Boise Vacation (Twin Falls, Shoshone, Idaho City: hotels, adult, banks)

[AverageAmerican]

Contemplating a mid to late July vactation to the Boise area. Would plan to be there four full days and nights with children (5 and 7).

Any recommendations for activities or events would be greatly appreciated.

[ThePolyPrincess]

You could plan to visit the farmer's market in downtown Boise if you're here on a Saturday, hike to Table Rock, visit the beach at Lucky Peak, float the Boise River, visit Boondocks and/or Roaring Springs (perfect for hot days), just take a day and walk around downtown Boise and visit our museums, or drive an hour or two up into the hills and mountains and take in some cooler temps and beautiful scenery. There is a nice Best Western in Riggins. You could pan for gold in Idaho City. Heck, you could even go ice skating if you really wanted to. There are numerous places to visit (all within driving distance of no more than two hours) and a variety of activities to try.

HTH Have fun planning your Boise vacation.

((Riggins is a further drive than two hours))

[Torrie]

Springhill Suites is a nice place to stay for a family. It's fairly close to downtown(like 3 to 5 min.) and they list lots of activities you can do while you're in Boise. Check out this link below:

SpringHill Suites Boise ParkCenter: Recreational activities for travelers in Boise

[AverageAmerican]

Thank you both for the suggestions!!

[Haakon]

There's a great firearm exhibit at the old prison, thousands of firearms from the earliest to the latest. Old Idaho Penitentiary

The World Center for Birds of Prey just south of town is pretty interesting to see, you can cover it in 1/2 a day. http://www.peregrinefund.org

It's a couple hours drive, but Shoshone Falls (near Twin Falls, ID) is a pretty spectacular waterfall, even in summer.

Bring sunscreen and bottles for water, it will be HOT in mid July, 100+ wouldn't surprise anyone.

[AverageAmerican]

Ref: Floating the Boise River

Is it safe to take a 7 and 5 year old (i.e. 2 adults and 2 children)?

Is it crowded enough to follow the lead of others on when to exit? or is it at least well marked?

[ThePolyPrincess]

I think it's fairly safe to float with kids. I would use a raft/boat instead of inner tubes and definitely have the kiddos wear life vests. There will be a lot of people whose lead you can follow and you will know when to get out. Oh and stay away from the sides/riverbanks. Stay in the middle.

[AverageAmerican]

"...stay away from the sides/riverbanks..."

Poison ivy???

[boi2socal]

Branches. I watched an old man flipped out of his boat onto his back from branch.

[ThePolyPrincess]

Originally Posted by AverageAmerican

"...stay away from the sides/riverbanks..."

Poison ivy???

No, it's the branches from the trees and shrubbery...they entangle your raft and flip you out. Sometimes people get pinned under them and it's NEVER a good situation.

Stay in the middle.