There are so many things to do in and around Boise, it’s tough to decide where to start. We’ve compiled this list to give you some ideas. As always, make sure you’re practicing proper safety precautions.
Free things:
Play disc golf at Ann Morrison Park.
Go on a hike up to Table Rock, or any of the miles and miles of the Ridge to Rivers trail system through the foothills. Check out this Ridge to Rivers Interactive Map to plan your course.
Go on a bike ride along the Greenbelt, or even go mountain biking in the foothills. If you don’t have one, you can rent or buy one at the Cycle Learning Center (CLC).
Hike up Camel’s Back Park.
Head to the Boise Whitewater Park, along the Greenbelt minutes from downtown, and watch surfers and kayakers – or gear up and test your skills – in the park’s waveshapers.
Explore the nearby lakes and rivers. Lucky Peak, Snake River, Payette River, Boise River, Quinn’s Pond, Jump Creek Falls, Black Canyon Reservoir to name a few.
MK Nature Center – Take a stroll through StreamWalk right along the Greenbelt. There are some good chances you’ll see some wildlife along with sturgeon.
Anne Frank Memorial – This nearby landmark is the only Anne Frank Memorial in the US. You can visit there yourself or take a virtual tour here.
Walk across the river to the Boise Art Museum and see a variety of modern and contemporary art exhibitions. Bring your Bronco Card for free admission.
Head downtown and check out Freak Alley, Boise’s renowned outdoor public art gallery.
Not free activities, but still fun:
The Idaho Botanical Garden, one of the first and oldest botanical gardens in Idaho, is a lush 15-acre tapestry of dappled shade and vibrant splashes of color. The Garden promotes horticulture in the Treasure Valley using native and domestic plants adapted to our region.
Mon – Sun 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
$8
The site features thirty historic buildings and special exhibits including the J. Curtis Earl Memorial Exhibit, a collection of historic weaponry. Relive the Old Pen’s exciting past of daring escapes, scandals and executions.
Open Daily: 12 – 5 p.m.
$6
Zoo Boise connects visitors with animals to inspire and involve our community in worldwide wildlife conservation.
Open Daily: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
$11
Mon – Sat, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sun, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
$8 for students with ID