
Tips for Traveling with Kids in Boise, Idaho, United States
1. Zoo Boise
Explore over 100 species at this accredited zoological garden, featuring a children's play area and educational programs.
- Variety of Animals: Offers a wide range of animals from around the world
- Educational Programs: Provides learning opportunities about animal conservation and habitats
- Kids' Play Area: A designated area for children to play and interact with the zoo experience
2. Boise River Park
Enjoy a day at this scenic park along the Boise River with picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers picturesque views of the Boise River and surrounding mountains
- Picnic Areas: Provides spaces for families to have a packed lunch during their visit
- Walking Trails: Features trails suitable for both kids and adults, promoting physical activity
3. Idaho Museum of Natural History
Discover Idaho's rich natural history with interactive exhibits and fossil displays.
- Interactive Exhibits: Allows children to engage with the museum through hands-on activities
- Fossil Displays: Showcases fossils from Idaho and around the world
- Educational Programs: Offers workshops and classes for families to learn about natural history
4. Julia Davis Park
Visit this urban park with a carousel, playground, and the Boise Art Museum.
- Carousel Rides: Features a classic carousel for kids to enjoy
- Boise Art Museum: Offers art exhibits that are family-friendly and engaging
- Playground Facilities: Provides age-appropriate playground equipment for kids
5. Discovery Center of Idaho
Ignite curiosity with interactive science exhibits focusing on physics, chemistry, and technology.
- Interactive Exhibits: Enables hands-on exploration of scientific principles
- Educational Programs: Provides workshops and activities for families to learn together
- Special Events: Hosts science-themed events throughout the year, such as Science Saturday
6. Idaho Botanical Garden
Explore Idaho's diverse ecosystems through themed gardens, festive light displays, and educational programs.
- Themed Gardens: Features gardens representing various ecosystems found in Idaho
- Educational Programs: Provides guided tours, workshops, and classes for families
- Seasonal Light Displays: Hosts the Garden of Lights during the holiday season, making it a unique experience
7. Boise Depot Ice Rink
Experience ice skating at this historic train depot during winter months.
- Historic Setting: Offers a unique and historical backdrop for ice skating
- Skate Rentals: Provides skate rentals for families who do not have their own equipment
- Special Events: Hosts themed events and parties during the ice skating season
8. Boise's Greenbelt
Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along this 25-mile trail system that runs alongside the Boise River.
- Length and Scenery: Covers a long distance with various scenic views, parks, and attractions along the way
- Bike Rentals: Offers bike rentals for families who wish to explore the Greenbelt by bicycle
- Rest Stops: Provides rest stops and benches throughout the trail for breaks during your journey
9. Idaho Aquarium
Dive into an underwater adventure with sharks, sea turtles, and other marine life exhibits.
- Underwater Tunnel: Features an underwater tunnel for close-up views of marine creatures
- Educational Programs: Provides workshops, classes, and interactive exhibits to learn about marine life
- Shark Feeding Shows: Hosts daily shark feeding shows for an exciting and educational experience
10. Boise TrainDepot Children's Museum
Climb aboard historic trains, explore interactive exhibits, and discover Idaho's railroad history.
- Historic Trains: Features vintage trains for kids to explore and learn about
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on activities related to railroad history and science
- Educational Programs: Provides workshops and classes for families to learn together
11. Ketchum's Sun Valley Ice Rink
Skate at this picturesque outdoor rink in the winter months with stunning mountain views.
- Mountain Views: Offers beautiful views of the surrounding Sun Valley mountains
- Skate Rentals: Provides skate rentals for families who do not have their own equipment
- Special Events: Hosts themed events and parties during the ice skating season
12. The Basque Museum & Cultural Center
Discover the unique Basque culture with exhibits on history, traditions, and cuisine.
- Basque History: Showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Basque people
- Traditional Cuisine: Features demonstrations and tastings of traditional Basque dishes
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on activities to engage visitors in the Basque culture
13. Roaring Springs Water Park
Cool off at this water park with slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.
- Water Slides: Features a variety of water slides for all ages and thrill levels
- Wave Pools: Offers wave pools for families to enjoy together
- Lazy River: Provides a relaxing float experience for those looking to unwind
14. Old Idaho Penitentiary Tours
Step back in time with guided tours of this historic prison, featuring cell blocks and exhibits.
- Historical Significance: Offers a unique look into the history of Idaho's criminal justice system
- Guided Tours: Provides knowledgeable guides to explain the penitentiary's history and significance
- Special Events: Hosts themed events, ghost tours, and educational programs during the year
15. World Center for Birds of Prey
Learn about raptors from around the world with exhibits, live shows, and educational programs.
- Raptor Species: Features a variety of raptor species from different regions
- Live Shows: Offers daily live shows featuring trained raptors and their handlers
- Educational Programs: Provides workshops, classes, and interactive exhibits to learn about these magnificent birds