HELLO SUMMER!
Your ultimate guide to Summer fun in Boise and Eagle
Looking for ideas to enjoy summer adventures in Boise-Eagle, Idaho? Read on as the "City of Trees" truly comes alive with vibrant green spaces, sparkling waterways, and a calendar packed with activities for every age and interest. Whether you're a lifelong local or new to Idaho, get ready to soak up the sun and create unforgettable memories!
Photo: Jeff Heath
Embrace the Outdoors: River, Greenbelt and Foothills Adventures
Idaho’s Treasure Valley, comprised of Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star, Garden City, Nampa, Caldwell and Kuna, is beautiful year-round, but it’s natural beauty truly shines in the summer. There’s so much to do including these quintessential outdoor experiences:
Float the Boise River: This is a summer rite of passage! Grab an inner tube or raft and leisurely drift from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park. It's the perfect way to cool off, enjoy scenic views, and experience Boise from a unique perspective. Remember safety first, especially with kids – and consider renting gear if you don't have your own. Life vests and river raft and tube rentals are available at Barber Park.
Bike or Stroll along the Boise River Greenbelt: This paved pathway stretches over 25 miles, from Lucky Peak Dam to Eagle Road, along the riverbanks, connecting numerous parks and offering endless opportunities for walking, jogging, and biking. It's flat and tree-lined, making it ideal for families with young children on bikes.
Explore the Foothills: With trails practically in your backyard, hiking is a must-do! Mornings or evenings are recommended as middle of the day can be very hot.
Camel's Back Park: This popular North End park offers a short climb with big views of the city and a playground at the base – perfect for a family outing.
Table Rock: Located in historic East Boise, for those seeking a bit more of a challenge, the hike to Table Rock provides panoramic vistas.
Idaho Botanical Garden: Offers kid-approved paths, scavenger hunts, and shaded picnic spots, making it a beautiful and educational experience for all ages. Fee to enter.
Hiking and Biking trails near Boise, Eagle and Meridian: Visit www.hikingproject.com to find 329 miles of trail with recommended routes from easy, intermediate and difficult. The Ridge-to-Rivers website, www.ridgetorivers.org, offers trail routes, interactive maps and conditions for hiking, biking and horseback riding all throughout our foothills.
Splash and Play: Beat the Heat in Style
When the Boise summer heat kicks in, there are plenty of ways to cool down:
Boise City Pools and Splash Pads: The city operates several public pools offering safe and family-friendly swimming – visit www.cityof boise.org for a full list of public parks and pools. For little ones, the numerous splash pads in parks like Borah Park, Ivywild Park, Bowler Park (SE Boise) and Settlers Park (in Meridian) provide interactive water fun and endless giggles.
Roaring Springs Waterpark: Located just off the interstate in Meridian, Roaring Springs is the Northwest's largest water park, offering thrilling slides, a wave pool, and a dedicated kiddie play area – a full day of aquatic adventure!
Quinn's Pond and Boise Whitewater Park: For those who prefer natural waters, Quinn's Pond is a fantastic spot for paddleboarding or simply enjoying the tranquil surroundings. Right next door, the Boise Whitewater Park offers opportunities for kayaking, rafting, and even river surfing for the more adventurous.
Eagle Island State Park: A 545-acre park just west of Boise featuring a swimming beach, picnic area, hiking/biking, disc golf, bird watching, fishing, horseback riding, paddleboarding and non-motorized watercraft, and more. Bring the whole family for a full day of fun and outdoor adventures!
Lucky Peak State Park and Sandy Point: 34-acre site at the base of Lucky Peak Dam in East Boise offers a swimming beach, paddleboarding, volleyball and picnic tables.
Discover and Learn: Engaging Activities for Curious Minds
Boise offers a fantastic array of museums and educational attractions that are perfect for all ages:
Discovery Center of Idaho: This hands-on, interactive science center provides fun and engaging STEM learning experiences for children and adults alike. With rotating exhibits, there's always something new to explore.
