School ends for my kids this week and I cannot believe it. 🤯 Are you ready for summer?
I don’t think I’ve really wrapped my head around it but man am I thankful for SO MANY opportunities and things to enjoy with kids across the Treasure Valley during the summer months. No matter your kids' ages or interests there's plenty to experience!
Here are our top 10 recommendations for things to do with your family across the Treasure Valley this summer:
1. Participate in the Summer Reading Program
Each summer the local libraries put on a Summer Reading Program to encourage kids to keep reading while out of school for the summer. It's free to sign up and there are activities and prizes/rewards throughout the summer. (Here's a post from last summer about it.) Note: you should check your favorite library to inquire as each library system is a little bit different.
2. Check out the many parks with splash pads
The Treasure Valley is home to a ridiculous amount of awesome, well-kept parks to enjoy. Luckily for those of us with kids, there are many with Splash Pads and water features to help keep us cool in the hot summer sun. Check this post for a list of them! Note: most are open beginning Memorial Day!
3. Splish and splash at Roaring Springs
Did you know that we have the Northwest's largest water park in our backyard? Roaring Springs has been a "Summer Bucketlist item" for families for years but this summer it's even bigger and better thanks to a huge new expansion (opening May 31st). This family-friendly destination boasts an array of water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and even a dedicated area for younger children. With activities for all ages and abilities your family will have a BLAST making memories together here. Note: the water park is adjacent to Wahooz Family Fun Zone which offers attractions such as go-karts, bumper boats, mini-golf, laser tag, and an indoor arcade so you can combine the two for an even more epic day!
4. Explore the Greenbelt
With about 25 miles of pathway there's SO much to enjoy and discover along the Boise River Greenbelt. Read this post for a list of family-friendly spots that I crowd-sourced last Spring. One of our favorite spots just off the Greenbelt is the MK Nature Center. The Center provides a unique opportunity to learn about Idaho's native fish and wildlife. You can walk the short trails, watch fish swim in the underwater viewing area, and just enjoy exploring! Note: you can check out a map and get general Greenbelt info here.
5. Check out all that Bogus Basin has to offer in the summer months
You might wonder what there is to do at a ski hill during the summer months and I don't blame you! Seems contradictory but in reality there's a TON! Bogus Basin offers great hiking and mountain biking trails, food and drink options, live music and a whole lotta fun activities for kids including a rock climbing wall, summer tubing, a bungee trampoline, gem panning and of course, Idaho's only mountain coaster! Note: the activities can be individually purchased or unlimited with a day pass.
6. Try out an outdoor movie night
What's more fun than watching a movie together as a family? Watching it outside on a big screen! Luckily we've got multiple options across the Treasure Valley. Check out Boise's Movies Under the Stars at the Julia Davis Bandshell, Meridian's Sparklight Movie Nights at Settlers Park, Kuna's Movies on the Greenbelt behind City Hall, Nampa's Silver Screen on the Green at Optimist Park, or Middleton's Free Movie in the Park at Foote Park. Note: most begin "at dusk" so times may vary!
7. Bowl for FREE
Did you know that kids can bowl for FREE during the summer at various Treasure Valley bowling alleys? Just sign up on the Kids Bowl Free website and select the bowling alley you want to visit all summer. If you "upgrade" to a family pass then the whole fam can bowl for way cheaper than normal. The family pass option allows adults, older siblings and babysitters to bowl along with the registered kids. The family pass is a one time payment and set by each participating bowling center. Note: participating alleys include Emerald Lanes and Westy's Garden Lanes in Boise and Meridian Bowling Lanes and Pinz Bowling Center in Meridian.
8. Float the Boise River
Floating the Boise River is a local favorite activity. Safety is paramount when floating (especially with kids) so make sure you check the river conditions and water levels, have well fitting life jackets for everyone, protect yourselves from the sun with sunscreen, hats, etc. and ensure your inflatable tubes or other equipment is in peak working condition! Note: you can find ALL kinds of information at https://www.floattheboise.org/ - check it out before you go!
9. Visit these indoor favorites on those extra HOT (or dreary) days
We're bound to get a few rainy days and a few EXTRA hot days this summer where the best option is to be indoors. Check out this list of indoor play places in the Treasure Valley or visit one of our many amazing family-friendly museums like the Children's Museum of Idaho, the Discovery Center or Idaho State Museum. Note: check into getting a family membership at the museums! Most of the time they "pay for themselves" after just a few visits and are always a good option to "have in your back pocket"!
10. Check out a local Farmers Market (or two or three...)
There are so many great markets to explore across the Treasure Valley! From crafts and homemade goods to fresh produce and plants, you'll find it both fun and easy to support and shop local. There's often live music, themed days and tons of yummy food trucks so you can guarantee there's something for every age and interest! Note: they're all listed on the Boise With Kids Events Calendar!
Well... did I leave off any "must-do" activities? Drop them in the comments or pop over to Instagram and share your ideas with us there!