Your Ultimate May–August Guide from a Local Mama & Photographer

Can you believe summer is just around the corner? Feels like yesterday I was scrambling to find my toddler’s coat he likes to haul off with! haha

Summer in the Treasure Valley is pure magic. Warm nights, snow cones, splash pads, and wide open skies—it’s one of the best times to be a kid (or a kid at heart!).

As a Boise-area mom of two and a family photographer who spends a lot of time chasing golden hour light, I’ve learned which events are worth penciling in on the calendar—and which ones will have your kids begging to go back year after year.

Whether you’re new to Boise or just looking to soak up more of what this beautiful season has to offer, here are some of my favorite can’t-miss summer events for families from May through August!

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🎈 Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic

📍 Ann Morrison Park, Boise
🗓 Usually late August, sometimes early September

There’s nothing quite like standing in the cool early morning grass, coffee in hand, watching dozens of hot air balloons rise above the trees. This free event is a beloved Boise tradition, and Kid’s Day is especially perfect for little ones—tethered balloons, pilot meet-and-greets, and all the wonder their little hearts can hold.

💛 Photographer tip: Come early on a clear morning for dreamy sunrise photos with the balloons in the background. It’s a stunning (and low-key magical) way to close out summer.

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🐮 Meridian Dairy Days

📍 Storey Park, Meridian
🗓 Mid-June

Celebrating Meridian’s rich agricultural roots, Dairy Days is full of wholesome family fun: think carnival rides, parades, petting zoos, and ice cream-eating contests. This one has small-town charm written all over it and is a favorite among Treasure Valley locals.

Bonus: The parade is stroller-friendly and the perfect way to introduce your littles to their first festive summer event.

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🎠 Canyon County Fair

📍 Caldwell, ID
🗓 Late July

One of the biggest summer events in the valley, this fair has it all—rides, games, farm animals, live music, and every fried treat you can imagine. It’s an easy win for all ages and a great way to support local vendors and 4-H families.

Pro tip: Go during daylight with toddlers, and come back for evening concerts and fireworks with your older kids!

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🌻 Sunflower & Flower Festivals

📍 Lovely Hollow Farm (Caldwell), Lowe Family Farmstead (Kuna), Wild Adventure Corn Maze (Caldwell)
🗓 Mid-July to August

Nothing says “Idaho summer” like standing in a field of golden sunflowers. Local flower farms open for U-pick events and family-friendly festivals, often complete with wagon rides, farm animals, and photo ops galore.

💛 I offer sunflower mini sessions during peak bloom—these are some of my favorite sessions all year long. Sun-kissed curls, dusty boots, and joyful little faces? Yes please.

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🎆 Fourth of July Fireworks & Festivals

📍 Boise, Meridian, Caldwell, Nampa—all have events!
🗓 July 4th, of course!

From daytime parades and water games to evening fireworks shows, there’s no shortage of Independence Day celebrations in the valley. Many towns host kid-friendly events all day long with food trucks, face painting, and live music.

📍 A local favorite: Storey Park in Meridian usually offers a fun lineup for families, and Ann Morrison Park in Boise has one of the biggest firework displays.

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🎶 Summer Concerts at The Village + Movies in the Park

📍 The Village at Meridian, Settlers Park, Kleiner Park
🗓 Various dates, June–August

Keep an eye on local event calendars for free family movie nights and summer concert series! Bring a blanket, snacks, and let the kids dance in the grass or snuggle up for a cozy outdoor movie.

💛 As a photographer and a mom, these are my personal favorite summer memories—simple, sweet, and slow.

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🌊 Roaring Springs + Splash Pads Galore

📍 Meridian, Boise, Nampa
🗓 Open Memorial Day–Labor Day

While not a specific event, Idaho summer isn’t complete without water play! Roaring Springs is a staple for big summer thrills, while splash pads at Settlers Park, Kleiner Park, and Indian Creek Plaza offer free fun for all ages.

If you haven’t already, make a “splash pad tour” part of your summer bucket list—it’s a low-cost, low-effort way to keep your kiddos cool and happy.

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☀️ Wrapping Up

There’s something special about summer in Boise—it’s community-driven, kid-focused, and full of memories just waiting to be made. So pack the snacks, lather up the sunscreen, and get ready for a season of sun-soaked fun with your favorite people.

And if you ever want to freeze these moments in time with a photo session?
I’d be honored to be the one to tell your family’s story.

📷 Check out my summer photo offerings here
💌 Or join the email list to be the first to know about mini session dates and giveaways!

With warmth & sunscreen (I am a redhead after all),
Kristy 💛