Browsing Category

Things To Do

The Best and Complete Guide to Ocean Shores, WA

The city of Ocean Shores, on the coast of Washington state is a quaint, friendly small town that needed a complete guide to the city and all activities, restaurants, events and more. We took on the task of compiling all our our favorite things to do in Ocean Shores and more! This is the best guide regarding Ocean Shores and covers; activities, kid zones, events, restaurants, coffee & treats, birding, shoreline, after hours, oyhut bay, shopping, hotels, airbnb’s, camping and a ton more. For quick access to a section, click on one of the category links below. And if you have any feedback or updates to our list, please let us know!

Section Categories for Quick Access

Activities

Kid Zone

Events

Restaurants

Coffee & Treats

Birding

Shoreline

After Hours

Oyhut Bay

Shopping

Hotels

AirBnb's

Camping

Other

Credits

Activities in Ocean Shores

GOLF

Driving range at Ocean Shores Golf Course courtesy of hwcdn.net

Ocean Shores Golf Course
500 Canal Dr NE, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
360.289.3357
http://oceanshoresgolf.com/
Ocean Shores has many outstanding options for the avid golfer, including a wide variety courses and plenty of tee times to fit your schedule. Plan to play a new course during your stay in Ocean Shores and take advantage of the incredible deals on tee times available through GolfNow. If golf is your thing, Ocean Shores is a great place to get in some golf time.

Pacific Paradise
767 Minard Ave NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
360.289.9537
https://www.pacificparadisepark.com
Championship golf… with a putter! This is the largest miniature golf course on the Washington Coast, with 36 holes of fun for the whole family—day and night. Putt over the bridge, through a lighthouse, and around rocks and boulders. Both sand and water hazards await you for the ultimate game-time challenge.
RATES
18 Holes – $11
36 Holes – $15

BIKING

Electric Beach Bike Rentals
172 W Chance a La Mer NW | Ocean Shores, WA 98569
360.593.7441
https://www.electricbeachbikerentals.com/
Read a great review on TripAdvisor here
One of the best things to do in Ocean Shores is biking around town, as the area is very bike-friendly. You can bring your own bike if you have one or rent them from several different companies. We especially like renting because they’ve got the great electric bikes that really give you the extra power you need when getting through the soft sand and out to the more compact sand near the water.

FLY KITES

Ocean Shores Kites
172 W Chance a La Mer NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
360.289.4103
http://www.oceanshoreskites.com/
Ocean Shores Kites is our go-to kites store. Not only do they have super unique kites, but about every trick kite you can imagine. We especially love their knowledge of kites and the options for those on a tight budget. Kids kites are a must in ocean shores. Even the big kids love seeing a kite fly on the shores.

Amanda Moore was impressed by the customer service in her review here.

Cloud Nine Sportswear & Kites
201 W Chance A La Mer Ave. Ocean Shores WA 98569
360.289.2221

PADDLE BOARDING

Ocean Shores Boat House
952 Point Brown Ave SE, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
360-289-0487
https://www.osboathouse.com/
The Ocean Shores Boat House is a Veteran Owned Business. Rent Duffy Electric 21’ Cruiser boats, Sea Eagle 385FT kayaks, Sea Eagle NN14 stand-up paddleboards, and the Explorer I hydro bike. Choose the equipment you wish to explore the 23 miles of fresh waterways – the hidden gem of Ocean Shores. All watercraft are eco-friendly and made in the U.S.A.

Debbie Snidarich in her review on Google described how she had a blast on the waterways. My daughter and I had a blast on the hydrobikes! The owners were so helpful and friendly and made sure we knew how to use them and gave us whistles and a map to see where we were going.

Surfing

North Coast Surf Inc
73 Point Brown Ave NW Unit A, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
(360) 289-0651
https://www.northcoastsurfshopwa.com/

Believe it or not, surfing is a big thing in Ocean Shores and Westport. And every surf town needs a surf shop, and Ocean Shores is no different. They have just about everything you need for surf and skate, as well as clothing, swimwear, sunglasses, sandals, jewelry, and of coarse, stickers. Staying for the day or weekend? They have board and wetsuit rentals for a fun beach day.

Joe Falk in his review on Google said, “Got a lesson from Aaron this morning and the whole experience was epic from putting the wet suit on to catching that wave near the end of my lesson. “

Kid Zone in Ocean Shores

Arcade

Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center
767 Minard Avenue NW Ocean Shores WA 98569
Email: info@pacificparadisepark.com
360.289.9537
https://www.pacificparadisepark.com/

Hours:
Sunday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Monday-Thursday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
*Hours subject to change without notice

https://www.instagram.com/pacificparadisepark/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CW83EbmDcK3/

Pacific Paradise is an amusement park and mini-golf course in Ocean Shores, Washington. Their focus is on family-friendly fun and their newly designed and recently updated grounds have something for everyone. It’s really amazingly well done for this small town. The wide variety of activities at Pacific Paradise are top notch for any big city!

One visitor named Gynene Lane on Facebook said, “My family came from out of town and we all went and played 18 holes of golf. It was so nice! Except for a few careless people discarding their masks, it was clean and well manicured. The granddaughters rode the water rides, and we played arcades. Wonderful afternoon!!”

Bowling

Ocean Shores bowling

Shores Bowl
125 W. Chance Ala Mer Ave. Ocean Shores WA 98569
360.289.9356
Email: obshaver8@hotmail.com

Saturday: 12:00 PM – 01:00 AM
https://www.facebook.com/shoresbowlwa/
Shores Bowl is a fun and friendly place to spend the afternoon or evening with family and friends. Food, drinks, games and parties all under one roof!

