I recently came across a post from a mom moving to Boise from Texas—and it instantly brought me back. We actually lived in Texas for two years with our oldest, and I vividly remember how overwhelming it felt to move to a new place with a toddler and no clue where to go or what to do. It’s such a big transition! A lot of the families I photograph aren’t Idaho natives either, so I thought this would be the perfect post to share some of those quintessential Boise-area activities every local mama should know about. Whether you’re brand new here or just want to soak up more of what the Treasure Valley has to offer, this list is for you. ❤️ (sharing a mix of personal iphone photos and some professional photos! )

If you’ve ever driven down Warm Springs Avenue in spring, windows down, and caught the scent of blooming cherry blossoms… you know how magical Boise can be with kids. I’ve been a mom here for over seven years now, and what started as a search for toddler-friendly play spots quickly became a deep love for all the seasons and adventures the Treasure Valley has to offer families.

Whether you’re new to the area or just looking to fill your weekends with something special, I’ve gathered up a list of Boise-area activities that feel iconic for childhood here—some I experienced growing up nearby myself, and many more I’ve now shared with my own two boys. So here’s your ultimate guide to Boise kid adventures—a blend of year-round favorites, seasonal must-dos, hidden gems, and photo-worthy memories just waiting to happen.

---

🌿 Year-Round Fun: Treasure Valley Classics for All Ages

Discovery Center of Idaho (Boise)
This place is a lifesaver in the winter and a wonderland year-round. My boys could spend hours here pressing buttons, launching air rockets, and building their wildest inventions in the tinkering lab. I’ve watched them grow from curious toddlers to mini scientists in this space, and every visit sparks something new.

Zoo Boise
Nestled in Julia Davis Park, this is one of the first “big adventures” we did as a family when my oldest was still toddling around. From the butterfly exhibit to the goats at the kids’ farm, it’s a Boise must. We still go at least once a year—those squeals when the giraffes get close never get old.

Children’s Museum of Idaho (Meridian)
Perfect for rainy days or winter cabin fever, this museum is packed with pretend-play exhibits that feel like a tiny world just for little ones. Grocery shopping, space travel, vet clinics—it’s all there, and it’s just the right size for a morning outing and lunch after.

The Village at Meridian
This might surprise you, but The Village is a staple in our family routine. We’ve spent countless summer evenings letting the boys run through the splash pad or winter nights watching the ice skaters twirl under the lights. That fountain show? It still makes them stop in their tracks.

Wahooz & Roaring Springs (Meridian)
We’re officially in the “birthday party at Wahooz” stage of parenting, and honestly—it’s awesome. Whether it’s laser tag in January or a waterpark day in July, this is kid paradise. If you’re new here, don’t sleep on their Family Slide Nights in summer!

🧸 Jabbers (Meridian, ID)

Jabbers is an indoor play café designed especially for young children—and it’s truly a gem for those cold, rainy, or just plain exhausting days when you need a safe, fun space for your littles to burn off energy (and for you to sip a coffee in peace!).

Located in Meridian, Jabbers offers a clean, bright, and imaginative play space that feels like a mini town just for kids. There are themed play areas like a grocery store, vet clinic, construction zone, and kitchen—all perfectly sized for toddlers and preschoolers to explore freely. The soft play areas, ride-on toys, and climbing structures are all enclosed in one big, open room so you can easily keep an eye on your kiddos while relaxing nearby.

And the best part? The on-site café serves coffee, snacks, and even lunch items—so you can recharge while the kids play. It’s a go-to for playdates, quiet weekday adventures, or even birthday parties.

Insider tip: Weekday mornings are usually quieter, and socks are required for both kids and adults. Also, they offer punch passes if you plan to go often (which… you probably will!).

---

🌸 Spring Delights: Blossoms, Babies & Muddy Boots

Spring is my favorite time for photo sessions and family outings. After the long winter, the sunshine and blooms feel like magic—and the kids are just as excited to get muddy as I am to get them outside.

Orchard Blossom Wandering (Emmett & Caldwell)
We make a tradition out of driving out to the orchards every April—windows down, fresh air, trees bursting with pink and white petals. It’s like nature’s confetti! I offer blossom photo sessions every spring in these orchards, and trust me: there’s nothing like capturing your babies running under those blooming trees.

Baby Animal Days (Nampa, Kuna, Caldwell)
Nothing beats the look on a kid’s face when they feed a baby goat for the first time. We’ve visited places like Shindig Farms and Babby Farms in spring, and every time, it’s a sweet reminder of how magical the simple things can be.

🎵 Treefort Music Fest (Boise)
While it’s technically a music festival, Treefort in March is surprisingly family-friendly. There’s a “Kidfort” area with crafts, performances, and activities just for kids, plus a fun way to introduce them to arts and music in a community setting.

