Planning a golf trip to the Boise area this summer? Between tee times and downtime, you will find pockets of free time to venture beyond the course. Use this guide to match your family’s interests with your availability, whether that’s a couple of hours, a full day or additional days for a scenic road trip.
If You Have a Few Hours
Short on time? These close-to-the-course options make it easy to stretch your legs, cool off or reset in between rounds.
Take a Walk or Ride on the Boise River Greenbelt
This 29-mile, paved path follows the river through tree-lined parks in Boise, Garden City and Eagle. Hop on anywhere for a leisurely stroll, or head to Garden City, where e-bike and e-scooter rentals open up a wider self-guided loop. Stop at Boise Whitewater Park to watch river surfers work the waves, then cruise over to the adjacent Esther Simplot Park, where ponds, play areas and more paths await. Rent a paddleboard or kayak at nearby Idaho River Sports for a quick paddle on Quinn’s Pond. Afterward, grab a quick bite or drink at one of the restaurants and coffee shops just off the greenbelt.
Swim, Paddle & Picnic at Eagle Island State Park
Sitting in a fork of the Boise River in Eagle, this 545-acre park has its own lake and sandy beach—a welcome break on a hot July day. Claim a shady picnic spot, swim, walk the 5+ miles of trails, play a round of disc golf, or rent a paddleboard to explore the lake.
If You Have a Full Day
Long July days mean more daylight for activities. Stay close to town for food, culture and convenience, or drive outside the city limits for cooler air and adventure.
Splash it up at Roaring Springs Waterpark
For a day of waterpark thrills, drive to Roaring Springs in nearby Meridian. Little ones can play in splash areas and shallow pools, while older kids gravitate to the rides, slides, wave pool and lazy river. When your group needs a break from the sun, walk next door to Wahooz Family Fun Zone for laser tag, bowling, arcade games, go-karts and more.
Spend the Day in Downtown Boise
When you want variety without a lot of time in the car, Downtown Boise is the easy choice. Start at the Idaho State Capitol for a self-guided walk through the rotunda, then wander a few blocks to Freak Alley Gallery—a free outdoor mural corridor and an easy family photo spot. From there, it’s a short jaunt to the Basque Block to learn about one of Idaho’s most distinctive cultural communities and share plates of paella and croquetas on the patio at The Basque Market. In the afternoon, cool off by floating the Boise River—a six-mile, family-friendly float that takes two to three hours. Raft rentals, a shuttle and a life jacket loaner station are all available (PFDs are mandatory for kids 14 and under). For dinner, peruse the options along the 8th Street Promenade, or keep things easy with takeout from Westside Drive-In—home of the Famous Ice Cream Potato.
Go Play on the Mountain
When the valley heats up, Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area offers cooler temperatures 45 minutes from Boise. The base area runs all summer with lift-served mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, Idaho’s only mountain coaster, a multi-level ropes course and a deck for food, drinks and a lovely view of the valley and Owyhee Mountains.
Raft the Main Payette River
For an Idaho adventure you can fit in a day, book a guided rafting trip on the Main Payette River. The put-in is just an hour north of Boise, and half-day trips run about three hours on the water. The Main Payette’s Class II-III rapids are ideal for first-time rafters and families, with calm stretches, a few splashy sections, wildlife along the banks and time for a quick swim. Licensed outfitters provide expert guides and gear—all you need to bring is a swimsuit, water shoes, sunscreen, towels and dry clothes for the ride back. Be sure to reserve your trip in advance, as summer is peak rafting season.
Add a Few Days in Idaho
If your schedule allows, arrive early or extend your stay to see more of the Gem State. Within a 2–3-hour drive of Boise, you can experience entirely different Idaho landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Discover a Lakeside Retreat in McCall
Follow the Payette River Scenic Byway north to McCall, a mountain town set on the shore of Payette Lake. Swim, paddle, cruise the lake or wander downtown for restaurants, shops, and ice cream after a day on the water. Ponderosa State Park adds forested trails and more lake views. Plan a stop at Tamarack Resort for zipline tours, a round at Osprey Meadows Golf Course, downhill biking and marina activities on Lake Cascade.
Find Mountain Trails and Dark Skies in Sun Valley
For a different type of mountain-town escape, set your GPS for Sun Valley—home of America’s first destination ski resort. Ride the Roundhouse Express Gondola up Bald Mountain for lunch with panoramic views (reservations required), or fill your day with mountain biking, hiking or a ride along the paved Wood River Trail. Nearby Ketchum offers walkable lodging, dining and shopping, a dose of Ernest Hemingway history and stargazing in the country’s first International Dark Sky Reserve. Drive back to Boise through Stanley on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway for staggering views of the Sawtooth Mountains.
Chase Canyon Views and Waterfalls in Twin Falls
A road trip to Twin Falls offers a completely different landscape: high desert, deep canyons and several waterfalls. Take the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway to make the drive part of the adventure. Walk or bike the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail and watch BASE jumpers parachute from the Perrine Bridge into the canyon below. Head to Centennial Waterfront Park for zipline, kayak and boat tours on the Snake River. Save time for two waterfall stops: Shoshone Falls, which is taller than Niagara Falls, and Perrine Coulee Falls, where a short path leads behind the cascade.
Before You Go
Pack for warm, dry July weather—highs in the 90s, lows in the 60s. Sunscreen, hats, water bottles and comfortable walking shoes will carry you on and beyond the course. Add swimsuits, towels and strap-on sandals or water shoes if your plans include any swimming, paddling or floating.
Whatever you choose to do during your time in Idaho, your family will leave with unforgettable experiences and a list of reasons to come back for more.
Published on June 22, 2026