Spring is one of the best times to be in Boise. The foothills turn bright green, patios reopen, events fill the calendar, and the weather is ideal for being outside before summer heat kicks in. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Boise in spring, this is when the city really starts to wake up. In the past, I used to travel during this time of year, but as I’ve lived in Boise longer and longer, I know this is THE time to be in Boise.
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🌸 Best Things to Do in Boise in Spring
Boise in March can still feel a little unpredictable with cool mornings, occasional rain, maybe even a late snow flurry or two, but by April and May, temperatures typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s. It’s warm enough for hiking and patio dinners, but not yet hot enough to make midday outdoor plans miserable. And I know I’m focusing on March- May, but June is GORGEOUS in Boise as well. Locals, like me, know this is the sweet spot: green hills, fewer summer crowds, and just enough sunshine to spend most of the day outside.
If you’re visiting between March and June or you’re a local ready to get out of winter mode, here’s exactly what to do in Boise this spring.
Outside Spring Activities
Hike Table Rock and the Boise Foothills
Spring is prime for Table Rock and the Boise Foothills Ridge-to-Rivers hiking season. The trails are still cool enough to hike comfortably, and the foothills are green before everything turns brown in summer. Plus, in the May/June timeframe, all of the wildflowers will be blooming, and it’s so gorgeous! I recommend going early in the morning or near sunset for the best light and fewer crowds. Here are some of my favorite hikes near Boise.
Visit the MK Nature Center
This is one of the quieter spring activities in Boise and it’s especially good for families. The MK Nature Center is 4.6 acres and is full of exhibits and walking paths. The StreamWalk and Visitor Center both focus on showcasing Idaho’s wildlife and landscapes. It also provides an opportunity to see various bird species, fish and occasionally even spot deer in their natural habitat. I recommend stopping in here while you’re biking along the Boise Greenbelt.
Walk or Bike the Boise River Greenbelt
The Boise River Greenbelt is one of the best free things to do in Boise in the spring in my opinion. Cool temperatures and blooming trees make it ideal for biking, walking, or a casual afternoon outside before float season begins. Plus, you can bike along and stop in different patio wineries or breweries along the way. See my Boise River Greenbelt guide here.
Spend an Afternoon at Zoo Boise
Zoo Boise is an easy downtown option when the weather is mild and it’s great for families. Spring is one of the best times to go before peak summer crowds. It’s located inside of Julia Davis Park. They also do fun events all throughout the year, either for kids and families or adults only.
Visit the World Center for Birds of Prey
The World Center for Birds of Prey is a world-renowned center for Birds of Prey and is pretty well done! A great activity for a nicer day.
Go wine tasting on the Sunnyslope Wine Trail
Spring is a beautiful wine country season before peak summer heat. I highly recommend booking with Snake River Wine Tours for the best experience!
Enjoy Patio Season
Some of my favorite patios in the spring are:
- Bittercreek Alehouse
- Bardenay
- Sid’s Garage in Barber Station
- Acero
- Alyonka’s
- The Highlander
- Mother Earth Brewing
- Lost Grove in Hyde Park
- Telaya Winery
Visit the Idaho Botanical Garden
If you’re looking for relaxing things to do in Boise in spring, the Idaho Botanical Garden is it. Tulips and early blooms start appearing, and the cooler weather makes it pleasant to explore the grounds! It’s a great activity for families with small children as well!
Visit the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial
Take a moment to reflect at the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial. This memorial is a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect human rights. Next to the memorial, you’ll see the 8th Street Tunnel Mural, and these are both great stops along the Boise Greenbelt.
Golf at Warm Springs or Quail Hollow
Spring is prime golf season in Boise. The public courses are open, temperatures are comfortable, and it’s not quite peak summer pricing or crowds. Warm Springs also just got a nice upgrade to their golf facility, so you might want to go over and grab some lunch at the course.
Surf the Wave at Boise Whitewater Park
If river levels cooperate, spring can bring strong surf conditions on the Boise River and at The Wave at Boise Whitewater Park. This is located right off the Boise Greenbelt. Even if you’re not a surfer, it’s one of the more unique outdoor activities in Boise to just sit down and watch!
Visit the State Capitol Building or the historical Boise Depot
Spring Events & Festivals in Boise
Treefort Music Fest
Boise’s biggest music and arts festival takes over downtown every March, and it’s one of the most fun weeks in Boise, in my opinion! Even if you don’t buy a pass, the energy around town is fun, and there are plenty of smaller events happening alongside it. See my full Treefort Fest Guide here.
Idaho Shakespeare Festival
Idaho Shakespeare Festival is so fun when the weather is great in the evenings! Their performances begin in late spring at this outdoor amphitheater, and I love bringing a picnic and a blanket to watch a show. It’s one of the most unique Boise date nights! I highly recommend getting tickets early for this.
Idaho Potato Marathon
The YMCA’s Idaho Potato Marathon is a major spring race event that usually takes place in May and draws runners from all over. It’s a big deal locally and takes over parts of downtown for the weekend.
First Thursday
Every first Thursday of the month, downtown businesses stay open late with specials and events. It’s a simple way to experience local Boise culture in spring.
Browse the Boise Farmers Market
Spring means farmers’ market season is back in Boise! The Boise Farmers Market focuses on local food and Idaho-grown products, and we also have the Capital City Public Market, which has a broader mix of food, art, and handmade goods. Both are on Saturday, and once the weather warms up, they are some of the easiest spring activities in Boise to add to your list!
