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Best Things to Do in Boise, Idaho By Season From a Local

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Planning a trip and wondering what to do in Boise, Idaho? You are in the right place. As a local who grew up in Idaho and has lived in Boise for over 8 years, I am constantly asked about the best things to do in Boise for first-time visitors. From outdoor adventures and scenic hikes to great restaurants, festivals and hidden gems, there are far more things to do in Boise than most people expect.

Boise is located in southern Idaho’s Treasure Valley. Here, you’ll find a unique mix of mountain access, a walkable downtown, a fun food scene, and easy day trips to places like McCall, Idaho City and the Sunnyslope Wine Trail.

Whether you are visiting for a weekend in Boise, planning a couples trip, or looking for family-friendly things to do, this guide covers the top Boise experiences year-round.

Only have a long weekend? Check out my complete 3 Days in Boise itinerary or start with my 75+ page Ultimate Boise Travel Guide for where to stay, how long to visit, and how to plan the perfect weekend in Boise.

While we’re at it, let’s be friends on Instagram and Tiktok!

Boise At a Glance

  • Best time to visit: May–October
  • Perfect trip length: 2–3 days
  • Closest airport: Boise Airport (BOI)
  • Known for: Outdoor access, Basque food, the Boise River Greenbelt, Treefort Music Fest
  • Great for: Outdoor lovers, couples trips, weekend getaways

Table of Contents

Best Things to Do in Boise: Quick Highlights

If you’re short on time and just want the top things to do in Boise, start here. These are the experiences I tell every friend to prioritize when they visit.

Now, if you want the full breakdown by season, budget, or vibe, keep scrolling!

Before planning your itinerary, check out my guide on where to stay in Boise so you can choose the best neighborhood for your trip.

Looking for a complete weekend interary? Here’s exactly how I’d spend 3 days in Boise.

Explore Boise’s Best Neighborhoods

Boise may be a smaller city, but each neighborhood has its own personality. If you want to experience the city like a local, these are a few areas worth exploring.

• Downtown Boise – the heart of the city with restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and events
• North End – historic homes, Hyde Park shops, and easy access to foothill hikes
• Garden City – wineries, breweries, and riverfront patios along the Boise Greenbelt
• Boise Bench – vintage shops, diverse cuisine, and local hidden gems

Free Things to Do in Boise

One of the best parts about visiting Boise is that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to have a great time. There are plenty of free things to do in Boise, especially if you love being outside.

Here are some of my favorite free Boise activities:

Boise is an outdoor-focused city, so just walking around and exploring is half the fun.

Family-Friendly Things to Do

Boise is a very family-friendly city, and there are plenty of activities that are perfect for kids. Whether you’re traveling with little ones or planning a family weekend, these are some of the best kid-friendly things to do around Boise.

Best Things to Do in Boise for Adults

If you’re planning a couples trip, girls’ weekend (bachelorette anyone?), date night, or just want some grown-up activities, there are plenty of fun things to do in Boise for adults beyond the typical tourist stops.

Here are some of my favorites:

Best Things to Do in Boise for Couples

If you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway, celebrating an anniversary, or looking for a fun date while visiting Boise, there are lots of great ways to spend time together in Boise. One of the things I love about Boise is that you can pair outdoor adventures with great restaurants, local wineries, and unique experiences.

Here are some of my favorite things to do in Boise for couples:

Local Tip: If I were planning the perfect Boise date, I’d start with a walk along the Greenbelt, grab dinner downtown, then finish the evening with rooftop drinks or a show at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival or The Morrison Center. It’s one of my favorite ways to experience the city.

Looking for even more romantic ideas? Check out my complete guide to the best date night ideas in Boise, where I share local favorites for every season, budget, and occasion.

Unique Things to Do in Boise

Looking for something a little different? There are actually quite a few unique things to do in Boise. Here are some experiences you won’t find everywhere:

Things to Do in Boise by Season

Things to do in Boise in the Summer

Summertime in Boise is one of the best seasons of the year, and there’s so much to do and experience outside. With the Boise River opening up for floating, live outdoor concerts, and the awesome hot weather, there’s so much to enjoy! Visiting with a date? Here are the best Boise summer date night spots, and if you want my entire guide to summer in Boise, check it out here.

Bike along the Boise River Greenbelt

The Boise River Greenbelt is a gem of Boise! It’s one of my favorite things to do in the spring and summer in Boise. This incredible 25-mile stretch of pathway follows the north and south sides right through downtown, and there’s something for everyone on this scenic route! While there are plenty of stops you can make along the entire path, I recommend grabbing wine along the river at Telaya Winery, watching the surfers at the Boise Whitewater Park, “The Wave,” and grabbing a drink or food from Yardarm.

