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Top 10 Festive Family Fun Activities in the Treasure Valley 2023

Are you ready to "sleigh" the holiday season? That's what all the kids are saying these days, right?! Anyways, the Treasure Valley is FULL of festive activities that are sure to light up your holidays and create unforgettable memories for you and your fam. From ice skating to dazzling light displays, there's something for everyone to enjoy - many for free! Let's take a look at ten especially fantastic winter attractions that are perfect for creating magical memories with your family this season!



  1. TRICA Snow Globe ❄️ The new 'snow globe' experience by the Treasure Valley Institute for Children's Arts (TRICA) is a one-of-a-kind holiday experience for local families. Step into a life-sized snow globe, play in the confetti snow room, enjoy hot chocolate and local adult beverages and capture picture-perfect moments amidst the wintry magic. Learn more about this enchanting experience: TRICA Snow Globe

  2. Grove Plaza Ice Skating ⛸️ Strap on your FREE skate rentals and hit the ice at the brand new "Glide on the Grove" in downtown Boise! The new outdoor ice skating rink offers a fantastic experience for both beginners and seasoned skaters. Glide under the twinkling lights of the city and feel the festive vibes all around. The rink will be up until the end of January! Get all the details here: Grove Plaza Ice Skating

  3. Idaho Botanical Winter Garden aGlow 🌟 Experience the magic of the Idaho Botanical Garden as it transforms into a breathtaking display of lights during Winter Garden Aglow. Stroll through the illuminated pathways, sip on hot cocoa, mail your letter to Santa, and revel in the beauty of the season. It's open Wednesdays-Sundays until the end of December. Plan your visit here: Winter Garden aGlow

  4. Indian Creek Plaza 🎄 Located in Caldwell, Indian Creek Plaza transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the holiday season. With dazzling lights, live music, delicious food trucks, and cozy fire pits, it's the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. The lights will be lit each night at dusk until January 8th. Check out their website to reserve a skate time and learn more: Indian Creek Plaza

  5. The Village at Meridian Ice Skating + Santa Visits ⛸️ Another fantastic spot for ice skating enthusiasts is The Village at Meridian. Lace-up your skates and twirl around the rink surrounded by festive decorations and joyful vibes. Looking for a wonderful Santa experience? Visit "Santa's House" at the Village next to Fountain Square. Check their website for skating hours/pricing and Santa reservations: The Village at Meridian

  6. Shindig Farms "Lost in Christmas" 🎅 Visit Shindig Farms for a unique family experience of wandering through their hay maze covered in lights! They also have wagon rides, fresh cut Christmas trees for sale, seasonal treats and more! Discover more about their festive activities: Shindig Farms

  7. Gateway Parks 🛷 Looking for the most EPIC sledding hill? Look no further than Gateway Parks located in Eagle Island State Park. Their giant tubing hill is absolutely wild. Check their website for hours, pricing and to make reservations: Gateway Parks

  8. Bogus Basin ⛷️ Whether or not you and your family like to ski or snowboard, a visit to Boise's beloved Bogus Basin is always a fun winter activity! You can ski/snowboard, cross-country ski or slide down their tubing hill. Orrrrrr just sit by the fire on the patio and enjoy a snack! Check out ticket pricing and other information here: Bogus Basin

  9. Scentsy Commons Light Display 💡 Located at Scentsy Commons in Meridian off of Eagle Road are over 900,000 lights on display! Check out Scentsy's signature light tunnel and the 75-foot-tall lit up Christmas tree. It's a fun, free way to get into the Christmas spirit: Scentsy Commons Light Display

  10. Christmas in Color 🌈 Drive through an incredible light display synchronized to festive music at Christmas in Color. Located in Boise at Expo Idaho, this dazzling event will surely brighten up a dark evening. Get your tickets *USE CODE "BOISEWITHKIDS" FOR A DISCOUNT!* here: Christmas in Color (Look for an IG giveaway soon!)

With these amazing attractions scattered across the Treasure Valley, you'll have no shortage of festive family fun this winter season. Whether you prefer gliding on ice or wandering through enchanting light displays there's something for all ages and interests. Be sure to bundle up and make the most of this magical time of the year!


Which of these festive fun activities are you most excited to try first?

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