a toddller playing with an goat

Stay Busy in Boise All Winter Long

For the next few months, we’ll be sharing with you all of our favorite ways to celebrate winter in Boise. Despite a widely held belief that Idaho becomes a frozen tundra during the winter, Boise and the Treasure Valley don’t see much snow, and instead, enjoy a relatively dry winter. Clear, cold days, shimmering frosty mornings, and a backdrop of snow dusted foothills are the defining scene of our winter. So don’t be shy about getting outside! Experience all the goodness that a valley winter has to offer by acting on our list of favorite activities. Our first of three installments, is for the whole family.

Idaho Ice World
Lace up your skates to glide through an evening of fun on the ice rink right in downtown Boise. Every Wednesday is special admission “Family Night.”

The Village at Meridian
During the winter months, the The Village at Meridian offers a welcome respite from the cold temperatures. Shop all your favorite brands in the quaint and cozy winter shops, order popcorn at a movie, and treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the Village restaurants.

JumpTime
Spring into action with a visit to JumpTime, an indoor trampoline park with foam pits, games, obstacle courses, and more. You might even work up a sweat!

Aquarium of Boise
Not every aquarium is created equal, and we think ours is pretty special. Touch a stingray, feed tropical fish, and enjoy the beauty of underwater life in our landlocked state.

McCall Winter Carnival
One of our favorite items on the list is the McCall Winter Carnival–a celebration of all things winter–from January 27th through February 5th. Take a scenic drive two hours from Boise and view ingenious snow sculptures, eat at the ever-popular Pancake House, and have some winter fun.

Discovery Center of Idaho
Science exhibits and mind-blowing experiments make for hands-on learning and entertainment for the whole family at the Discovery Center of Idaho. There’s plenty of room to play and beat the winter blues after you’ve been shut inside for too long.

MK Nature Center
The MK Nature Center is a 4.6-acre reserve on the Boise River Greenbelt with an interactive interpretive center. Even on cold winter days, the short walk is absolutely beautiful and invigorating.

Children’s Museum of Idaho
Newly renovated, the Children’s Museum of Idaho makes for an excellent cold-weather activity. Check their events calendar for special activities for the little people in your family.

Pop-up Park at Edward’s Greenhouse
Every year in late January, Edward’s Greenhouse on the North End offers a respite from the cold by converting part of their warm greenhouse into a pop-up park with fresh green sod and plenty of room for everyone to play.

Zoo Boise
It may be cold outside, but the Zoo is a great place to spend an afternoon. Many animals are more active during the cooler months and crowds tend to be smaller, too!

Give in to the temptation and get outside before warming up with us at the Inn at 500 Capitol. See you next month for more!