🤍 Motherhood Portraits Giveback Event

Every spring, I host a special event that’s incredibly close to my heart: the Motherhood Portraits Giveback Day. This is a chance to celebrate the beauty, strength, and softness of motherhood—something I cherish deeply both as a mom and a photographer.

I offer simple, sweet portrait sessions at a low-ticket price so as many moms as possible can experience a moment in front of the camera with their babies (something we’re so rarely in!). All proceeds from this event are donated to a local organization that supports moms, women, or families in need—because I truly believe in lifting each other up, and that every mama deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

Only my email list is given the opportunity to get the tickets, you can sign up here:

---

☀️ Summer Adventures: Splash Pads, Fireworks & Flower Fields

There’s something nostalgic about Idaho summers—the long evenings, sun-warmed skin, and bare feet in sprinklers. These are the days that feel like forever in the best way.

Splash Pads & Community Parks (Meridian, Boise, Nampa)
Settlers Park is practically our second home in summer. The splash pad, the musical playground, the family movie nights—it’s a whole vibe. Bring a picnic blanket, let the kids roam, and soak up that golden hour glow. We also love Molenaar Park, Stephen C. Guerber Park, Reid Merrill Park, Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park, and our most favorite: Discovery Park.

Sunflower Fields & Lavender Walks (Kuna & Caldwell)
Every August, I look forward to sunflower and lavender season. Some great local options for sunflower and lavender fields include Lowe Family Farmstead, Quey’s Maze, Wild Adventure Corn Maze, Blue Sky Farm, and Hidden Hollow Farms for sunflowers, and Red Chair Lavender, Lavender Acres, Two Hoots Lavender, Vista Farms Idaho, and Idaho Lavender Farms for lavender. Should I start offering sunflower and lavender minis?

U-Pick Flower Farms (Caldwell, Eagle)
Lovely Hollow Farm is a favorite of mine for photography and family fun. Wandering through fields of zinnias and sunflowers with a little metal bucket in hand? Childhood gold. And yes—those blooms make the dreamiest backdrops for family photos (hint hint). I offer flower farm minis every year!

Floating the Boise River
My oldest just floated for the first time last year and loved it. Life jackets, plenty of sunscreen, and snacks (always snacks)—it’s one of those traditions that make you feel like a real Idaho family.

Roaring Springs + Backyard Sprinklers
Whether you’re braving the wave pool or running through the hose at home, summer is all about water and freedom. Bonus points if you follow it up with snow cones from a roadside stand.

🤠 Snake River Stampede (Nampa)

This isn’t just a rodeo—it’s one of the top professional rodeos in the country and a huge part of Idaho heritage. Held every July at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa, the Snake River Stampede features world-class bull riding, barrel racing, and roping, along with mutton bustin’ for the littlest cowboys and cowgirls. It’s high-energy, loud, and so much fun. My boys were in awe watching the rodeo clowns and horses fly across the arena. It’s a great mix of edge-of-your-seat action and family-friendly entertainment.

🐄 Meridian Dairy Days (Meridian)

Held every June, Dairy Days is one of the oldest running festivals in the Treasure Valley—celebrating Meridian’s rich dairy farming roots since the 1920s! It’s small-town charm at its best with parades, carnival rides, fair food, a dairy cattle show, and a community rodeo. There’s even a milk-drinking contest for the kids! We always look forward to grabbing curly fries and waving at the parade floats. It’s a true kickoff to summer and such a nostalgic tradition.

🥾 Family-Friendly Hikes in and Around Boise

🍃 Camel’s Back Park & Hulls Gulch Reserve (Boise)
Located right in the North End, this is a classic Boise hike. You can start at Camel’s Back Park (great playground there, too!) and head up into the foothills. The Owls Roost and Kestrel loop is a local favorite—it’s moderate and offers pretty wildflowers in spring and sweeping city views year-round.

🌲 Table Rock Trail (Boise)
This one’s a bit of a climb but totally doable for older kids or toddlers in hiking backpacks. The Table Rock trail takes you up above the city for that iconic view and a great photo op near the cross. Go at sunset for golden light, but don’t forget water—there’s not much shade!

🏞 Eagle Island State Park (Eagle)
This spot offers easy, flat trails around the water, perfect for little feet or a stroller-friendly walk. There are picnic areas, beach access, and a playground to round out the day.

🌿 Military Reserve Trails (Boise)
Tucked near downtown, this area has multiple gentle trail options with low elevation gain, plus spots for kids to watch birds or even spot a deer. Cottonwood Creek Trail is a sweet and shady route for warm days.

🌼 Boise River Greenbelt (Multiple Access Points)
While technically paved, this beloved path stretches for miles along the Boise River and is a great option for a casual stroll or scooter ride with the kids. You can hop on near any major park—Julia Davis, Ann Morrison, or Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park are all great starting points.

🍁 Ridge to Rivers Trail System (Boise Foothills)
This is a huge network of well-maintained trails offering a variety of hike options—from easy to challenging. Try the Red Cliffs Nature Center Loop for a gentle, educational trail near the Foothills Learning Center.

