Things To Do
Downtown Boise
Downtown Boise is quaint and lively; it has a big-city feel on a smaller scale. There are lots of restaurants, breweries, and local shops, as well as plenty of parking garages. 8th Street is a great place to start since it is lined with eateries and blocked off for pedestrians. For Idaho-designed apparel, check out Banana Ink near the State Capitol Building and Meriwether Cider Co.
The Village at Meridian
The Village is an outdoor mall with lots of shops and restaurants. It has a playground, a movie theater, and a bowling alley/arcade (Big Al's). You can also check out Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park right behind the mall!
Kathryn Albertson Park
This is one of the many parks in Boise that has lots of trees and accessible walking paths. We like it because there are diverse bird habitats and information about the local species!
Julia Davis Park
This park in Boise is next to the Boise Zoo and the Art Museum. It also provides easy access to the Greenbelt (an extensive path that follows the Boise River through town).
Idaho Botanical Garden and Historic Penitentiary
Visit the Idaho Botanical Garden and take a guided tour at the Old Idaho Penitentiary next door!
The Peregrine Fund's World Center For Birds of Prey
If you have extra time and a car, we have to recommend the Center for Birds of Prey! The indoor/outdoor facility located south of Boise displays several species of live raptors and has daily bird shows.
Freddy's Stack Rock Trailhead
Wanna take a hike? This trailhead in the trees of the foothills has plenty of parking and a map to show you where you're going, it also offers great views of the valley. It is about 35 minutes from Boise and is on the way to the local ski area called Bogus Basin.