Idaho Botanical Garden

The Idaho Botanical Garden, positioned at the base of the Boise Foothills, is a living museum that comes to life in spring with blooming flowers and plant life. Its varied collections, such as the English Garden, the Meditation Garden, and the Children’s Adventure Garden, cater to all age groups. The Botanical Garden is also known for numerous spring and summer events, like the Outlaw Field Concert Series and Shade City Brewfest.

This 25-mile-long Boise River Greenbelt along the Boise River provides picturesque scenery, wildlife observation opportunities, and access to numerous city parks in the area. A trip down the Greenbelt in the spring is characterized by blooming trees and mild temperatures, making it a great time for cycling, a stroll, or a skate session.

Spring marks the re-opening of the Ridge-to-Rivers trail system in the Boise Foothills. The foothills trails are a favorite for hiking, jogging, cycling, and strolling with your favorite pet. In spring, the presence of wildflower blooms makes the trip extra special. Notable trails such as Camel’s Back and Table Rock provide excellent views of Boise, making them a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

While First Thursday runs all year, the spring weather makes First Thursday even better. On the first Thursday of each month, downtown Boise highlights its cultural, culinary, and artistic offerings. Galleries, studios, and other venues open their doors to the public, with plenty of events happening at various downtown Boise establishments.

With the arrival of spring, local outdoor markets and farmers markets open back up for fresh produce, locally made food items, and artisan crafts. Markets like the Capital City Public Market in downtown Boise bring together a variety of local artisans, crafters, and food producers. The Boise Farmers Market is a destination for those interested in local produce, artisanal products, and gourmet foods. There are plenty of local outdoor farmers markets in the surrounding areas as well.

Learn about local Treasure Valley outdoor markets in our Farmers Market article here.

In Southwest Idaho, whitewater rafting offers everything from serene floats to heart-racing rapids. The Salmon River, affectionately dubbed the “River of No Return,” stands out, boasting a variety of rapids for both the adrenaline junkie and the seasoned whitewater vet. The Payette River system, with its North and South Forks, offers a mix of technical rapids for the experienced and smoother rides for family outings, all within a short distance of Boise. For those looking for real adventure, Hells Canyon on the Snake River doesn’t disappoint, with the most challenging rapids in North America’s deepest river gorge. Professional outfitters make it easy for beginners to dive into the world of rafting, ensuring a safe experience.

Visit Southwest Idaho’s whitewater rafting guide.

Boise is well known for its numerous picturesque golf courses, catering to every level of golfer. Courses like Quail Hollow Golf Course and Warm Springs Golf Course are local favorites, known for their beautiful settings. Additionally, golfers can take in the landscapes of BanBury Golf Course, with its signature water features, or the broad fairways of Shadow Valley Golf Course, ideal for players seeking a scenic but challenging round; and the Ridgecrest Golf Club, offering panoramic views and varied terrain that tests precision and skill. Each course in the Boise area provides an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the stunning Idaho outdoors.

View Visit Boise’s guide to outdoor golf.

Situated just outside Boise, the World Center for Birds of Prey is dedicated to raptor preservation and study. Spring is a prime time for visiting, as many birds return from migration. The center offers presentations, tours, demonstrations, and the opportunity to observe a diverse range of raptor species. Meet live birds of prey up close, like California Condors.

The Boise Flower & Garden Show, typically held in March, is a gathering spot for gardening enthusiasts, featuring the latest in garden design, plant nurseries, and landscape ideas, as well as garden art. The show also provides educational seminars and workshops, which makes it a key event for greenthumbs looking to enhance their gardens.

The Sunnyslope Wine Trail is a short distance from Boise in the Snake River Valley of Idaho, and offers scenic beauty and premium wine-tasting experiences. The Sunnyslope Trail offers numerous wineries to choose from, all showcasing the region’s capability to produce exceptional wines, with some wineries offering local produce and farm-to-table dining. It’s highly recommended to make a day of it and explore a handful of smaller family-owned or more extensive wineries.

