Location: Boise
Top Things to do in Boise
10 Things to do Good for Kids in Boise That You Shouldn't Miss
Nature is a big part of Boise, Idaho. The snow-capped Rocky Mountains serve as a backdrop, the Boise River and its riverfront paths wind through the city and skiing is a short drive away. Boise's varied museums include the Idaho History Museum, the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum and Cultural Center and the interactive Discovery Museum of Idaho. Unique attractions include Old Idaho Penitentiary and historic Pioneer Village. Old Boise offers shopping, dining, culture and nightlife.
Restaurants in Boise
1. Boise River Greenbelt
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,436 reviews
Flows through Boise and provides more than 25 miles of scenic paths for biking, hiking and jogging.
Reviewed By marmot3 - Boise, United States
The beautiful Boise River flows through the heart of the city. Flanking the river on one side or the other or sometimes both, is the gently winding Boise River Greenbelt, a paved path that runs for 25 miles, from Lucky Peak Dam upriver to the town of Eagle downriver. Along the way, there are many entrances and exits, so you can make your Greenbelt experience as long or short as you wish. Previously, it was totally non-motorized, though recently e-bikes became admissible--with a speed limit. When my family gathered for a reunion in Boise in June, we loved our "bike hike" on the Greenbelt. Some people had brought their own bikes; others rented from bike shops downtown. One family rented a bike trailer/carrier for their little kids. Off we all went, our ride taking us through four leafy city parks, past the zoo, the Anne Frank Memorial, the Fallen Firefighters Memorial, Quinn's Pond and the Whitewater Park and beyond. On the return we stopped off for play time in one of Ann Morrison Park's playgrounds. Many cities are built on rivers, and many cities capitalize on these fortunate features. But I know of no other city that has been as successful as Boise in incorporating their river into the life of the city while preserving its natural beauty. Boise River Greenbelt is an extraordinary gift for the people of Boise and the Treasure Valley, as well as visitors. Just a word of caution: The Greenbelt is extremely popular for recreation, exercise, bike commuting, fun runs, photo shoots, etc. It's busy! The posted "rules" for use state that pedestrians always have the right of way, but many people are oblivious or careless. The yellow stripe down the middle of the path is there for a reason. Treat the path as a highway and stay on the right unless passing. Watch for children or the ubiquitous geese and squirrels straying into your path. Be reasonably careful, share the path, and enjoy this Boise treasure!
2. James Castle House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Serving as a testimony to the life and work of American artist, James Castle and rooted in Castle’s sense of wonder and discovery, the house today is a center for contemporary and historical exhibits, tours, performances, talks, an Artist-in-Residence program, and community partnerships. Both the historic buildings and the new wing invite you to explore the spaces unique only to James Castle.
Reviewed By msmaxey2813 - Meridian, United States
The James Castle House has many layers. The tours and gallery experience provide information about James Castle’s life and home. The artist in residence space is a way for artists to connect with the space and the public in a different way and the general store has nostalgic pieces similar to items that James Castle had along with contemporary items that relate to the place.
3. Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Habitat for many species, including the golden eagle and the peregrine falcon.
Reviewed By 774sued
We went out to look for raptors and saw red tailed hawks.swainsons hawk and many ravens and kestrals. It is a ways out but worth the drive just to see the canyon carved by the river and time. Old dam has a museum but we had our dog so didn't go in
4. World Center For Birds of Prey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 693 reviews
Experience birds of prey eye-to-eye and explore the mysteries of their flight, survival, and relationship with humans. Live bird demonstrations and interactive exhibits complement hands-on experiences for all ages. Enjoy panoramic views of the Treasure Valley from the interpretive trail and gazebo, or browse the gift shop. Admissions and purchases support conservation programs worldwide. Reservations are required for admission, please book your visit with us today on our website!
Reviewed By Irishwriter1916 - Boise, United States
We brought the grandkids to the World Center for Birds of Prey last month and had a grand time. We checked their website ahead of time to see when things were happening and had the choice of four different live bird shows and two walking tours to their archives to hear about the history of falconry. We chose the morning and were able to do a pair of bird shows (the grans loved both Bob and Winston) and the walking tour highlighting their archives and Arab falconry wing. Then we wandered right next to inside and outside bird exhibitions ... and the kiddos were so excited to see a bald eagle, an arctic Gyrfalcon, a gorgeous red-tailed hawk, Lucy the turkey vulture and two giant California Condors in the outdoor areas. The inside habitats featured an Applomado falcon, a very talkative Harris' Hawk, a peregrine falcon, a great horned owl and the find of the day, a huge and impressive harpy eagle! The staff was obviously very dedicated and informed and we look forward to coming back in the fall for their outdoor flight program. Highly recommended by the entire party .. grandparents, parents and bird-crazy grandchildren!
5. Idaho State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
The Idaho State Museum is a fun, interactive experience where people of all ages and backgrounds come to explore the story of Idaho! Featuring over 514 artifacts on display, 800 photographs, and 46 individual multimedia exhibits, the museum shows the profound relationship between Idaho's land and its people shaping each other over time.
Reviewed By Way2013 - San Diego, United States
This is one great museum! Lots to see and lots to learn. Going through this museum is just one incredible educational experience. There are some volunteers at the museum and their knowledge of any subject at the museum is amazing. Well worth visiting.
6. Discovery Center of Idaho
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
Hands-on math/science/technology exhibits for all ages.
7. Julia Davis Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
Reviewed By J1872HGchrisg - Boise, United States
Julia Davis Park is home to several special features: Zoo Boise, the Boise Art Museum, the Gene Harris Band Shell, and the Anne Frank Memorial. But my favorite feature is the Rose Garden! A slow walk among the many different variety of rose bushes always soothes my soul. Don't forget your camera. The multitude of colors and different bloom varieties make for amazing shots for your social media pages.
8. Old Idaho Penitentiary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 952 reviews
In 1872 the Idaho Territorial Prison opened its doors to some of the most desperate and mean criminals the West could offer. In 1973 the Idaho State Penitentiary closed to inmates. Now our doors are open for visitors to explore over 100 years of Idaho's unique prison history. Open year-round, visitors of the Old Idaho Penitentiary can walk through solitary confinement, cell blocks, and the gallows. Visit today and relive the Old Pen's exciting past of daring escapes, scandals, and executions. Call for more details about special events, educational programs and guided tours.
Reviewed By moreworld2c - Poulsbo, United States
Several friends had recommended the visit and the guided tour, and we weren't disappointed! Our guide Said was excellent—obviously passionate about local history and had done a lot of personal study to be able to share interesting stories about the prison and its inmates. The visit includes several different styles of cellblocks for the general population, a couple of solitary confinement sites, and death row with its permanent gallows. This visit made me think a lot about crime and punishment, justice and injustice. Very reasonable price. Many well-labeled exhibits and displays.
9. Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 153 reviews
Reviewed By Crummy1 - Missoula, United States
This is one of Boise's hidden treasures. Great for people of all ages. It's very educational. The pond and stream features are my personal favorites. Great viewing opportunities for a variety of trout and a couple of giant sturgeon. Great place to get ideas for improving your yard or property to benefit wildlife. Nice indoor exhibits as well, including a little play area for young kids. The little ones loved this place! No charge for admission.
10. North End
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