Sometimes, there is live music at the Sandbar and Greenacres food truck park, too! If you want more nature, check out the Morrison Knudsen Nature Center to see unique local wildlife! And you’ll also want to make a stop at the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial—the only Anne Frank memorial in the United States. 

Float the Boise River

This is definitely my favorite thing to do in the summertime in Boise! In fact, around 125,000 people float the river yearly—it’s a great time! The river runs directly through the city, making it super easy to float and spend an afternoon. You’ll get in at Barber Park and out at Anne Morrison Park. Check out my Boise River Float blog for more details about the float.

Experience the Outlaw Field Concert Series at the Idaho Botanical Gardens

These concerts are so much fun, and each year, Boise gets better and better artists! You can bring a blanket and a low chair to enjoy the late-summer evenings, listening to fun bands and artists!

Walk around the Boise Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning

In the spring, fall, and summer, you’ll find the Boise Farmer’s Market and the Capital City Public Market full of local artisans’ products and goodies.

Go on a Boise hike in the foothills

There are a lot of great hikes in the foothills surrounding Boise! The most popular is hiking up Table Rock to the cross at the top. It’s beautiful up here for sunset! Check out some of my favorite Boise hikes here. 

Take a walk through Freak Alley Gallery

These outdoor murals are a fun option for public art lovers. Take a picture in front of them for your Boise memento. You’ll probably also appreciate these new murals that have recently gone up in Boise!

Spend a day wine tasting on the Sunnyslope Wine Trail

The trail showcases 17+ wineries and vineyards, some of which produce award-winning wines. I especially love the Ste. Chapelle Summer Concert Series in Caldwell on Sunday afternoons! They have drinks, live music, and food on their beautiful shaded lawn.

Swim or go to the beach at Lucky Peak Reservoir

Lucky Peak is where more Boiseans go boating nearby! If you want some beach action, go to Sandy Point Beach, where you can swim and lay in the sand. 

Spend time on one of Boise’s rooftops or patios

This is patio season and we have tons of different options to choose from all over the Treasure Valley. See this guide!

Watch the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic (Labor Day Weekend)

If you happen to be here over Labor Day (typically the weekend they close the Boise River for floating), you can see dozens of hot air balloons flying over Boise. They start early from Ann Morrison Park and fly over the city. It’s a great early-morning experience and is free to enjoy! Check out my guide for more details on this event!

Want more summer ideas? See my full Boise Summer Guide for festivals, seasonal events, date ideas, and even more things to do.

Things to do in Boise in the Fall

Best of all, she loved the fall! Yep, it’s true. Fall, seriously, is my favorite time of year, and I’m so happy to be able to live somewhere where fall is celebrated in full force! I’m big on bucket lists, and since I made this one for myself last fall, I thought I’d incorporate it into this post. I want you all to get in the autumn spirit as well. Hopefully, this list will help you live it up and find out what to do in Boise in the fall.

boise in the fall

Visit a pumpkin patch in the Treasure Valley

Get my full Boise pumpkin patch guide, here!

  • Lowe Family Farmstead – This is one of the larger pumpkin patches in the Treasure Valley, and it has a lot of other activities to enjoy. They have a really large corn maze, a U-pick pumpkin patch and flower field, hayrides, food trucks, potato sack slide, pig races, pony rides, and so much more!
  • Pumpkin Palooza – One of the newer patches on the block, Pumpkin Palooza is an urban pumpkin patch with activities like a petting zoo, train rides, axe-throwing, bull riding, and more. The cost is $3 for general admission, and they have food trucks and drink vendors on the weekends.
  • Shindig Farms – Here, you’ll find a pumpkin patch and a straw maze with 8-foot walls of twists and turns, taking anywhere from 45-90 minutes to finish! The pumpkin patch has a wagon hayride that’s included with general admission. You can choose from over 20 varieties of pumpkins! They also have a zipline, giant slide, play area, and corn cannon. If you love spooky season, they also do a haunted straw maze on Saturday nights in October.

Visit a U-Pick flower farm

The flower farms are typically great options at the beginning of the season! I recommend visiting Lovely Hollow Farm and Blue Sky Farm for U-pick fall flowers and pumpkin varieties. Be sure to check their websites for openings and fall events!

