Boise Family Attractions: Top Things to Do With Kids

As Idaho’s state capital, Boise bustles with fun-filled activities and friendly vibes. The city consistently ranks among the best places to live, however Boise is growing into one of the liveliest vacation destinations in Idaho – especially for families. Keep reading to learn why, and find the top Boise family attractions both kids and parents love.

8 Boise Family Attractions to Keep Kids Active and Entertained

Aquarium of Boise

As a top among Boise family attractions, Aquarium of Boise cares for 250 species of animals and marine life. In addition, guests enjoy learning about conservation and animal awareness.

Expect to see large exhibit areas that provide a home to sharks, puffer fish, sting rays, reptiles and tortoises. Other crowd favorites include the Amazon, Amazing Angels, shark nursery and bird aviary. Don’t forget to stop by tidal pools and search for sea urchins, star fish, and Spanish lobster. Visitors also enjoy interactive activities.

Discovery Center of Idaho

Let kids explore the world at Discovery Center of Idaho, the state’s only hands-on science center. The attraction provides interactive learning with over 150 exhibits that focus on science, technology, engineering and math.

Discovery Center of Idaho houses both permanent and temporary exhibits, and encourages all ages to learn in fun ways. Permanent exhibits feature wheels, balloons, blocks and pullies. Other examples offer new takes on classics. While all ages are welcome, children 12 and younger must be accompanied by someone 16 and older.

Zoo Boise

Zoo Boise ranks among the top Boise family attractions for its exhibits, focus on conservation and up-close encounters. The zoo houses over 300 animals representing 100-plus species, and welcomes 350,000 guests a year to downtown Boise.

At Zoo Boise, visitors have access to eight areas such as African plains, small animal kingdom, South American loop, and a zoo farm. While roaming, see giraffes, monkeys, zebras, exotic cats, reptiles, birds, penguins and dozens more. Special attractions include butterflies in bloom, animal encounters, a petting zoo and conservation cruise via solar-powered boats.

Boise Art Museum

For over 80 years, Boise Art Museum has showcased collections and hosted programs that appreciate visual art. The museum features both indoor and outdoor exhibits, as well as has classes for various age groups.

Browse permanent collections and temporary exhibits. The museum’s permanent collection has 4,000 pieces of art from America, Northwest U.S., Europe, Native American, Australia and Asia. Traveling exhibits showcase talented artists from around the world in different mediums. In addition, Boise Art Museum offers classes for adults and children, and hosts events year-round.

Boise River Greenbelt

Active families can’t get enough of Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile park with pedestrian paths, wildlife and access to other parks. Many visitors consider Boise River Greenbelt a natural escape from the bustle of busy city life.

Popular activities on the greenbelt include birding, fishing, bicycling and walking. Electric bicycles are welcome, however must not exceed more than 28 miles per hour. Additionally, Boise River Greenbelt features water views, area dams, bridges, and lots of wildlife.

Altitude Trampoline Park

For indoor fun, head to Altitude Trampoline Park Boise. This favorite among the top Boise family attractions welcomes everyone to bounce and jump in a safe environment.

More than 30,000-square-feet of indoor trampolines, a stunt bag, trapeze swing, beams, monkey bars, rock wall and other attractions provide hours of action-packed fun. Visitors are welcome to try new stunts, or challenge friends and family to games such as extreme dodgeball or trampoline basketball. Altitude Trampoline Park Boise suits all ages with a main court and kids court.

Meridian Speedway

In nearby Meridian – located 11 miles from downtown Boise – Meridian Speedway provides thrills and action-packed racing. Events occur from spring to fall weather permitting. Events range from kids races and smashing derbies to NASCAR-style racing, monster trucks, and dragsters.

Bodies in Motion

Another hot spot for indoor action is Bodies In Motion. This facility offers kids an indoor play structure and place for parents to enjoy coffee and free WiFi. Bodies In Motion has four huge slides, imagination stations, costume corners and interactive exhibits. Staff will also supervise children, so parents can run an errand while kids play and make new friends.

In addition to open play, Bodies In Motion hosts kid and adult marital arts, fitness classes, Ninja Warrior training, a ropes course and ax throwing.

Want to ski with loved ones? Read these Sun Valley ski tips for families. Then read why Boise is a top vacation destination.