Written by Jacque Felt, author of Levi and Elena’s Guide to Boise City Playgrounds
Here’s a little roundup of some of the best toddler-friendly parks in the Treasure Valley! You're gonna wanna bookmark this one and share it with your parent friends!
We have so many amazing parks here in the Valley; making a short list was hard. We’ve narrowed it down to a few that have toddler specific play structures and either 1) provide wonderful opportunities for imaginative play, 2) have neat water features, or 3) are just all-around great choices.
Best for Imaginative Play
Peppermint Park, Settlers Park, and Phillippi Park (Stewart Gulch Park - honorable mention)
Address: 2030 S. Sumpter Way, Boise (south of the freeway, near Overland and Columbia)
Why it’s great: Peppermint has a separate, smaller play structure specifically for kids ages 2-5, with a dinosaur theme and a climbable dinosaur skull and spine, as well as a school bus spring rider that toddlers just LOVE “driving” for hours on end. There are also swings, an art installation, and a play structure for older kids.
Address: 3245 N Meridian Rd, Meridian, ID 83646 (northwest Meridian, corner of Meridian and Ustick)
Why it’s great: Settler’s also has a smaller play structure designated for kids age 2-5, this time with a castle theme! Perfect for little princes, princesses, and knights. There’s also a play structure for older kids that is manageable for the littles due to the use of lots of ramps. Additionally you’ll find swings (including a mama/baby swing), spring riders, a music garden, and a great splash pad that has lots of tamer, in-ground fountains, and no huge knock-you-over dumping buckets.
Address: 2299 S Phillippi St, Boise, ID 83705 (Central Bench, near Orchard and the freeway)
Why it’s great: The play structure isn’t specifically designed for younger kids, although there are some lower sections, but there is the sweetest little playhouse that toddlers will enjoy, as well as an accessible merry-go-round and swings (including a mama/baby swing). The shade is also great!
Stewart Gulch Park (honorable mention)
Address: 5070 N Eyrie Way, Boise, ID 83703 (north Boise, above Hillside to Hollow Reserve)
Why it’s great: Overall this park is small, but just so cute! There are a ton of great, climbable features here that encourage all kinds of imaginative play, including a log tunnel, log stairs and steps, and rocks. The play structure is smaller and perfect for little ones. There are also swings and a teeter-totter. (Warning: there is very little shade and it can get hot, so probably best to visit in the morning or late evening).
Best with Water Features