Free And Cheap Things To Do In Boise Idaho
Whether you are looking for inspiration for great days out with kids in Boise Idaho on a budget or you are staying longer in Boise Idaho on a Boise Idaho staycation, weve come up with a list of over 20 of our favourite free things to do with kids in Boise Idaho.
Wander around the parks or be fascinated by some of the citys most famous museums additionally, you can visit free churches, view free street art and photograph classic Boise Idaho icons. Whether youre looking for something historic or more contemporary, these are the top places to visit in Boise Idaho for free!
Thats why Ive put together this bumper list of free things in Boise Idaho cool places to visit and things to do that wont cost you a single penny. Knock yourself out.
Add these free things to do in Boise Idaho to your itinerary, so you can spend less money on sightseeing and spend more money on shopping in Soho !
Small Town Charm In Sandpoint
Famous for its lake views and mountain vistas, Sandpoint, Idaho, is a boon for outdoorsy adventurers and creative artsy types. You could spend a day at City Beach admiring Lake Pend Oreille and then stroll through downtown for its art galleries and locally-owned clothing shops. Or you could easily spend a week skiing or hiking Schweitzer Mountain and diving deeper into what has been dubbed by USA Today as the most beautiful small town in America.
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Idaho Family Vacations: Slide Swim And Squeal
Silverwood Theme Park provides a range of outdoor options for any kind of family, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Idaho. With nine thrill rides, including SpinCycle, Silverwood is sure to fulfill the thrill seekers need for speed.
There are also 12 rides designed with the whole family in mind, as well as nine rides for those who prefer a gentler park experience or children under 48 inches.
In addition to the thrills on land, Silverwood Theme Park also is home to Boulder Beach Water Park. At Boulder Beach, families can allow older and braver kids to travel down Ricochet Rapids or Avalanche Mountain, while the littler set plays at Toddler Springs.
Generally open from May-October, Silverwood Theme Park is a great addition to any Idaho family vacation.
More water parks around Idaho: Lava Hot Springs Olympic Swimming Complex & Water Park in Lava Hot Springs, Roaring Springs Water Park in Meridian, Triple Play Family Fun Park and Raptor Reef in Hayden.
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Things To Do On Rainy Day In Idaho
Looking for things to do when its raining in Idaho? When the weather takes a turn for the worse, your plans may need to change quite suddenly. But not to worry, backpackers. Theres a million and one things to do indoors in fun-packed Idaho. Weve picked out the best places to head to on a rainy day in the Big Smoke, mainly near to our St Christophers hostels. Think indoor mini golf, cheap eats, quirky cafes, old school cinemas and way more
Idaho and rainy days are a famous combo, but dont let a little downpour rain on your parade! Luckily there are loads of different activities and sights to check out even when its not glorious sunshine! Weve come up with different things to do in the city in a downpour. So, hop-on a Tootbus Idaho tour and take your pick out of our 40 city hotspots.
Stay In A Lakeside Treehouse
Fulfill your childhood fantasies of having your own treehouse by staying at a three-story treehouse overlooking Lake Pend Oreille. This stunning property in Sandpoint, Idaho, has its own dock and is a short drive to downtown Sandpoint. The treehouse is best suited for couples looking for a whimsical, romantic getaway. This popular Airbnb is often booked out for months in advance, so if you see an open spot, grab it while you can.
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Boise Family Activities 10 Pin Bowling In Boise
If youre looking for a bit of fun, friendly family competition in Boise then 10-pin bowling might be just the family activity in Boise for you and teen travellers. You can go 10-pin bowling in Boise at a number of different locations in the city centre and 10-pin bowling has to be one of the best family-friendly things to do in Boise with teenagers on your family vacation.
These days a lot of bowling alleys serve food and drinks along with having arcade games etc. Below is a list of some high-rated 10-pin bowling alleys in Boise.
Emerald LanesWestys Garden Lanes
Things To Do At Night In Idaho Click Here
Looking for some ideas for your night out in Idaho? The city comes alive after dark and you dont want to miss seeing its streets lit up in all their twinkling glory. Whether youre visiting Idaho for a few days or a Idahoer looking for new ideas, here are our favourite things to do in Idaho at night. We have also included safety tips and night transport information.
It surprises us that not many people view Idaho as a nighttime city. At first glance, it can seem as if all the fun things to do in the city happen during daylight hours but that would be completely wrong.
But where to go? Explore the many fun things to do in Idaho at night from sleepovers in museums to spectacular views from iconic buildings. This handy guide has your back.