Zoo Boise: Located in Julia Davis Park, Zoo Boise is home to a diverse collection of animals from around the world. Summer often brings special events, animal feedings, and educational programs.
Aquarium of Boise: A smaller but mighty aquarium where you can get up close with marine life, including touching rays and watching shark feedings.
Idaho State Museum: Delve into Idaho's rich history, from its native inhabitants to its pioneering past, in this newly renovated museum.
Old Idaho Penitentiary Site: Just minutes from downtown, this historic prison complex offers a fascinating glimpse into over 100 years of Idaho's penal history.
Festivals and Events: The Heartbeat of Summer
Boise's summer calendar is packed with lively events and festivals, many of which are free and family-friendly:
Alive After Five: A beloved Boise tradition! This free outdoor concert series takes over The Grove Plaza downtown every Wednesday from end of June through August, featuring live music, local food vendors, and a fantastic atmosphere.
Farmers Markets: Saturdays are for farmers markets! Stroll through downtown Boise and the Capitol City Public Market for fresh produce, local artisan goods, live music, and delicious food trucks. The Eagle Saturday Market runs every Saturday through September in downtown Eagle, featuring food vendors, and local artisans and farmers.
Movie Nights Under the Stars: Pack a blanket and snacks for free outdoor movie nights hosted in various parks throughout Boise and neighboring cities during the summer.
Bogus Basin Free Summer Events: Head up to the mountains for free summer fun at Bogus Basin, including their "Music on the Mountain" concert series and "Yoga on the Mountain." They also offer paid activities like the Glade Runner Mountain Coaster and lift-assisted downhill biking.
Idaho Shakespeare Festival: Enjoy world-class theater under the stars at the beautiful outdoor amphitheater. Tickets sell fast, so buy early to enjoy this unique and memorable cultural experience; reserved seats as well as lawn space available.
Idaho Botanical Gardens, Outlaw Field: Outdoor Summer Concert Series featuring performances by internationally known artists – there’s no better way to enjoy Boise’s warm summer nights than with great music, great friends and great sunsets!
Eagle Concert Series: These events take place on the last Thursday of each month (May-Aug) on the Eagle Public Library lawn, offering a great opportunity to relax and enjoy live music under the summer sky!
Breweries and Wineries: Raise a glass to Idaho’s vibrant beverage culture! Idaho is home to more than 65 wineries and a growing number of craft breweries – offering tastings and fun patios to enjoy and uncover throughout Boise, Garden City, Eagle, Star, Meridian and Sunnyslope Snake River Canyon areas. Google the area you’d like to visit, and you’ll be amazed at the locally-owned, many award-winning options you’ll find!
Other Local Festivals: Keep an eye out for events like the Boise Music Festival (June 21), Eagle Fun Days (June 27-28), the Western Idaho Fair (Aug. 15-24), Art-in-the Park at Julia Davis (Sept. 5-7), Hyde Park Street Fair at Camels Back Park (Sept. 12-14) and various community-specific celebrations throughout the summer.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Freak Alley Gallery: Explore the largest outdoor mural gallery in the Northwest, a constantly evolving and vibrant display of street art. It's free and always open!
MK Nature Center - Idaho Fish and Game: A unique wildlife experience along the Boise River Greenbelt, featuring an underwater streamwalk and exhibits showcasing Idaho's landscapes and wildlife.
JUMP Boise: Offers interactive activities, outdoor movie nights, and playful installations throughout the summer, often with free events.
I Scream You Scream We All Scream for Ice Cream: No summer outing is complete without a sweet treat! Grab a classic cone at the North End’s Goody's, the new Soft Landing or try unique flavors at any of three The STIL locations- downtown, East Boise’s Harris Ranch or the Bench, Lovejoy’s in Bown Crossing, Stella’s downtown Boise or Meridian/Eagle, and Negranti Creamery churning out hand-crafted ice cream in Eagle.
From exciting outdoor adventures to enriching cultural experiences and relaxing days with family and friends, Boise-Eagle truly offers something for everyone during the summer. So gear up and get out there to discover why the Treasure Valley is the ultimate summer destination!
