Free & Low Cost Summer Activities for Families in the Treasure Valley
- contentbynani
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Fun doesn't have to be expensive
Summer has a way of filling up the calendar, and sometimes the budget right along with it.
Between camps, vacations, activities, and trying to keep kids entertained, it's easy to feel like every outing comes with a price tag. The good news is some of the best summer memories are often the simplest ones.
Whether you're looking for an afternoon adventure, a weekend outing, or just a reason to get out of the house, there are plenty of free and low cost activities throughout the Treasure Valley that families can enjoy all summer long.
If you're searching for free and low cost summer activities for families in the Treasure Valley, here are some local favorites worth adding to your summer bucket list.
FREE AND LOW COST SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES IN THE TREASURE VALLEY
Visit a Local Splash Pad
Nothing says summer quite like a splash pad.
The Treasure Valley is home to several fantastic splash pads that offer hours of entertainment for little ones without costing a dime.
Family Favorites:
Kleiner Park Splash Pad
Settlers Park Splash Pad
Discovery Park Splash Pad
Reid Merrill Park Splash Pad
👉 Looking for a complete list? Check out our guide to the Best Splash Pads in the Treasure Valley.
Pack a Picnic and Watch the Ducks
Sometimes the simplest outings end up being the most memorable.
Redwood Park in Boise has become a local favorite for families looking to enjoy a picnic while watching ducks, ducklings, geese, and other wildlife around the water.
Why We Love It:
Shaded picnic areas
Walking paths
Plenty of ducks to watch
Great for younger kids
Explore the Boise River Greenbelt
Stretching more than 25 miles through Boise, the Greenbelt offers endless opportunities for family adventures.
Whether you're walking, biking, pushing a stroller, or simply stopping at a park along the way, it's one of the easiest ways to spend a summer morning.
Great Entry Points:
Kristin Armstrong Park
Julia Davis Park
Barber Park
Esther Simplot Park
Visit MK Nature Center
This hidden gem is one of the Treasure Valley's best free family activities.
Kids can walk the pathways, learn about Idaho wildlife, and watch fish swimming through the underwater viewing windows.
Perfect For:
Toddlers
School-aged kids
Nature lovers
Why Families Love It:
It's educational without feeling like a lesson.
Small town Idaho charm at its finest
Explore Idaho Botanical Garden's Family Programs
While general admission has a cost, Idaho Botanical Garden frequently hosts special events, seasonal programming, and family-friendly activities throughout the summer.
Perfect For:
Nature lovers
Garden enthusiasts
Family outings
Cost:
Varies by event
Bonus:
Keep an eye out for special family programming and seasonal exhibits.
Take Advantage of Summer Library Programs
Local libraries offer some of the best value of any summer activity.
Many Treasure Valley libraries host:
Reading challenges
Story times
Craft days
Educational programs
Teen events
Why We Love It:
New activities every week and perfect for hot afternoons.
Create Your Own Backyard Adventure Day
Not every summer memory requires leaving the house
Ideas:
Water balloons
Sprinklers
Sidewalk chalk
Popsicle afternoons
Backyard camping
DIY obstacle courses/slip and slides
Cost:
Minimal
~ Remember, kids rarely remember how much something cost, they remember how much fun they had.
Simple Summer Days
Summer doesn't have to be packed with expensive activities to be memorable.
Some of the best days are spent:
Watching ducks at the park
Walking the Greenbelt
Playing in a splash pad
Eating popsicles outside
Exploring somewhere new together
The Treasure Valley offers countless opportunities to create those moments without spending a fortune.
Our goal is to help you discover the places that make this area such a special place to live.
Make The Most of the Treasure Valley Lifestyle
Living in the Treasure Valley is special because of the abundance of parks, trails, community events and outdoor spaces available to families.
Planning a fully day adventure or simple looking for something fun to do one afternoon, there are countless ways to enjoy summer close to our home.
At House of Palmer | Idaho Real Estate, we're passioinate about helping people discover not only where to live, but how to enjoy the lifestyle that makes this community so special.