Growing up in Boise was amazing in a lot of different ways. I got to experience every season in all their highs and lows. From heavy snow seasons to blistering hot summers, Boise truly has it all. While every season has its own activities to offer here, winter will always have my heart. Some of my greatest memories come from snowboarding at Bogus Basin, building snowmen at Camels Back Park, and grabbing food and drinks with my friends.
The weather here can change on a dime… In fact, the local saying goes: “If you don’t like the weather just wait five minutes.” It couldn’t be more true, so during your adventures here be sure to pack accordingly, and with plenty of extra layers. Average temperatures during our winter months are around 45 degrees but plan on it reaching freezing temperatures during most mornings and evenings.
Snow is pretty common during December-February here. However, we don’t get a ton, on average only 20 inches per year. Most of the time, it literally won’t stick around long. Our ski resort, however, (which is only a 30-minute drive out of town) has plenty of snow to offer if there’s none in town. Not to fret though, I’ve got 21 of the best things to do in Boise during the winter months, with or without snow.
The Best Winter Activities in Boise
1. Christmas lights Drive
My family has a tradition every year to drive around and hunt for the best Christmas lights in town. Ranging from complex DIY light shows that match up with music, to entire businesses covered top to bottom in bright lights, you won’t be disappointed. So grab the family some hot chocolate, or an espresso if you need it and buckle up. These excursions are good for about 2-3 hours.
2. Visit Bogus Basin
I may be a little biased here, as my first job was here, it’s where I learned to snowboard, and it’s what gave me the community of friends I still have today. Bogus Basin is Boise’s local ski resort, located just 30 minutes up a winding road. This place truly has something for everyone in the family. Book a tubing reservation, go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, or maybe take a leap of faith and learn to ski or snowboard. Bogus Basin also has an alpine coaster that will offer thrills and views for the whole family. Cozy up in the Pioneer Lodge with a fancy cocktail and listen to local music on the weekends.
3. Go to a Steelheads Game
Right in Downtown Boise lays the Idaho Central Arena, home of the Steelheads, our local hockey team. Grab yourself and some friends a couple of tickets and get ready to have a blast cheering on the team as they give it their all. Games usually begin in early November. Find tickets at idahosteelheads.com. This event is great for all ages as well.
4. Grab Dinner Downtown
I know you can do this all year round, but there’s something extra special about downtown during the winter months. There are lights strung up across the streets, and plenty of holiday cheer to go around My favorite local and more intimate spots are St. Lawrance Gridiron and Fork.
5. Grab a cocktail or a beer
Again, I know we can do this anytime, but there’s a warm fuzzy feeling cozying up with your friends in a local lounge hiding away from the bitter cold. Check out Amsterdam Lounge for a more upscale vibe or The Mode for some of Boise’s most unique cocktails. We can’t leave out my favorite spot in town, serving creative craft cocktails is Boise’s best bar: Press and Pony.
6. Grab a Coffee and Take a Walk Along Harrison Blvd.
It’s hard to choose just one coffee place to pick from around the north end/downtown. However, if you not only want great coffee, but a treasure of local goods to check out head to Flying M. Right in the North End neighborhood is Java, and you can’t go wrong there. There’s a quaint little place to kick your feet up inside too and chat amongst friends.
After you grab your drink, head over to the north end and take a leisurely walk amongst the trees and historical homes.
7. Take a Day Trip to Tamarack
Just an hour and a half out of Boise, in Donnelly, is Tamarack Resort. You can find a newly built resort village at the base with restaurants and shops galore. The skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are absolutely world-class too, so if that’s your jam, don’t miss this opportunity. If you want to make your stay a bit longer, they offer stunning vacation rentals spanning from condos, adorable chalets, and ski-in and out estates. Did I mention there’s a spa?
8. Overnight in McCall
Take your trip to Tamarack just 30 minutes further, and you’ll instead end up in Beautiful McCall Idaho. Brundage Mountain Resort and Little Ski Hill are nearby for all your skiing and snowboarding needs. Rent out a snowmobile and take your adventure to the next level, or take a quiet walk through town and soak in all the beauty to be found. If you’ve got kids don’t forget a sled or two and slide down the hills near the lake.
