You’ll be delighted if you’re looking for enjoyable fun things to do in Boise, Idaho. One of America‘s least well-known cities, Boise offers the ideal combination of cultural attractions, family-friendly entertainment, outdoor adventure, and a vibrant nightlife. Depending on your preferences for travelling, this guide provides all of the most enjoyable activities in Boise, Idaho, whether you are visiting for a weekend or a longer stay.
1. Explore the Boise River’s Greenbelt
The Boise River Greenbelt is an incredibly popular and very beautiful attraction here in the city. A 25-mile-long, tree-lined pathway that runs alongside the Boise River, the Boise River Greenbelt connects multiple parks and attractions throughout the city. One of the most fun attractions to enjoy when in Boise, Idaho, is walking, biking, jogging, or rollerblading down the Greenbelt.
Locals love floating on the river in the summer, on top of everything else! The majority of families and couples like spending time together taking in the fresh air, the serene surroundings, and the numerous wildlife sightings!
2. Visit Julia Davis Park.
In the centre of downtown, near the Boise River, Julia Davis Park is one of the coolest places to hang out. It offers several big attractions in the park, such as the Idaho State Museum, Boise Zoo, Boise Art Museum, and many recreational activities. You can picnic, rent paddle boats, or just chill out under the trees. You and your family will find that it is also one of the most entertaining activities to do while staying in Boise, Idaho.
3. Explore the Historic Idaho Penitentiary
Public entrance to the The Old Idaho Penitentiary State Historic Site was a functional prison from 1872 to 1973 in the western United States, east of Boise, Idaho. The first building, also known as the Territorial Prison, was constructed in the Territory of Idaho in 1870; the territory was seven years old when the prison was built, a full two decades before statehood
Any history enthusiast’s list of must-see locations should include the Idaho Old Penitentiary. Constructed in 1872 as a state prison, it housed numerous notorious criminals from this region of the nation. Solitary confinement facilities, preserved cell blocks, and a number of interesting and educational exhibits are on display.
One of the most entertaining and instructive activities in Boise, Idaho, you will discover that exploring this facility is an exciting, one-of-a-kind, and a little unsettling experience.
4. Trekking in the Foothills of Boise.
For those who enjoy adventuring outside, try hiking & biking trails throughout the Boise foothill range; Camel’s Back Park is a great place to access trails and provides a great view of the city!
Spring and fall seasons are especially nice and pleasant times to hike or bike in the foothills due to moderate temperature. Viewing the sunset on a hilltop is among the greatest, most unforgettable and most relaxing fun things to do in Boise, Idaho.
5. Discover Idaho’s State Capitol
Located in downtown Boise, the Idaho State Capitol Building is an impressive architectural structure that houses the Idaho Legislature, Governor’s office, Courts, Attorney General, and Statewide elected officials.
The Idaho State Capitol Building has a marble interior with a domed roof that provides a background of photographic opportunity for all who visit. This facility provides an opportunity for both educational and inspirational learning. No matter what activities you engage in while visiting Boise, the Idaho State Capitol should be on your list of enjoyable activities to do while in Boise.
6. Savour the Art Scene in Boise
The arts and culture scene in Boise is surprisingly alive with activity. An example of this is the Boise Art Museum, which offers both a collection of contemporary and traditional art. Another example is freak alley gallery where you can find lots of outdoor wall murals that can serve as colourful backdrops to your pictures posted on Instagram.
Art enthusiasts will find a lot of interesting and fun things to do in Boise Idaho, all year long, particularly during regional art festivals and walks.
7. Discover the Farmers Market in Boise
The Boise Farmers Market is definitely worth checking out if you happen to be in town on Saturday. You can expect to find a variety of items, including fresh fruits and vegetables, unique handcrafted items, baked treats, and many local specialities at this market. The farmers’ market is a great way to really experience the Boise area and the friendly people who live here. It’s also one of the yummy, fun things to do in Boise Idaho, because you can taste many of the local foods while helping support small businesses!
8. Go to the Birds of Prey World Centre.
This unusual location is perfect for those people who are fascinated by the outdoors and wildlife. The World Center for Birds of Prey is an amazing resource for learning about the conservation and education of birds of prey such as falcons, eagles, and hawks.
In addition to learning more about global conservation initiatives, visitors will have the chance to see amazing birds up close. The World Centre for Birds of Prey is a great place to add an educational and informative experience to your list of fun things to do in Boise Idaho.
9. Discover the food and brewery scene in Boise, Idaho.
The food and craft beer scenes are expanding quickly in Boise. In addition, visitors can find many diverse options to eat, including restaurants serving farm-to-table options and international fare, in Boise’s downtown area.
Neighbourhood breweries provide free tours and tastings of their products, which also provides a great evening activity. Eating and drinking local is a great way to enjoy a Boise, Idaho, night.
10. Visit the Bogus Basin for the day.
30 minutes out of downtown Boise, Bogus Basin is an all-season destination for outdoor recreation. During the winter you will find skiers and snowboarders flocking to Bogus Basin. In the summer, hikers and mountain bikers will find a wide array of trails.
The beautiful views of Bogus Basin and the plentiful outdoor activities available make it one of the most popular activities for adventure seekers in the area.
Why Boise Should Be on Your Travel List
Boise, a charming and picturesque community that offers adventure in nature, is comfortable and secure for all types of visitors – singles, couples, and families, whether alone or with company. Activities such as river recreation, hiking, and diverse cultural and culinary offerings abound year-round.
What are the most exciting times to visit? Spring and autumn are typically the best seasons to take advantage of everything Boise has to offer. This is because of the generally pleasant weather, which allows for a range of outdoor activities to be enjoyed at temperatures that are average to close to average. Winter sports fans can also anticipate a lot of worthwhile activities.
Final Remarks
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Boise Idaho, no matter what your interests are — outdoorsy things, historic sites, art galleries, delicious local eateries. Each season offers something special and it’s by far one of the most diverse travel destinations located within the Great Pacific Northwest area.
If you have a trip planned for Boise, Idaho, make sure to pack your bags, bring your camera, and prepare for a great time discovering tonnes of really awesome things you can do while visiting Boise, Idaho!
