Did you start summer with a bucket list and realize you haven’t quite finished it? Don’t worry, there’s still time. Boise still has plenty of sunshine left, and it’s the perfect chance to squeeze in family fun before the leaves turn and school schedules take over. From concerts and park days to sweet treats and Idaho traditions, here’s your guide to the best family activities in Boise before summer ends.

Outdoor Movies in Boise and the Treasure Valley

What’s more fun than watching a movie outdoors with the whole family? Pack blankets, chairs, and snacks for these upcoming flicks.

• Movies in the Park at Blake Haven Park – On August 26, Aladdin plays at dusk.
• Terrace Drive-In Theatre (Caldwell) – On August 29 and 30, watch a double feature of Jaws and How to Train Your Dragon.

Outdoor Summer Concerts in Boise and Beyond

Music just feels better under the open sky, and these are the last outdoor concerts of the season.

• Rock the River at The Riverside Hotel – The last weekend is August 29–31 Free concerts with space for kids to dance and run around.
• Music on the Mountain at Bogus Basin – On August 30, head up for the final summer concert. Ride the lift, enjoy live music, and take in mountain views.
• Meridian City Hall Free Summer Concert Series – The final free show happens on September 6 at 33 E Broadway Ave, Meridian.

Patio Dining in Boise and Garden City

Warm evenings are made for eating outside, and Boise has plenty of patios where kids are welcome.

• Lost Grove Brewing – Hyde Park (1026 S La Pointe St, Boise and 1602 N 13th St, Boise, ID) – A relaxed spot with food, drinks, and nearby playgrounds.
• Wyld Child (13 S Latah St Suite 103, Boise) – Bright, fun, and welcoming, with an atmosphere that works for both parents and kids.
• The Boardwalk in Garden City (521 E 41st St, Garden City, ID) – A riverside hub with multiple food and drink options and room for kids to roam.

Boise Summer Treats to Cool Off With

Some of the best summer memories are made around a simple sweet treat. Boise has plenty of kid-approved (and parent-approved) spots to end the day on a high note.

• Westside Drive-In (1929 W State St, Boise and 1113 E Parkcenter Blvd, Boise) – A Boise classic, famous for ice cream and milkshakes served in a retro drive-in setting.
• Soft Landing (1220 W State St, Boise) – Handcrafted ice cream made with unique global flavors.
• Dee’s Ice Cream Trolley (Hyde Park Idaho) – A charming, old-fashioned trolley serving scoops that kids love.

Whether it’s ice cream cones at the park, a milkshake after dinner, or finding Dee’s trolley in Hyde Park, these little stops are what make summer feel special.

Water Days: Boise’s Lakes and Ponds

You don’t need the ocean for a summer beach day. Boise has some great spots for sand, sunshine, and water play.

• Lucky Peak State Park (9725 ID-21, Boise) – Sandy beaches, calm swimming areas, paddleboarding, and shady picnic tables.
• Quinn’s Pond and Esther Simplot Park (3206 W Pleasanton Ave, Boise) – Right in town, with calm waters perfect for paddleboards, kayaks, and younger kids.
• The WaterShed Climate + Water Center (11818 W Joplin Rd, Boise) – Hands-on exhibits, splash features, and outdoor play areas that connect kids and families to the Boise River Watershed.

Family-Friendly Hikes in Boise

Take advantage of the foothills before the weather cools down with these approachable family hikes.

• Chief Eagle Eye Reserve (451 N Quarry View Pl, Boise) – A quieter trail system with cultural significance and beautiful views.
• Camel’s Back Park (1200 W Heron St, Boise) – A short, steep climb with a rewarding view, plus one of the city’s most popular playgrounds.
• Elephant Rock Loop (near Military Reserve, Boise) – A manageable loop trail with fun rock formations and plenty of space for kids to explore.

Boise Parks and Picnic Spots

Sometimes the best summer fun is as simple as an afternoon at the park.

• Ann Morrison Park (1000 S Americana Blvd, Boise) – Wide open fields, fountains, and playgrounds.
• Kathryn Albertson Park (1001 Americana Blvd, Boise) – A nature reserve with ponds, wildlife, and shaded walking paths.
• Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park (500 S Walnut St, Boise) – A family favorite for shaded picnic areas and a playground near the river.

Quick Day Trips from Boise for Families

If you’ve got a full day, these spots make for easy, memorable summer adventures.

• Idaho City (36 miles northeast of Boise) – A historic mountain town with boardwalk streets, ice cream shops, and hot springs nearby. A fun mix of history and nature.
• McCall (100 miles north of Boise) – A family favorite for lake days. Swim, kayak, rent a boat, or just grab an ice cream cone and sit on the beach at Payette Lake.
• Bruneau Sand Dunes (27608 Sand Dunes Rd, Mountain Home, ID 83604) – Kids can climb and sled down towering dunes. Stay after dark to stargaze at the observatory.
• Jump Creek Falls (near Marsing, ID) – A short hike leads to a waterfall with a shallow pool at the base. Great for families looking for a quick adventure that ends with splashing in the water.

Idaho Traditions

There are a few summer traditions that every Boise family should experience at least once before the season ends:

• Float the Boise River – Start at Barber Park and float down to Ann Morrison Park. It’s the ultimate Boise summer activity. (Last day for raft rentals is September 1st)
• Bike Ride on the Greenbelt – With 25 miles of riverside pathways, the Greenbelt is a safe, fun way to explore the city on two wheels.
• Watch the Sunset at Simplot Hill – Grab the kids, pack a blanket, and watch the sun go down over Boise. Don’t forget the ice blocks — sledding down the grassy hill is a long-standing Boise tradition.

Summer in Boise goes by fast, but there’s still time to make the most of it. Whether you’re catching a movie in the park, taking the kids for ice cream, or floating the river one last time, these family-friendly adventures are the perfect way to close out the season. Pick a few, make some memories, and send summer off right.