Boise is full of exciting ventures. But to get the most out of the city, you should try hanging with a local. Otherwise, you could miss out on the best experiences.
I’ve lived in the Boise area for nearly 30 years and in this article, I’m taking you with me to explore the city and finally answer the question: “What do locals do in Boise?”.
What Do Locals Do In Boise?
There are a number of exciting things to experience in Boise as a local. That said, what we do really depends on what time of year it is. Since Boise has four distinct seasons; winter, spring, summer, and fall, I’ve split up this list by season.
If you’re looking for a quick overview of how to experience Boise like a local, check out the chart below.
| Winter | Spring | Summer | Fall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hit the slopes at Bogus Basin | Visit the Boise Zoo | Explore the Boise Farmers’ Market | Get lost in a corn maze |
| Watch a game of hockey | Take a tour of the Capitol Building | Float the Boise River | Pick pumpkins at one of many patches |
| Go ice skating at Idaho Ice World | Practice your swing at Top Golf | Bike or walk the Greenbelt | Scream and shout at the haunted house |
| Sled down Simplot hill | Find a local trail to hike | Enjoy a free concert at Alive After Five | Go for a fall joyride around the city |
| Go for a climb at the Vertical View Climbing Gym | Explore the iconic 13th street | Admire Freak Alley’s Art | Hike the foothills and take in the view |
| Observe Boise’s Christmas tree lighting | Zoom around town on an e-scooter | Get your thrill in at the Western Idaho Fair | Enjoy a local fall beer or cider |
| Seek out the best Christmas lights in the city | Picnic at Boise’s most popular parks | Have a water day at Roaring Springs | Partake in Old Boise Oktoberfest |
| Visit the Botanical Garden’s Winter Garden aGlow | Snap some breathtaking photos at Boise Depot | Paddle Board at Quinn’s Pond | Watch an intense game of BSU football |
| Enjoy a warm beverage downtown at Flying M Coffee | Have a family day at Wahooz | Hike Table Rock | View some Halloween movies at the historic Egyptian Theater |
| Have a laugh at the Bose Little Theater | Observe one of many Boise Museums | Enjoy a “beach” day at Lucky Peak Resiviour | Grab a slice of pizza downtown |
| Take a day trip to McCall | Explore the town on the Boise Trolley | Watch a ball game at the Boise Hawks Stadium | Find your way out of an escape room |
| Try some craft beers at the local breweries | Take a day trip to Bruneau Sand Dunes | Try out the local fast-food joints | Head to Boise’s Botanical Garden for the Fall Harvest Festival |
If you want more insight into each one of these awesome experiences, I break it all down for you below.
What to Do In Winter
Hit the slopes at Bogus Basin
A day at Bogus Basin is an unforgettable experience. There are several routes to explore, and the view from the mountain’s summit is stunning. Ride a chairlift to the top and breathe in the fresh mountain air before skiing or snowboarding down the slopes.
Tubing, snowshoeing, and even night skiing are available at the resort.
Watch a game of hockey
Watching a Steelheads hockey game is more fun than you’d think. Even if you don’t like hockey, it’s still fun to watch as the players can get pretty rough with each other.
Plus, the halftime shows are awesome. You might even catch a free shirt!
Go ice skating at Idaho Ice World
Idaho Ice World offers an amazing ice skating experience. The spacious, well-kept rink provides a smooth and quick glide, ideal for practicing spins and jumps or simply having fun on the rink.
The relaxed ambiance makes it a fantastic location to unwind from the stresses of everyday life. The presence of music and the occasional light display, of course, adds an extra element of enjoyment to the experience.
Sled down Simplot Hill
Sledding down Simplot Hill in Boise is something you just have to experience for yourself! The hill is perfectly sloped with wide paths that wind through the snow, providing plenty of room for a wild ride.
The powdery snow creates a smooth and fast track for a thrilling descent, and it’s easy to build up speed as the hill is pretty tall.
The best part is that it’s free and open to everyone, making it the perfect way to enjoy the winter season!
Go for a climb at the Vertical View Climbing Gym
The Vertical View Climbing Gym is an excellent spot to get active and push yourself! You’ll never get bored with its wide assortment of overhangs, boulders, and cliffs.
The staff is courteous and knowledgeable, and the environment is pleasant and encouraging. If it’s your first time, you’ll have to go through the training session, however.
Observe Boise’s Christmas tree lighting
Every year, the city of Boise illuminates the night with stunning Christmas tree lighting at the Capitol Building and in Grove Plaza. It’s a fantastic event that gathers the entire town to enjoy the festive season.
