Looking for some summer magic to fill these next few months that’ll leave your kids feeling all those amazing summer feelings? Look no further, Boise is a summer wonderland! Summer is all about that sunscreen smell, staying up with the sun, and making memories that’ll fill a lifetime. It’s up to us moms to create the childhood our kids will remember forever. But don’t let that stress you out, I’ve got the Boise With Kids Ultimate Summer Bucket List!
1. Float the Boise River
Nothing says summer in Boise quite like floating the Boise River. Grab a tube, pack the sunscreen, and enjoy one of Boise’s most iconic summer traditions. Older kids especially love the adventure, and it’s a great way to cool off on a hot afternoon. Check here for when the float season starts, safety tips, and more information.
BWK Tip: Go early in the day to avoid the biggest crowds.
2. Visit Zoo Boise
A trip to Zoo Boise is always a hit with kids. From giraffes and sloths to red pandas and monkeys, there is plenty to explore. The zoo is compact enough for little legs while still offering a full day of fun.
BWK Tip: The animals are most active early in the morning especially when it’s hot. Perfect for kids who get up early anyway! They open at 9am in the summer.
3. Ride the Greenbelt
The Boise Greenbelt offers miles of scenic pathways perfect for biking, scootering, walking, or jogging. Along the way you’ll find parks, wildlife, playgrounds, and beautiful river views.
BWK Tip: We have a whole blog post on places to stop along your greenbelt adventure. Find it here!
4. Hike Camel’s Back
Camel’s Back, located in the North End of Boise, is a Boise landmark and a very popular trail. We have a blog post about the hike if you want some info on what it’ll be like with kids. It’s such a fun adventure and a great way to do something active this summer.
BWK Tip: Make it a full day adventure by following your hike with some playtime at Camel’s Back Park or getting some food or treats around Hyde Park.
5. Splash Pad Day
Boise and the surrounding Treasure Valley have several splash pads that are perfect for younger kids. Pack towels, snacks, and sunscreen and let the kids burn off energy while staying cool. You know we have a blog post with all the best splash pads!
BWK Tip: Splash pads are open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
6. Ice Cream Adventure
Summer and ice cream go hand in hand. Create your own family ice cream tour and try a new shop each week. We’ve got a list of some amazing ice cream shops right here to start off your tour.
BWK Tip: Pair your ice cream outing with an outdoor adventure so you can get ice cream first and then run out the sugar, or get ice cream last and enjoy some air conditioning or cold treat after a hot day.
7. Farmers Market Visit
There are so many amazing farmer’s markets in the Treasure Valley and beyond. It’s so fun spending a day perusing fresh produce, local treats, live music, and family-friendly fun. Here’s a blog post to find one close to you!
BWK Tip: This is a great way to shop locally, so if you want to be really on top of things (which I so rarely am!), start your Christmas shopping in the summer and start getting local gifts this summer at your local farmers market.
8. Outdoor Movie Night
With warm evenings and starry skies, what better way to spend time together than watching a movie under the open sky? This summer, there’s an awesome lineup of family-friendly films showing in parks and drive-ins across the valley. Find a list we’ve put together right here!
BWK Tip: This is not only a Boise summer bucket list staple, it’s also free!
9. Family Picnic
Simple summer memories are often the best ones. Grab lunch, head to a local park, and enjoy a picnic together. Our parks offer so much for families. Pick one with some shade, one close to a coffee shop, or one with a playground!
BWK Tip: Download our Parks Report Card and keep track of your favorites.
10. Idaho Botanical Garden
The Idaho Botanical Garden offers beautiful walking paths, colorful blooms, and special events throughout the summer. It’s a peaceful way to spend a morning while introducing kids to nature. Check out the summer concert series here with all of my tips on seeing shows with kids!
BWK Tip: The Botanical Garden also hosts some amazing summer camps. Check them out!
11. Start a Summer Reading Program
Not every second of summer is about adventure. We need some downtime too. Summer is the perfect time to encourage reading. Create a family reading challenge and see if everyone can finish their summer reading program before school starts.
BWK Tip: Check out these local summer reading programs.
12. Bike Park Adventure
There are so many great bike parks in the Treasure Valley where kids can have fun on two wheels this summer. They are made for those with a variety of skill levels, from beginners to experts. It’s free, it’s a way to get active outside, and it’s exhilarating! Boise Bike Park at The Military Reserve is a great spot. You can also try Ada/Eagle Bike Park.
BWK Tip: There are a few covered structures to keep you out of the sun!
13. Catch a Boise Hawks Game
Baseball games are a classic summer experience. Each day has something special. On Sundays, Children 12 and under can join the free Boise Hawks Kids Club. Membership includes complimentary first base general admission for Sunday games, free access to the Kids Zone, a free hot dog, and a chance to run the bases. Tuesdays are $5 Tuesdays where you get a general admission ticket and a hot dog for just $5 total. Friday is Firework Friday where you can watch a post-game firework show. Saturdays feature pre-game clinics where kids can join the players on the field.
BWK Tip: Kid Zone is often by the first base side, but third base is where to sit to avoid the afternoon sun.
14. Head to the Races
There’s nothing like seeing a race at Meridian Speedway! Kids love seeing the fast cars, and they even have kid- friendly events like kid’s bike nights where kids can race their own bikes on the racetrack, times where kids can meet drivers, and even sit inside cars. Kids six and under are free! Find more information on their website.
BWK Tip: It’s LOUD! Kids will need ear protection while watching the races.
15. Explore Bogus Basin
Bogus Basin isn’t just for winter. During the summer it offers hiking, mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, a Mountain Coaster, a summer tubing hill, and family-friendly activities.
BWK Tip: This is a great option on super hot days as Bogus is typically cooler than down in the valley.
16. Bowl for a Day
When temperatures soar, indoor activities become priceless. Did you know kids can bowl free during the summer? Check out the details and which lanes participate right here.
BWK Tip: This doesn’t include shoe rental!
17. Swimming Fun
Whether it’s a neighborhood pool, community pool, lake, or backyard setup, swimming belongs on every summer bucket list. Want a list of the best pools near you? I have a blog post with your guide to our Treasure Valley pools.
BWK Tip: Check your pool’s event calendar for fun swimming events.
18. MK Nature Center Day
The MK Nature Center is one of Boise’s hidden gems. Kids can walk the pathways, watch fish swimming through the underwater viewing windows, and learn about Idaho wildlife. Find more details on this fun summer outing here.
BWK Tip: The MK Nature Center is open dawn to dusk but closed Mondays.
19. Roaring Springs
Possibly every kid’s favorite summer activity in the Treasure Valley: Roaring Springs! If your kids love water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, this is a must. It easily earns a spot on any Boise summer bucket list.
BWK Tip: Go to any Jacksons and buy two 20oz Coca Cola products and get a voucher good for $8 off up to four full day admissions.
20. Go to a Concert
Summer concerts are everywhere in the Treasure Valley. Whether it’s a community event, an outdoor performance, or a show at the Knitting Factory, live music is a great way to spend a summer evening.
BWK Tip: Outlaw Field and Ford Idaho Center have big grassy areas for outdoor concerts perfect for summer music listening.
Make this your best summer yet! You don’t have to do everything on this list to have an amazing summer. Choose your favorites, try something new, and focus on making memories together. Before you know it, school will be back in session and you’ll be looking back on all the adventures your family shared. Is something missing on our list? Let us know!