With its lively and walkable downtown, abundant parks, large trail systems, and proximity to the mountains – it’s no surprise that Boise, Idaho is frequently on top lists of places to work and live. Word has gotten out about the beautiful “City of Trees” and now it has been named as one of the country’s fastest growing cities.
Here you’ll find four beautiful seasons, with plenty of activities. But if you’re looking for a winter vacay to this city, then here are nine things to do in Boise with kids this winter.
(1) Bogus Basin. Located only 16 miles outside of downtown Boise you’ll find Bogus Basin. With 2,600 acres of terrain, this is the area’s year-round recreation destination for skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing. What makes Bogus Basin unique is that they have one of the largest night skiing operations in the country – usually open from 4 pm – 10 pm daily. It’s truly magical to be able to ski while having lights illuminate the trails. If putting on skis or a board isn’t your thing – then you can enjoy the 800ft tubing hill (with a tow rope) or the thrilling high-speed Glade Runner Mountain Coaster, which is open during the winter season as well.
(2) Idaho City. Located about an hour outside of Boise is Idaho City, a historic mining town. Here you’ll find amazing snowshoeing trails that can accommodate all levels. Visit the Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation to view the trail maps and purchase your Park N’ Ski permit, which is only $7.50 for a 3-day pass. If you need to rent gear, there are great companies in Boise (listed below). After a day of snowshoeing go warm up and relax at The Springs – an upscale natural hot springs retreat. Nothing beats the warmth of natural hot springs in the wintertime. Make sure to reserve your spots well in advance as this is a popular destination.
(3) Winter Garden aGlow. Each year The Idaho Botanical Garden creates a magical experience at their Winter Garden aGlow (Thanksgiving through NYE). Bundle up, grab a warm beverage, and get immersed in the over 500,000 lights artfully placed throughout the gardens. This is something that the whole family will enjoy. Don’t forget to buy some kettle corn (our family’s favorite), and on Friday and Saturday, alcohol is served. Limited tickets are available, so reserve your timeslot in advance. To learn more about other Idaho Botanical Garden events hosted throughout the year, click here.
(4) Hyde Park. Hyde Park is in Boise’s North End at the base of Camel’s Back Park. Lining 13th Street are historic buildings with local restaurants, bars, and shops. Make sure to check out G. Willikers Toy Merchant and Goody’s Soda Fountain, which the kids will love. Bring sleds and hit Camel’s Back Park for some sledding before enjoying a warm meal or hot chocolate.
(5) Enjoy Downtown. While visiting, don’t forget to just spend time in the downtown area. Boise is such a walkable city, so no car is required. Take some time to eat, drink, and shop your way around downtown. Boise has a great food scene with many local restaurants and breweries. If you take a walk down 8th Street, you’ll be able to get a sampling of what this city has to offer. For more ideas on things to do in Boise with kids such as mini bowling, karaoke, or a 5-story slide, scroll to the bottom for links.
(6) Hockey Game. Idaho Central Arena is located right in the center of downtown Boise. Grab dinner at a local restaurant and walk right to the arena to catch an exciting Idaho Steelheads Hockey Game.
(7) Ice Skating and Christmas Lights. Visit a winter wonderland with lights, fire pits, and a large ribbon skating rink at the Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell. The Village at Meridian also has a small rink with lights and a variety of restaurants and shops surrounding it. If you want an indoor ice-skating experience, the city-owned rink is located just about 10 minutes from downtown at Idaho Ice World.
(8) Visit a mountain resort. If you have enough time during your Boise vacay, then you should plan a mini getaway to one of the beautiful mountain resorts just several hours from Boise. Sun Valley, McCall, and Tamarack each offer something unique, but all provide breathtaking mountain views, expansive terrain, and upscale dining. Click here to read more about Tamarack Ski Resort and click here to read more about Sun Valley.
(9) Gateway Parks. After a short 30-minute drive from downtown Boise, you’ll arrive at Gateway Parks located in Eagle Island State Park. They have a massive tubing hill with magic carpet, and skiing and snowboarding perfect for young kids and beginners. Refreshments and firepits are available for relaxing after a fun day on the hill. If you don’t have equipment, don’t worry as they have rentals available.
Downtown Activities
- Mini bowling, Skee-Ball, air hockey, and great food and drinks at Western Proper.
- When in Idaho you must have some potatoes; so why not try a variety at the Boise Fry Company. There’s a second location in Bown Crossing, across from Cravin’s Candy Emporium with a huge selection of nostalgic candy.
- Zoo Boise is open all winter, and if you’re visiting in December there are two chances to have breakfast with Santa. Below is a video from our winter visit to Zoo Boise, and you can read more about it by clicking here.
Helpful Links
- Snowshoe rentals are available at McU Sports in downtown Boise.
- Visiting Sun Valley with your dog? Then view this post on the Limelight Ketchum.
- There are variety of hotels in downtown Boise. If you want an upscale experience, consider the Grove Hotel, which is conveniently connected to the Idaho Steelheads hockey arena.
- Read more about Family Vacay’s favorite hotel in McCall – Shore Lodge.
