Summer Guide to Boise

Take a Hike!

Hiking is second nature to us here in Boise. With the foothills literally in our backyard, there are more trails than we can count. Some of our favorites and Boise -must trek trails are from the Idaho Penitentiary, to Stack Rock from Bogus Basin, Ceravide Peak from Lucky Peak Reservoir, or around the hills of Camels Back. Be sure to start in the morning and avoid the dry, Boise summer sun heat.

Take a leisurely walk through the Botanical Gardens

The summer is the perfect time to see our stunning Botanical Gardens in bloom. With awesome events every summer there’s always something fun to do here.

Cycle through the Greenbelt

Summer is the perfect time to hop on your bike and enjoy the natural beauty of the Greenbelt. This is the perfect way to get to know our fair city while also getting your daily dose of nature. What’s more, Boise is extremely cycling-friendly, meaning you can get just about anywhere in the city by bike.

Take in a rodeo show

Stop by the 108-year-old Snake River Stampede to take in a rodeo show and see some of the state’s finest cowboys test their skills. The show starts July 18th!

Zip Line from the Turkey 2000

Thrillseekers will get a huge kick out of ziplining through the hills of Horseshoe Bend on the outskirts of Boise with Zip Idaho. Dare you take on the Turkey 2000, a 2,030-foot zip line that will set even the steeliest hearts a-flutter?

Get a group to a bike bar

There are several companies that now allow you to rent their 15 person bike bars. Ride around while you enjoy a cold brew with all your friends and family!

Ride the Mountain Coaster at Bogus Basin

Bogus Basin Mountain Resort recently put in their latest and greatest attraction. You can ride the mountain coaster for $19 for a single ride, or $29 for tandem.

Rent a paddleboard on Quinns Pond

Take advantage of the 22-acre recreational pond that is located north of the Boise River and rent a paddleboard for the day.

Paddle boat in Julia Davis Park

Spend the day in one of Boise’s most beautiful parks and spend just $15 for 1 hour of paddle boat fun!

Float the Boise River

It almost seems as if the Boise River was made to float down. At the starting point, you can rent tubes or even grab a bite to eat at their snack shack. You can also determine how long you want your float to be with several different stopping points already made along the river.

Enjoy the Ste. Chapelle Concert Series

Ste. Chapelle one of our local wineries, located in Caldwell, hosts a great summer concert series. Sunday afternoons a summer long stop by for live music, tasty food, local vendors, and of course... WINE!

Shop, Eat and Drink at The Village at Meridian

Our local outdoor mall, The Village, is nothing less than spectacular! Not only does it have some of our favorite shops, but throughout the summer live music is played right in the center of it all. Stop by on Friday evenings to enjoy food, yummy drinks, or to just jam out to good music.

Whitewater Raft Down the Payette River

Seeking adventure? Whitewater rafting is calling your name! Multiple rafting companies line the mountain, don't miss out on a wild adventure.

Take a Stroll Through the Saturday Farmers Market

There's nothing we love more than local vendors, tasty food, and walking outside on a warm summer morning. Where's more perfect to do all of that than the Saturday Farmers Market in downtown Boise, Eagle, Meridian, and Nampa.

Tour the Old Idaho Penitentiary

Want to take a step back in time? Explore Boise’s past in the Old Idaho Penitentiary. In this old complex, which goes back to the late 1800s you can see how the outlaws of old experienced their summers here.

Boise Hawks Baseball Game

Boise has its very own minor league baseball team. Equipped with their own stadium, a Hawks game makes the perfect summer activity. As part of the Pioneer League, you might just catch a player before they go Pro!

Check out the animals and events at Zoo Boise

Zoo Boise opened the Gorongoisa National Park exhibit featuring wildlife from the preserve in Africa with interesting Idaho connections. Along with the expansion, they will also hold events all summer long to check out.

Enjoy Outdoor Activities at Bogus Basin

Now with summer activities, the Bogus Basin Resort has something to do all year round. Only a 16-mile drive from the base of the mountain at the end of Harrison Boulevard, it’s effortless to be enjoying the 2,600 acres of the natural scent of pine or a fresh fall of powder before lunchtime.

Catch a Show or Boise Event

We love to be social in Boise, so there is no shortage of music, festivals, or other community events.