52 Things Your Family Can Do in the Treasure Valley Instead of Cleaning Your Home

Hiring Scrub ‘N Bubbles Cleaning in Boise, Idaho can give you more free-time by taking care of your cleaning needs. Instead of spending your weekends or evenings scrubbing floors, dusting furniture, and cleaning bathrooms, you can trust the professionals at Scrub ‘N Bubbles Cleaning to do it for you. This frees up your time to spend on other activities that you enjoy, such as spending time with your family and friends, pursuing hobbies, or simply relaxing. With the convenience of a reliable cleaning service, you can enjoy a cleaner home and more time for the things that matter most to you.  So, what will you do with all your new free-time?

52 things your family can do in and around Boise, Idaho:

1. Visit the Idaho State Capitol Building: The Idaho State Capitol Building is a beautiful, neoclassical-style building that houses the government of the state of Idaho. Visitors can tour the building and learn about Idaho’s history, government, and culture. Some highlights include the rotunda, which features a beautiful stained-glass dome, and the House and Senate chambers, where visitors can see where lawmakers conduct business.
2. Explore the Boise Art Museum: The Boise Art Museum features a wide range of art exhibits and collections, including contemporary art, regional art, and Native American art. Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries, attend special events and workshops, and participate in educational programs. The museum also has a gift shop where visitors can purchase unique gifts and souvenirs.
3. Go hiking in the Boise Foothills: The Boise Foothills offer miles of hiking trails with beautiful views of the city and surrounding area. The trails range from easy to challenging, so there’s something for hikers of all skill levels. Some popular trails include Camel’s Back Park, Hulls Gulch, and Table Rock.
4. Visit the World Center for Birds of Prey: The World Center for Birds of Prey is a conservation and education center that is dedicated to the protection and conservation of birds of prey. Visitors can see a variety of birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, and falcons, up close and learn about their habitats and behavior. The center also offers educational programs and workshops for visitors of all ages.
5. Enjoy a day at the Boise River Greenbelt: The Boise River Greenbelt is a scenic trail that runs along the Boise River and offers beautiful views of the river and surrounding area. Visitors can bike, walk, or jog along the trail, enjoy a picnic, or stop at one of the many parks and playgrounds along the way.
6. Take a stroll through Julia Davis Park: Julia Davis Park is a beautiful park located in the heart of Boise. The park features a rose garden, a duck pond, a playground, and several museums and cultural institutions, including the Boise Art Museum and the Idaho State Historical Museum.
7. Catch a performance at the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts: The Morrison Center for the Performing Arts is a state-of-the-art theater that hosts a wide variety of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and dance performances. The theater is located on the Boise State University campus and offers a range of seating options for visitors.
8. Visit the Discovery Center of Idaho: The Discovery Center of Idaho is an interactive science museum that offers hands-on exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages. Visitors can learn about science, technology, engineering, and math through interactive exhibits and programs.
9. Have a picnic at Ann Morrison Park: Ann Morrison Park is a beautiful park located near downtown Boise. The park features a playground, a disc golf course, and several picnic areas where visitors can enjoy a meal or snack while taking in the beautiful views of the Boise River.
10. Tour the Old Idaho Penitentiary: The Old Idaho Penitentiary is a historic prison that operated from 1872 to 1973. Visitors can tour the prison and learn about its history, including the stories of the inmates and the methods of punishment used during its operation. The prison also offers special events and activities throughout the year.
11. Go skiing or snowboarding at Bogus Basin: Bogus Basin is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. It is located just outside of Boise and features more than 2,600 acres of skiable terrain. Visitors can take advantage of the 91 runs, seven chairlifts, and two terrain parks. There are also opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snow tubing.
12. Visit the Idaho Botanical Garden: The Idaho Botanical Garden is a beautiful outdoor oasis that showcases a variety of plants, flowers, and trees. Visitors can explore the 15-acre garden and enjoy its many features, including a meditation garden, a children’s garden, and a vegetable garden. The garden also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and workshops.
13. Attend a Boise Hawks baseball game: The Boise Hawks are a minor league baseball team that plays at Memorial Stadium in Boise. Watching a game is a fun way to experience America’s favorite pastime while enjoying the beautiful Idaho weather. The stadium offers a variety of seating options, including general admission, reserved seating, and luxury suites.
