1000 Things To-Do

Boise, Idaho has a reputation for being a family-oriented city with plenty of friendly folks and opportunities for family fun. As fall deepens and we get closer to those days when it’s too cold or nasty to venture out, it’s a perfect time to explore this great city–either to enjoy these beautiful, crisp autumn days, or to check out some indoor places that might relieve cabin fever come winter.

Outdoor activities abound around town and via short trips to the hills. Why not hit the Boise Zoo and check out the wild animals (the ones that don’t live in your house and go by the title of “children”!) The new Africa exhibit is open plus there are events like Boo at the Zoo at Halloween and Claus and Paws at Christmas time. For a free look at some wild animals, take a drive to Marsing and look for the wild horses that live in the Owyhees (be sure to bring a vehicle suitable for off-roading.) There is also great nature fun to be found both at the MK Nature Center and at the Birds of Prey Visitors Center at Lake Lowell. And both of these have indoor activities for wintery days as well as outdoor exploration.

More outdoor fun can be had at a plethora of parks. Veterans Memorial Park, Julia Davis Park, Ann Morrison Park, and Kathryn Albertson Park all have walking paths or are connected to the Boise Greenbelt. Most of them also have playgrounds for the kiddos. And as long as it isn’t windy or rainy, all of this can be enjoyed even if you have to bundle everyone up from the top of the head to the tips of the toes. Camels Back Park is a great place for frisbee and also has a nice playground. And Adventrue Island Park is a kids’ paradise, living up to its name.

At least until the end of October, sometimes longer, corn mazes and pumpkin patches provide a fun outing. There are several of them around town, one of them being Linder Farms in Meridian. But if you like your walking excursions to be more than getting lost in a corn field, strolling on paths such as the Warm Spring-Mesa, or hiking a bit out of town like at Red Moutain can get you out in the fresh air and invigorate your mind. One note, if you do have small kids some of the hikes might be a bit much. Do some more research before planning an outing.

Of course at this time of year, nothing says Boise spirit like tailgating or even just attending a BSU game. Break out the blue and orange (and some warm clothes!)

If history or museums are your thing, especially if your kids are a little older, both and indoor and outdoor displays and exhibits are available. Outdoors, combine a healthy walk with reading the lamp posts (Intrigued? Checke it out!) Or explore the Anne Frank Memorial, a moving tribute to this young legendary figure.

Indoors, spend an afternoon at the Idaho Military History Museum, Boise Art Museum (affectionately known as BAM), or the Boise Train Depot.

Finally, there are a variety of options for being inside but still working off excess energy. One of these is Boondocks, complete with Laser Tag as well as arcade games inside, and mini-golf and go-karts outside. And Peak Fitness provides fun and learning with a rock climbing wall and instruction.

Basically, there is no excuse for sitting around wishing for something to do–and this is only a sampling of options! And if none of these outings sound interesting, why not get out and find your own adventure, then write about it and become a contributor to the site? At least check out the rest of boise.onethousandthingstodo.com for more fun things to do, including date nights and night life.

Editor’s note - Thanks to Marta in Boise for supplying us these great ideas!