park is a crowd pleaser for any family. Be sure to stop in at Certified Bakery for the best baked goods and spend time browsing the fun toys and gifts at G. Willikers Toy Merchant.
Visit the Village in Meridian.
Just across the border of Boise and Meridian off Fairview and Eagle roads you'll find The Village at Meridian. It's an amazing outdoor shopping experience with all kinds of retail spots, delicious restaurants, a movie theater, fun playground, gorgeous water fountains and so much more. It's always busy and always fun!
Visit one of our MANY public parks.
The City of Boise is home to some incredible parks and 53 of them have playground equipment. Check out this post to see how you can use Boise's Parks and Recreation website to find what you're looking for. And if you want to get to know each and every park in Boise, I've got the perfect book for you! Learn more about it here!
Visit one of our many public libraries.
Libraries offer the community SO much. Besides the incredible collection of books, there are so many great activities within the library and some great family-friendly events offered on a regular basis. When in doubt, you can't go wrong by visiting the library!
There you have it! 15 FREE Family Fun spots around Boise! What else would you add to the list? What are your family's favorite FREE spots?