Family Fun in Boise, ID

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Boise, Idaho is the perfect spot for a family trip, or even just a family weekend getaway during the warm months. There is a variety of things to do in Boise. It is easy to get around and it's relaxing area.

I personally enjoyed floating down the Boise river.  (Some people even surf it, but we just float!)You can park your car at Ann Morrison Park and catch a bus. For a few dollars the bus will take you up the river and drop you off at Barber Park. At the drop off point you can inflate your raft or tube. You can also rent a raft or tube here. I recommend a raft, because this river is very cold. It takes about two hours to float back down to the park. There are two small drops so you will have to hang on to your kids a few times. Don't forget life jackets!


Julie Davis Park is a great place to go bike riding or roller skating. They have paved sidewalks all along the Boise river. The Boise Zoo is also located at this park. The zoo was okay. It is no way near as good as any of the zoos you would find in Washington or Oregon.

Ivywild Pool - This is a great community pool with a fantastic area for toddlers. It is inexpensive and makes for a great day out!

• There are five other public pools in Boise. I have not tried them, but have heard good things about each of them. 

Roaring Springs Water park is located right outside of Boise to the west in Meridian, Idaho. It is a good water park and they are pretty good about adding new stuff on a regular basis.

Right next door to the water park is Boondocks Family Fun Center. The kids can putt putt and play games.

Boise's downtown area is nicely laid out and extremely clean. They have a farmer's market on Saturday mornings during parts of the year that is fun to go to.

An excellent kid friendly Italian restaurant in Boise is Gino's. They have several locations, including one in downtown.

The best Mexican food in the area that we were able to find was Rocca's in Eagle, Idaho right outside of Boise.  

A good steak house is Cottonwood Grill, but I wouldn't take the kids with you.

The hotel we enjoyed the most while we were there was the Residence Inn by Marriott by the Boise mall.