Quinn’s Pond is the go-to spot for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in Boise when the weather heats up. It’s this little urban oasis is great for both newbies and pros. When visiting Quinn’s Pond you don’t worry about gear; nearby rental shops have you covered.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Boise’s Whitewater Park situated along the Boise River, adjacent to Quinn’s Pond, offers a thrilling urban water experience with engineered waves and chutes for kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing, with three additional in-river wave structures catering to various skill levels, and a plaza area with scenic viewing spots.

If you’re into history with a dash of mystery, the Old Idaho Penitentiary is your spot. Operating for over a century as a prison, it’s now an intriguing museum open to visitors year-round. Spring is a great time to roam its historical cell blocks and maybe even find inspiration in the inmate-planted rose garden. It’s an interesting slice of Idaho’s past

May brings with it the Famous Idaho Potato Marathon. Whether you’re up for the full marathon or just a 5K, this annual run along the Boise River Greenbelt offers views that make every step worth it. Plus, finishing with a potato-themed medal is a story for the gram.

Spring in Boise means patio season! Outdoor patios and rooftop bars open back up during the warmer months to give you the chance to dine and drink in Idaho’s beautiful weather. From the many local breweries, to craft cocktail bars, or farm-to-table restaurants, Boise has a patio for you! It’s an ideal way to unwind after a work day or get some weekend sun.

Check out Boise’s Best Patios and Rooftop Bars in our article here.

Nestled in Boise’s core, the Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center comes alive in spring with birds fluttering about and aquatic life thriving in its waters. Visitors to the MK Nature Center can explore and learn about local flora and fauna up close. The center’s stream walk is a highlight, featuring underwater viewing windows that offer a glimpse into the world of rainbow trout and other native fish species. The site is also perfect for birdwatchers, with frequent sightings of local and migratory birds throughout the year.

May’s Boise Bike Week is a celebration of all things cycling in the City of Trees. From competitive races to fun scavenger hunts and informative workshops, Boise Bike Week brings the local biking community together. It’s a fun-filled week that encourages healthy living with a focus on peddle-powered adventure.

Opening in late May, the Idaho Shakespeare Festival presents a series of plays in a beautiful outdoor amphitheater with the Boise Foothills as a backdrop. Running from May through September, the festival showcases a rotating lineup of plays, performed by talented actors. The performances feature traditional Shakespeare plays, plus unique offerings like the Little Shop of Horrors. The open-air theater, with seating nestled among native plants and under the vast Idaho sky, offers an unparalleled viewing experience that adds a special element to each performance.

For a metropolitan area, Boise offers a range of nearby places to put a hook in the water and fish. The Boise River is easily accessible and known for fly fishing, especially for rainbow and brown trout. In addition to the river, there are a number of local ponds and fishing holes, such as Quinn’s Pond, Parkcenter Pond, and Esther Simplot Park, which are stocked with a variety of fish species, including bass and bluegill, making them perfect for family outings and novice fishermen looking to test the waters.

Dubbed the “Toughest Race in the Northwest,” the Race to Robie Creek is a popular half-marathon that takes place in April. This challenging race starts in Boise and winds its way up and over the steep Aldape Summit before descending into the Robie Creek Valley. Participants and spectators enjoy the community spirit and festive atmosphere that surround this event, making it a spring highlight for many.

The Boise Urban Garden School (BUGS) offers workshops and classes in the spring that focus on sustainable gardening practices, urban agriculture, and healthy eating. These hands-on learning experiences are perfect for individuals looking to start their own garden or improve their gardening skills. It’s also a great way to connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts and learn about local food systems.

Kathryn Albertson Park is probably the most Instagrammable park in the Boise area, especially in the spring when the flowers bloom and wildlife is abundant. The park features walking paths, gazebos, and waterways, making it an ideal spot for picnics, leisurely walks, or simply relaxing in nature.

Spring equals speed in the Boise area, with Firebird Raceway and Meridian Speedway kicking off operations. Firebird Raceway is a drag racing facility with a quarter-mile-long track. Along with multiple events and car shows, fans of all ages can come to watch the races at this National Hot Rod Association member track.

Meridian Speedway (in Meridian) is an oval-track racing venue that draws plenty of crowds in the spring and summer months. Hosting a season of exciting events, this family-friendly speedway is a racing hub in the middle of the city for motorsports enthusiasts.