We have a pretty phenomenal downtown. It's vibrant, active, clean, safe and fun! Our family loves to go downtown and enjoy all that it has to offer. Let me tell you a little about some of the best family-friendly spots.
What To Do
-We usually start around 8th Street since it's so walkable and there's always so much happenin!
-never.gets.old.
-be sure to print our interactive scavenger hunt before you go!
-great place to let the kids run around
-fun to play in the water features if they're on!
-kids of all ages love "the Climber" - the big rope pyramid thing
-the slides are both fun and famous but hours are limited
-always lots of fun, colorful things to see like big blow up balloons
-you've probably driven past the landmark pink metal tree with swings
-green space to run around, kick a ball, set up a picnic
-follow @downtownboise on Instagram to see if there is a "DT Plays" happening when you're there!
-kids love running up and down the big steps or around Cecil D. Andrus Park right in front
-check out the beautiful inside! Hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturdays and Holidays’, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and closed on Sundays
Where to Eat
-We don't always love going out to eat as a family because our kids are picky and hate sitting in one place for too long. But here are some of our favorites that are easy and kid-friendly!
-think mall food court but waaaaaay yummier
-lots of open seating and something for everyone
-world's greatest flavor = Deja Vu (thank me later)
-unique and fun flavors with lots of sizes
-crowd pleaser!
-single slices are easy to grab and go
-love their upstairs patio
-great waffles for kids and Southern faves for adults
-legit sandwiches and salads!
-easy to grab and take to a green space (see above for ideas) for a picnic
-kids meals served on a frisbee
-it's loud enough that you don't have to worry about kids being annoying (IYKYK)
Kid-Friendly Stores/Shopping
-Okay I have to be honest and say I haven't taken my kids into many stores downtown because... well... kids. BUT here are a few that you might wanna check out!
-the CUTEST items for babies and kids
-"city chic"
-as Idaho fanatics, we LOVE this store packed with local/Idaho-made items
-plenty of kid items
-The gift shop in the front of this coffeehouse is packed with all kinds of fun stuff
-look for the BEST coloring book, Color Boise
*Just a head's up there are some more "adult" items intermixed (ex: swear words, political humor, pop culture, etc.)*
-their slogan is "your headquarters for the best pop culture gifts and fandom favorites"
-toys, games, apparel, prints, etc.
*Same "head's up" as above applies here too!*
The list could go on and on but hopefully this is a great start for you! What would you add as some of your family's favorites? Let us know in the comments!