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Top 25 cheap summer activities in Boise, Idaho
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The historic Boise Train Depot
These are some of the most fun things summer has to offer here in the Treasure Valley.
1. Swim in the lake: the two closest options are Lucky Peak and Lake Lowell although both are technically reservoirs they offer fantastic swimming and a waterside park to hang out in while you dry off.
2. Float the river: you can bring your own raft or tube, or you can rent one for as little as $10.
3. Picnic in the park: pack some sandwiches and a Frisbee and you are ready for a good time. try Katherine Albertson's park, then you can walk off the food afterwords.
4. Yard sale: this has been a part of summer forever, and who wouldn't want to get up early and hunt for bargains. to make it even better take some friends along and go out for coffee after your done to check out each other's finds.
5. Visit the rose gardens: Both Julia Davis park in downtown Boise and Lakeview park in Nampa have beautiful rose gardens. These are great for photography backdrops or romantic strolls.
6. Go fishing: both Lucky Peak and Parkcenter Pond are fully stocked for fishing and very close and convenient. You can even pick up your fishing license at Walmart on the way.
7. Watch a Boise Hawks game: We are lucky enough to have our own local baseball team, and nothing says summer like America's pastime. for a full schedule and ticket prices check out their website. boise.hawks.milb.com/index.jsp
8. Play Frisbee: sometimes the simple things are the best. Ivywild Park off of Broadway is perfect for Frisbee.
9. Experience Shakespeare: Idaho is blessed with an amazing Shakespeare acting troupe. They perform every summer and the plays are hilarious, and entertaining even for those that know nothing about Shakespeare's writing. This summer they are playing The Comedy of Errors. For more details and show times check their website. www.idahoshakespeare.org/
10. Bike the Greenbelt: the greenbelt is perfect for a bike ride. There are great views of the river and plenty of bi trees for shade.
11. Get a snow cone: kids and adults can't get enough of these summer treats. Settler's park in Meridian is a great place to get them. they are very affordable and as a bonus you can play in the park when your done.
12. Visit the Nature Center: this little gem is right off of Warm Springs Avenue and is hosted by the Idaho Fish and Game Dept. There are fish viewing windows, walking trails, wild flowers, and even some exhibits inside too.
13. Grab ice cream: Over the years there is an old fashioned ice cream place that has become a Boise landmark. That's right the Fanci Freeze. Cool off the summer with a Boston Shake (it's a milkshake with a sundae on top) try a peanut butter shake with a hot fudge sundae.
14. Paddle boats: down by the zoo there is a beautiful little pond where you can rent paddle boats. $8 for half an hour and $12 for an hour. Not only is this a killer workout but also a fun date idea. Add a little extra fun by bringing bread to feed all the ducks and geese there.
15. Have a barbecue: whether its just you and the family or the whole neighborhood you can't go wrong with a barbecue.
16. Play in the fountains: If you need to cool off just head to the nearest fountain. There is one downtown on the Grove, and also downtown Nampa.
17. Climb the hill at Camel's Back Park: this is another workout but so much fun. Once you get to the top there are streams and walking trails all over up there, and if you pick a day when the wind is right you might even see some thrill seekers hang gliding off the top.
18.Go to Table Rock: this is the most amazing view of the whole valley. This is a perfect place for a picnic or just trying to spot your house from the top ( harder than it sounds).
19. Go ice blocking: yes, this is exactly what it sounds like. You get a block of ice, take it to the top of a hill, and sit on it to slide down. Simplot hill and the hill up at Bogus Basin are the best for this. Tip of the day bring a towel to sit on the ice is very cold especially if you are wearing shorts.
20. Take a trip to Brunau: there is a small day fee for using the park, but for around $5 you can spend the whole day climbing the sand dunes, fishing in the ponds, stargazing in the giant telescope, or drive a little further and you can see the Brunau Canyon overlook.
21. Celebration park: this park is located in the desert just beyond Melba. there are trails to walk past Native American hieroglyphs, and the scenic Snake river. Bring water though because it can get warm.
22. Take Pictures: what better way to remember all the fun you are having. Some of the best settings are at Katherine Albertson's Park, the Boise Train Depot, or even the steps of the capital building.
23. Plant a garden: whether you plant seeds and patiently watch them grow or you prefer the instant gratification of already blooming flowers, a bright cheery garden will make your day.
24. Walk the dog: summer is the perfect time to take Fido for a walk. The perfect place... why the greenbelt of course. this is like doggie heaven. Just remember to bring a waste bag to keep it heaven for other people too.
25. Have a backyard camp-out: this is a safe inexpensive alternative to camping. Pitch the tent in the backyard, tell scary stories, bring a flashlight for shadow puppets, and even roast marshmallows for s'mores. You can roast them over a fire pit or even candles.
So there you have it 25 new ideas to inspire you to enjoy this weather and this city.
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