14. Explore the Basque Block in downtown Boise: Boise has a vibrant Basque community, and the Basque Block is the heart of that community. Visitors can explore the block and experience the Basque culture through its food, music, and art. The block is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and museums, including the Basque Museum and Cultural Center.
15. Visit the Aquarium of Boise: The Aquarium of Boise is a fun and educational destination for visitors of all ages. It features a variety of aquatic exhibits, including fish, reptiles, and invertebrates. Visitors can also participate in interactive experiences, such as feeding the fish and touching a variety of marine creatures.
16. Take a scenic drive on the Boise River Scenic Byway: The Boise River Scenic Byway is a beautiful drive that winds through the mountains and valleys of the Boise River Basin. The drive offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and passes through a variety of small towns and communities. Visitors can also take advantage of the many recreational opportunities along the way, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking.
17. Go fishing in the Boise River: The Boise River is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. The river is stocked with a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. Visitors can fish from the shore or from a boat and can also take advantage of the many picnic areas and trails along the river.
18. Visit the Boise Farmers Market: The Boise Farmers Market is a vibrant destination for foodies and those interested in locally sourced produce and goods. The market features a variety of vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and handmade crafts. Visitors can also enjoy live music and other entertainment while they shop.
19. Go shopping at the Boise Towne Square Mall: The Boise Towne Square Mall is the largest shopping mall in Idaho and features a variety of stores, including popular retailers and specialty shops. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of dining options and entertainment, including a movie theater and an arcade.
20. Tour the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa: The Warhawk Air Museum is a fascinating destination for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs. The museum features a variety of exhibits and artifacts, including vintage aircraft, uniforms, and photographs. Visitors can also take part in guided tours and educational programs to learn more about the history of aviation and the role it played in World War II.
21. Visit the Idaho Black History Museum: The Idaho Black History Museum is located in Boise, Idaho, and is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and culture of African Americans in Idaho. The museum features exhibits and artifacts that highlight the contributions of African Americans to Idaho’s history, including their role in mining, ranching, and other industries. Visitors can learn about notable Idahoans such as Sarah Jones, who became Idaho’s first black public school teacher in 1895, and the Buffalo Soldiers who served in the Spanish-American War. The museum also hosts events and programs throughout the year, including lectures, films, and performances.
22. Explore the Boise Depot: The Boise Depot is a historic train station in Boise, Idaho, that was built in 1925. The depot served as a major transportation hub for the city until the 1990s when it was converted into an events venue. Visitors can explore the depot’s architecture and learn about the history of the railroad in Boise. The depot also offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains from its observation deck.
23. Attend the Western Idaho Fair in August: The Western Idaho Fair is an annual event that takes place in August at the Expo Idaho fairgrounds in Boise. The fair features a variety of attractions, including livestock shows, carnival rides, live entertainment, food vendors, and exhibits. Visitors can also attend competitions and demonstrations, such as horse shows, sheepdog trials, and cooking contests.
24. Visit the Boise Public Library: The Boise Public Library is a modern facility located in downtown Boise. The library features a vast collection of books, magazines, and other materials, as well as digital resources and public computers. Visitors can attend events and workshops, such as author readings, book clubs, and computer classes. The library also offers a variety of services, including reference assistance, interlibrary loans, and online databases.
25. Take a hot air balloon ride over Boise: Hot air balloon rides are a popular way to experience the beauty of Boise and the surrounding area. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city, the Boise River, and the foothills from a unique perspective. Hot air balloon rides are available year-round, weather permitting, and typically last about an hour.
26. Attend a concert at the Knitting Factory Boise: The Knitting Factory Boise is a music venue located in downtown Boise, Idaho. It’s a great place to catch a live performance and enjoy the vibrant music scene of Boise. The venue hosts concerts of various genres ranging from indie, rock, metal, and electronic, and has hosted some big-name artists like Vampire Weekend, Of Monsters and Men, and Modest Mouse. Attending a concert at the Knitting Factory Boise is an excellent way to experience the local music culture and have a great night out.
27. Explore the historic Hyde Park neighborhood: Hyde Park is a historic neighborhood located in the North End of Boise. It is home to some of the city’s oldest buildings and charming Victorian-style houses. The neighborhood is known for its tree-lined streets, boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a perfect place to wander around and explore. Some popular places to visit in the area include the Hyde Park Pub, Goody’s Soda Fountain, and Camel’s Back Park, which offers breathtaking views of the city.
