Things To Do In Boise Idaho

Julia Davis Park

The city's oldest park, Julia Davis Park was created thanks to a generous donation of 43 acres of land in 1907 by Thomas Davis as a memorial to his beloved wife, Julia.

The park features a formal Rose Garden, two reservable pavilions, a six-court tennis complex, playground, duck pond, restrooms and a section of the Boise River Greenbelt. Every year, Julia Davis Park hosts Art in the Park. This open air arts festival takes place every year on the first weekend after Labor Day. Stop by for 3 days of arts, crafts, and food.

700 South Capitol Blvd
Boise, ID,  83702
(208) 345-8330 (Boise Art Museum)
www.juliadavispark.org/

Idaho Botanical Gardens

The Idaho Botanical Garden has blossomed into numerous specialty gardens, each with a unique focus. Included are a contemporary English Garden, a Meditation Garden, a Children’s Adventure Garden, an Heirloom Rose Garden, and a Lewis and Clark Native Plant Garden. The Idaho Botanical Garden is open year-round, hosting concerts, weddings, events, and the annual Winter Garden Aglow event in the winter.

2355 Old Penitentiary Road
Boise, ID,  83712
www.idahobotanicalgarden.org/

The World Center for Birds of Prey

The center’s research facilities are designed to enhance the health, reproduction, and reintroduction efforts of endangered species and to collect information about the general biology of raptors. The science is focused on understanding how diet, aging, and the environment affect the health, growth, reproduction, and lifespan of the birds. The facility is also the headquarters for The Peregrine Fund, an international non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of raptors worldwide since its founding in 1970. The organization’s propagation program played a critical role in the successful recovery of the Peregrine Falcon, which was removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List in 1999.

5668 W. Flying Hawk Ln
Boise, ID,  83709 US
(208) 362-3716
www.peregrinefund.org/world-center

Zoo Boise

Zoo Boise is a service of the City of Boise and is supported by the Friends of Zoo Boise, a 501(c)(3) membership organization that supports Zoo Boise in the area of animal acquisition, capital improvement projects, education programs, volunteer opportunities, and special events. The goal of each of these components is to increase public awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of the zoo, wild animals, animal habitats, species conservation and the environment. The zoo is open year-round and hosts rotating national exhibits as well as holiday events and family days.

355 Julia Davis Road
Boise, ID,  83702 US
(208) 608-7760
www.ZooBoise.org

Eagle Island State Park

Bordered on the north and south by the Boise River, Eagle Island features a swimming beach, grassy picnic area, and more than five miles of trails for horseback riding, hiking or walking your dog. The park also sports a water slide that is open from Memorial Day until Labor Day.

4000 W Hatchery Road
Eagle, ID,  8616 US
(208) 939-0696
www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/eagle-island

Boise Hawks

The Boise Hawks are a Single-A minor league baseball team and is currently a farm team for the Colorado Rockies. The Hawks play in the Short-Season Class A Northwest League. Since the team's founding in 1987, the Hawks have won 6 Northwest League titles and 10 Southern Division titles. The Hawks have played at Memorial Stadium since 1989. 14 former Hawks players have gone to play in the major leagues and win World Series titles. There are multiple special events and giveaway games every year with great events and prizes. Every year, Memorial Stadium hosts firework displays after many games.

5600 Glenwood
Boise, ID 83714
208/322-5000

Hawks Full Schedule and Ticket Info.

Boise State University Athletics

Boise State University is the largest university in Idaho and is represented by 11 different sports competing in the Division-1 Mountain West, PAC-12, and Western Athletic Conferences. Boise State is most famous for its blue turf. The famous turf made its debut in 1986 and was the first non-green colored artificial turf field in the world. Albertson's Stadium hosts all of the Bronco football home games as well as the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl game every December. The cross country and track & field teams enjoy success in collegiate championships in addition to national and international competition. Basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics compete in the Taco Bell Arena. The arena has hosted March Madness games, concerts, and a variety of special events.

