Fun in Boise: What to Do and Where to Go

Did you know that Boise is the capital and most populous city in Idaho, USA? It is known for its natural beauty, microbrewery culture, and the Boise River, which runs through town and offers riverside trails for outdoor activities.

Find out in this article the fun things to do in Boise and some essential tips to know before your trip. Check it out now!

Photo by Alden Skeie on Unsplash

 

Top Fun Activities to Do in Boise

Explore Boise River Greenbelt Trails

Start with a tour of the Boise River Greenbelt, a stunning trail that runs along the Boise River through downtown Boise. Rent a bike from local shops like George’s Cycles or Pedego Boise to explore the trail’s nooks and crannies, or enjoy a relaxing hike or skate along the tree-lined path.

There are several must-see stops along the Greenbelt, such as Julia Davis Park, which includes the Boise Zoo with more than 200 animals; Quinn’s Pond, ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing at Bernardine Quinn Riverside Park; or one of the city’s three museums: Idaho State Historical Museum, Black History of Idaho Museum and Discovery Museum of Idaho. If it coincides with your visit, catch a sports game or concert at the Idaho Central Arena near downtown Boise.

 

Visit the Boise Art Museum Downtown

Exploring the visual arts at the Boise Art Museum is one of the fun things to do in Boise, Idaho. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday with varying hours and admission ranges from $5 to $9 per person. Children under five and museum members are free. Take advantage of the “pay-what-you-can” policy on the first Thursday of every month from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Enjoy exciting exhibitions throughout the year, featuring a variety of artistic styles, educational programs, studio art workshops, and special events such as “Art in the Park” each September. In the museum shop, you’ll find unique gifts of jewelry, accessories, toys, books, and decorations to take home. Please note that you can’t take photographs inside the museum or bring food or drink. You can picnic in the nearby public park or visit local restaurants.

 

Walk Through Julia Davis Park

Julia Davis Park, located in the inner city, is a green space where you can enjoy nature, and a cultural center that reflects the history and community of Boise. The park has an old rose garden that has been in place since 1939, grassy areas with shade trees, a pond with paddleboat rentals, and a playground.

If you’re interested in hiking, there are meandering trails with access to the Boise River, ideal for leisurely walks or bike rides. Because of the proximity to the river and green areas, this is a great place to watch birds and other wildlife. If it coincides with your stay, celebrate one of the annual events such as Art in the Park, where art and cultural activities take place. Julia Davis Park is open daily from dawn to midnight, so it’s a good choice any time of day.

Tamanoeconomico, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Float Down the Boise River in Summer

Floating down the River is one of the fun things to do in Boise. This activity is most popular in the summer. It generally runs from late June to late August, depending on the flow and water levels. The most common route is a 9.6 km (6 miles) stretch from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park, lasting around 2 to 3 hours.

The river is generally wide and tree-lined, with depths varying from very shallow to several feet. Along the way, you can see wildlife and Boise landmarks, including Warm Springs Golf Course, Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park, Julia Davis Park, and Boise State University.

You can bring your raft, kayak, or tube, or rent one at Barber Park. Boise River Raft & Tube is open at Barber Park during float season. Before heading out, check the City of Boise website for information on river safety. It is important that everyone in your group knows how to swim and has a personal flotation device, especially for those who are not experienced swimmers.

Photo by Brett Sayles

 

Tour the Basque Museum and Cultural Center

Learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the Basque people of the United States and their homeland on a visit to the Basque Museum and Cultural Center in Boise, Idaho. Here you can observe the triumphs and struggles of the Basque people through various stories and exhibits such as “Komunitatea!”, which celebrates their presence in the West.

Take advantage of the resources offered by the center, such as the Boiseko Ikastola, which features a unique curriculum focused on learning the Basque language, and Basque classes. If it coincides with your visit, do some of the events they organize, including fundraising programs, mus tournaments, bar tours, wine tastings, and a Basque Christmas Market.

 

Sip Local Brews at Boise Breweries

Experience Boise’s thriving craft beer production, with a variety of breweries offering unique flavors and atmospheres. Many of the breweries are close to each other in the downtown area, making them easy to explore. Here are some of Boise’s most popular breweries to visit if you’re a beer lover:

Boise Brewing offers several types of beers, including Mr. Freshy’s fresh hop pale ale and Dark Daisy chocolate milk stout. There’s also live music, trivia nights, and an outdoor area for your dog.

Mother Earth Brew Co. is a great place for adult beverages in a modern yet rustic setting. The beer bar has a cozy atmosphere, with big screens where you can watch local and national sports and a lovely outdoor patio.

Photo by Kevin Bidwell

 

Shop at Capital City Public Market

Discovering the variety of local produce at the Capital City Public Market is another fun thing to do in Boise. It runs every Saturday between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. from mid-April through mid-December. Here, you’ll find more than 100 vendors, including local farmers, specialty food producers, and artisans.

Products available include fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, pottery, handmade items, baked goods, wine, cider, spices, and art. A visit to the Capital City Public Market is a great way to support local businesses and experience Boise’s indoor culture.

 

Relax at Idaho Botanical Garden

Enjoying nature and tranquility at the Idaho Botanical Garden is also one of the fun things to do in Boise. Here you have approximately 15 acres to explore, with more than 800 plant species spread across 14 specialty gardens. Some highlights include the Heirloom Rose Garden, Herb Garden, Children’s Adventure Garden, and Meditation Garden, where there are workshops and events such as ‘Winter Garden aGlow’.

You can also take advantage of the free guided tours which last about an hour and a half from mid-May to the end of September. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes, as there are cobblestone paths and stairs. Please note that smoking and alcohol are not permitted outside the designated area.

Photo by Jennifer Grismer on Unsplash

 

Hike the Table Rock Trail in Boise

The Table Rock Trail is a popular trail located northeast of downtown Boise, Idaho. Here you can get panoramic views of the city and explore this geological formation created approximately 15 million years ago due to volcanic activity. The main trail is approximately 6 km long and is considered to be of moderate difficulty, taking around 2 hours to complete.

The area is open from sunrise to sunset daily, while the plateau closes access at sunset. Table Rock has an elevation of approximately 335 meters, providing panoramic views of downtown Boise, the Owyhee Mountains, and surrounding hills.

 

Discover Old Boise Historic District

Learn about the city’s rich heritage in the Old Boise Historic District, which features architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The district dates back to the settlement of Boise in 1863 and contains the city’s oldest commercial structure, the 1879 Perrault Building, and the Cyrus Jacobs House, the oldest house in continuous use as a residence, built in 1864.

The buildings exhibit neo-Romanesque and vernacular-commercial designs. Many structures were built or acquired by Basque immigrants, adding to the area’s cultural significance. Appreciate Basque culture on a tour of the Basque Museum and Cultural Center or take a guided walk to delve into the history and architecture of downtown Boise.

Tamanoeconomico, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Expert Tips for Visiting Boise, Idaho

1. Explore downtown, and visit places like Freak Alley for street art and the Basque Block to immerse yourself in Basque culture.

2. Don’t miss the opportunity to hike or bike the Boise River Greenbelt, a scenic trail 25 miles along the river.

3. Try the famous finger steaks at local restaurants; a Boisean specialty not to be missed.

4. Visit breweries such as Boise Brewing or Payette Brewing Company for the best local craft beers.

5. Arrange a guided tour of the Idaho State Capitol or the Old Idaho Penitentiary to learn about local history and impressive architecture.

6. During the summer, float down the Boise River from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park, a refreshing experience to beat the heat.

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