Race Robie Creek
This spring race is a Boise classic that takes place in April. It’s known as one of the toughest half marathons and relays in the country! As a Boise local, I know TONS of people who have participated in this race over the years.
Outlaw Field Outdoor Music Series
Outlaw Field Music Series is one of my favorite things about summer in Boise, but the first concerts always start in May, so you can enjoy them in spring as well! They are a summer music series held at the Idaho Botanical Garden on Outlaw Field near the Old Idaho Penitentiary.
Indoor Activities for Rainy Spring Days
Spring weather in Boise can change quickly, so here’s what to do when it does!
Check out a Museum
Here are some of my favorites that I always recommend to people!
- Discovery Center of Idaho – Interactive and family-friendly, this is a solid backup plan for a chilly or rainy day.
- Basque Museum – Boise has one of the largest Basque communities in the U.S., and this museum is a great way to learn why.
- Idaho Black History Museum – Small but impactful, this museum highlights important Idaho history that often goes overlooked.
- Boise Art Museum – Right in Julia Davis Park, it’s easy to pair with a walk outside once the weather clears.
- Idaho State Museum – If you want a broader understanding of Idaho history, this is your spot.
- Idaho State Capitol – Free to enter and surprisingly interesting. Spring is a great time to walk around downtown afterward.
Visit the Old Idaho Penitentiary
The Old Idaho Penitentiary is one of the most unique historical sites in Boise and an easy addition to your spring itinerary. It’s located near the Table Rock trailhead so you can do both of these together since they are right next to one another. This is a former prison that was open from 1872 to 1973 and you get to walk through cell blocks, solitary confinement, and the old yard. Spring is a great time to visit before summer heat makes exploring the grounds less comfortable.
Go to an Idaho Steelheads Hockey Game
The season runs into spring, and games are always a fun way to spend an evening downtown.
Play mini-golf at Wahooz or Top Golf
Visit an Urban Winery
Spring Date Night Ideas & Day Trips
Season + Taste Cooking School
Season + Taste is the perfect activity for a unique indoor experience. It would be great for a date night, bachelorette party or small group!
Visit a Hot Spring
Spring is arguably the best time for hot springs! Cool air, warm water, and fewer summer crowds. Just remember to keep this hot spring etiquette in mind.
Hike to Jump Creek Falls
This is a relatively easy hike with a waterfall payoff! I think this is best done in spring/early summer before temps climb.
Day Trip to Shoshone Falls & Twin Falls
Spring runoff makes this waterfall especially dramatic. Here’s my Twin Falls guide.
Bogus Basin (Spring Skiing or Hiking)
Early spring often still means skiing at Bogus Basin, while late spring transitions into hiking. It’s one of the best ways to get mountain views without going far. Here’s my Bogus Basin guide!
Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Boise in Spring
If you’re visiting Boise with kids (or just trying to survive spring break), here are some easy options:
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Leap Years – Large Montessori-inspired indoor playground with multiple locations that’s perfect for rainy spring days when the weather flips.
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Jabbers – Indoor play space with climbing structures and a large area for kids to burn off energy.
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Planet Kid – Another go-to indoor option when you need contained chaos.
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Café & Play or Magpie Play Cafe– Great for younger kids and parents who want coffee while the kids play.
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Boise Public Library Programming – Spring storytimes, craft events, and free kid-friendly activities throughout the week.
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Splash Pads (When They Open) – As temps warm up in late spring, splash pads around town start turning on — Ann Morrison Park and Settlers Park are popular spots.
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Neighborhood Parks – Camel’s Back Park, Ann Morrison Park, and Esther Simplot Park are especially good in spring before summer crowds hit.
Local Tip:
Spring in Boise can swing from sunny and 70 to rainy and chilly. Having a mix of indoor and outdoor kid-friendly options makes planning much easier.
FAQ
When is spring in Boise?
March through May/June-ish.
Is Boise good to visit in April?
Yes! There are fewer crowds, mild temps, green foothills and flowers start to bloom.
What is the weather like in Boise in spring?
Expect 50–70°F, cool mornings, warm afternoons, and occasional rain.
Is Boise crowded in spring?
Not usually. Spring is considered shoulder season in Boise, which means fewer tourists than summer, but honestly we don’t get a TON of tourists, so I wouldn’t worry about that.
Can you still ski in Boise in spring?
Yes! Bogus Basin often stays open into early spring, depending on snow conditions. March is typically still ski season, and late April transitions into hiking season.
Are the Boise foothills green in spring?
Yes, and this is the only time of year they look that way because summertime they turn brown with the heat!
What should I pack for Boise in spring?
Layers! Mornings can be chilly, afternoons warm, and evenings cool again. Comfortable walking shoes are a must if you’re planning hikes or exploring downtown. Here’s what to wear in Idaho in all seasons.
Are Boise farmers’ markets open in the spring?
Yes. Our Boise Farmers’ Market opens early April!
Is Boise a good spring break destination?
I think so! First of all, it’s VERY family-friendly. All of my friends with kids who have visited have said so. I have a baby, but there are tons to do with her as well. It’s also a great place to visit if you enjoy outdoor activities, hiking, food, and smaller crowds than in major tourist cities.
✨ Want even more local favorites? My full 75-page Boise Guide includes hidden gems, seasonal events, restaurants, and neighborhood breakdowns.
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