1400 Bronco Lane
Boise, ID 83706
www.BroncoSports.com

Firebrid Raceway

Firebird Raceway has been the home of Idaho drag racing since 1968. The dragstrip is officially sanctioned by the National Hot Rod Association and has been named the NHRA Track of the Year 3 times. The strip hosts national competitions from April until October. Starting in 1976, Firebird Raceway began hosting the Bracketeer tournament. This has become the country's oldest continuously running bracket racing tournament. Also in 1976, Firebird started one of the first high school drag racing programs, where students could receive a varsity letter in drag racing. On December 24, 2018, Firebird Raceway was added to the National Register of Historic Places—the first dragstrip in the country to make the register.

8551 Hwy 16
Eagle, ID 83616
208/938-8986

www.FirebirdOnline.com

Snake River Stampede

The Snake River Stampede is a five-day rodeo held in Nampa, Idaho every year during the third week of July. It is recognized as one of the top twelve professional rodeos by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. The rodeo in its official form started in 1937 when it joined the PRCA. Since 1950, the Snake River Stampede has welcomed numerous country music acts including Gene Autry, Sons of the Pioneers, Reba McEntire, Roy Rogers, and Glen Campbell. Since 1997, the rodeo has taken place in the 12,279-seat capacity Ford Idaho Center. 

www.snakeriverstampede.com

Boise Greenbelt

The 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt is one of Boise's most beloved parks. The tree-lined pathway follows the Boise River from Discovery Park in East Boise and continues west through the heart of Downtown Boise, and into Eagle Island State Park. The Greenbelt provides scenic views, wildlife habitat and pedestrian access to many of the city's popular riverside parks in addition to Zoo Boise and Boise State University. The Greenbelt also serves as an alternative transportation route for commuters and is open to foot and bicycle traffic.

Wahooz Family Fun Zone & PINZ Bowling Center

Wahooz Family Fun Zone is open year-round and features exciting attractions for all ages. Outside features two go-cart tracks, two miniature golf courses, bumper boats, batting cages. Inside has laser tag, Kiddie Cove soft play structure, over 100 arcade games, the new XD Dark Ride, the 24-lane Pinz Bowling Center, and prize redemption center.

1385 Blue Marklin Lane
Meridian, ID 83642
208/ 898-0900

www.wahoozfunzone.com

Discovery Center of Idaho

Founded in 1988, the Discovery Center of Idaho celebrates scientific literacy and seeks to educate and facilitate an interest in the physical world around them by encouraging visitors to explore a rotating cast of exhibitions. The Discovery Center uses interactive, hands-on exhibits and educational programs that make STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning exciting and tangible for all ages. Their vision is to foster an educated workforce and an informed electorate in the stewardship of our planet through lifelong learning and discovery.

131 W Myrtle St.
Boise, ID 83702
208/ 343-9895

www.DCIdaho.org

Roaring Springs Water Park

Roaring Springs has everything you need to stay cool in the summer. The sprawling water park features 11 water slides, a wave pool, lazy river rafting a kids zone for younger children. Roaring Springs is a great idea for birthday parties or fun family outings. Day passes as well as season passes are available for purchase. When the sun goes down, head next door to the Wahooz Family fun zone to keep the fun going!

400 West Overland
Meridian, ID 83642
208/ 884-8842

www.RoaringSprings.com

Boise Depot

The Boise Union Pacific Depot is a former train station. It was built in 1925 by the Union Pacific Railroad. The beautiful Platt Gardens were built in front of the depot. The Gardens remain a popular place for wedding pictures. On August 7, 1974, the Boise Depot was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 1990 MK-Morrison Knudsen purchased the depot and renovated it to its pristine Spanish-inspired condition. The renovations were completed in 1993. In 1996, the City of Boise took possession of the depot. In 1997, passenger train travel stopped coming through the depot, but freight trains pass by the depot to this day. The depot is open to the public on Sundays and Mondays from 11 am to 5 pm.

2603 W Eastover Terrace
Boise, ID 83706

www.parks.cityofboise.org/

Boise Bike Bar

The Boise Bike Bar is the Treasure Valley's new entertainment of sightseeing and partying. It is a calorie-burning pedaling party perfect for any occasion! Book this 14 person bike for your next special event, birthday party, happy hour, family reunion, or team building.

