Events and Fun

There are so many things to do in and around Boise, that 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.

Head up to Bogus Basin for some end-of-summer activities.

Go on a hike up to Table Rock, or any of the miles and miles of the Ridge to Rivers trail system nearby. 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).

Float the Boise River – start at Barber Park and float all the way to Ann Morrison Park.

Hike up Camel’s Back Park.

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.

Idaho Botanical Garden

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 the intermountain region.

Mon – Sun 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
$8

Old Idaho Penitentiary

The site features thirty historic buildings and special exhibits including the J. Curtis Earl Memorial Exhibit, a collection of historic weaponry. Events and programs provide families, school groups, and visitors an opportunity to relive the Old Pen’s exciting past of daring escapes, scandals and executions.

Open Daily: 12 – 5 p.m.
$6

Boise Art Museum
Learn about modern and contemporary art in a variety of exhibitions showcasing international artists as well as an exhibition featuring Idaho artist James Castle.

Mon CLOSED
Tues – Sat 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sun 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
$3 for students with ID

Zoo Boise

Zoo Boise connects our visitors with animals to inspire and involve our community in the conservation of wildlife worldwide.

Open Daily: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
$11

Idaho History Museum

Mon – Sat, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sun, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
$8 for students with ID