Winter in Boise is magical, but let’s be real—sometimes it’s just too cold to spend the day outdoors! When the temperatures drop, it's time to find fun, cozy indoor activities that will keep everyone entertained, whether you’ve got the whole family in tow or are looking for a kid-free outing. From family-friendly spots to fun options for adults, here’s a round-up of the best things to do indoors when it’s too chilly to brave the great outdoors.
For the Family-Friendly Crowd
Discovery Center of Idaho
Location: Downtown Boise
For a fun and educational outing, head to the Discovery Center of Idaho! This interactive science museum has hands-on exhibits that entertain and educate kids and parents alike. From physics to biology, the rotating special exhibits ensure there’s always something new to discover.
Planet Kid Indoor Soft Playground
Location: Boise
Perfect for younger kids, Planet Kid features climbing structures, slides, ball pits, and more, offering a safe and exciting environment for children up to 12 years old. It’s a fantastic option for playtime, especially on a cold or rainy day.
Wahooz Family Fun Zone
Location: Meridian
Wahooz is an indoor entertainment paradise! From laser tag and bumper cars to bowling, mini-golf, and an arcade, it’s the perfect spot to burn off some energy. The Indoor Adventure Park features climbing walls and ropes courses for added excitement, making it ideal for kids of all ages.
JumpTime Idaho
Location: Meridian
When the kids need to jump off some energy, JumpTime is the place to go. This massive trampoline park offers foam pits, basketball dunk zones, and even a ninja warrior course. It’s a fantastic spot for active fun on a chilly afternoon.
Bodies in Motion
Location: Meridian
Need a place where kids can run wild? Bodies in Motion offers ninja warrior courses, climbing walls, and obstacle challenges. It’s perfect for keeping active while staying indoors. Bonus: They also offer classes and open gym sessions for all skill levels.
Idaho IceWorld
Location: Boise
For a taste of winter indoors, Idaho IceWorld is the go-to spot for ice skating. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, it’s a fun way to enjoy the season. Skate rentals and lessons make it beginner-friendly and fun for the whole family.
Boise Art Museum (BAM)
Location: Downtown Boise
Introduce the kids to art at BAM! With modern and local exhibits, plus kid-friendly interactive areas, it’s a creative and educational way to spend an afternoon. For families looking for a more relaxed outing, this museum is a great choice.
Aquarium of Boise
Location: Boise
Explore the underwater world at the Aquarium of Boise. This interactive experience lets kids touch and feed exotic marine animals, making it an educational and fun destination for the entire family.
Planet Kid Indoor Soft Playground
Location: Boise
Designed for children up to 12 years old, Planet Kid is packed with climbing structures, slides, and ball pits, making it a fantastic option for younger kids to play and socialize in a safe environment.
For the Grown-Up Crowd
Bert’s Brewing
Location: Garden City
Bert’s Brewing is a retro-themed craft brewery with a unique 1970s-inspired vibe. Founded by Rob and Sidney Harrelson, this brewery is known for its clean, crisp, and clear beers, crafted with the help of a custom water treatment system. Their attention to quality and creativity has quickly made them a standout in Boise’s beer scene. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, try a variety of brews, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
Boise Brewing & Payette Brewing Co.
Locations: Downtown Boise
Cozy up with a craft beer at Boise Brewing or Payette Brewing Co. Both breweries offer tasting rooms with seasonal beers and often host indoor events like trivia nights or live music, making them perfect winter hangouts.
Humpin’ Hannah’s
Location: Downtown Boise
Boise’s iconic nightlife spot is perfect for live music and dancing. Whether it’s karaoke night or a live band, Humpin’ Hannah’s offers a lively atmosphere to shake off the winter blues.
Thick as Thieves
Location: Downtown Boise
This speakeasy-style bar is a hidden gem in Boise’s nightlife scene. Located at 620 W Idaho St, Suite 200, Thick as Thieves offers a dark and intimate atmosphere, perfect for cocktail enthusiasts. To enter, look for the side door marked by two thieving birds, head upstairs, and dial "102" on the phone to gain access. Inside, enjoy expertly crafted drinks and a memorable, cozy ambiance.
Ochos
Location: Downtown Boise
Set in a historic Queen Anne-style building from 1892, Ochos offers a unique cocktail and wine experience. This multi-level venue serves craft drinks, beer, wine, and small plates in an elegant yet cozy setting. Ochos also hosts dance classes like Salsa, Bachata, Tango, and Swing upstairs, while the outdoor patio, featuring a fire bar and fire pit, provides a perfect spot for relaxing year-round.
Space Banana
Location: Downtown Boise
For a unique nightlife experience, Spacebanana combines an intimate cocktail lounge vibe with the energy of a micro-club. Start your evening with expertly crafted cocktails, champagnes, or sake, and then enjoy live electronic dance music (EDM) performances from talented DJs. Its custom sound system delivers an incredible experience in a small, sophisticated space, making it a must-visit for music lovers.
Fun for All Ages
Asana Climbing Gym
Location: Boise
Whether you’re an experienced climber or a beginner, Asana Climbing Gym offers a welcoming space to challenge yourself and have fun. With a variety of climbing walls, bouldering options, and classes for all skill levels, it’s a great way to stay active and have a blast indoors.
The Flicks
Location: Downtown Boise
Catch an indie film or documentary at this cozy, local theater. Pair your movie with a glass of wine or coffee from their in-house café, and don’t miss their legendary popcorn. It’s a charming alternative to your typical movie night.
Dave & Buster’s
Location: The Village at Meridian
This arcade-meets-sports-bar guarantees fun for all ages. Kids will love the massive arcade games, while adults can relax with food, drinks, and big-screen sports. It’s a great mix of fun and relaxation for families or groups.
Topgolf Boise
Location: Meridian
Rain or shine, Topgolf offers a modern twist on the classic golf experience. With climate-controlled hitting bays, HDTVs, and a full-service bar and restaurant, it’s perfect for both seasoned golfers and beginners looking for a fun outing.
The STIL (Ice Cream & Booze)
Locations: Boise
Ice cream in winter? Absolutely! The STIL serves artisan ice cream with a grown-up twist—boozy ice cream flights and adult ice cream floats. It’s a sweet and unique experience for date nights or catching up with friends.
Fast Lane Indoor Kart Racing
Location: Boise
Get your adrenaline pumping at Fast Lane, where you can race high-speed go-karts on a technical 1/8-mile track. It’s an exciting option for groups or anyone looking for a thrilling indoor activity.
The Escape Room Boise
Location: Downtown Boise
Challenge your mind and teamwork skills at The Escape Room Boise. With various themed rooms, you’ll solve puzzles and clues to “escape” before time runs out. It’s interactive, fun, and great for bonding with friends.
No matter the weather outside, there’s no shortage of fun things to do indoors around Boise, Meridian, and Eagle. Whether you’re looking for an exciting family outing or a cozy night with friends, these local spots have you covered. So, when the cold hits, don’t hibernate—get out there and make the most of winter!