Looking for the best parks in Boise Idaho? Known as the City of Trees, Boise Idaho is home to many parks surrounding the city. These parks in Boise offer a variety of activities and amenities that cater to different interests and ages.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful nature walk, a fun family picnic, or an exciting outdoor adventure, Boise has the perfect park for you. In this post, I’ll be sharing some of the best parks in Boise and what makes them stand out from the rest.
Ann Morrison Park
1000 S. Americana Blvd., Boise
Located along the Boise River, Ann Morrison Park is one of the largest parks in Boise. It covers an area of 153 acres and offers a wide range of activities such as biking, fishing, frisbee golf, and playgrounds for kids. The park has several picnic shelters and tables scattered throughout its grounds, making it a perfect spot for family gatherings or picnics with friends.
What sets this park apart from others is its beautiful botanical garden featuring over 300 species of plants and flowers. It’s a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city and a favorite spot for nature lovers. During the summer, the park hosts various events and concerts, making it one of the liveliest parks in Boise. It’s also the spot that you get out of the water when you float the Boise River.
Also, this is one of the popular dog parks in Boise Idaho, so don’t forget to bring your furry friend when you plan to visit!
Julia Davis Park
700 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise
Located in downtown Boise, Julia Davis Park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. It offers a unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor recreation. The park houses several museums such as the Idaho State Historical Museum and the Boise Art Museum, making it a great educational experience for visitors.
The park covers 43-acres of land by the Boise River. A little backstory about Julia Davis Park. It was donated in 1907 by Thomas Davis as a memorial to his wife, Julia. The park features picnic areas, playgrounds, a rose garden, the renovated Gene Harris Bandshell, the Boise Zoo, and a duck pond. It also has walking paths that take you through shaded areas with beautiful views of the river.
Camel’s Back Park
1200 W. Heron St., Boise
Camel’s Back Park is one of the local favorite parks in Boise among outdoor enthusiasts for its challenging hiking trails and breathtaking views of the city. The park covers 11 acres and offers various activities such as mountain biking, hiking, and picnicking.
The highlight of this park is its namesake – Camel’s Back Hill. This steep hill provides an intense workout as you hike up the steep steps, while offering stunning panoramic views from the top. The park is a gateway to Hull’s Gulch Reserve and the Boise Foothills where people hike year round. You’ll also find many recreation areas within the park such as an updated modern playground, a sand volleyball court, tennis courts, an outdoor gym, and picnic areas with shade trees.
The best part? Just two blocks down the street, you’ll see shops and dining options to refuel after your outdoor adventure. This is one of our family’s favorite parks in Boise.
Esther Simplot Park & Quinn’s Pond
3206 Pleasanton Ave., Boise
The Esther Simplot Park is a 55-acre wetlands habitat and recreational space located near the Boise River. The park features over a mile of river frontage, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The 23 acres of this park consist of ponds for swimming, wading, and fishing and a large grass field perfect for picnics, sports games, or relaxing with friends.
Quinn’s Pond is next to the Simplot Park and a popular spot for paddleboarding and kayaking, so get your gear ready and enjoy the beautiful views of the Boise River. Free lifejackets are available for use at stations along the pond. You can rent kayaks and paddleboards at Idaho River Sports, located on the edge of this park and Quinn’s Pond.
This combonined area of Esther Simplot Park and Quinn’s Pond are along the popular Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile paved pathway along the Boise River. This area is also home to the Boise Whitewater Park and Boise Wave. This is the urban surfing area on the Boise River, where kaykers and surfers will actually surf the ‘wave’ on the River.
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Cherie Buckner-Webb Park
1100 W Bannock St., Boise
Conveniently located in Downtown Boise, Cherie Buckner-Webb Park is the first urban park in Boise ID. The half-acre park was named after Cherie Buckner-Webb, a state senator and advocate for diversity and inclusion. This small but beautiful park is an example of community collaboration with its unique design elements and public art installations.
The park features open green spaces, shaded seating areas, water fountains, and a large playground great for children. The playground has a rubberized surface, making it safe and accessible for kids of all abilities.
Cherie Buckner-Webb Park is not only a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but it also serves as a gathering space for community events such as concerts, movie nights, and art festivals. Be sure to check out this charming park on your next visit to Boise’s vibrant downtown area.
Barber Park
4049 S. Eckert Rd, Boise
Barber Park is the popular starting point when you float the Boise River. Renting rafts and spending a few hours floating down the Boise River is one of the fun things to do in Boise Idaho during the summer.
Barber Park offers more than just raft rentals. Located on the Boise River, this park offers trees and wildlife to enjoy. It also provides picnic shelters, grills, a playground, and a basketball court. So even if you don’t want to float or it’s not summertime, Barber Park in Southeast Boise.
Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve
5301 N. Maple Grove Rd., Boise
Located between the neighborhoods of Boise’s West Bench and West Valley, the Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve is a hidden gem of natural beauty. The reserve boasts over 53 acres of a nature sanctuary for birds, animals, and locals alike.
The Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve is perfect for birdwatching, with over 15 species of birds nesting and visiting the reserve throughout the year. The park also features a series of walking paths, wetland habitats and a Conservation Station where visitors can learn about the local ecosystem and conservation efforts.
Kathryn Albertson Park
1001 S. Americana Blvd., Boise
If you want a nearby escape from the hustling city life, Kathryn Albertson Park is the perfect spot. This 41-acre 41-acre pedestrian-only park features a nature escape located in the heart of the city.
Just outside the city center, it’s a year-round haven for local wildlife featuring a variety of animals including birds, waterfowl, owls, herons, turtles, fish, bullfrogs, raccoons, beavers, rabbits, deer and red foxes. Within the park are two picnic areas and an open ground perfect for picnics, family gatherings or reading a book under the shade of trees.
Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park
500 S. Walnut St., Boise
Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park is a 28-acre park located in Boise’s East End neighborhood. It’s named after the Boise native and three-time Olympic gold medalist cyclist, Kristin Armstrong. The park is popular for its athletic fields, playgrounds, and walking paths that connect to nearby neighborhoods.
The park also features a large playground in the center, picnic tables, bocce courts and open space for outdoor activities. The perimeter of the park is lined with beautiful trees and there are views of Greenbelt and within the M.K. Nature Center.
MK Nature Center
600 S Walnut St, Boise, ID 83712
MK Nature Center is a 4.6-acres that sits along the Boise River Greenbelt. It’s dedicated to educating the public about Idaho’s wildlife and habitats in urban environments through various programs, exhibits, and demonstrations. It’s a free place to visit and so much fun. Visitors can explore the interactive exhibits, see live fish and other native wildlife in their natural habitat, and even walk through a replica beaver lodge.
This nature center preserve is one of the free things to do in Boise Idaho, and a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about Idaho’s diverse ecosystem and conservation efforts. It’s also perfect for families with children as it offers hands-on activities that are both fun and educational. The MK Nature Center is open year-round and remember, admission is free of charge.
I hope we were able to cover not all but most of the attractions that you can visit in Boise. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for some fun outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. So come and explore all that Boise has to offer!