Things To Do

Slow by Slow Coffee

We went here for our first date, immediately after Tasha and Matt's wedding. You know Jill loves her coffee, and this place hit the spot!

Zoo Boise

When it was time to bond with John's kids, the first place Jill wanted to take them was to the zoo, followed by blanket forts and movie night! Open 10am-5pm. Parking is also available at Julia Davis Park, if you are planning on visiting for longer than 2 hours you can obtain an extended parking pass at the zoo admission center.

Discovery Center of Idaho

Located downtown, the Discovery Center is a kid friendly interactive science exhibits. It has various traveling exhibits for kid and adult family fun. Open 10-4:30 Monday-Saturday, 12-4:30 Sunday.

Children’s Museum of Idaho

A fun filled activity center where children learn through play featuring interactive exhibits, with hands on learning. Monday - Saturday 10-5, Sunday 1-5.

Old Boise - Downtown Shopping

An area rich in history, you'll find dinning, shopping, and nightlife in an area that began development back in 1866. On our first date we wondered around downtown and Jill was in awe of the old architecture, while John was mesmerized by her.

The Basque Neighborhood & Museum

John is almost 1/3 Basque! A heritage that comes from a region between France and Spain near the Pyrenees mountains and the Bay of Biscay. A beautiful neighborhood in downtown Boise, John and Jill walked through on our first date. Here you will find food, markets, and a museum of this unique little culture.

Idaho Botanical Garden

Check out our beautiful botanical garden right in downtown Boise.

Old Idaho Penitentiary

Stop by for a bit of history. Built in 1870, the Old Idaho Penitentiary is one of only four territorial prisons open to the public today. During its 101 years of operation, the site saw escapes, scandals and the effects of Boise’s transition from the “wild west” to a mid-20th century capital city. Self guided tours offered daily 12pm-5pm, check at the information desk if guided tours are available for the day.

Warhawk Air Museum

Open Tuesday-Saturday 9-5, Sunday 11-4, closed on Mondays

The Village at Meridian

The Village at Meridian, is an outdoor shopping, dinning, and entertainment district. Go Bowling at Big Al's, catch a movie, or play in the Lego store! Stop by for some Chicago style deep dish at Grimaldi's, grab a juicy burger at Yard House, taste test tequila at Casa del Matador, or hit up In n Out Burger for you East Coasters

Topgolf

Wahooz Family Fun Zone

We have so much fun here as a family. They have arcade games, indoor rides, rock climbing, ropes course, laser tag, laser maze, outdoor mini golf and go karts, and bowling. They also offer full food and drink service at the bowling alley. Fun fact: Jill’s first job ever was at a facility just like Wahooz’s.

Bogus Basin Mountain Recreational Area

Enjoy alpine skiing and snowboarding about 30 minutes from downtown. They have 10 lifts, 88 runs, and offer night skiing. They also have a terrain park, Nordic skiing, snow shoeing, and snow tubing! They received 266” of snow in 2023/2024 season.

Boise River Greenbelt

The Boise River Greenbelt is one of Boise's most beloved parks. The 25-mile tree-lined pathway follows the north and south sides of the Boise River through the heart of the city and provides scenic views, wildlife habitat and pedestrian access to many of Boise’s popular riverside parks. The "Ribbon of Jewels" is a series of parks located along the Greenbelt with multiple access points and parking lots located in Boise parks along the pathway.

Camel's Back Park

Hike Camel's back for a beautiful view of the city. Charming at both day time and at sunset. The hike is less than a mile round trip and the there are 3 trails that offer easy hikes to the right, slight challenge to the left, and hard challenge straight ahead. The easy hike can take less than 30 min round trip, although once you get to the top, you'll likely stay longer to take in the views! Besides hiking you'll find a great playground for the kids, and outdoor gym for the adults.

Swan Falls Dam and Park

Head out to Swan Falls for a scenic drive about 30 min from Boise. Swan Falls offers many places to explore along the south side of the Snake River, you’re sure to get outstanding canyon views. The surrounding area is a combination of old jeep paths and foot trails that are easy to navigate. Bird watching is spectacular – many birds of prey such as owls, hawks, osprey, eagles, and falcons nest along this stretch of the Snake River.

Ramen House Nampa

Our go to restaurant! You have to try the Spicy Miso, General Tsos, and Crab Rangoons. Best we have ever had! We probably go there once a week.

Westside Drive In

A fifties style drive in diner. You've gotta try the ice cream potato, you're in Idaho after all! The State Street location is the original from 1957 & the location Guy Fieri originally filmed at in 2009, with two drive thrus & outdoor patios. The Parkcenter location opened in 2012 and is the same restaurant, but a nice touch of indoor seating, outdoor patio & a drive thru! Guy Fieri filmed the second episode at this location which aired in 2023! Heads up, they are closed on Sundays.

Lovejoys Real Ice Cream

Mixing up small batch ice cream right in the shop with an assortment of flavors. Toppings and baked goods are made from scratch and in house, utilizing fresh and local ingredients. Closed on Sundays

Reed's Dairy Meridian

Alright, Wisconsinites time to test out some Idaho dairy. Reed's Dairy was founded in 1955 as a family farm in Idaho Falls. Try some house made ice cream, grilled cheese sandwiches, or stock up on some cheese curds and fresh delivered milk! Closed on Sundays

Fork - Resturant

A local, sustainable, and craft farm to table restaurant downtown Boise. A craft restaurant focused on supporting local artisans, farmers, and makers. 75% of beer, wine and spirits come from the Northwest region.

ALAVITA

Local and fresh Italian restaurant with house made pasta. They source majority of their ingredients and bar selections from the Northwest region, and boast a menu of about 90% that can be prepared gluten free.

Lock Stock & Barrel

Voted Boise's Best Steakhouse for the last 10 years. Established in 1977 they are primarily known for their prime rib, and also serve an array of hand carved steaks, seafood, lamb and more. Open for dinner starting at 4pm.

Sockeye Alehouse and Sockeye Brewery

Sockeye Alehouse and Brewery and Alehouse has two locations to choose from. The Alehouse boasts a full service golf themed restaurant, with 20+ taps, and an indoor 9 hole putting course. While the Brewery is located inside a trolly car.

Bardenay Restaurant & Distillery - Boise

Bear Island Brewing Co.

Try the Idaho Potato Pale Ale, made with Russet potatoes! Did you know Idaho leads the nation in barley production, and is second in hops production.

Koenig Vineyards

Much to my surprise, Idaho has a beautiful wine region just 40 minutes west of downtown. The Snake River Wine Valley boosts great local wines, and superb views, be sure to check out some of the family favorites.

Famici Wine Company

Another family favorite, right next door to Koenig Vineyard!

Fujishin Estate Winery

Another family favorite. IF you really want to explore Idaho wines, there are multiple other vineyards very close by and you will even find wine tours available to various wineries.

Givens Hot Springs

Idaho is full of hot springs and you’ll find many in the area. Here is a close favorite of the family.