Thank you CyclePubBoise.com for the image.

1100 W. Front St.
Boise, ID,  83702 US

Silver City

Silver City is one of the few old mining towns that did not burn down or become commercialized into a modern city. The city became a boomtown when silver and gold were discovered in the nearby War Eagle Mountain. Because of this, Silver City was one of the first areas to have both electricity and telephone service in the Idaho Territory. In addition, miners found veins of placer and quartz, which dried up around 1890 shortly after Idaho became a state. In 1972, the township of Silver City was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the Idaho Hotel looks much like it did 100 years ago except with a few modern amenities. Sinker Creek Outfitters will provide you with a historic ride back into history on horse back exploring the Owyhee Mountains as well as the ghost towns of Silver City, Empire City, and Ruby City. 

Location: South towards Melba, cross Snake River, headed to Grand View and south again into the Owyee Mountains. About a 2 hour drive.

www.historicsilvercityidaho.com

Bruneau Sand Dunes

The tallest sand dune rises 470 feet above small lakes in the high desert south of Mountain Home. The unique state park includes desert, dune, prairie, lake and marsh habitat with opportunities to observe nocturnal species. Activities include fishing, birdwatching, camping, hiking, swimming and viewing the stars at one of only two public observatories in Idaho. Climbing and sliding down the dunes is the most popular activity. Brigning your own boards and sleds is allowed. However, specialized sand boards are available to rent at the visitor center.  No vehicles are allowed off-road or on the dunes. A visitor center offers information on birds of prey, insects, fossils, wildlife and the sand dunes. Two cabins are available for rent, and there are 82 serviced campsites with water and electricity and 31 standard sites. The Equestrian Area provides facilities for visitors to camp with their horses and there is a 9-mile riding trail around the park.

www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/  The drive from Boise is roughly 1 hour.

Garden Valley

A great resort town just 45 minutes from Boise, Garden Valley is known as the white water capitol of the world. Thanks to its proximity to the Payette River, rafting and kayaking are two of the most popular activities to enjoy. From Spring through Fall, enjoy golfing and camping as well as miles of hiking, horseback riding, and ATV trails through mountains peaking at 7,000 feet. During the winter, Garden Valley is a popular destination for snowmobile riding, snowshoeing, and soaking in multiple hot springs. Along the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway, there are ample opportunities to see elk, multiple spieces of deer, bald eagles, foxes, and many other native animals. 

www.gvchamber.org

Thousand Springs/ Hagerman Area

Most of the history in this area is geologic in nature. The cracks and folds of rock along the canyon cliffs record the movements of the earth, lava, and water. Early Native Americans piled rocks along the rim to capture bison and other game animals. There are numerous areas to camp, fish, and explore the Oregon Trail. Hagerman is most famous for the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument. These fossil beds are unique for a few reasons. They contain fossils of plants and animals from the Pliocene era (5.3-2.5 million years ago). Most famously discovered were 20 complete fossils of the Hagerman Horse, an early descendant of horses that more closely resembles zebras. Other findings include eight spieces of plants and animals unique to the region. Hagerman is also home to Hagerman National Fish Hatchery, which works as part of a national effort to conserve and assist populations of local salmon and trout. 

Swan Falls Dam

Swan Falls Dam is on the Snake River about 20 miles south of Kuna through the Snake RIver Birds of Prey Conservation Area. Built in 1901 to provide electricity to nearby mines, it is the oldest hydroelectric power generating site on the Snake River. In July of 1976, the dam and its resivoir were added to the National Register of Historic Places and is now a historical display. Idaho Power built a new power plant in the mid-1990s and the old plant was decommissioned.

The museum is open on Saturdays between Memorial Day and Labor Day, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

The adjacent park is day-use only, but there are multiple free camping areas above and below the dam. In 2014, Idaho Power completed a major renovation of the park and the camping areas. The boat ramps above and below the dam have been upgraded. Improvements have been made to campsites and roads. All campsites have fire rings and level parking areas. New vault toilets were installed, and additional trash facilities have been put in place. All camping is on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors are asked to camp in designated areas only, due to the fragile nature of the soil and plant life in the area.

