10 Idaho Summer Activities Your Kids Will Actually Want To Do

As kids wrap up their school year, attention turns from helping them with homework, most of which we don't understand, to find things to do during the day. Fortunately, Idaho is filled with awesome things to do for the entire family. Some take planning, and others can be done in just a few hours. Here is a list of activities that the kids will enjoy, and you will too!

Zoo Boise, Boise

Zoo Boise is a great place to get outside, get in your 10,000 steps, keep the kids entertained, and see the amazing animals that live there. The new Gorongasa National Park exhibit is worth every penny. Some but not all of the animal experiences are open again. Some but not all of the private animal experiences are open.

Roaring Springs Water Park, Meridian

With slides like the Snake River Run, Thunder Falls, the Avalanche, Viper's Vortex, and the Endless Lazy River, Roaring Springs is the largest water park in the Northwest.

Silverwood Theme Park, Athol

This is a trip that requires some planning. Once you get there, you won't be hearing any complaints from the kids. There's something for kids and adults of all ages. From antique car rides to Aftershock, the wildest coaster in Idaho.

Bogus Basin, Boise

Bogus isn't just for skiing. In the summer, there are all kinds of activities that your kids will love. They can defy gravity on the bungee trampoline. They can mine for gold at Shafer Butte Mining Company and reach new heights on the climbing wall. They also sell an Ultimate Day Pass that includes summer tubing, the mountain coaster, and chairlift rides. The pass is good all day to ride as often as you'd like.

Float The Boise River, Boise

Rent a raft and take the entire family on a three-hour trip down the Boise River. There are slow parts, and there are fast parts, but the whole ride is fun for the entire family. The float starts at Barber Park and ends downtown, where they will shuttle you back to your car at Barber. Float Season 2021 is from June 15th through September 6th.

Aquarium of Boise, Boise

The aquarium offers some fun, hands-on experiences with fish and even their birds.  The kids are mesmerized by the colors and the looks of these fish.  The staff is excellent at explaining how these fish live and answer all of the kids' questions.  Best of all, it's air-conditioned for those super hot days.

Discovery Center of Idaho, Boise

The Titanic exhibit continues at the Discovery Center through August 15th. You definitely want to see this one before it's gone. The kids will learn about history, and you will learn more about the background of your favorite movie from your childhood.

Children's Museum of Idaho, Meridian

You cannot beat the hands-on experiences at the Children's Museum. Each exhibit will keep your kids engaged, entertained, and learning. Time will fly by, and you'll be able to bring exhausted kids back home to take a nap!

Sandy Point Beach, Boise

Outsiders don't think of Idaho as a place with beaches. Still, Sandy Point proves to all the doubters that beaches in Idaho can be spectacular. The water is cold, which is just fine on a hot summer day. Kids will love the shaved ice stand on the beach as well. Make sure to load up on sunscreen before you head out.