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Boise’s Summer Bucket List

Last updated June 10, 2020 by Totally Boise

Summer in Boise is one of a kind, soaking up the hot weather and having free-filled days are what we all have been looking forward to! We want to make sure you and the family have an exciting summer filled with tons of awesome adventures! We have put together the ultimate summer bucket list. We promise you will want to cross each one of these off! It is the perfect time to grab the family and have a great summer.

Alive After Five

Alive After 5, returns to the Grove Plaza on June 21, 2023. This is the 36th anniversary of Downtown Boise's free summer concert series. Get ready for a selection of great music and fresh talent on select Wednesdays during June, July, and August.

2023 Schedule :

5 PM - 8 PM on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, June 21, 2023
  • Wednesday, June 28, 2023
  • Wednesday, July 12, 2023
  • Wednesday, July 19, 2023
  • Wednesday, August 2, 2023
  • Wednesday, August 9, 2023
  • Wednesday, August 16, 2023
More Info

Strolling the Greenbelt

Strolling the Greenbelt

This is a must during the hot summer months. Walking along the river and taking in the fresh air just makes you feel so good. This is one of the best summer traditions in Boise. You can even pack a lunch and have a picnic in one of the parks you stroll through! If you aren’t sure what is along the Boise River Greenbelt, we put together a directory that gives you all the information you need to have the best day.

Boise River Greenbelt

Spend the Day at Quinn's Pond

Quinn's Pond

Quinn’s Pond is a great place to cool off and spend the day. Whether you enjoy swimming, paddling or kayaking you name it they have it. This spot is one of the best in Boise and is a great place to go when wanting to relax near the water. They have paddleboards and kayaks you can rent for the day to really experience the fun on the water.

Float the Boise River

Float the Boise River

Floating the river is a Boise classic, running directly through town it is a leisurely and fun way to spend the day in the sun. Beginning at Barber Park, it takes about 2-3 hours to get all the way down, putting you out at Ann Morrison Park. You can bring your own tubes or rent tubes, paddle boards, and even blow-up kayaks, depending on your preference of floatation devices at Barber Park when arriving.

A few tips to float like a pro:

  • Wear water shoes
  • Bring water
  • Put your phone and keys in a water proof bag
  • Grab some rope to tie your tubes together

Check out some of the fun when floating:

Boise River

Bike Bar Around Downtown

Bike Bar Around Downtown

Photo Credit: Pedals & Pints

Warm weather is the perfect excuse to hop on one of Boise’s downtown bike bars. If you and a group of friends are looking for something to do on a sunny afternoon you will not be disappointed when renting a bike bar! Bike Bars are a multi-person bike that allows you and 15 of your friends to bring your own booze, listen to your favorite music, and bar hop at your favorite local downtown bars.

To book your next bike bar:

Boise Bike Bar Pedals & Pints Boise Bike Buzz

White Water Rafting

White Water Rafting

Photo Credit: Bear Valley Rafting

Idaho is the perfect place to spend your summers outdoors. With the mountains and rivers so close to Boise, it gives you the perfect opportunity to head up to the Snake River or the Salmon River. The Salmon River is 85 miles of pure wilderness and water, you can even book 3-5 day trips along the river to really enjoy the whole experience with the family!

Check out our experience rafting:

Rafting the Payette

Explore the Idaho Botanical Garden

Explore the Idaho Botanical Garden

Photo Credit: Idaho Botanical Garden

Idaho Botanical Garden is a 15-acre garden which is one of the first and oldest gardens in Idaho. Nestled in the Boise foothills the Idaho Botanical Garden is especially beautiful in the summer. With everything in bloom and vibrant colors all around, will have you amazed by this Idaho treasure. The garden offers a variety of educational classes for children and adults of all ages.

Get Out and Go Hiking

Get Out and Go Hiking

For a better workout, different Boise views, and longer trails, check out the amazing hiking spots all throughout the area! There are trails for all skill levels; find something easy, medium, or hard. From the famous local spot, Table Rock, you can enjoy a great view of Boise. But, there are some amazing hikes not only here in Boise, but close within just a few hours! We have put together a list of the best hiking spots in the Treasure Valley near and far.

Hiking Spots

Zipline with Zip Idaho

Zipline with Zip Idaho

Photo Credit: Zip Idaho

For all your adventure’s out there, Idaho offers you the day-trip of your life right up in Horseshoe Bend. Ziplining is one of the most adrenaline-packed experiences there is. You and the family can spend the day zipping through the mountains of Idaho and experience views no one else can. If you are looking for an adventure, be sure to check out Zip Idaho for all their fun details and reservations.

Zip Idaho

Getaway to Our Close Resort Town, McCall

Getaway to McCall

Photo Credit: McCall, Idaho US

Want a weekend getaway with the family? Head up to the cute town McCall and enjoy the lake, shopping, and the restaurants in the heart of McCall. This destination is the perfect weekend getaway that won’t have you driving for hours, the short 2.5 hour ride there will lead you to the beautiful mountains in McCall where you can boat, hike, camp, eat, or drink with all your favorite people!

Check out 4 other getaway towns not far from Boise:

Getaway Towns Around Boise

Be Amazed at Shoshone Falls

Shoshone Falls

Photo Credit: Visit Idaho

A must-see attraction also known as “The Niagara of the West” Shoshone Falls is a 212 feet tall and 900-foot wide waterfall. One of the largest natural waterfalls in the United States surpasses the height of the famous Niagara Falls. Shoshone is located on the Snake River and will have your jaw-dropping at the beauty of it.

Shoshone Falls Info

Lucky Peak State Park

Lucky Peak State Park is the perfect place for swimming, picnicking, fishing, boating, or biking. Sandy Point and Discovery is a 10-minute drive from Boise and the Spring Shores Marina is only 40 minutes away allowing you to drop your boat and spend the day on the lake. The marina also offers rental boats, water sports equipment, and stand-up paddleboards to really make it a memorable experience.

 

Now that you have a list of must-dos during the summer in Boise, you and the family can start crossing off your favorite places during your summer vacations. You can find something for everyone in the family to enjoy allowing you to continue making memories with your favorite people!

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