Thousands of dazzling lights illuminate the trees, and the Grove Plaza is packed with festive music and decorations. Watching the mayor switch on the lights is a breathtaking sight you have to witness for yourself.
If you want to experience the lighting, plan to visit Boise at the end of November.
Seek out the best Christmas lights in the city
As the holiday season approaches, it’s a Boise tradition to search for the greatest Christmas lights in the city! Numerous homes deck out their exteriors with a variety of sparkling lights every year, and some of them even have lights that dance to the beat of the music.
To experience these festive displays, simply tune your vehicle’s radio to the specific station and listen to the music from the comfort of your car.
And what’s even more fun is that some of the residences allow you to vote on which music will be played next via a website playlist!
Visit the Botanical Garden’s Winter Garden aglow
The Winter Garden aGlow at Boise Botanical Garden generally takes place from November 23rd to December 30th every winter season.
During this time, the Boise Botanical Garden is turned into a brilliant winter paradise with over 300,000 lights and festive decorations throughout!
You’ll enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies while strolling around the colorful gardens and walkways. The event is open from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. every night, and entry is $18 for adults and $14 for children aged 4 to 12.
Enjoy a warm beverage downtown at Flying M Coffee
The Flying M Coffeehouse in Boise is a local favorite. This quiet and friendly cafe in the center of downtown Boise serves tasty coffee and tea drinks, freshly prepared pastries, and a selection of lunch and supper menu items.
The café has a big outside patio space, which is ideal for drinking coffee and catching up with friends.
Flying M also hosts live music and other events throughout the week, making it an ideal venue for both residents and visitors to unwind and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, especially during the frigid winter months.
Have a laugh at Boise Little Theater
Boise Little Theater, which opened in 1932, presents a diverse range of live plays, musicals, and special events and is dedicated to providing a dynamic and inclusive theatrical experience.
I never knew I liked theater until I gave Boise Little Theater a chance for the first time. Since then, my wife and I have gone to countless plays and we always leave wanting to come back for more.
Plus, they serve coffee and cookies for cheap which is an added bonus.
Take a day trip to McCall
In the winter, a day’s journey from Boise to McCall may be a terrific opportunity to explore the full beauty of Idaho’s winter terrain. The 2-hour drive itself is stunning as you wind past snow-capped mountains and pine forests bathed in white.
McCall’s festivities include the Winter Carnival, a two-week winter celebration held from January to February.
The torchlight procession, ice skating and snowshoe races, live music, hot air balloon flights, ice sculptures, and other winter activities are all part of the Winter Carnival.
Try some craft beers at the local breweries
Boise has a thriving craft beer culture including a number of well-known local brewers which makes for the perfect excuse to get out during the winter season.
Payette Brewing Company, which has been making amazing beers since 2010, is one of the most well-known. They’re known for their IPAs, stouts, and lagers, as well as seasonal and limited-edition releases (wink, wink, winter ale).
Barbarian Brewing, another popular brewery launched its taproom in 2017 and specializes in Belgian-style ales and barrel-aged sours. Both breweries provide excellent beer and a fantastic atmosphere, making them popular craft beer attractions in Boise.
What to Do In Spring
Visit the Boise Zoo
Although the Boise Zoo is open year-round, spring is a good time to go as temperatures are still cool and more animals start to come out.
Admission is super affordable, with tickets costing $6.50 for adults and children aged 3 to 11, costing only $4.50, while infants get in for free.
With exhibits like the African Savannah, Giraffe Encounter, and my personal favorite, the Bald Eagle Exhibit, it’s a terrific place to learn about and witness some of the world’s most wild animals.
Practice your swing at Top Golf
Boise’s new Top Golf is an exciting addition to the city and is a perfect activity for springtime.
It features a massive, two-story building with 60 climate-controlled hitting bays, a full-service restaurant and bar, music, an outdoor patio, a 9-hole miniature golf course, family-friendly programs, and a bunch more.
Find a local trail to hike
Boise is an amazing destination to enjoy the outdoors, especially during the spring. With various hiking paths suitable for people of all ages and abilities, you can get out and get active.
The Hulls Gulch Nature Walk on the backside of Camel’s Back offers a moderate trail that travels through meadows and forested regions and is a super popular trail. The Corrals Trail is a terrific alternative for a more difficult trek, with steep terrain and magnificent valley vistas.
Explore the iconic 13th Street
13th Street is one of the most hoppin neighborhoods in Boise. That said, it’s a popular location for both locals and visitors with its fascinating mix of locally-owned stores and cafes.