28. Go mountain biking in the Boise Foothills: The Boise Foothills is a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts, and mountain biking is a popular activity in the area. With over 190 miles of trails, the foothills offer a range of trails for all skill levels, from easy, scenic rides to more challenging, technical trails. Some popular mountain biking trails in the area include the Hulls Gulch Reserve, the Eagle Bike Park, and the Lower Hulls Gulch Trail.
29. Visit the Barber Park Education and Event Center: The Barber Park Education and Event Center is a unique place to visit in Boise, located at the entrance of Barber Park. It offers educational programs and events for all ages and interests, including nature and environmental education, outdoor recreation, and cultural events. The center is also a great starting point for exploring the Boise River Greenbelt, a popular trail that runs alongside the river and offers scenic views of the area.
30. Go ice skating at the Idaho IceWorld: Idaho IceWorld is an indoor ice skating rink located in Boise, Idaho. It is the largest indoor ice skating rink in Idaho and offers year-round skating programs, including public skating sessions, skating lessons, and ice hockey leagues. It’s a great place to cool off during the hot summer months or to enjoy a fun winter activity with friends and family. The rink also hosts special events like ice shows and ice skating competitions.
31. Attend the Treefort Music Fest in March: The Treefort Music Fest is an annual music festival that takes place in Boise, Idaho, typically in the month of March. The festival features a diverse lineup of musical acts from a variety of genres, as well as other forms of art, such as film, comedy, and visual art. Attendees can purchase wristbands that grant access to all festival events and venues. The festival typically takes place over several days, with performances taking place throughout the city at various venues, including bars, clubs, and outdoor stages. Attending the Treefort Music Fest can be a great way to experience the vibrant music and arts scene in Boise.
32. Visit the MK Nature Center: The MK Nature Center is a nature preserve located in Boise, Idaho. The center features exhibits on Idaho’s wildlife and ecosystems, including live fish, birds, and other animals. Visitors can walk through the park and see the animals up close in their natural habitats. The center also offers educational programs and workshops on a variety of topics related to nature and wildlife, making it an ideal destination for families and nature enthusiasts.
33. Take a brewery tour of Boise’s local breweries: Boise is home to several local breweries, each with its own unique style and flavor. Taking a brewery tour can be a great way to explore the local beer scene and learn about the brewing process. Many of the breweries offer guided tours that include tastings and a behind-the-scenes look at how beer is made. Some popular breweries in Boise include Payette Brewing Company, Boise Brewing, and Woodland Empire Ale Craft.
34. Go rock climbing at the Boise Climbing Cooperative: The Boise Climbing Cooperative is a community-based climbing gym that offers a variety of climbing routes and challenges for climbers of all levels. The gym features a variety of walls and bouldering areas, as well as equipment rentals and classes for beginners. Whether you’re an experienced climber or just starting out, the Boise Climbing Cooperative can be a great place to challenge yourself and improve your skills.
35. Visit the Boise Contemporary Theater: The Boise Contemporary Theater is a nonprofit theater that produces contemporary plays and performances by local and national artists. The theater features a small, intimate setting that allows audiences to experience the plays up close and personal. The theater also offers educational programs and workshops for aspiring actors and playwrights, making it an ideal destination for theater enthusiasts and those interested in the performing arts.
36. Attend the Idaho Shakespeare Festival in the summer: The Idaho Shakespeare Festival is an outdoor theater festival that takes place every summer in Boise, Idaho. The festival is held at a beautiful amphitheater in a park setting, and it features productions of Shakespeare’s plays as well as other classic works of theater. Visitors to the festival can enjoy picnicking on the grassy slopes, and the performances are enhanced by the natural beauty of the surroundings. In addition to the plays, the festival also offers educational programs for children and adults, including workshops, lectures, and backstage tours.
37. Visit the Boise State University campus: Boise State University is the largest university in Idaho, and it offers a wide range of academic programs in fields such as business, education, engineering, health sciences, and the arts. The campus is located in downtown Boise, and it features a variety of modern buildings and amenities, including a state-of-the-art student recreation center, a library, and a performing arts center. Visitors to the campus can take a self-guided tour or participate in a guided tour led by a student ambassador.
38. Go horseback riding at Eagle Island State Park: Eagle Island State Park is a 545-acre park located in Eagle, Idaho, just a short drive from Boise. The park features a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and camping, but one of its most popular activities is horseback riding. The park has a network of trails that wind through the scenic landscape, offering riders the chance to explore the park’s forests, wetlands, and open meadows on horseback. Visitors can bring their own horses or rent them from a local stable.
