24 Hours in Boise with Kids

WHAT TO DO IN BOISE, IDAHO WITH KIDS

One of the things that was most appealing to me about visiting Idaho was the great outdoors. With a cursory search on Instagram you can find breathtaking mountain scenery and wide open spaces.

When I found rock-bottom prices on flights to Boise, I booked immediately, and invited my parents to come along with my 2 youngest and me.

Our plan was to spend most of our time in Sun Valley hiking and enjoying nature, but we made sure to save a day for ambling through the capital city.

Boise sits amid the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and blooms with colorful foliage especially in the autumn months. We really enjoyed visiting for a day at the end of our trip, and were able to pack so many activities in just one day!

Here’s what to do in Boise, Idaho if you’ve only got one day there with little kids.

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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

A rental car is nice to have, especially if you want to get to some hikes. The downtown area is certainly walkable, but we liked the freedom to come and go as we pleased.
The weather in the fall can get quite cold, especially in the early morning and late at night. Pack layers, mittens, hats, and a thin winter coat, and some warm bunting if you’re traveling with baby.
I got a lot of use out of my Lillebaby baby carrier for the hikes. This is the best carrier if you’re looking for one that doesn’t hurt your back. You can use it for newborns all the way up to toddlers, and you can do every different kind of carry (front, back, forward-facing, etc). Read the full review here.

8 THINGS TO DO IN BOISE WITH KIDS

CAMEL’S BACK PARK

Camel’s Back Park is one of the top experiences you can have in Boise. The great outdoors is one of the main reasons for visiting this city, and there are a lot of great hikes in the surrounding area. However, if you have little kids and are not avid hikers, this is the perfect spot for you.

Camel’s Back Park is located on the North End of Boise in the cutest neighborhood (which we came back to later just to wander around).

Once you park your car (free parking and lots of it), you’ll be right in front of Camel’s Back hill. There are 2 ways to get to the top: stairs - quicker, but steeper, or a trail that winds around the side - slower, but less steep.

We took the stairs up to the top. That was a workout and a half with a baby strapped to me! I was definitely out of breath by the time we reached the top, and my legs felt like jello. The 3-year-old did just fine, too! We may have had to bribe him halfway up, but he did it with no problem.

View of Camel’s Back Reserve from the top of Camel’s Back.

The view from the top was absolutely spectacular, the perfect place to stop and catch your breath after a hard climb. On one side you’ll see Camel’s Back Reserve, which is particularly lovely in fall with the autumn leaves contrasting against the dull brown of the mountains. The other side offers a view of the Boise skyline.

We took the trail on the way down, and it was fairly easy to navigate with the little ones. There’s also a gigantic playground at the park that was a fun reward for the 3-year-old after climbing Camel’s Back!

SEE THE BLUE TURF AT BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY

For college football fans and kids alike, visit Boise State University where you an see the legendary blue turf on the football field. Enter through Allen Noble Hall of Fame, the only entrance to the field for the public.

Unfortunately, we happened to visit while the football team was practicing, so we didn’t get a chance to see the field.

CAPITOL BUILDING

What better way to introduce history and culture to your kids than visiting the capitol building? It’s open to the public and free to enter. If you plan on exploring the downtown area, you can easily add a self-guided capitol tour to your itinerary, AND there are free three hour Capitol Visitor Parking spaces!

If you have older kids that can read, be sure to participate in the free Scavenger Hunt found on the official website! It’s a great way to keep the kids engaged and for everyone to learn as you go.

BOISE RIVER GREENBELT

If you’re looking for nature in the midst of the city, look no further than the Boise River Greenbelt. This 25-mile trail follows the Boise River and is perfect for walking, jogging, and biking. The trail is flat and wide so you can easily bring the stroller. There is plenty of free parking along the trail.

The Boise River Greenbelt is also right across the river from Boise State University, so you could combine a visit to the Blue Turf with a walk along the tree-lined path.

FREAK ALLEY GALLERY

Ready for some art and culture that’s kid-friendly AND unique? Head to Freak Alley Gallery, an outdoor mural and graffiti gallery between 8th and 9th Streets and Bannock and Idaho streets in downtown Boise.

This outdoor area leaves plenty of room for kids to walk around and enjoy the bright colors and paintings. It’s such a unique part of the city, making it the perfect place to stop before grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many downtown restaurants or sidewalk cafes.

HIKE THE OREGON TRAIL RESERVE

If you’re fascinated by history and want one more glimpse of Boise’s stunning natural setting, don’t skip the Oregon National Historic Trail. This easy hike take you past the wagon wheel ruts from the covered wagons traveling the Oregon Trail.

We parked at 4500 E. Lake Forest Dr., Boise and walked the gravel trail. I loved being able to read the signs detailing the challenges the pioneers faced on their journey out west. It was at once sobering and uplifting to walk in the footsteps of the brave men, women, and children that traversed that very trail.

The Oregon Trail Recreation Center is where you can find the bronze covered wagon and more kiosks and information about the history of the Oregon Trail.

BOISE FRY COMPANY

While in Idaho, you must try some potatoes! Boise Fry Company was the perfect spot to try many different variations of fries. You can choose from Russet, Gold, Red, Purple, Yam, and Sweet potatoes as well as Shoestring, Regular, Curly, Homestyle, or PoʼBall cuts.

They also serve burgers on the side, so if you’re hungry, this is the place to go! We went to the downtown location which was just a couple blocks away from the capitol building.

WHERE TO STAY IN BOISE WITH KIDS

HAMPTON INN & SUITES BOISE SPECTRUM

Since I was staying with my parents and a baby and 3-year-old, we decided to go with a 2-bedroom suite that also had a kitchenette and sitting area at the Hampton Inn & Suites Boise Spectrum.

It was perfect for letting the baby fall asleep at 7 while the rest of us stayed up and watching tv, went through pictures and videos from our trip, ate snacks, and just hung out.

The breakfast was buffet style, but you got to select your items while staff put it in a paper bag for you to take up to your room and eat. I love a grab-and-go free breakfast to start the day, and it was nice to have a small kitchen table in our room, too.

It was only $124 per night for a 2-bedroom suite, plus taxes and fees (so a total of $140). There was plentiful free parking, and it was a near enough drive to all of the destinations we wanted to visit.

Check current prices and book your stay here.

TOURS AND THINGS TO DO IN BOISE

DAY TRIP FROM BOISE

KETCHUM / SUN VALLEY GETAWAY

I would highly recommend adding the Ketchum/Sun Valley area to your Idaho itinerary, especially if you’re visiting in fall! Minimal crowds, mild weather, perfect scenery.