10 Fun Things to Do In Boise 💎

Boise is the state capitol of Idaho and it has a ton of great activities and venues that you and your family can enjoy. But it can be tough to know what to do for fun in Boise since the whole state just gets stereotyped as one big potato farm. But that’s not really an accurate assessment of what the city is like. Boise is known as The City of Trees because of it’s incredible natural beauty. But on top of that the city is also a growing hub of culture and entertainment with something to offer for everyone! 

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And if you are out exploring Boise anytime soon you should consider using one of our convenient digital GiftYa gift cards. These cards are great because they are so easy to use and keep track of. Since they exist in an all digital format you can access them anytime from your phone or from a computer. And the devices even handle all the math for you so you never have to worry about forgetting your balance or losing the card. If you want to learn more be sure to check out the video on this page!

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But that’s enough with the introduction I think. Let’s go ahead and get right to that list of amazing things to do the next time you are out exploring Boise Idaho!

1 - Sids Garage

The Best Burgers and Brews You Can Find In Boise

📍 3525 E Longwing Ln | Downtown | www.sidsgarage.com

If you are just looking for a simple night out on the town in a relaxing at atmosphere with some great beer and amazing food then look no further than Sid's Garage. It’s one of the most highly rated restaurants in Boise by locals and travelers alike so I am sure they won’t leave you disappointed. And while they might be best known for their mouthwatering burgers they also have plenty of other great pub style food like hot chicken sandwiches, loaded fries, and incredible milkshakes. And on top of that they have some of the coldest beer in the city so I am sure you can have an incredible evening at Sids Garage

“had a bit of a wait on Sunday lunchtime, but wasn't too long! The two host were very kind and sat us quickly for a party of 6. Love the fun vibes throughout the restaurant! Food came out extremely quick and hot! Love how fresh the fries were and burgers were well cooked and juicy! Didn't get to try the shakes but looked great, for next time.” - Yelp Review 

2 - Freak Alley

Check Out the Best Display of Local Artists in the City!!!

📍 210 N 9th St | Downtown | www.freakalleyboise.com

Freak Alley is one of the most interesting displays by local artists that I have ever been to in my life. Across several buildings and through the alleyway amazing graffiti artists come and show off their incredible skills and talent. And the cool thing is that Freak Alley is always changing as new artists come in and showcase what they can do each summer. So this is an absolute must-see if you are in Boise looking for arts or culture!

“Loved the murals in the alley. I wish there was less graffiti, but it doesn't ruin the art. I've attached a few of my favorites. There are a few different art styles and something for all ages.

The toads and squirrel art can be found closer to the east end, closer to the street with restaurants. The breaking Boise can found closer to the west end in a parking lot.” - Yelp Review 

3 - Boise River Greenbelt

Soak in All the Natural Beauty That Boise Has to Offer

📍 700 S Capitol Blvd | Boise | www.cityofboise.org/parks/boise-greenbelt

If you want to spend the day soaking up Bopise’s natural beauty then the Greenbelt is going to be just the place for you. Not only are there plenty of great areas to hike and walk around in nature, you also have incredibly easy access to the Boise river if you are interested in checking it out

“Took a nice walk on the green belt. Beautiful views, appreciating nature and just feeling peace and tranquility and enjoy the fresh air. Boise is a beautiful town. I recommend you visit this place.” - Yelp Review 

4 - Idaho State Capitol Building

Enjoy Some Time At the Beautiful State Capitol

📍 700 W Jefferson St | Boise | capitolcommission.idaho.gov

If you already made it all the way to Boise you might as well stop and check out the historic state capitol building. The capitol dome rises 200 feet above the Boise skyline and the building itself has been there for over 100 years!

“The Idaho State Capitol is a beautiful historic building. It is well worth a visit and to walk around the grounds. The building is open for self-guided tours and it is free to walk through. Public restrooms available inside and there is a gift shop on the basement level. Photographs are ok inside and out and this makes a beautiful backdrop for some lovely pictures.” - Yelp Review 

5 - Old Idaho Penitentiary

An Amazing Piece of Idaho’s History That’s Open to the Public

📍 2445 Old Penitentiary Rd | Boise |  history.idaho.gov/oldpen

An absolutely incredibly historic tour that you can go on next time you are in Boise. The Old Idaho Penitentiary operated from 1872 to 1973 and housed over 13,000 inmates during its 101-year history. Originally built as a single-cell house, it expanded into a large complex with cell blocks, a chapel, and solitary confinement areas. Known for its harsh conditions, riots, and executions, the prison reflected the evolution of criminal justice in the American West and you can learn so much about the frontier and what life was like at the time when you go on a tour.

“This was an amazing, historical dive from the moment we entered the building!