39. Visit the Eagle Island State Park water park: Eagle Island State Park is a popular destination for outdoor activities in the Boise area. The water park is a great place to cool off on hot summer days, with several water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. The park also offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and fishing ponds, making it a great spot for a family outing or a day trip with friends.
40. Go birdwatching at the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge: The Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. The refuge is located on the western edge of the Snake River Plain, and encompasses over 10,000 acres of wetlands, sagebrush steppe, and riparian habitats. Some of the bird species that can be spotted at the refuge include bald eagles, sandhill cranes, great blue herons, and western meadowlarks.
41. Explore the Boise National Forest: The Boise National Forest is a vast wilderness area that covers over 2.5 million acres of mountains, valleys, and forests. The forest is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. Some of the highlights of the forest include the Sawtooth Mountains, the Boise River Canyon, and the Middle Fork of the Boise River.
42. Go tubing down the Boise River: The Boise River is a popular spot for tubing, especially during the summer months. The river flows through the heart of Boise, and offers several access points for tubers. The river has several gentle rapids and twists and turns, making for a fun and scenic ride. Tubing down the Boise River is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
43. Attend the Boise Art Week in September: Boise Art Week is a week-long celebration of the arts in Boise, held in September each year. The event features a wide variety of art exhibits, performances, and workshops, highlighting the talents of local artists and performers. Some of the highlights of the event include the Art in the Park festival, the Boise Philharmonic’s opening concert, and the Idaho Shakespeare Festival’s production of a classic play. Boise Art Week is a great opportunity to experience the vibrant arts scene in Boise and connect with local artists and performers.
44. Visit the World Village Festival in June: The World Village Festival is an annual cultural event held in Boise, usually in June. The festival celebrates the diversity of cultures in the city and features a variety of music, dance, food, and crafts from around the world. Attendees can sample foods from different countries, watch traditional dances and performances, and browse unique handicrafts. The festival also includes activities for children and educational exhibits on different cultures.
45. Take a scenic drive on the Payette River Scenic Byway: The Payette River Scenic Byway is a 112-mile scenic drive through the mountains and forests of central Idaho. The drive starts in Boise and passes through the small towns of Horseshoe Bend, Banks, and Garden Valley. Along the way, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Payette River and the surrounding mountains, as well as opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
46. Go kayaking or paddleboarding on Lucky Peak Reservoir: Lucky Peak Reservoir is a popular destination for water sports, including kayaking and paddleboarding. The reservoir is located just outside of Boise and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can rent kayaks or paddleboards and explore the reservoir’s calm waters, or take a guided tour to learn about the area’s history and ecology.
47. Visit the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial: The Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial is a public park in downtown Boise that honors the legacy of Anne Frank and promotes human rights education. The park features a life-size bronze statue of Anne Frank, as well as quotes and stories from other human rights activists. Visitors can also take self-guided tours of the park and participate in educational programs and events.
48. Explore the Kathryn Albertson Park: The Kathryn Albertson Park is a 41-acre park located in Boise that features a variety of native plant species and wildlife habitats. The park is a popular spot for hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking, and offers stunning views of the Boise skyline. The park also features several ponds and streams, as well as a playground and picnic areas.
49. Attend the Boise Pride Festival in June: The Boise Pride Festival is an annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in Boise, usually held in June. The festival features a variety of events, including a parade, live music and performances, and educational exhibits. The festival also offers opportunities to connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations and support networks.
50. Visit the Idaho Military History Museum: The Idaho Military History Museum is located in Boise and features exhibits on the military history of Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. The museum includes artifacts, photographs, and documents from various conflicts, as well as interactive exhibits and educational programs. Visitors can also view displays of military vehicles and equipment.
51. Go golfing at the Shadow Valley Golf Course: The Shadow Valley Golf Course is a scenic 18-hole golf course located in Boise that offers challenging terrain and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The course features several water hazards and sand traps, as well as a driving range and practice facilities. Visitors can also enjoy the clubhouse restaurant and bar, which offers a variety of dining options.
52. Take a day trip to the historic city of Idaho City: Idaho City is a historic mining town located about 40 miles northeast of Boise. The town was founded during the Gold Rush of the 1860s and features a variety of historic buildings and sites, including the Idaho City Historic District and the Boise Basin Museum. Visitors can also explore the nearby forests and hiking trails, or enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing.