Memorial Day weekend in Boise is the perfect time to slow down, reflect, and make special memories with your family. Whether you’re honoring the holiday’s meaning or looking for fun things to do with kids, there are plenty of local activities that are both educational and entertaining. Here’s your go-to guide for Memorial Day weekend in Boise with children of all ages.
Attend Memorial Day Ceremonies
Help your kids understand the meaning of the holiday by attending a local ceremony or veterans’ memorial event. There will be ceremonies at Morris Hill Cemetery at 10:45 AM and Military Reserve Cemetery at 11:45 AM on Monday, May 26th. There’s another ceremony in Caldwell at the Canyon Hill Cemetery at 11. You can also pick out flags or flowers to leave on graves for veterans or family members who served.
Tour the State Capitol
Introduce your children to Idaho’s government with a quick tour of the Capitol building. It’s both educational and a great way to cool off indoors. There’s Self-Guided Tour Booklets that can be found on the Garden Level at the Visitor’s Information Desk or in the Capitol Gift Shop. They even have a cool scavenger hunt!
See the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial
Can you believe Boise has the nation’s only Anne Frank memorial? This peaceful spot offers a thoughtful moment for families to talk about kindness, courage, and the importance of human rights. It’s right on the Greenbelt, so you can pair it with a Greenbelt walk so you can spend the day outside. Learn more about it here.
Go to a Museum
We have a lot of great museums around Boise! Whether it’s the Discovery Center of Idaho for hands-on science fun or the Idaho State Museum for regional history, there’s something for every age and interest. You can also check out the Boise Art Museum or The Children’s Museum of Idaho.
Experience the Memorial Day Flyover
The Warhawk Museum will be open on Memorial Day for $5 general admission and free for kids under 6. There will be food trucks and a Memorial Day flyover over Nampa, Meridian, Eagle, and Boise in honor and remembrance of members of the U.S. military who have died in service. Watching planes zoom overhead is a thrill for kids and a powerful tribute to those who’ve served. You can watch at the Warhawk Museum, or go to any of the locations listed under the flight path.
Head to the Lake
Pack a picnic and enjoy a day at the lake! You can try Lucky Peak not far from downtown Boise, Lake Lowell near Nampa, or Quinn’s Pond by the Greenbelt in Garden City. Be sure to check to make sure there aren’t water concerns before heading to swim! Otherwise grab your sand toys and life jackets for water fun!
Take a Camping Trip
Whether it’s in the mountains or your own backyard, camping is a great way to unplug and bond as a family over s’mores and stargazing. Finding a camp spot to reserve this close to Memorial Day weekend might be a stretch! But there are some first come first serve spots near the valley. Plus Idaho has dispersed camping available as well. It’s free, but there are fewer amenities like bathrooms.
Attend the Idaho Shakespeare Festival
Make a memory with an outdoor performance! Kids aged 6 and over are welcome any night to the amphitheater. Children aged 5 and younger (including infants) are welcomed on Family Nights for free as a “lap child” or at a greatly reduced price. May 25th is the family night showing of Twelfth Night at 7:30 PM. Bring a blanket and food for a picnic! Find tickets and more info here.
Cool Off at the Splash Pad
It’s Memorial Day and you know what that means… Splash pads are open! Let little ones burn off energy at a local splash pad. It’s a safe and easy way to beat the heat! Find all the BEST ones right here.
Go on a Hike
Choose a family-friendly trail and get the kids out in Boise’s beautiful landscape over the holiday weekend. We’ve got a list of toddler-friendly hikes right here like Elephant Rock Loop, Camel’s Back, Chief Eagle Eye Reserve. Each one is easy and short with 3-5 year olds in mind.
Check the Boise With Kids Calendar for Events
There are lots of fun, family-friendly events happening over Memorial Day weekend. Check them out at boisewithkids.com/events. Friday, May 23rd, the Caldwell Pool opens with a special opening ceremony and free swimming. “The community is invited to celebrate the opening of the Caldwell Memorial Pool on May 23. The ribbon cutting for the bath house will begin at 3 p.m. At 5 p.m., there will be a special “ribbon cutting” for the pool, followed by a free swim until 9 p.m.” There’s also a movie night at the Star Barn (Moana 2). Get all the info here. Saturdays are Farmers Market days – check out our full roundup here.
Memorial Day weekend in Boise offers the best mix of meaning and memory-making. Whether you’re honoring heroes, exploring history, or just enjoying the sunshine with your little ones, these activities will make your weekend unforgettable. Happy Memorial Day!