9. Go to A Hot Spring
Idaho has what feels like limitless options when it comes to hot springs. If you’d like a more catered experience, where there is no hiking involved, plus beer, wine, snacks, and even private pools The Springs in Idaho City is a fantastic option. There are even designated times for kids and no kids. If you want more adventure, Kirkham Hot Springs is a short trip into the Boise National Forest. As with any adventure into the wilderness, leave no trace.
10. Take a Winter Hike
Nothing says winter in Boise, “The city of trees” quite like seeing it all from the top. An easy way to get a stellar view of the city and a great workout is to hike a trail at Camels Back Park. If you’re looking for a longer and more intense hike, the very best views come from the Hulls Gulch Loop, parking is just up 8th street. Another gem, of course, is Boise’s famous Table Rock.
If you’re feeling really adventurous check out our post: The Boise Grand Slam: 4 of The Hardest Hiking Trails in Boise, Idaho.
11. Visit a Greenhouse
Boise is full of awesome greenhouses all around town. One of the largest is Edward’s Greenhouse, located just off Hill Road. Be sure you also check out Greenscapes Boutique as well for more rare and exotic plants.
12. Go Sledding at Camel’s Back Park
I know I said to go hiking here, but if you’re lucky enough to see a big snow day, don’t miss sledding at Camel’s Back Park. The hills may be on the smaller side, but this is a sure way to have fun with the whole family. Stop at Java on the way, and grab some warm bevvys and get to slidin’.
13. Shop at The Village in Meridian
Awe – shopping, a girl’s best friend… Or is that diamonds? Either way, catch me at The Village in Meridian practically every weekend sipping coffee by the ice skating rink, shopping till I drop, or watching a movie in the 21+ VIP section at the theatre. Did I mention food? Be sure to check out Yard House, my go-to spot for apps. and cocktails.
14. Indian Creek Plaza Shopping & More
Indian Creek Plaza is another shopping center located a bit outside of Boise in Caldwell. In the winter, this place literally lights up and comes to life with its Winter Wonderland Festival. Over a million lights are strung up from November 17th – January 8th. This is especially awesome for kids as Disney characters are present to take photographs. To top all of that, there’s an outdoor ice skating rink that’s pretty unbeatable.
15. Catch a Play at Boise Little Theatre
Boise Little Theatre is another one of those local hidden gems. I like to think Boise is still a relatively big city with a “small town” feel. We still wave at each other walking down the sidewalks. You can catch this vibe at the Little Theatre, a completely volunteer-run organization, putting out incredible plays all year long.
16. Visit Boise Museums
Winter in Boise doesn’t have to be all cold and chills, stay warm and learn about local culture at museums here like The Boise Art Museum or if you’re looking for a more interactive, child-friendly, or nerd-friendly spot, get into The Discovery Center of Boise ASAP. You’ll find immersive, and educational exhibits here.
17. Take a Stroll Downtown
To actually take a walk in Downtown Boise during the winter is a whole other experience. This is worth a few hours of your evening, to warm up step into The Record Exchange. Be sure to go check out the enormous Christmas tree all lit up at the Capital building.
18. Scentsy Commons
Did you know, that Boise is home to the Scentsy Commons, AKA the home of Scentsy? I know what you’re thinking… Why would I visit a factory? Trust me on this, during winter, the whole grounds are lit up with lights. There’s even a giant walk-through tunnel that will make you feel like you’re walking through a galaxy.
19. Botanical Gardens
Similar to the Scentsy Commons, during winter in Boise the Botanical Gardens are decorated in hundreds of thousands of lights. This is called the Winter Garden aGlow. This spectacle usually runs from November 23rd to December 31st. Tickets are on the cheaper end, and active Military get in free! You can find warm beverages inside. Could you make sure to bundle up, since it is typically colder near the foothills where this is located?
20. Egyptian Theatre for Classic films
The Egyptian Theatre is one of Boise’s famous historical buildings. It opened way back in 1927, you can still see silent films with live operas from time to time. However, around the holidays they play different classic films throughout the season like Home Alone, or Christmas Vacation.
21. Visit The Aquarium and The Zoo
All the best things in the world should involve cute little animals in my opinion. While winter in Boise may be cold, The Zoo is still a great option as the animals tend to be more active in colder months. If you’re not up to standing outside, opt for an indoor adventure at The Aquarium of Boise.
