City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More
Featured Image

Featured Article

Things to Do in Boise 

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BOISE LIFE + CULTURE

Article by City Lifestyle

Photography by Stock Images

There are countless action-packed and adventurous things to do in Boise! 

Families from all over the country make their way to Boise every year to enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes and exciting activities around. 

There are also romantic getaways, partying hotspots for adults, and more than enough educational entertainment to keep your kids happy for days on end. 

Let’s dig into the most fun you can have in Boise! 

Fun Things to Do on Your First Day in Boise

When you first show up in Boise looking for fun things to do, you’re going to want to start with some of the best sights in town. The Boise River Greenbelt and Idaho Botanical Garden will start off any trip with an appreciation for just how beautiful this part of the country still is. 

If you’re looking for something a little further from the great outdoors, you can come into town for the Boise Shakespeare Festival where fans of the Bard put on his classic plays, read poetry, and celebrate the ongoing cultural impact of one of the greatest writers of all time. 

If you’ve shown up to Boise with the whole family in tow, you’ll find that this city is a wonderland for young children! 

Engaging Things to Do in Boise With Kids

When you start looking for things to do in Boise with kids, you want to find activities that give everyone from toddlers to teens memories they can cherish forever. 

Finding these things to do in Boise is all about knowing what activities your children will be most into. 

For the young outdoor enthusiasts, you can take your children to Zoo Boise to see an exciting variety of animals, experience the programs the zoo has to offer, and maybe even get to encounter a giraffe! 

The Discovery Center of Idaho offers a scientific blast for kids of all ages. No matter how young, or how old, your kids are, they will get a blast out of the technology on hand at the Discovery Center. 

Adults who come to Boise can find a lot to do when the kids are away.   

Adult Things to Do in Boise For Every Interest 

The search for adult things to do in Boise has gotten easier than ever. 

This city is now packed with adventurous activities that can suit every taste. Whether you are looking to hit the club or you want to get active, there are things to do here for you. 

Boise is home to a thriving local music scene. Adults who are looking to dance the night away can stroll through downtown to find any number of music venues with live local talent. 

Boise is also a well known physically active city. The hiking trails around Boise and wide open nature centers are perfect for adults looking to get outdoors. You can even try your hand at one of the city’s rock climbing gyms! 

Having a fun vacation in Boise doesn't mean breaking the bank. 

Make the Most Out of Boise’s Free and Cheap Things to Do 

You don’t have to go broke to have a blast in Boise. There are tons of free and cheap things to do in Boise for people of all ages! 

You can start your inexpensive adventure at the historic Boise Train Depot. Adults and kids will enjoy this exploration of local railway history as well as get the chance to see a real steam train! 

Boise is a city defined by its parks. You can get outdoors and explore the parks in Boise as well as the historical monuments like the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial or the Julia Davis Park

If you’re on the search for something a little more trendy, Boise is still the place for you. 

Cool and Unique Things to Do 

Looking for unique things to do in Boise? Why not start your search downtown with Boise’s thriving art scene. 

These cool art studios let you get a sneak peak at the artists who are breaking new ground in this Idaho city. The Freak Alley Gallery boasts the city’s most unique artists as well as street murals in downtown Boise that change every few years. 

Your stay in Boise is probably going to start downtown. Why not start your fun there as well? 

What are the Best Things to Do in Downtown

Boise is all about downtown life. 

Most of the action is centered around the things to do in downtown Boise. You’ll find everything from the local zoo to the hottest restaurants in the downtown area. 

Since Boise is the capital city of Idaho, you’re going to love the historic sights you’ll find downtown. If you hop on the trolley, you can even take a tour of these historic neighborhoods. 

While you’re downtown, you can travel to the Boise capitol building to learn more about this state’s history of adventure. 

The fun really comes to life at night in Boise. 

Action-Packed Things to Do in Boise at Night

Downtown is packed with things to do in Boise at night. 

Whether you are looking for an adult way to unwind after a hard day or you are looking for some late night fun for the whole family, you can find plenty to do in this city. 

Boise has a thriving scene when it comes to dancing. Adults can find 21 and over clubs all over the downtown area. You can even stop into an icon of the local area Humpin’ Hannah’s for drinks and dancing. Don’t let the name fool you; this has been a locally owned hotspot for Boise’s nightlife for years. 

If you’ve got the kids in tow, Boise features arcades, after hours events at local museums, and public festivals to go late into the evening. 

There’s no better place than Boise to show that special someone a good time. 

The Most Romantic Things to Do in Boise

Embrace the wild side of this city and start your search for romantic things to do in Boise at the World Center for Birds of Prey. 

Along with other nature-based activities, this is one of Boise’s perfect getaways for couples who want to make some memories together. You and your special someone can get up close and personal with California Condors and see some of the most majestic birds to ever live in person! 

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, head to Boise's top-secret neighborhood, the North End. 

This neighborhood is off the beaten path and features some of Boise’s best-kept secrets including antique stores, mom and pop dining, and trendy drinking establishments. 

Rain or shine, you’ll find it all in Boise. 

Indoor or Outdoor Things to Do No Matter What the Weather Is 

Finding indoor or outdoor things to do is easier in Boise than just about anywhere else. 

If you want to get out of the cold, head into any of the museums that seem to spring up in the downtown area. You’ll find everything from cutting edge science to the history of the immigrant communities that built this city on display at these cultural centers. 

The outdoor adventurer in your group will fall in love with Boise. Bogus Mountain may have a name that seems a little out there today, but this majestic piece of the natural landscape is truly a sight to behold. 

If you’ve brought your pup along with you, you bet you can still find things to do in Boise. 

Take Your Pup to These Things to Do in Boise With Dogs

Dog friendly activities are all over Boise. From the dog friendly hotels to countless parks, you and your pup will find things to do in Boise with dogs that will leave you both feeling happy. 

If you are looking for dog-friendly fun and want to save some cash, the parks around Boise are a cheap choice for fun with your dog. 

You can also stop into a few of the local breweries for a dog-friendly good time. These breweries allow dogs on leashes in the tap room and their bear gardens. 

Take a stroll through the outdoor markets in downtown Boise and maybe you can find a special treat for your dog. 

What Are Your Favorite Things to Do in Boise?

What are your activities in Boise? 

This city offers a little something for everyone. Whether you’ve brought the entire family or you are looking for a rustic romantic getaway, you’ll come to call Boise your home away from home!

Businesses featured in this article