We've heard so much about this *magical* place just a few hours away from Boise named McCall and couldn't wait to get there to experience it for ourselves. With my incredible mother in law visiting from out of town we jumped on the chance to make a weekend getaway with the kids. We all know that trips with kids aren't for the faint of heart and that they pretty much never go exactly as planned so having the extra hands was clutch... especially when it came to random fevers and car sickness for our four year old on the windy road home. Eye. Roll.
McCall is such a popular spot to get outta town so if you're looking for a fun day trip or are able to spend a few days in the area over Spring Break, make sure to check out the following:
PLAY.
Manchester Ice Rink Bumper Cars
200 E Lake Street
McCall, ID 83638
How fun does this sound? It wasn't happening when we were in town but we would have jumped on the chance if it was. Rides are 13 minutes long and start every 15 minutes during the designated bumper car times. Check the rink schedule for details! There's also open ice skating times for your future figure skaters or ice hockey players!
3890 Goose Lake Rd
McCall, ID 83638
It's so close to town and super accessible. PLUS - major bonus - children 6 and under ski FREE! *FYI full day tickets are only available online and are limited so make sure you plan ahead!* (I'm not a skier myself so can't give you skiing tips but if you have a question about it let me know and I'll get my husband to give you all the insider info.)
310 E Lake St
McCall, ID 83638
We were planning to take our kids here to make a fun McCall souvenir but it was unexpectedly closed. I'll let their Facebook description speak for itself: "Mountain Monet is McCall's spot for creative fun. We are an art studio open to all ages where no appointments are necessary. Choose from pottery painting, mosaics, fused glass, acrylic plaques and beading! We also offer gifts and local art. For the past 20 plus years, Mountain Monet has been McCall"s spot where friends and family gather to create personalized masterpieces and wonderful memories."
McCall Golf Course Sledding
925 Fairway Dr
McCall, ID 83638
With so little snow this winter in the Treasure Valley we were itching to take the boys sledding while in McCall so we packed all our snow gear and sleds and were on the hunt for a great little hill. Multiple friends recommended the hill next to the McCall Golf Course and it was such a fun morning for us! Just put the address into your phone and park near the Club House. You should see the little sledding area from there. Have fun and be careful! There's likely going to be a few little bump/jumps and you might have to jump ship to avoid some big trees at the bottom.
If you're anything like us, vacations are full of indulging in good food and drink. I couldn't write about McCall without mentioning some of our favorites:
EAT + DRINK:
204 Lenora St Suite 100
McCall, ID 83638
We got coffee and breakfast items here on our last morning and OH MY GOSH ALL of it was incredibly tasty. The coffee was just our style and we couldn't get over the breakfast burrito, frittata, blueberry scone and cinnamon roll that we got! 10/10 recommend!
500 N 3rd Street
McCall, ID 83638
I can't recommend this cafe enough! So so so good. The vibe inside the shop was so dang cute and I have no doubt the breakfast items, coffee drinks and other pastries are as amazing as the sandwiches were. We got the 208, Artemis, Cabin Fever and the Summit sandwiches to share and brought them up to the ski hill for lunch. Without a doubt I'll be racing back here on my next McCall trip! I'm drooling just writing about them right now.
901 N 3rd St
McCall, ID 83638
A McCall staple for good reason. The burgers reminded us of In N Out (which we love) and the chocolate shakes were perfection. My first job was working at an ice cream counter so my standards are high - they didn't disappoint.
136 E Lake St
McCall, ID 83638
For a mid morning snack one morning we grabbed a cinnamon roll and huckleberry muffin at the cutest little bakery. We easily could have ordered one of everything! My kids devoured our sweet treats and my 18 month old immediately pointed at the display case wanting more. Or was it me? LOLzzzz
214 Lenora St
McCall, ID 83638
Y'all know how much I love sourdough so when we heard Crusty's Pizza "specializes in thin crust sourdough pizza" ... I was ALL in. We enjoyed a pesto pizza and a classic pepperoni and loved every bite. It was still delicious to eat cold the next morning for breakfast, too! Two for one! ;)
411 Railroad Ave
McCall, ID 83638
The brewery is a cute little spot with lots of fun decor on the walls, a heated patio space in the back, "gardenigloo dining" and the burgers and beers we ordered were delicious! It's not huge so if you're going on a busier night, be prepared to wait a bit to get a table. We went early on a Thursday night and had no problem getting a table. I definitely recommend getting their 4 taste sampler (just be careful that your littles' hands don't steal the itty bitty glasses!) Just look at this goober's face! He wanted my drinks so badly.
Now we know why people love the *magical* city of McCall, Idaho so much! It's naturally BEAUTIFUL and has that quintessential small town charm but with all kinds of activities (and amazing food) for the whole family. We can't wait to get back many, many more times! Especially in the warmer months ahead!
Being that we've only gotten the chance to visit once I'm sure there are many more awesome family friendly suggestions out there. Please let me know what we need to check out on our next trip there! Leave a comment or send me an email!
awesome thanks!!!
Can’t wait to take a trip up there in the near future!