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Kayak Or Paddle Board To Shoshone Falls
To top off our summer bucket list, we had to include one of the most epic adventures to datepaddling to Shoshone Falls! When we saw photos of people paddle boarding and kayaking to these 212-foot tall falls , we just had to do it! This is definitely an all-day adventure as the trek up the Snake River is 4 miles to Shoshone Falls , but do-able with kids if you plan accordingly and have the proper equipment.
You can bring your own gear or rent it from AWOL Adventure Sports, which is located on the Snake River at Centennial Park. Paddle under the famous Perrine Bridge and continue to Pillar Falls where you can get out, have lunch and swim around. Most people just go to Pillar Falls and back , but if you decide to go all the way to Shoshone Falls, you will need to take your paddle boards and kayaks out and walk them around Pillar Falls before getting back into the river and continuing on. Once you reach Shoshone Falls, there are places you can get on some large rocks.
Tips for visiting:
- Bring a dry bag or two , to put your water, food and camera in.
- Make sure to bring sunscreen since you are on the water and exposed to the sun all day.
- Plan for extra time to stop along the way and let the kids swim. The water feels good on a hot summer day and it makes it more fun for them!
All images, including feature image, are credited to Christina McEvoy.
Make A Pit Stop At The Abandoned Bayhorse Ghost Town
Thousands of people once flocked to Idaho in search of gold, hoping to make it rich. You can explore these former booming mining towns which are now called ghost towns and explore their unique Wild West history, tour their history museums, and even try your hand at panning for gold! If you only have time for one, a visit to Bayhorse Ghost Town is a must.
Bayhorse is located near the Salmon River and was once a hotspot for miners collecting gold and silver. The town dates back to the 1870s and was abandoned when operations ceased in 1915. The tiny town of Bayhorse was home to 300 people at the height of its popularity!
Its one of the best-preserved ghost towns in Idaho and features interesting sights, including charcoal kilns, cabins, a cemetery, and a saloon. But be sure to pay a visit to the Salisbury Stamp Mill, the most intact structure in town. This historic landmark was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976!
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Where To Stay In South Central Idaho:
Twin Falls is definitely a great home base to explore South Central Idaho. Here are a few options in town:
For some more authentic lodging near Thousand Island State Park, its worth looking at:
- 1,000 Springs Riverhouse
There are not many lodging options near Craters of the Moon National Monument, but there is a great KOA in Arco.
Morley Nelson Snake River Birds Of Prey Area
Murphy, ID 83650 384-3300 | Website
Bring your binoculars, pack a picnic, and drive 20 minutes south of Boise to spend the day in the home of the highest concentration of nesting raptors in North America. Kids will be in awe of the roughly 800 pairs of hawks, owls, eagles and falcons that journey to the 484,000-acre conservation site each spring to mate and raise their young.
334-2844 | Website
Many parents fantasize about sending their kids to solitary confinement for a few hours, but only at the Old Idaho Penitentiary site can families experience that and more. The Old Pen, which opened its doors in 1872, now offers tours of its 30 historic buildings including cell blocks, gallows, and solitary. It also features a collection of historic weaponry and in-depth profiles of some of its most famous, and fascinating, inmates.
Courtesy of the Old Idaho Penitentiary
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Places Of Interest In Idaho: Sacajawea Historic Byway
The best way to enjoy scenic Sacajawea Historic Byway drive is by starting at the fascinating Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural and Education Center in the city of Salmon, Idaho. You can learn about Sacajawea, an Agai Dika Lemhi Shoshone woman, who was an interpreter for Lewis and Clark, and helped the expedition find the Salmon River.
The byway starts in Salmon, on Idaho 28 going southwest for 120 miles to exit 143. It then follows Idaho 33 for 12 miles until the intersection of Interstate 15 and Idaho 33. The whole byway is about 132 miles long and will take you about two and half hours, without stops. Along the way you will find fossils of the Pleistocene lion, extinct for thousands of years, fantastic Native American rock art, and legacies of the Lemhi-Shoshone people. You will pass through Gilmore, a ghost town of an abandoned mining settlement and you will enjoy spectacular scenery wherever you look.
You are reading “25 Best Things to Do in Idaho” Back to Top or Amazing things to do around me & More pictures of fun cheap vacation spots
Best Things To Do With Teenagers In Boise
Planning a trip to Boise with teens is made easy with our epic guide on activities in Boise for families. Use our expert travel with teens knowledge to plan the very best Boise itinerary to make your United States holiday a family travel adventure to remember. Make Boise one of the best vacation spots for teens in the US and see all the best things to do in Boise with teenagers.
Now that you have your arrival in Boise with teenagers and family accommodation information all sorted, what are the best things do to with teenagers in Boise when you have unpacked your suitcases?