Although we'd missed the start of the tour, an employee at the front desk filled us in on a most interesting and infamous, woman inmate. That was the beginning of our adventure!

Everything was great, including the gift shop. Our excursion went above & beyond my expectations!

I definitely want to go again during the summer months.” - Yelp Review 

6 - JUMP Jack's Urban Meeting Place

A Great Place In Central Boise for Afternoon Fun

📍 1000 W Myrtle St | Downtown | jumpboise.org

This is just a fun place for anybody to schedule a day of fun. They offer all kinds of indoor activities I am sure you will love, but you definitely can’t pass about the enormous slide they have right outside the building. I’ve gone on it a few times myself and even the day I was sick as hell it still proved to be incredibly fun!

“Summer is here and here are their activities (please see pictures). The slides are open (& free to slide). Tons of games inside the venue (free to use). Tons to see outside. Parking is $3/hr and worth it. Come visit. You will not regret it.” - Yelp Review 

7 - Idaho Botanical Garden

One of the Most Beautiful Places In All of Idaho

📍 2355 Old Penitentiary Rd | Boise | www.idahobotanicalgarden.org

The Idaho Botanical Garden, located in Boise, Idaho, spans 15 acres and showcases over 800 plant species across 14 themed gardens. Established in 1984 on the grounds of the former Idaho State Penitentiary, it serves as a community hub offering educational programs, seasonal events, and volunteer opportunities. As a nonprofit organization, the garden operates without government funding, relying on donations, grants, and community support to promote environmental stewardship and connect people with nature.

“This is a beautiful and unique botanical garden, with great native plant areas. The gardens and pathways include both traditional more formal areas along with lots of meandering pathways through wild areas. There's a great section on fire-wise plantings. And the area paying tribute to Lewis & Clark, along with Sacajawea & Native Americans was especially interesting. We took about an hour to enjoy the garden, but could have used another hour to do it justice.” - Yelp Review 

8 - Aquarium Of Boise

A Great Place to Spend the Afternoon With the Kids or On A Date

📍 64 N Cole Rd | Boise | www.aquariumboise.net

The Aquarium of Boise, established in 2011, is a nonprofit facility located in Boise, Idaho. Spanning 10,000 square feet, it houses over 250 species, including sharks, stingrays, reptiles, and tropical birds. Visitors can engage with interactive exhibits like touch tanks and a bird aviary. The aquarium's mission focuses on education, conservation, and hands-on learning to inspire environmental stewardship. Open daily, it attracts around 25,000 visitors monthly, offering a unique experience for all ages

“This was such a fun spot to stop! My kids (1,3,10,15) all enjoyed! We especially loved all of the touch tanks! It might have been the highlight of our time passing through Boise! It is not a huge aquarium, which I enjoyed. It made keeping track of everyone easier LOL. Definitely recommend checking it out if you need an indoor activity to kill a few hours.” - Yelp Review 

9 - Wahooz Family Fun Zone

A Family Fun Zone With Something For Everybody to Enjoy!

📍 1385 S Blue Marlin Ln | Boise | www.wahoozfunzone.com

Wahooz Family Fun Zone is a phenomenal entertainment destination offering 15 indoor and outdoor attractions for all ages. Highlights include go-kart racing, two miniature golf courses, bumper boats, a ropes course, laser tag, and an 80-game arcade. The venue also features a 24-lane bowling center called Pinz, complete with a luxury Z Lounge. Located adjacent to Roaring Springs Waterpark, Wahooz provides year-round fun and is ideal for birthdays, group outings, and family gatherings

“Very fun for all ages. Mini golf, racing cars are open so definitely bring a coat or sweater (I swear I would have won at golf but for that freezing wind...)

Inside clean and well maintained. Staff polite and helpful. Excellent all around” - Yelp Review 

10 - Fly High

A Super Fun Trampoline Park That’s Great for the Whole Family!

📍 7672 Fairview Ave | Boise | https://boise.flyhighfun.com

Fly High Boise Trampoline Park offers a variety of attractions suitable for all ages. Visitors can enjoy wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, basketball hoops, a Nerf arena, parkour courses, and Olympic trampolines. The facility also features a dedicated kids' area and hosts themed events like "Flyght Night." It's a popular venue for birthday parties and family outings

“We loved fly high! The facility was clean, and bright with lots of room to jump for all ages. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. They have wonderful monthly membership programs along with daily discounts for large families. I can't say enough great things about this company” - Yelp Review 

And There You Have A List of 10 Great Things to Do For Fun In Boise Idaho!!!

Hopefully something on the list looked like the perfect option for you. I hope I was able to help you find something new and exciting to do the next time you are in Boise. And if you know something fun or interesting in Boise that you didn’t see on the list here today, be sure to sound off in the comments and let everybody else know!!!