Things to Do in Boise, Idaho
Last updated: August 2026
Boise is one of those places where there’s always something to do on the weekend. You might spend your free time hiking or biking mountain trails. Or instead, you could head downtown for dinner and live music. You could even do both in the same day. That’s one of the city’s biggest strengths: variety. Outdoor recreation, local events, family activities and great restaurants are all within reach, so there’s always something to do no matter the season.
Parks, trails and outdoor recreation
If there’s one category that defines Boise, it’s outdoor recreation. To get some local knowledge, we surveyed Horizon team members in the Boise area. Every one of them mentioned getting active in the great outdoors.
Amber Dolphin King, Horizon’s sales and service administrator, says this: “Boise lets you work… and still be on a mountain trail, ski slope, river, or horseback ride in under an hour.” Talk about work-life balance!
Walk or bike the Boise River Greenbelt
The 29-mile-long Boise River Greenbelt is a standout feature in the city. It connects parks, neighborhoods and recreation areas throughout the city and is a popular place for walking, running and biking. Some residents even use it to commute. The Greenbelt captures what makes the area truly unique: urban areas and nature, all interconnected.
Website: Boise River Greenbelt
Explore the Boise Foothills
Newcomers might be surprised at how quickly the city gives way to open land. The Boise Foothills sit directly north of the city and provide access to the Ridge to Rivers system, which includes hundreds of miles of hiking, running, mountain biking and horseback riding trails.
Website: Ridge to Rivers
Ski or ride at Bogus Basin
Many people associate skiing with long mountain drives. Treasure Valley residents have a different experience. Bogus Basin sits just outside the city, making it possible to spend part of the day on the slopes and still be home that evening.
Website: Bogus Basin
Float the Boise River
Ask locals for a classic Boise summer activity and floating the river will probably come up. Every summer, locals launch floats upstream and spend a few relaxing hours floating through the Greenbelt. Several Boise-area team members listed river floating among their favorite things to do when the weather gets warm.
Explore downtown
Downtown Boise manages to strike an unusual balance. It feels active and energetic, but it’s still easy to walk, explore and enjoy at your own pace.
Walk the 8th Street district
What should you do downtown? John Cotner, Horizon’s vice president of commercial lending, recommends wandering 8th Street to experience the “incredible restaurants, bars and coffee shops—all with open air dining.” It’s fun, has lots of variety and is one of the best places to get a feel for Boise’s food scene.
Visit Freak Alley Gallery
Freak Alley Gallery is one of Boise’s most recognizable public art destinations. Colorful murals cover the walls of a downtown alleyway, creating a unique outdoor gallery that’s easy to visit while exploring downtown.
Website: Freak Alley Gallery
Explore the Basque Block
Boise is home to one of the largest Basque communities in the United States, and the Basque Block celebrates that heritage through food, culture and community events. It’s part of what makes the city so unique!
Website: The Basque Block
Try a new restaurant
Here are some of our local team members’ favorites. We think you’ll enjoy them just as we do.
Fine dining
Upscale casual dining
Latin-inspired
Gastropub
Idaho classic
Family-friendly activities
Boise offers plenty of options for families, especially families that enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring together. In fact, it’s a central reason some people move to Boise in the first place: “Many people relocate [here] seeking a slower pace, stronger community connections, and an environment that prioritizes family and quality of life,” says Amber. Boise’s family-friendly feel is a big factor sets it apart from different western cities.
Spend the day at Zoo Boise
Horizon team members frequently recommended Zoo Boise, located in Julia Davis Park near downtown. It’s an easy outing for younger children and a popular spot for visiting with friends and family.
Website: Zoo Boise
Visit the Idaho Botanical Garden
The Idaho Botanical Garden is a breathtaking destination that the whole family can enjoy. The park features 11 different types of gardens, from the Children’s Adventure Garden to the classic English Garden. It also hosts special exhibits and events that give visitors a reason to keep coming back throughout the year.
Website: Idaho Botanical Garden
Catch a Boise State game
You don’t have to be an avid sports fan to enjoy a Boise State game. Attending a game is a fun way to experience the community and see one of the city’s most recognizable teams.
Website: Boise State Athletics
Visit the Discovery Center or MK Nature Center
Horizon team members also recommended both the Discovery Center of Idaho and the MK Nature Center as great family outings. Whether you are interested in hands-on exhibits or local wildlife, both provide a fun “outdoors” day without having to hit the trail.
Websites: Discovery Center of Idaho, MK Nature Center
Events and community
One thing that locals appreciate most about Boise is that community events are easy to find and enjoy. Here are a few great options:
Watch the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
The Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic is a favorite local tradition. Seeing dozens of hot air balloons rise over the city at sunrise is an incredible sight to behold!
Website: Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
Catch a Boise Hawks or Idaho Steelheads game
Attending a minor-league sports game is a fun and relaxed way to spend an evening. Whether you’re cheering on the Boise Hawks baseball team in the summer or the Idaho Steelheads hockey team in the winter, local sports provide another fun way to experience the community.
Websites: Boise Hawks, Idaho Steelheads
Learn more about Boise
Idaho’s capital offers an abundance of activity and enjoyment year-round for all who visit or live in the region. If you’re considering moving to Boise, make sure to check out our other articles to help determine if it’s the right place for you:
Share