From the cozy atmosphere of Hyde Perk Coffee House to the delectable food at 13th Street Pub & Grill, plus its broad assortment of home décor boutiques such as Hyde and Seek, it’s an ideal spot to explore.
Zoom around town on an e-scooter
Exploring Boise on an e-scooter like Lime or Byrd is a quick and fun way to see the city. With speeds of up to 15 miles per hour, you can zip around town fast and effortlessly.
You can find a scooter practically anywhere in the Boise area and at any time of day, plus you can leave it wherever you want once you’re done.
One time my wife and I were searching for a scooter in our neighborhood late at night and ended up finding one “hidden” behind a dumpster outside of a restaurant (I know, gross).
But, we didn’t care. It was the most fun we’ve ever had finding one and then cruising around town on it.
Take a tour of the Capitol Building
Exploring the Boise City Capitol building is both thrilling and instructive. A guided tour of the building is available, which includes stops at the rotunda, the Senate and House Chambers, and the Supreme Court.
The tour also provides an in-depth look at the legislative process in the state, as well as the opportunity to study the original state constitution and other significant documents.
Cool fact, my stepdad actually helped tile the top floors of the capitol building back in the day.
Picnic at Boise’s most popular parks
Picnicking at Boise’s most popular parks in the spring is a lovely way to enjoy Boise outdoors. With its lush greenery, shaded areas, and several walking trails, Kathryn Albertson Park is an ideal site for a picnic.
Likewise, Julia Davis Park provides a range of recreational opportunities including paddle boating, picnics spots, and a playground, while Ann Morrison Park, with its expansive grass, strolling trails, and a huge pond is also an excellent spot for a picnic.
If you bring some bread, you can even feed the ducks (quack, quack)!
Snap some breathtaking photos at Boise Depot
A stunning and well-known landmark in downtown Boise is the Boise Train Depot. This location offers spectacular views of the city and is a popular spot for photoshoots.
With its stunning view, classic red brick roof, and an old train still stationed on its track, it’s an immaculate place for photographers. You can admire the city’s skyline, mountains, and greenbelt from this outlook, offering a magnificent backdrop for any photo.
Have a family day at Wahooz
Wahooz in Boise is a family fun center featuring some of the area’s top attractions. With over 19,000 square feet of entertainment, there’s something for everyone.
It’s an especially good place to take the family on a weekend adventure as you’ll enjoy racing go-karts, playing mini-golf, laser tag, arcade games, and eating at the in-house restaurant.
Observe one of many Boise museums
Boise has a multitude of museums, each with its own set of attractions and experiences. The Boise Art Museum is a fantastic site to see pieces of art from all around the world, while the Idaho Black History Museum provides insight into the state’s diverse history.
Other notable museums in Boise include the Warhawk Air Museum and the Basque Museum and Cultural Center.
Explore the town on the Boise Trolley
Hopping in a trolley is a fun and informative way to tour downtown Boise. The tour is offered year-round, with multiple tours throughout the day.
The trolley takes guests on a narrated journey of Boise’s history and culture, with stops at the State Capitol, Basque Block, and other landmarks. There’s also a 90-minute evening tour, with a different route, that begins at 7:00 PM.
Take a day trip to the Bruneau Sand Dunes
The Bruneau Sand Dunes are a spectacular natural wonder found in southern Idaho’s high desert. They are the tallest single-structured sand dunes in North America, reaching heights of 470 feet.
You can indulge in a range of activities including sandboarding, hiking, and camping. There are also several opportunities for bird watching as the region is home to a diverse range of bird species.
I recommend bringing a pair of sunglasses or goggles, however, as it can get pretty windy there. And believe me, wind combined with sand is not fun! Unfortunately, I had to learn the hard way.
What to Do In Summer
Explore the Boise Farmer’s Market
From April through October, Boise’s Farmers’ Market offers a colorful and lively outdoor experience that takes place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
It’s located in the center of downtown Boise and is a terrific place to discover fresh local fruit, delicious tamales, plants, artisan crafts, and more. It’s also a wonderful way to support local farmers and craftsmen while enjoying the city like a true local.
Float the Boise River
You can’t call yourself a true local if you’ve never floated the Boise River, plus it’s a great way to spend a hot summer day. You can rent super nice rafts at the entrance spot through Boise River Rafts & Tubes, or bring your own floaties to enjoy the river’s gentle current.
The river is wide and easy to navigate, so it’s a great spot for people of all ages and experience levels. Plus, you get to take in the beautiful scenery of the Boise River Valley as you drift along peacefully.
