"Real Life in Boise With Kids" - a weekly series where Boise With Kids will feature real, relatable, normal parents doing awesome things across the Treasure Valley. It'll be a space where local parents can share about their passions and give real, honest, tried and true feedback and tips for living their "best (family) life" in Boise. Hopefully it'll give you a chance to learn more about our community, inspire you to try out new places and activities, and get hooked up with pertinent, useful stuff that will help you and your family to thrive in Boise.
Get ready to meet the "Real Parents of the Treasure Valley" - 😜
If you'd like to share about yourself and be featured in this new series email Becca at becca@boisewithkids.com. We can't wait to learn more about you!
Meet Onyx: She is the owner of Onyx & Opal thrift and mama to one beautiful little girl. She and her husband moved to Boise about three years ago because they wanted to raise their daughter in an outdoor family friendly community. They knew Boise had so much to offer when it came to family and slow paced living but just enough city life too!
Onyx studied art and photography in college and it has led her to many creative opportunities throughout her life. She currently runs her small business from home, Onyx and Opal Thrift in which she sustainably creates a curated mix of modern/vintage home decor and clothing.
Photography is still a big part of her business and she really aspires to capture the feeling of each item she photographs. She’s happy to have found a way to continue using those skills, taking care of her daughter and bettering the environment by sourcing sustainably. Onyx has always had a passion for thrifting and started peeking into her hometown antique shops in high school. Today you can find her sourcing for treasures with her little assistant (wink wink) at your local thrift shops, antique stores, estate sales and yard sales!
She currently posts themed collections weekly on Instagram and does monthly pop ups all throughout the Treasure Valley! She is currently working on a series that dives into the hidden treasures of the Treasure Valley and where to source them! Follow along on her Instagram @onyxandopalthrift to stay in the know!
Enjoy reading Onyx's take on living life in Boise with kids!
Local Family Favorites:
Garden City public library - known for not being “ a quiet library, “ very very kid friendly! They have a great children's space and plan so many fun activities and events!
Mk Nature Center - perfect nature getaway for kids! I feel like we’re in another world when we’re there! Getaway without having to go far.
Ivywild public pool - has the best toddler swim area and family swim area too! We buy a summer pool pass because we go every week during the season! Worth it and can be used at any of the Boise public pools!
The Boise Zoo - small but mighty! We bought a pass because our daughter loves animals and it’s nice to have designated spot to get out of the house.
JUMP in Downtown Boise - is always holding free family friendly events! They are so creative when it comes to bringing the community together.
Favorite Family-Friendly Places to Eat:
Pad Thai House - this is a family staple for dinner and what kid doesn’t love noodles and rice?
Cafe Zupas - soups, salads and sandwiches sign us up! Kid friendly options and something for everyone. Plus with every meal you get a complimentary chocolate covered strawberry! We love to order to go and have a picnic in the park.
Pizza Pie Cafe - want bang for your buck? All you can eat pizza, pasta and salad! Very affordable, great environment and plenty of variety of pizza! They even have dessert pizza!
Tropical Smoothie Cafe - this is go to when we want something light for lunch. Our daughter loves smoothies and she always gets the junior jetty.
Farmers Markets - they always have a variety of foods and usually they’re serving things you can eat on the go! Which we all know as parents that the littles don’t sit still for very long.
Best Park/Playground:
Ann Morrison Park this park has so much to offer. Great playground, shade and right off the Greenbelt. Our little one loves to explore, so nice to have the option to walk the river as well.
Veterans Memorial Park - we love this one for the same reason we love Ann Morrison!
Discovery Park - this is such a fun park! Definitely out of the way from us but worth the drive and spend the day on that side of town. Toddler and kid friendly! Great open grass area right next to the playground. Great for flying kites!
Molenaar Park - this is a new one for us! We went one time and we’re hooked! Very fun jungle gyms for the kids and activities
Best Part of Life in Boise with Kids: Even though we weren’t raised here, Boise has always felt like home. When we think of Boise we think of nature, community and just the feeling of being content. You don’t need much convincing to enjoy this place. I think the best part about living in Boise with kids is how inviting it is for families. You feel like you always have a place here.
"Real Life" parenting moment: So as you know, I go thrifting with daughter a lot. We spend a lot of time at thrift shops and it’s not always easy to take kids. Okay it’s NEVER easy. One thing I will say is head to the toy/ book section first, find something that will keep their focus. Something you wouldn’t normally have at home .You get to shop while they get to play. Most of the time it works and sometimes it doesn’t and you’re not paying attention that they’re not playing with their toy anymore but eating price tags off things. I call it…Balance.