Outdoor Adventure Activities in Boise, Idaho
Explore the City by Trolley Tours, Hot Air Balloons, or Garden Walks
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Float above Boise in a hot air balloon, with spectacular views of the mountains, river and city. Sunrise flights offer gorgeous hour-long tours of the area, while watching the day begin. Flights average at $400 for two passengers, but well worth the price for this unusual experience. Hot air balloon flights greatly depend on weather conditions, requiring clear, calm, cool and stable conditions for flights. Most balloons fly at an altitude between 500 feet and 1000 feet, travel at the speed of the wind and can last a few hours, depending on length of fuel.
Boise Trolley Tours
Take a tour of Boise on board an old trolley car. This 90-minute narrated tour takes visitors on a journey through the city and history. Tours leave from Julia Davis Park, between the Zoo and the Boise River. Tours are $14, and children 12 and younger are free if accompanied by a paying adult.
Idaho Botanical Garden
The botanical garden consists of 30 acres of specialty gardens, from an alpine garden to water features, to a peony garden or the Lewis & Clark native plant garden and more. Other gardens and features include a labyrinth, meditation garden, an outdoor classroom and a children’s garden. The Idaho Botanical Garden sits on the grounds of the old state penitentiary, and incorporates its history into the themes, such as the “Outlaw Field”.
The Idaho Botanical Garden hosts public and private events, such as the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party or Bug Day or summer concerts. Lectures and classes are also held at the garden. The garden is located at 2355 Old Penitentiary Road, just a few miles from downtown Boise.
MK Nature Center
The Morrison Knudsen Nature Center is located along the Boise River Greenbelt in downtown Boise. The nature center is operated by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, proving a stream walk for visitors. The stream walk includes underwater viewing windows, for up close viewing of fish in the river. The stream walk is open year-round, from sunrise to sunset. MK Nature Center events include the Idaho Salmon & Steelhead Days Salmon Barbecue, and other educational events.
Roaring Springs Water Park
Refreshing and cool, Roaring Springs Water Park offers visitors a break from the hot Idaho sun. Located 5 miles west of Boise, the water park offers a variety of swimming pools, water slides and unique experiences. From rafting down the Endless River, to the Double Trouble Drop Slide, to a relaxing swim in Leisure Lagoon or surfing in the wave pool, every swimmer enjoys a wide choice of activities and experiences. Contact the Roaring Springs Water Park for admission prices and special events.
World Center for Birds of Prey
The Velma Morrison Interpretive Center at the Peregrine Fund World Center for Birds of Prey is open daily during summer months, offering educational exhibits and experiences for all ages. Visitors view birds of prey or raptors, such as the American Kestrel, Great Gray Owl, or Peregrine Falcon. The center also offers a Virtual Tour online. The World Center for Birds of Prey is located at 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane in Boise.