Bike or walk the Greenbelt
The Boise Greenbelt is a 25-mile-long urban path that runs beside the Boise River. The dense trees provide adequate shade and the fresh air flows off the river making it ideal for bicycling or strolling on hot summer days.
With plenty of picturesque sights, several rest areas, and easy access around the city, the Greenbelt is a terrific way to keep active and enjoy the outdoors during the hot summer months in Boise. But beware, it can get really busy!
Enjoy a free concert at Alive After Five
Alive After Five is a well-known summer concert series here in Boise. Every Wednesday night in the heart of Downtown on the Grove Plaza, this event showcases a range of musical styles.
All events are open to the public and include musical artists from the local and regional communities. Alive After Five also includes a selection of food and beverages for sale, as well as a unique beer garden with artisan beers and wines.
This community event is a terrific way to spend a summer evening with friends or family while listening to some of Boise’s greatest music.
Admire Freak Alley’s Art
Freak Alley is an important part of the city’s culture; it’s also the northwest’s biggest open-air, multi-artist mural gallery, located between 8th and 9th streets and Bannock, and offers a unique and lively street art experience.
Colorful murals, graffiti art, and other works of art fill the alley, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
The artwork along the alley represents a wide range of styles and topics, offering a unique look into Boise’s burgeoning art community.
Get your thrill in at the Western Idaho Fair
Looking for a thrill? Consider the Western Idaho Fair, which is hosted each year at the Expo Idaho fairgrounds in Garden City. The event is usually held from late August through early September.
It has carnival rides, agricultural displays, live music, a rodeo, and a variety of other activities. Admission is normally $10 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $8 for children aged 6 to 11, with discounts given on occasion. Over 250,000 people attended the fair throughout its 10-day span in 2022.
Have a water day at Roaring Springs
Roaring Springs Water Park is a popular local summer attraction for Boiseians. It has a lazy river, a wave pool, and a thrilling five-story speed slide, among other thrilling water slides and attractions.
The park offers an unforgettable day of fun in the sun for everyone, with a plethora of food and drink options available. That said, if you’re on a budget you might want to reconsider.
Tickets are $49 for a day pass, and the food and drinks here are known to be spendy.
Paddle Board at Quinn’s Pond
Quinn’s Pond is an excellent location for paddle boarding. The tranquil, smooth water makes it suitable for both novice and experienced paddle boarders, and the beautiful scenery surrounding the pond provides a pretty backdrop for a peaceful experience.
With its convenient location in the heart of Boise, Quinn’s Pond is the perfect spot to spend a summer afternoon.
Hike Table Rock
Another staple amongst locals is Table Rock. The two-mile trail is easy and allows for the perfect view of the city. From the top of the rock, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of all of Boise, including the downtown area and the surrounding mountain ranges.
With its easy access and extraordinary views, Table Rock is the ideal place to explore and take in the beauty of Boise. Table Rock is open to the public daily, from sunrise to sunset.
Enjoy a “beach” day at Lucky Peak Resiviour
Locals in Boise love spending their days off at Lucky Peak Reservoir. It’s a perfect spot for a day of fun and relaxation, with a beach area, boat launch, and plenty of nearby trails.
The sandy beach is ideal for soaking up the rays and cooling off in the calm waters. There are also lots of picnic tables, barbecues, and a playground area to keep everyone entertained.
Watch a ballgame at the Boise Hawks Stadium
A game at the Boise Hawks Stadium is a fun summer pastime! Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just looking for a fun summer outing, Boise Hawks are fun to watch.
The Boise Hawks are a minor league baseball team that plays from June through September. Tickets start at $22 and average around $34 per person, with special discounts on certain days.
While rooting for your favorite team, you can enjoy some of the best concessions and craft brews around!
Try out the local fast-food joints
If you’re a foodie like me, then you have to check out all of Boise’s local fast-food joints. From Hawkins Pacout serving up classic burgers and fries to Westside Drive-In, as featured on the Food Channel, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re in the mood for a frozen treat, Fancy Freeze has a variety of cool and creamy creations.
Big Bun (similar to Fancy Freeze) also serves up classic sandwiches and sides, while Bad Boy Burgers is sure to hit the spot. For a truly epic meal, Big Juds offers the biggest burger in town (if you can finish it by yourself, it’s free).
What to Do In the Fall
Get lost in a corn maze
Every year, the city features a plethora of corn mazes with numerous twists and turns that provide hours of entertainment. These mazes allow you to explore the gorgeous pumpkin patches while also enjoying the changing of the seasons.
