Community Activities for Youth and Families
Click the below links for recommended youth and family community activities
Boise City Department of Arts and History – The Department of Arts and History invites you to experience downtown Boise’s public art through informative walking tours. Cost: Free
Boise Depot – Take a photo from atop the bell tower at the Boise Depot! The former Union Pacific train station is open to the public. Tour the Great Hall, learn about the building’s colorful history and pick up a free coloring page with games, puzzles and train facts for kids. The historic Boise Depot is one of the city’s most photographed sites. Cost: Free
Boise River Greenbelt– The 23-mile greenbelt is a favorite destination for walking, biking, or jogging. Enjoy the serenity of the natural area along the Bethine Church River Trail, a gravel section of pathway in Southeast Boise that is open only to hikers. Interpretive signs will help you learn about birds along the Boise River. Click on the link for a map. Cost: Free
Boise WaterShed Environmental Education Center – Located near the Boise River, the Boise WaterShed is Idaho’s first education center dedicated to the preservation and conservation of water. The family-friendly facility features an array of high tech, hands-on exhibits designed to give visitors of all ages a fun and educational experience. Visitors can take a classroom lesson, tour to the river, tour the exhibit hall, or spend a whole afternoon doing all the above. Cost: Free
Boise Public Library – Use a computer or check out a book or movie at one of Boise’s neighborhood libraries. Programs and activities include school-age and teen programs, computer classes and book groups. Cost: Free
Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County – Since February 1997, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County have provided fun and engaging after schools and summer programs to thousands of youth. With facilities strategically located throughout the community, the Boys & Girls Clubs offer a unique array of services not available elsewhere in the community. The Club offers kids a fun and inviting atmosphere and access to a broad range of programs. The Boys & Girls Club utilizes programs and activities as tools to encourage kids to develop strong relationships with adult role models in order to positively transform young lives.
City of Boise Parks & Recreation – Kids in elementary school and junior high can stay busy at free open gym sessions at nine Boise schools. Boise Parks & Recreation provides supervision. Additional activities, classes and sports are available. Cost: Both Free and Fee
City of Meridian Parks & Recreation – A multitude of extra-curricular activities are available for youth, teens, and adults. Cost: Fees vary. Scholarships available.
Family and Kids Activities in Boise (Scout Me) – This link takes you to an extensive list of activities and things to do for kids and families in the Boise area.
Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center – Science comes alive for students and other visitors to the Foothills Learning Center. Operated by the Boise Parks & Recreation Department, the Foothills Learning center focuses on education and information about the Boise foothills and the surrounding high-desert environment. Instructors offer free hands-on family programs. The programs are open to all ages; no preregistration is required. Or take a stroll on the nature trail, and you can learn about plants, geology and animals in this beautiful area. Cost: Free
Police Activity League (PAL) – PAL serves Meridian and surrounding communities with a variety of programs. Sports programs offered include baseball, basketball, flag and tackle football, recreational, select and competitive club soccer, as well as an affiliate karate program. Cost: Fees vary. Scholarships available.
Ridge to Rivers Trails – If you like to hike, walk your dog, mountain bike, or horseback ride, they’ve got the trail for you! More than 125 miles of trails traverse a variety of terrain in the city and the mountains. Cost: Free
Treasure Valley Parents Guide – Your ultimate family resource serving Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Kuna, and Star!
YMCA Youth Programs – Youth and Teen Programs at the Treasure Valley Y offer a wide variety of activities that center around helping school-aged kids grow in spirit, mind, and body.
Zoo Boise– Zoo Boise is home to giraffes, Magellanic penguins, a Komodo dragon and many other fascinating animals. Located in Julia Davis Park, Zoo Boise is open year round. Thursday is a discount day.