Boise Public Library
City library, main library plus branchesBest for: Boise residents
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Kids' activities
Libraries, museums, parks programs and places to go
By J&H Digital Services LLCChecked Oct 23, 202610 sources
In short
Start with a free library card and your city's parks and recreation guide, which lists sports, classes and summer camps. For outings, the valley has a zoo (Zoo Boise tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for kids 3 to 11, with lower prices on Thursdays), a science museum, a nature center, a botanical garden, a birds of prey center and a big water park.
- Library cards
- Free for residents of each library's service area
- Free outings
- City parks, library story times, the Boise River Greenbelt
- Summer camps
- Check dates early; popular camps fill fast
- Zoo Boise
- $15 adults, $12 kids 3 to 11; cheaper on Thursdays
Which libraries have programs for kids?
Type
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Ada Community Library
Library district, 4 branches plus mobile outreachBest for: Parts of Ada County outside the cities, including Star, Lake Hazel, Victory and Hidden Springs branches
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The Star Branch is Star's public library.
Meridian Library District
Library districtBest for: Meridian residents
Eagle Public Library
City libraryBest for: Eagle residents
Garden City Public Library
City libraryBest for: Garden City residents
More
- Phone
- 208-472-2941
Kuna Library District
Library districtBest for: Kuna residents
Nampa Public Library
City libraryBest for: Nampa residents
Caldwell Public Library
City libraryBest for: Caldwell residents
Where can I take kids around Boise?
Zoo Boise
Zoo, run by Boise Parks and RecreationBest for: Toddlers to grade schoolers
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- Hours
- Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., last entry 4 p.m.
Adults $15, kids 3 to 11 $12, 2 and under free; Thursdays are $12 and $11. Last winter the zoo ran $3 Thursdays from November to February; check whether they return. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Discovery Center of Idaho
Hands-on science museumBest for: Curious kids of all ages, rainy or smoky days
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- Hours
- Mon to Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Reserve tickets online up to seven days ahead. Members get early access to camps.
MK Nature Center
Idaho Fish and Game nature centerBest for: Short nature walks next to the Boise River Greenbelt
More
- Hours
- Visitor center Tue to Sun 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; trails dawn to dusk
Idaho Botanical Garden
Botanical gardenBest for: Family walks, seasonal events and winter lights
World Center for Birds of Prey
Raptor center run by The Peregrine Fund, south of BoiseBest for: Live bird programs at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
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- Hours
- Tue to Sun 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Dec to Feb 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Adults $14, ages 4 to 16 $9, under 4 free.
Roaring Springs Waterpark
Seasonal water parkBest for: Hot summer days
What do city parks and recreation programs offer?
Boise Parks and Recreation
Sports, classes, camps, pools, Zoo BoiseMeridian Parks and Recreation: youth camps
Day camps, classes and sportsCaldwell Parks and Recreation: youth sports
Youth sports leaguesWhat else do parents ask about kids' activities?
How do I find kids' sports leagues?
Start with your city's parks and recreation department, which runs low-cost leagues for younger kids. For club soccer, baseball, swim and other competitive teams, ask your school, neighbors or local parent groups. Registration usually closes weeks before a season starts, so check dates early.
When should I sign up for summer camps?
Popular city and museum camps can fill quickly. Check each program's registration date in early spring and sign up as soon as it opens.
What about free summer fun?
Library summer reading programs, city parks and the Boise River Greenbelt are free.
Was this page helpful?
Sources (10) · Checked Oct 23, 2026
- Ada Community Library: Branches
- Idaho Commission for Libraries: Garden City Public Library listing
- Lynx Library Consortium: About
- Idaho Press: Kuna library joins Lynx consortium
- Zoo Boise: hours and pricing
- City of Boise: $3 admission days return to Zoo Boise (Nov 2025)
- Discovery Center of Idaho
- Idaho Fish and Game: MK Nature Center
- The Peregrine Fund: Visit the World Center for Birds of Prey
- Roaring Springs Waterpark
Fees, rules and providers change. Confirm with the official source before you go.
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