Cherry Hills Farms is a local favorite, offering 7 acres of corn to get lost in!
Pick pumpkins at one of many patches
Boise is home to a number of pumpkin patches, making it the perfect place for a festive fall day.
Some of the most popular pumpkin patches in the area include the Anderson’s Pumpkin Patch, which features a corn maze, hay rides, and plenty of pumpkins for carving, and the Boise Pumpkin Patch, which offers a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, and a variety of other activities.
Scream and shout at the local haunted house
Haunted World is Idaho’s top haunted attraction, with over 23 years of scaring Idaho. Located in the heart of Nampa, this haunted house is about a 50-minute drive from downtown Boise.
It provides a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience for thrill seekers and those seeking a good scare. The attraction opens in September and remains open all of October, with single-day tickets starting at $25. It has haunted homes and mazes, as well as live entertainment and a zombie paintball ride, in addition to a separate kids’ area with age-appropriate scares.
Go for a fall joy ride around the city
Boise is home to some of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the entire country. And what better way to see them than by going for a joyride? From the historic streets of the North End to Harrison Blvd—one of the city’s most beloved streets—these Boise neighborhoods are quite a site to see.
Harrison Blvd is a major east-west thoroughfare that runs through the heart of Boise, connecting many of the city’s most popular neighborhoods and attractions. The street is lined with beautiful fall-colored trees and historic homes. You’ve got to check it out!
Hike the foothills and take in the view
Boise offers just as many great places to hike during the fall season. The Boise Foothills provide great views of the city, and the crisp autumn air is perfect for a hike.
Camel’s Back Park is also an ideal spot for a fall hike, with its easy-to-follow trails and scenic overlooks. The park provides stunning views of downtown Boise and helps you to see why Boise is nicknamed “The City of Trees”.
Enjoy a local fall beer or cider
Boise has a dynamic craft beer and cider scene in the fall, with over twenty breweries, cideries, and pubs, many local breweries craft delicious seasonal brews and ciders. From the smooth and malty Oktoberfest lagers to the rich and fragrant pumpkin ales, beer lovers are sure to find something to enjoy.
For those looking for something more refreshing, local cideries like Meriwether Cider offer a variety of ciders made with a range of apples and other fruits, perfect for sipping on a crisp autumn day.
Partake in Old Boise Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is a great way to experience German culture. Held annually in October in downtown Boise, this event is a great way to celebrate the season with friends and family.
Whether you’re looking to sample some delicious German food, take part in some traditional folk dancing, or just enjoy a day of festivities, Oktoberfest is the place to be for locals!
Watch an intense game of BSU football
Watching BSU take the field on the iconic blue turf is a must if you come to Boise. The roar of the audience when the team takes the field, and the chanting of the fans’ devoted support make this a truly unforgettable event.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, attending a BSU football game in the fall is an experience you will never forget.
Enjoy some Halloween movies at the Historic Egyptian Theater
The Egyptian Theatre in Boise is a fantastic place to see a film during the fall. It’s a lovely and historic theater that has been in operation since 1927. The theater is in the heart of downtown Boise and is a popular place to see a classic Halloween movie.
Grab a slice of pizza downtown
There are plenty of delicious pizza places to choose from downtown during the fall. Pie Hole, a personal favorite, is known for its gourmet vegan and non-vegan, bacon-potato pizza, as well as its unique atmosphere.
Guidos is another option if you’re looking for a more traditional Italian pizzeria with a diverse menu of creative pies, and the Wylder is a modern, wood-fired pizzeria with an amazing craft beer selection and an even better pizza selection. Who doesn’t like a hot slice of pizza during the fall?
Find your way out of an escape room
Escape rooms have become quite popular in Boise. The most popular escape rooms around town are Escape This Boise and Amazing Escapes of Boise.
Amazing Escapes of Boise offers challenging rooms such as Titanic and Countdown to Terror, while Escape This Boise offers rooms like Zombie Apocalypse and the Pirate Ship. Both deliver an exciting adventure with puzzles, riddles, and clues to help you escape the room in the allotted time (if you’re lucky).
Head to Boise’s Botanical Garden for the Fall Harvest Festival
Every Saturday during the month of October, the Boise Botanical Garden hosts a Fall Harvest Festival to celebrate the bounty of the season. There’s live music, hayrides, pumpkin painting, and a variety of food and craft vendors at the event.
Children can also participate in interactive activities and educational programs, such as a “scavenger hunt” to learn more about the Garden’s plants and wildlife. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to get together and enjoy the Garden’s natural beauty while also celebrating the fall harvest.