We have a pretty phenomenal downtown. It’s vibrant, active, clean, safe, and fun! Our family loves to go downtown and enjoy all that it has to offer. Let me tell you a little about some of the best family-friendly spots in downtown Boise.
What To Do in Downtown Boise With Kids
- We usually start around 8th Street since it’s so walkable and there’s always so much happenin!
Freak Alley
- Never. Gets. Old.
- Be sure to print our interactive scavenger hunt before you go!
Grove Plaza
- Great place to let the kids run around
- Fun to play in the water features if they’re on!
- Home of Alive After Five, Capital City Public Market, and the Holiday Tree Lighting & Ice Rink
JUMP
- Kids of all ages love “the Climber” – The big rope pyramid thing
- The slides are both fun and famous, but hours are limited
- Always lots of fun, colorful things to see like big blow up balloons
Cherie Buckner-Webb Park
- You’ve probably driven past the landmark pink metal tree with swings
- Green space to run around, kick a ball, set up a picnic
- Follow @downtownboise on Instagram to see if there is a “DT Plays” happening when you’re there!
The Capitol Building
- Kids love running up and down the big steps or around Cecil D. Andrus Park right in front
- Check out the beautiful inside! Hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturdays and Holidays’, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and closed on Sundays
Where to Eat in Downtown Boise With Kids
- We don’t always love going out to eat as a family because our kids are picky and hate sitting in one place for too long. But here are some of our favorites that are easy and kid-friendly!
The Warehouse
- Think mall food court but waaaaaay yummier
- Lots of open seating and something for everyone
The Stil Ice Cream
- World’s greatest flavor = Deja Vu (thank me later)
- Unique and fun flavors with lots of sizes
Pie Hole Pizza
- Crowd pleaser!
- Single slices are easy to grab and go
Tupelo Honey
- Love their upstairs patio
- Great waffles for kids and Southern faves for adults
Lemon Tree Co.
- Legit sandwiches and salads!
- Easy to grab and take to a green space (see above for ideas) for a picnic
10 Barrel Brewing
- Kids meals served on a frisbee
- It’s loud enough that you don’t have to worry about kids being annoying (IYKYK)
Kid-Friendly Stores/Shopping With Kids in Downtown Boise
- Okay I have to be honest and say I haven’t taken my kids into many stores downtown because… well… kids. BUT here are a few that you might wanna check out!
City Kid Boutique
- The CUTEST items for babies and kids
- “City chic”
Idaho Made
- As Idaho fanatics, we LOVE this store packed with local/Idaho-made items
- Plenty of kid items
Flying M Coffeehouse
- The gift shop in the front of this coffeehouse is packed with all kinds of fun stuff
- Look for the BEST coloring book, Color Boise
*Just a head’s up there are some more “adult” items intermixed (ex: swear words, political humor, pop culture, etc.)*
Re-POP Gifts
- Their slogan is “your headquarters for the best pop culture gifts and fandom favorites”
- Toys, games, apparel, prints, etc.
*Same “head’s up” as above applies here too!* - Feels like an experience as much as a store, with photo ops and fun things to see for younger and older kids
The list could go on and on but hopefully this is a great start for you! What would you add as some of your family’s favorites? Let us know in the comments!