If you’re looking for a great vacation spot, Boise Idaho is the place to go. With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, Boise’s outdoorsy culture and energetic downtown make it a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. This article discusses some of the top attractions in Boise, including restaurants, parks and more. Boise offers visitors a different experience every time, so it’s worth going back to try out new things.
Ideal for families: Boise is a great vacation spot for families who want to explore everything from the outdoors and parks to museums and restaurants in an outdoor city that offers year-round sunshine. Families will enjoy spending time with their kids at one of downtown Boise’s playgrounds, biking around town or taking them on a hike in the foothills behind Boise. Downtown also has plenty of kid-friendly eateries like The Foothills Brewing Company where adults can sit outside over lunch! Another family favorite is Idaho Botanical Garden which features gardens from all over the world as well as interactive exhibits inside including a butterfly walkway exhibit and sensory garden designed for relaxation.
The Boise Art Museum
The Boise Art Museum is a great place to spend the day. Boise is a city full of outdoor attractions, but one you might not be thinking about visiting while in town with your family is The Boise Art Museum. This museum features three different galleries that showcase various art from local and nationwide artists as well as temporary exhibits like “The Rediscovery of Ancient Rome” which recently showcased artifacts found by archaeologists excavating underneath the Roman Forum for over five months!
- You can also take tours through this historic building’s changing exhibitions on Wednesdays at noon or Saturdays at 11:30am
- Families will enjoy checking out “Hands On” where kids can get creative through exploratory workshops during lunch hours and open studio days
- Kids under 12 are able to get in for free on the last Sunday of each month
- Boise Art Museum also offers lectures, films, and workshops for adults.
- Housed in a beautiful old building with a great view of downtown Boise from its roof deck, this is one museum you won’t want to miss!
- The main attraction here are murals by local artist John McQuarrie who has spent much time in Hawaii which can be seen not only at the art museum but all around town.
The Idaho Botanical Garden
Visiting the Boise Botanical Garden delivers serenity and beauty for a perfect day out. The Garden features permanent collections of native plants, as well as stunning temporary exhibitions that change with the seasons and school terms
- One of Boise’s most popular attractions.
- Great opportunity to take your family on an educational adventure while enjoying nature.
- Plant walks are held every Wednesday at 11am during April through October.
The Idaho Botanical Garden is also home to some lovely event facilities which can be rented by private parties or professionals looking for a venue for corporate meetings, weddings, receptions etc. You might consider renting garden space in order to create memorable images of your special occasion lasting memories around Boise – one thing is certain you will have plenty going on here besides just admiring the gardens.
- The Boise Botanical Garden is open seven days a week, with hours of operation from dawn to dusk.
- Admission for adults: $12; children 12 and under are free.
The Boise River and Greenbelt
The Boise River provides the perfect setting for moderate outdoor activities that range in intensity based on your personal preference – which means it’s not too hard for anyone to have some fun here. You can enjoy swimming and fishing if you want something more active or take advantage of one of our many beautiful parks along the river where you may prefer just relaxing by its banks so as to appreciate nature at her finest hour. If visiting Boise during summer months, be sure to visit one (or all) of these popular destinations. Floating down the river is a summer tradition for Boiseans and visitors alike.
The Basque Block
The Basque Block in Boise offers visitors an opportunity to experience Boise’s rich Basque culture. The building is a replica of the original log cabin, which was built in 1928 by Isak Lamboo and later used as a barber shop.
The building also houses three eateries with traditional foods from Spain: Olea Wine Bar & Tapas Restaurant, Txoko Mexican Kitchen and D’Liria Coffee House that sells coffee drinks, espresso-based coffees, artisan teas and pastries made on site daily.
The food offered in the Basque Block is only a small sampling of the Basque influence that Boise has to offer.
The Boise Public Library is home to the Idaho Basque Memorial, which honors and remembers those who have passed on in this community – whether they were born here or had deep roots here.
visitors can also take tours at one of Boise’s four Basque sheepherding farms: Murphy Ranch, Jordan Valley Sheep Company, Roca Ranch and Emerald Mountain Woolen Mills.
Julia Davis Park
One of the top attractions in Boise is Julia Davis Park which is a classic Boise park with many recreational offerings. The park is a family favorite with its playground, picnic tables and grassy fields.
Nearby Boise Town Square offers a variety of restaurants nearby to satisfy your cravings as well as unique shops such as American West Craftsmen Glass Studio. This is also the perfect spot for kids to enjoy the kid-friendly interactive park in Boise with an outdoor theater during summer months.
The Julia Davis Park area also houses our beloved Boise Art Museum on North Capitol Boulevard with free admission year round!
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area
Boise skiers and snowboarders love Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area. The mountain has six ski lifts, one for beginners and five for more advance skiers or boarders.
The mountain recreation area is the perfect place to go skiing in Boise during the winter months with its powdery slopes ready to be enjoyed!
Nearby restaurants offer a variety of food such as traditional American cuisine from places like Albertsons’ Market Grill, plus Mexican dishes at El Matador Restaurant & Cantina and Thai at Bangkok House.
Bogus Basin Mountain also offers summer activities including golfing on their 18-hole course which winds through picturesque pine trees all while taking in views of Snake River Canyon.
Boise River Greenbelt Trail System
The Boise River trails are a great way to enjoy Boise’s outdoors. The trail system is easy for novice hikers and cyclists alike, and the views of downtown Boise are stunning!
The trails have been designed with safety in mind: there are no steep hills or sections that require navigating difficult terrain. And although it doesn’t cross any major intersections, there are plenty of street crossings that make this route ideal for biking as well.
Boise is an amazing place to vacation for the entire family. This snapshot of Boise was brought to you by Crevand SEO of Boise, Idaho.