Get spooked at a haunted house

If you love spooky stuff and haunted houses, you’ll want to try these experiences!

Get lost in a corn maze

My favorite is at Farmstead. They have a corn maze and a pumpkin patch! Unfortunately, The Farmstead did away with their Field of Screams, but we’ll keep an eye out if they refresh it!

Spend the day apple picking

Find some yummy apples while going “U-pick” apple picking. A few that I suggest are: 

Go to a BSU football game and tailgate

Nothing screams fall more than football, and while I’m a University of Idaho Vandal at heart, the games at Boise State are still fun! You can also see the famous blue turf. Check out the schedule here.
Take a fall hike in the foothills

Take a fall hike

Fall in Boise can be so beautiful with fabulous weather, so check out one of these great hikes near the Boise area!

Attend the Witches Night Out event

Every year, the Women’s and Children’s Alliance hosts the annual Witches Night Out at the Village at Meridian. They plan fun activities, raffles, games, and prizes, all to raise money for a great cause. This is your perfect excuse to dress up like a witch!

Ride on a Haunted Halloween Trolley Tour

Boise Trolley Tours is offering a nightly trolley tour in the fall to learn sinister secrets and terrors around Boise. Be sure to book your tickets in advance!

Want more fall ideas? See my full Boise fall guide, pumpkin patch guide, and fall hikes!

Things to do in Boise in the Winter

Wintertime in Boise is pretty chilly, but it’s also very beautiful. There are also a ton of events to get you in the holiday spirit! With the Nutcracker ballet, Winter Garden-a-Glow, and Christmas lights all over the town, it makes Boise a cozy place to spend the holidays or winter in general. If you want more of what to do in Boise in the winter, check out this post and this one. And if you’re here during the holidays, here is my Boise Christmas and Holiday events guide.

Boise doesn’t get as much snow as the mountains of McCall or Sun Valley, but it still can snow in the valley! Here’s everything to do in Boise if you’re visiting in the winter.

Visit the Idaho Botanical Gardens Winter Garden aGlow

The Idaho Botanical Gardens are great all year round, but in the winter, they offer a unique, family-friendly event that transforms the garden into a wonderland. Over 550,000 energy-efficient lights are hung across the garden’s 14 acres yearly. You can bundle up, grab some hot chocolate at one of the food trucks, and wander around! Book your tickets here.

Go skiing or tubing at the local ski hill, Bogus Basin

Bogus Basin is a serious winter weekend destination for Boiseans and for good reason! The ski hill, only 16 miles away, offers locals excellent downhill and cross-country skiing. It’s so accessible that many people also go after work on weekdays and enjoy night skiing on well-lit trails (Nordic and Alpine!). If you or your family members don’t ski, why not try tubing instead? With a convenient conveyor lift back to the top of the hill, you’ll have the energy to go all day.

Attend an Idaho Steelheads Hockey Game

This is one of my favorite things to do in the winter! Plus, in December, you can see the lights on the Christmas tree at the Grove Plaza on your way into the game or go ice skating in the Grove Plaza. On Wednesday nights, they have $2 beers, and they have games on most Wednesdays, Friday, and Saturday nights! The season goes all the way until April! Grab your tickets here.

View the Christmas lights

I’m also a big fan of free-light viewing and enjoy going to: 

Want more holiday events? Check out my Boise Christmas and Holiday Events guide here.

Go ice skating

There are numerous places to ice skate in Boise or nearby. I recommend checking out the brand-new Glide on Grove Plaza, a free ice skating rink in downtown Boise. You can also ice skate at The Village at Meridian and Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell. If you’d rather skate indoors, check out Idaho Ice-World

The Springs at Idaho City

are conveniently located only an hour outside of Boise, and the proximity, along with all of its amenities, have made it a popular winter weekend destination. You can spend the whole day soaking, drinking, eating, and lounging. There are also showers, towels, lockers, and a sauna in addition to a hot spring pool and an extra warm hot tub. Recently, though, I have felt it gets a bit too crowded on the weekends, so I prefer to go after work on a weekday to unwind and relax. If you want a more natural soaking experience, try Snively Hot Springs, although it isn’t always the most taken care of hot spring. Be sure to use proper hot spring etiquette! 

Check out the artistic trees at the Festival of Trees downtown

The Festival Trees is one of my favorite things to do in Boise over the holidays. It’s only one weekend, Thanksgiving weekend, but is so fun if you can get your hands on tickets! You can wander through a magical display of artistically created trees and enjoy food, arts, community, music, and holiday magic!

