Boise has so many amazing outdoor options when it comes to free things for kids. But sometimes an indoor activity is what we’re looking for as parents. As fall creeps in and the weather gets cooler, it’s time we start thinking about all the great free indoor activities with kids in Boise. Some of them might surprise you!
Preschool Open Gym
The City of Boise has a great indoor play option at Fort Boise Community Center where kids can come and play in the gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. It’s for kids aged crawling to 5 years old. It runs from September to May, with the last day being May 21st. It does cost $1 to play, but it’s a very cost effective indoor play option for littles!
When: September to May, Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30 – 10:30 AM
Cost: $1
Petsmart
We love the aquarium, but if you’re looking for a free option, head to Petsmart! They have a line of fish tanks that my kids always loved looking at. They also tend to have cats up for adoption you can look at, dogs there for daycare, plus birds, rodents, and reptiles. It’s like a free indoor mini zoo if you think about it!
When: Whenever they are open
Cost: Free
The Library
Will the Library be on every indoor play list I ever write? Probably! We love the library! The library is a free community resource that everyone should be using more of, in my opinion. Drop in any time to read, play, and color. Or look up what’s happening at your library and join a story time or craft day.
When: Whenever they are open
Cost: Free
Capitol Building
There are so many fun ways to tour the capitol building. You can do a walk-in guided tour, a guided tour, or a self-guided tour. And it’s all free! Visitors are welcome to explore the Capitol at their leisure, while noting during the legislative session and other times, areas may be restricted due to government functions. There’s even a scavenger hunt!
When: Any time of year, days and times will depend on what type of tour you choose
Cost: Free
Boise Towne Square Mall
The mall is a great place to let kids walk around and window shop. They typically open the mall early before shops open specifically for walking, so it’s a fun place to go if the weather is chilly. But not only that, they also have a play area for little kids that’s free to use. It is best for kids five and younger.
When: 9AM Mon-Sat, 10AM Sun
Cost: Free
Boise Watershed
One of the best things about the Boise WaterShed is its array of hands-on activities that are suitable for children. From toddlers to grandparents, everyone can participate and learn through play. We’ve got a whole blog post about it here, but it’s such a fun place to learn and play indoors for free!
When: Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Scheels
Just like the mall, there’s so much to look at and a play area for kids under 4! And similar to Petsmart, there’s also a cool saltwater fish tank that kids love. Not to mention the ferris wheel (every rider must be at least 36” tall to ride) and miniature bowling, both of which are only $1. Plus, you can see all the animals on wildlife mountain.
When: Whenever they are open
Cost: Free to $1
Idaho Military Museum
The Idaho Military History Museum at Gowen Field is a free educational destination for kids and families to learn about military history and artifacts that have a geographical tie to the history of the people and state of Idaho. Not only that, but you’ll also see real tanks, vintage jeeps, and military artifacts up close.
When: Tuesday-Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday 12-4pm
Cost: Donation
Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology
We can credit Minecraft for something, it’s gotten kids really interested in mining and geology! The Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology has interactive stations, rock and mineral collections, and on-site help from real geologists to ID any rocks they find. If your kids are like mine, they may have a stash of rocks they’ve found outside. They sometimes have kid-centered events that include gold panning you can keep an eye out for.
When: Fridays and Saturdays 12-5pm. Sundays 12:30-3:30pm.
Cost: Free (except for special events)
Cabelas
Similar to an outing at Scheels or Petsmart, Cabelas is an off-the-beaten-path indoor destination for kids that doesn’t cost anything. They can spend time looking at the taxidermy mountain, the fish in the aquarium, or the wide variety of outdoor items they have on display. There is also a candy section if you’re feeling up for it, though that part definitely isn’t free! They even have Santa meetups for free during the holidays where you can get your kids’ picture with Santa for free and take part in some coloring and activities.
When: Whenever they are open
Cost: Free
Home Depot
Kids of all ages love a day to wander around Home Depot. In the cooler months they have Halloween and Christmas displays, babies love the light area where you can push them in a stroller under all the different light fixtures and chandeliers, and they even have a monthly workshop for kids! Each month kids can make something different right there in Home Depot and get their own little orange apron. But even if it’s not a kid’s day, Home Depot is another great store to wander around in.
When: Whenever they are open (First Saturday of the month for workshops)
Cost: Free
MK Nature Center
The MK Nature Center is a great outdoor destination, but they have a ton of fun stuff inside as well. The visitor center has a variety of educational displays focusing on Idaho’s wildlife and habitats including taxidermy, artwork, and an observation beehive. The auditorium viewing windows offer opportunities to watch birds as they visit feeders. We also have a blog post about it!
When: Tuesday – Sunday from 10a.m. to 3p.m.
Cost: Donation
With this list you’re sure to find something fun and free to do when you’re trying to stay indoors. We also have another list of 15 free things to do in Boise with kids, but it includes a lot of our amazing outdoor options here in the Treasure Valley. Can you think of a free indoor activity we didn’t include? Let me know so I can add it! Happy adventuring!