🌄 Stack Rock Trail (Bogus Basin area)
A bit more of an adventure, this hike is ideal for families with older kids who are up for a longer trek (about 8 miles roundtrip). The trail winds through pine forest and ends at a big rocky outcropping with sweeping views. Bring snacks and make a day of it!

---

🍂 Fall Magic: Pumpkins, Hayrides & That Crisp Idaho Air

Ah, fall. Crunchy leaves, cozy sweaters, and the best photo opportunities. My calendar fills up fast with sessions during this season—and for good reason. The Treasure Valley shines in autumn.

Pumpkin Patches (Kuna, Nampa, Caldwell)
Lowe Family Farmstead is a rite of passage and our favorite fall tradition. We’ve done the hayrides, the pig races, the corn maze (which my youngest thinks is just a giant hide-and-seek field). And we go back every year. It’s tradition.

Corn Mazes, Straw Bales & Cider Sips
Whether it’s Shindig Farms or Johnson’s Pumpkin Patch, the experience is just pure joy. I always sneak in a few photos—dusty boots, toothy grins, cheeks flushed from apple cider and excitement.

Fall Family Photos (Various Locations)
This is hands-down my busiest time as a photographer, and for good reason. Idaho in fall is breathtaking. If you’ve ever dreamed of golden light through amber trees and your babies snuggled in cable-knit sweaters—this is your moment. My fall family mini sessions are all about capturing that warmth, chaos, and love in a timeless way.

🎈 Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic (Boise)

Every year around late August or early September, the sky above Ann Morrison Park comes alive with dozens of colorful hot air balloons—and it’s pure magic for kids and adults alike. The Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic is a beloved free event that kicks off with “Kid’s Day,” where families can walk right up to the balloons, meet the pilots, and even step inside a tethered one on the ground. The early morning launches are dreamy (yes, you’ll want coffee), and the evening Nite Glow is a must-see—balloons lit from within like giant lanterns set to music. Bring a blanket, some snacks, and your sense of wonder!

---

❄️ Winter Whimsy: Lights, Cocoa & Sled Races

Yes, winters can be long—but they also bring some of the coziest, most magical memories. Especially when we lean into it with mittens, cocoa, and all the twinkle lights.

Winter Garden aGlow (Boise)
We bundle up every year, grab our holiday light glasses (you know, the ones that turn every bulb into a snowflake), and wander the Botanical Garden trails under millions of lights. The boys are always on Santa watch.

Caldwell Winter Wonderland & Ice Ribbon
The first time we went, my youngest was convinced the lights were real magic. It’s become one of our favorite traditions—especially with hot cocoa in hand and music echoing down Indian Creek.

Sledding at Camel’s Back & Simplot Hill
Snow days are rare here, so we make the most of them. We’ve got the sleds, the gloves, and the thermos of soup ready to go. Even if it’s just for an hour, the laughter (and inevitable snow-in-the-boot moment) is always worth it.

🎅 Santa Sessions Giveback Event

In the magic of the holiday season, I offer one of my favorite traditions: Santa Sessions with a Purpose. These are short and sweet portrait sessions with the jolliest guy in red, designed to be affordable for families while still delivering that cozy, joyful holiday magic.

But here’s the best part—all proceeds go directly to a local Idaho charity supporting children and families in need. It’s one of my favorite ways to give back during the holidays, and it fills my heart to know that the laughter and smiles from these sessions are doing a little extra good in our community.

It’s a small way to sprinkle kindness and magic—and I’m always so touched by the families who come together to support the cause. You can sign up for exclusive access to tickets here:

---

🖼 A Little Shameless Plug (But from the Heart)

Throughout all these seasons, I’ve been lucky enough to not only experience these moments with my own boys—but to help other families preserve them too. I offer seasonal family, milestone, and newborn photography sessions across the Treasure Valley, and these outdoor adventures? They’re often where the magic happens.

There’s nothing quite like a spring blossom session with giggles and petals in the air, or a fall photo where your little one is throwing leaves while the golden sun dips behind the trees. My goal isn’t just to take pretty pictures—it’s to tell your story, the real one, filled with love and chaos and laughter.

So whether we meet in a sunflower field or at the base of a sledding hill, I’d be honored to capture a piece of your family’s journey here in Boise.

---

Final Thoughts

Being a mom here for the past seven years has shaped how I see this valley—and how I cherish the little things. From muddy boots in spring orchards to star-gazing in the summer foothills, every season brings something worth remembering. I hope this list gives you inspiration, excitement, and a little push to try something new with your own family.

The Treasure Valley is special—and so is your story.

With love and light,
Kristy

P.S. Want to stay in the loop on seasonal photo sessions or get tips for kid-friendly outings? Join my email list or follow me on Instagram where I share all the behind-the-scenes mom life and photo magic.