Catch a symphony or ballet (Nutcracker) 

I recommend checking out Boise Philharmonic, Boise Pops at the Morrison Center for the Arts, or Ballet Idaho to watch one of their festive shows, including “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and “The Nutcracker”.

Want more winter ideas? See my full Boise winter guide for holiday events, cozy activities, and snowy adventures near Boise.

Things to do in Boise in the Spring 

Spring is one of the most beautiful times to come to Boise. The weather is usually a mix between summer (80s) and fall weather (50-60s). It rains quite a bit in Boise in the spring, so this list is filled with a mixture of outdoor and indoor Boise activities because of this.

One of the best parts of spring in Boise is watching the snow melt and seeing everything start to bloom. For instance, the trees all over the city start to bloom, and the flowers bloom all throughout the foothills. It’s truly a beautiful sight to see!

What more ideas of things to do in the Spring in Boise? Check out this post.

Hike the Boise foothills during wildflower season

Spring is one of the most beautiful times to explore the Boise Foothills. Trails around Camel’s Back Park and Table Rock are full of wildflowers and amazing views of the city. Here are some of my favorites to see beautiful spring flowers.

Stroll the cute streets of Hyde Park and 13th Street

Hyde Park is one of the cutest neighborhoods in Boise and perfect for a sunny spring afternoon. Grab coffee, browse local shops, and walk over to Camel’s Back Park.

Visit the Idaho Botanical Garden

Spring is when the garden really starts to bloom. It’s a peaceful place to walk around and see seasonal flowers, plants, and trees coming back to life.

Visit a museum

Spring is a great time to go to a museum; check out one of these: 

  • Old Idaho State Penitentiary
  • Idaho History Museum
  • Idaho Black History Museum
  • Boise Art Museum
  • Discovery Center of Idaho
  • Adult Night at the Discovery Center of Idaho

Go to Treefort Music Fest

This is Boise’s biggest music festival, and it goes all week long in March. It’s one of the most fun events we have and if you happen to be here for it, I recommend going to a few shows!! See my full guide, here!

Visit the Capital City Public Market or Boise Farmers Market

Spring marks the return of Boise’s outdoor markets. Walk through local vendors, grab fresh produce, and try food from local makers.

Explore the State Capitol Building or historical Boise Depot and get views of Boise downtown

If you want to see the inside of the Idaho State Capital Building, you can walk right inside! If you want gorgeous views of downtown Boise, I recommend going up to the Boise Depot!

Go shopping

If it’s a nice day, head to the Village at Meridian for outdoor shopping or go to the Boise Town Square Mall for an old-school mall.

Visit an urban winery

Stop by some popular Boise wineries like Coiled, Split Rail, Rolling Hills, and Cinder, or go wine tasting on the Sunnyslope wine trail!

Want more spring ideas? See my full Boise spring guide for seasonal events, hikes, and local favorites.

treefort main stage

Things to Do Near Boise (Easy Day Trips)

One of the best things about visiting Boise is how much you can explore within just an hour or two. If you’re looking for things to do near Boise, these day trips are absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.

Boise works beautifully as a home base for exploring the rest of southern Idaho and if you want to explore more of Southern Idaho, check out my ideal driving itinerary

Where to Eat & Drink in Boise

Boise has a lot of great restaurants and fun nightlife! Here are a few of my all time favorite spots:

How to get around Boise

Boise is a walkable city if your aim is to mostly stay in the downtown Boise area. Otherwise, I would recommend renting a car (this is great if you want to do some Boise day trips). The other option is to take Uber or Lyft around town, which are typically readily available. Renting bikes is another great option because the Boise Greenbelt runs to many great parts of the city! There is also a bus service called Valley Ride, but it isn’t the most convenient for spending a weekend in Boise. 

Where to Stay in Boise

I highly recommend staying in downtown Boise when you visit. I used to live downtown, and it’s such a great way to see the city. Therefore, here are the best places to stay in Boise in my opinion!

Boise Airbnbs

Here are my top 10 favorite Airbnbs to rent in Boise, and most are in the downtown area or are super close by just in the North End! 

Boise Hotels

Here are my favorite places to stay in Boise and best neighborhoods!

The Avery – This is our newest boutique hotel in downtown Boise. It’s a historic hotel and is so beautiful! Plus, you have to check out the restaurant below! Get 10% off your booking with my code: ‘SPUD10’ or use this link!

The Grove Hotel – The Grove is right in the center of downtown and has great rooms and a beautiful lobby, it’s also very family-friendly. See current prices.

The Modern Hotel – This is an old motel that’s been converted into a hip modern hotel. I love their cocktails and brunch! See current prices.

Inn at 500 Capitol – This is a super unique hotel and is dog-friendly! Each room has a different, unique theme. See a review of my stay here. Or see current prices here. 

Hotel 43 – Another nice hotel with a fabulous location. See current prices.

Read More: Where to Stay in Boise: Best Neighborhoods and Hotels

Fun Day Trips from Boise

Here are some of the best day trips from Boise!

Best Time to Visit Boise

The best time to visit Boise depends on what you want to do.

Spring – Wildflowers and festivals
Summer – River floating and outdoor concerts
Fall – Perfect hiking weather and pumpkin patches
Winter – Skiing at Bogus Basin and holiday events

Here are my thoughts on the best time to visit Idaho in general!

Local Tips for Visiting Boise

After living in Boise for years, here are a few local tips that will make your visit even better:

  • Start hikes early in summer – Boise gets hot in the afternoon.
  • The Boise River float usually runs June–September, depending on water levels.
  • Boise is very bike-friendly, and renting bikes is a great way to explore the Greenbelt.
  • Spring and fall are the best seasons for hiking thanks to cooler weather.
  • Boise has a surprisingly great wine scene with our Sunnyslope Wine Trail only 45 minutes away with over a dozen wineries.
  • The weather changes quickly in spring and fall so bring layers!
  • Many Boise events happen on weekends, so if you’re planning a trip, try to visit Thursday through Sunday when most events are happening
  • Boise is a great base for day trips! It’s an easy launch point to explore nearby Idaho spots.
  • My favorite Boise activity: If I only had one afternoon in Boise, I would rent bikes, ride the Greenbelt, stop at the Boise Whitewater Park to watch surfers, and grab wine at Telaya Winery or Dude Dewalt Cellars along the river.

FAQs About Things to Do in Boise

What is Boise best known for?

Boise is known for being the capital city of Idaho, located in the southern part of the state. It’s an outdoorsy town that backs up to the Boise Foothills, with a lot of outdoor recreational activities, and the Boise River that runs through the town. It has a walkable downtown area and is home to the college, Boise State University. 

Is Boise, Idaho worth visiting?

Yes! I might be biased because I live here, but Boise is a great little city to visit. It’s manageable and slower-paced, with lots of great restaurants, bars, and outdoor recreational activities to keep you busy for a weekend!

Is there a lot to do in Boise?

Surprisingly for a smaller city, there is plenty to do in Boise and the surrounding Treasure Valley area. From snow sports to water sports to floating the river and exploring the downtown scene. There really is something for everyone. You’ll notice there aren’t a lot of “tourist attractions” in Boise, but there still is plenty to do to keep you busy!

What are the best free things to do in Boise?

The best free things to do in Boise include walking or biking the Boise River Greenbelt, exploring Freak Alley Gallery, touring the Idaho State Capitol, visiting the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, relaxing in Ann Morrison Park, and watching surfers at Boise Whitewater Park. Many of Boise’s top attractions are completely free.

Planning a Trip to Boise?

✨If you’re planning more time in Boise, I created a 75+ page Boise Travel Guide with my favorite restaurants, hikes, neighborhoods, seasonal activities, and hidden gems. It’s basically everything I recommend to friends when they visit.

  • Best restaurants in Boise
  • Local hikes and outdoor spots
  • Seasonal activities
  • Hidden gems most visitors miss
  • Easy weekend itineraries
Get the Guide >

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I’m Katie, a local Idaho blogger who is passionate about sharing my travel tips around Idaho and the rest of the world with you!

About the Author: The Traveling Spud

Welcome to the Traveling Spud! I’m Katie, a 30 something from Idaho who quit her marketing job in San Francisco, California to travel the world for a year. After a trip around the world, my heart chose Idaho. I’m addicted to outdoor adventures, photography, and inspiring others to get out of their comfort zones and cross experiences off of their bucket lists. Let’s explore together! Read more here.

Comments

4 responses to “Best Things to Do in Boise, Idaho By Season From a Local”

  1. Kay Avatar
    Kay

    This is awesome! I’m hoping to go this summer! The little day trips look really fun!

    Reply
  2. Tristan Avatar
    Tristan

    Honestly I’ve lived in Idaho my entire life and still this list gave so much insight into so many activities I have yet to try in the area. Thank you!

    Reply

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