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Route Of The Hiawatha
The route of the Hiawatha is one of the top Northern Idaho attractions. The 15 mile Hiawatha bike trail near Wallace, Idaho might seem like its best left to serious bikers, but in actuality, its one of the most tourist-friendly things to do in North Idaho. For one, you can easily rent bikes from Lookout Pass or e-bikes from Smokehouse E-Bike Rentals. Secondly, its all downhill!! Thats right, the 15-mile bike ride takes you on a downhill journey through the scenic Bitterroot Mountains and includes biking through pitch dark train tunnels and sky-high trestles. Youll want to be sure to have headlamps and warm clothing that you dont mind getting a little muddy. The best partif you dont want to go back uphill, theres a shuttle that will take you and your bike back to the top. Its a fantastic choice for adventurous travelers and families. The trail is typically open from May to September.
Shoshone Falls Things To Do Around Boise
Shoshone Falls is one of the most scenic day trips from Boise. The destination is 2 hours 5 minutes from Boise, Idaho. via the 1-84 east highway. Shoshone Falls is locally called the Niagara of the West and its easy to see why when you visit. The falls in central Idaho is 212 feet tall, 45 feet making them higher than Niagara Falls.
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Hit The Slopes At Sun Valley Resort
Winter sports enthusiasts will most likely already have Sun Valley Resort at the top of their Idaho bucket list. Not many resorts can compete with its rich history. It is actually the first destination ski resort in the US and it is where the idea of the ski vacation was born!
Located in southern Idaho and surro unded by Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain, it attracts skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts from around the world who want to take advantage of its world-class facilities. There are 2,000 acres of skiable terrain here, including 65 named runs, 13 chairlifts, and a gondola.
If you love winter sports and want to try something new, head to the Nordic Center to check out the cross-country skiers and snowshoers. Adrenaline-seekers can also test their bravery with heli-skiing, while kids will love the outdoor ice skating rink.
In the summer, the resort offers a wealth of outdoor recreation. In addition to its scenic hikes, mountain biking, swimming, and golfing are available. There are also plenty of on-site dining options available, from family-friendly options to fine dining.
If youre a fan of Ernest Hemingway, make sure to book an overnight stay at the Sun Valley Lodge. Not only does it offer a long list of luxe amenities, but it was an old haunt of his!
Free Things To Do In Boise With Teens
Boise offers some of the best free things to do with your teenage family members. These free Boise activities are perfect for keeping everyone happy and entertained without having to spend any money. There are also plenty of affordable restaurants and shops where you can shop for souvenirs without breaking the bank. Some of our recommendations for free family activities in Boise are as follows.
- Capital City Public Market
- Boise Train Depot
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Things To Do In Boise At Night Cinemas
A perennial favourite with teenagers in Boise, whether visiting or residents is the cinema. Boise like any state capital has a number of cinemas to choose from. Cinema buffs will be delighted to know that Boise is home to Idahos only Imax theatre. Below you will find a list of the best cinemas in Boise if you are looking for things to do indoors in Boise.
- The Regal chain of cinemas has numerous locations in Boise for movie lovers. The Cinemas are new and comfortable for your movie experience. Search screening times today!
Relax In One Of The Hot Pools At Lava Hot Springs
The town of Lava Hot Spring became famous for its hot spring sources . Located just a few blocks away from the city center are the hot springs.
The Lava Hot Springs facility offers five outdoor pools each holding a different natural water temperature, ranging from 102 F to 112 F. With little kids, its better to stay in the coolest of the pools as the temperature of the other ones may be too hot for their little bodies.
The site is incredibly beautiful and family-friendly. And while its a commercial hot spring, they did a good job at using natural material. If time allows, make sure to walk on the little hiking trails above the hot springs. The view is great.
If you are traveling with older kids, you might also want to rent some tubes and go down the river.
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Smoky Mountain Pizzeria Grill
Another Idaho born-and-raised restaurant chain, the Smoky Mountain Pizzeria Grill feeds families across the state.
With a friendly atmosphere and meals that will satisfy kids and adults, alike, its no wonder that Smoky Mountain is among Boises best family restaurants.
Make sure to check their website for specialsthroughout the year, you can find special kids-eat-free days and special events.
Why Should You Plan A Family Vacation In Idaho
If I am perfectly honest here, before planning our western USA road trip, I knew there was a state called Idaho, but that we pretty much it. It wasnt a destination that was necessarily on our bucket list, but now we are planning to visit again next summer.
There are many reasons why Idaho is perfect for a family vacation, but here are a few:
- Youll get to chase a lot of waterfalls
- Youll learn about volcanic fields and discover lava tube caves
- Youll enjoy warm hot spring pools
- Youll meet friendly people.
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