Arrowrock Reservoir

Arrowrock Reservoir is formed by Arrowrock Dam, which was built in 1915. Arrowrock is located 40 minutes east of Boise above the Lucky Peak Reservoir. The Reservoir is managed by the Boise National Forest (Boise National Forest map). This 18-mile narrow canyon reservoir of 3,150-acres has limited access to 60 miles of shoreline. Boating, canoeing, windsurfing, and fishing are the major recreation activities at Arrowrock. The reservoir is only 30 minutes from Boise and provides access to the city's nearest national forest. Fish species include rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, yellow perch, whitefish, and protected bull trout. Reservoir acre feet, total reservoir capacity, and cubic feet/second release rates for rivers below Boise & Payette River Basins reservoirs and select river locations are updated daily and graphically provided. The site offers vault toilets, boat ramps and dock, parking, and dispersed camping.

Directions: From Boise, north on Hwy 21. Turn east after crossing the bridge to Lucky Peak and Spring Shores Marina. Drive on to Arrowrock Dam & you are there!

Boise Music Festival

The last weekend in June is the hottest! The Boise Music Festival is Southern Idaho's best one-day music event. The festival was initially held at Ann Morrison Park at the Gene Harris Bandshell. But the event became so popular so fast, it was moved to Expo Idaho next to the Fairgrounds to accommodate a large number of people. This family-friendly event is full of food, drinks, kids' activities, and lots of great music. BMF draws local and regional talent in addition to top-tier music stars. Previous headliners include Carly Rae Jepson, LL Cool J, Jason Derulo, and Pitbull. The Boise Music Festival never fails to disappoint!

Expo Idaho | 5610 N. Glenwood, Garden City, ID

www.boisemusicfestival.com/

Gene Harris Jazz Festival

The annual Gene Harris Jazz Festival is a tribute to the late Gene Harris who inspired audiences and young musicians throughout his long and distinguished career. Student competitions and clinics are held on the Boise State University campus throughout the festival. Concerts are held throughout the event featuring distinguished world-class musicians who are making an impact on the musical world. In addition to helping students and the community access world-class musical talent, the festival helps support musical education at Boise State through scholarships and public outreach.

https://www.geneharris.org/

https://www.boisestate.edu/geneharris/

Jaialdi

Ongi Etorri! Boise's Basque organizer, Euzkaldunak, invites everyone to celebrate Jaialdi. Jaialdi means "big festival" in Basque, and that's exactly what it is- every five years, attendees from around the world come to Idaho to celebrate the best of Basque culture. Share in our customs of food, dance, community, and heritage! The next Jaialdi takes place in 2020

Boise, ID

More Information Here

Table Rock

The Table Rock area offers challenging hiking and mountain biking. Most users access these trails from the Old Idaho Penitentiary parking lot, where there is a kiosk and directional signage for the trails. The Table Rock area offers stunning views of Boise and the Treasure Valley, and is a favorite among trail enthusiasts for sunset hikes and rides. The Table Rock area should be avoided when the temperatures are above freezing during winter months, as well as after spring and summer rain storms, as the soils contain significant amounts of clay, and trail damage occurs easily at such times.

2445 Old Penitentiary Rd
Boise, ID 83709

www.ridgetorivers.org/

Jump Creek

A surprising waterfall and lush riparian area filled with waterbirch and red osier dogwood trees. Visitors can hike the easy ;¼-mile Jump Creek Falls Trail - you may get your feel wet! - walk high and dry to the Falls Overlook on a recently improved trail, or picnic near the rock crevices and meandering stream. Swimmers will find a refreshing dip at the base of the falls.

Location & Directions: Southwest of Marsing, Idaho
From Boise, take Interstate 84 West to the Nampa exit for Highway 55 (Exit 33A). Follow Highway 55 through Marsing and on to the junction with US-95. Continue 1½ miles past the junction and turn left onto Cemetery Road. Turn left at the T-intersection with a STOP sign. The road becomes Jump Creek Road as it continues south. Just after passing under power transmission lines, the road curves right, through private land – stay on the roadway as it curves back to the left toward the entry to the recreation area.