We’ve got many summer weeks ahead to enjoy some of the best that Boise has to offer families during the summer! Whether you’re embracing the heat or trying to get away from it, there are tons of great options. So let’s dive in and share some of our Boise With Kids Summer Bucket List items.
Have a Park Day:
- We are so lucky to have SO MANY good parks in the Treasure Valley. Check this post to see how to find Boise parks WITH a playground. Click this to download our “Top 20 Playgrounds in the Treasure Valley” – all the deets you want, all in one place.
Head to Bogus Basin:
- The best spot to beat the heat, chillax outside listening to live music, take a hike or ride Idaho’s only mountain coaster. Learn more here.
Outdoor Movie Night:
- There are great options for watching a family-friendly movie outside, under the stars. Check this post for the 2025 lineup.
Farmers Market Outing:
- Shop and support local farmers and makers this summer at one of the many amazing Farmers Markets in the area. See a full roundup here.
Splash Pad Day:
- Splash pads are such a great way to cool off during the crazy Idaho heat without having to go all in at a pool! This roundup is one of the most popular on boisewithkids.com!
Head to the Pool
- There are pools all around the Treasure Valley if you don’t have one in your neighborhood, or you think it would be fun to try a new one. Find our guide to Treasure Valley pools here!
Ice Cream Treats:
- I scream, you scream, we all scream for great ice cream treats during the summer! Here is a list of the best in Boise!
Float the Boise River:
- To be honest I have yet to do this! Some people love doing it with kids, some prefer to do it without ’em. Want some tips and tricks? Check this old Instagram reel from my friend Kim of @idahoadventuremom and ALWAYS check www.floattheboise.org before you float!
Greenbelt Adventure:
- Hands down one of the best parts of Boise. We love the Boise River Greenbelt so dang much! Check this old post for some ideas for where/how to enjoy it with kids.
Summer Reading Fun:
- Don’t let the summer slide affect your kiddo’s reading! Sign up for one of our local Summer Reading programs at your favorite local library and win prizes along the way!
Roaring Springs:
- Your summer is not complete without at least one trip to Roaring Springs Waterpark! (Stay tuned for a ticket giveaway later this summer!) Did you know it’s Idaho’s largest waterpark in the Northwest?! How cool is that?
Outlaw Field Summer Concerts:
- One of my personal favorite things to enjoy in the summer is an outdoor concert at the Idaho Botanical Gardens. My family enjoyed seeing Jon Batiste last summer (core memories were made fo sho) and there’s a great lineup of more concerts this summer. (Guide for going with kids right here!)
Go Bowling 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!
Too hot? Indoor Play Places:
- Indoor play places become a lifesaver for families with active kiddos when it’s crazy hot outside. Luckily, the Boise area is packed with fun, family-friendly spots where little ones can burn off energy and parents can relax (or even join in the fun!). From trampoline parks to creative play zones and toddler-friendly spaces, there’s something for every age and interest. Check out the roundup of indoor play places here.
There are two great local “passes” you can get that include access to TONS of family-fun across the Treasure Valley and is a great option for summer fun!
- Learn about the Idaho Getoutpass here. Use code “BOISEWITHKIDS” to get a discount (affiliate)
- Check out the Funfull pass here.