Luecinda Soriano-Churape (Cinder) left a review on Google and said, “We went on our last night of vacation. It was Saturday night. They were pretty full and it was probably close to 10pm. Every worker we encountered felt nice, talkative, and welcoming. We love the atmosphere of this town. I loved the small arcade and we spent an equal amount of time playing there too. We bowled two games also with one game with the night glow lights on. It was so fun.”

The continuation of this guide is a work in progress as of 9/7/22.

Events

Sand & Sawdust
Celtic Festival

Restaurants

American Food
Asian
Mexican
Seafood,

Coffee

Coffee stands
roasters
local retailers

Birding

Trails
Areas
Species

Shoreline

– Vehicles, Campfires, Beachcombing, Clam Digging

After Hours

Pubs, Bars, Nightlife

Oyhut

Outside activities, shopping, restaurants, events, lodging

Shopping

Clothes, Food

Hotels

Budget
Family Friendly
Pools
Cleanliness
Pricing

Airbnb’s

Beachfront
Canal Front
Luxury
Budget
Family Friendly

Camping

Campgrounds
RV Parks
State Parks
Private campgrounds

Now that the cold months are here and rain fills many of the days in Skagit County, it is an excellent time to find a few indoor activities to fill your time. While the mall in Skagit county may not have your favorite stores, many boutiques and family-owned shops are excellent. Shopping in Skagit County is a fun winter activity and helps keep local businesses afloat.

During COVID we all supported local and small, and this winter, Skagit County shops need our support more than ever. From Sedro-Woolley to Anacortes, Conway to Edison, there are hidden finds everywhere. With a bit of driving around and scoping out the best spots to shop, we have put together our favorite list of shops to support local this winter.

Alpacas of South Fork Farms

Nestled along the South Fork of the Skagit River, South Fork Farms is home to around 35 alpacas.

The farm is committed to high-quality alpaca fibers and is home to a small shop. The Bunkhouse Boutique that is located on the property sells yarn, bird nesting balls, sweaters, socks, and more. They also sell shawls and scarves, gloves, cat balls, finger puppets, and felted soaps. The shop is very small, but if you are in need of something to keep you warm this January, they definitely have something for you.

Re-Feather your Nest

Re-Feather Your Nest is both a consignment store and a boutique. Located in downtown Mt. Vernon and Anacortes, Re-Feather Your Nest is an interior decorator’s dream. With high-end used furniture and décor galore, re-feather your next has it all. From antique signs to beach house decorations, there is something for every taste and style. Much of Re-Feather’s décor is a rustic farmhouse style.

If you aren’t ready to redecorate your entire house, there are plenty of other finds to search through. From handcrafted jewelry to a small clothing section, there is something for everyone to look through. Re- Feather Your Nest is particularly popular just before the holidays because of all of the fantastic Christmas decorations. If you are shopping in January, you may be able to get a bargain on many of their Christmas décor that is left over. For each holiday, they stalk the shelves with themed décor so that your home can look great year-round.

El Sage Designs

El Sage Designs in Mt. Vernon is a small, locally-owned print shop. Using both block printing and screen printing, they create Pacific Northwest-themed clothing, art, and stickers. They have a large selection of hats, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and more, all printed in small batches. El Sage Designs advocate for social and environmental responsibility; they donate 1% of their annual earnings to organizations fighting to save the environment. On any given day when you head in, you can probably find the owners Phoebe and Jonathon working and printing new designs.

Pac Nor Westy

Pac Nor Westy is home to everything outdoors and PNW themed. They offer t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and more that are all printed with fun outdoor imagery. Some with mountains or the ocean and others with slogans like “hike it wet” and “Camp more.” In addition to clothing, they offer field notebooks, journals, books, cards, and stationery, all outdoor and PNW themed. They also offer things such as cups, mugs, blankets, and more that are all aimed at PNW lovers.

Pac Nor Westy opened its doors in 2017 and has since been striving to become more sustainable and ethically sourced. Many of their items come from small-batch artisans, and they strive to source from the USA and the PNW whenever possible. Shopping in Skagit County is a great way to get your fix of PNW gear.

Elizabeth’s Cottage by the Sea

Elizabeth’s Cottage by the Sea, located in Anacortes, is a shop of all things. They sell Jewelry, Beads, gifts, crystals, furniture, antiques, gems, minerals, and more. The shop is a mix of a gift shop and a local boutique. They have a large section of antique and new jewelry in one area, and in another, they sell paint and transfer supplies. This multi-level shop has bins, shelves, and display cases aplenty to keep you busy for as long as you want to browse.

Alley Cat Antiques

In Conway, you will find a plethora of antique stores. Alley Cat Antiques has a large front and usually has a large selection of items from local estate sales. Alley Cat antiques have everything an antique lover could want, from quilts to typewriters and everything in between.

Pelican Bay Books and Coffee House

In Anacortes, on 9th street, Pelican Bay Books and Coffee house stands. The bookstore was first opened in 1994 in a different building, and after moving several times, it has been in its current building since 2006. This book store is unique because it is a used and rare book store. It’s owners chose Anacortes to be close to the sea and the forest and now use the space as both a book store and a small café with coffee and pastries.

Indigo Dreams Fiber Studio

In Edison, Indigo Dreams Fiber sits on the main street, Nestled in between the Edison Restaurant and several other popular Edison eateries. This small boutique sells clothing, fabric, jewelry, and more. In the tiny town of Edison, this is one of the only businesses that is not a restaurant, bakery, or bar. They are open Friday-Sunday or by appointment.

The Lucky Dumpster

This furniture and antique store is located on the corner in Edison. They have an eclectic combination of handmade items, art, and furniture. They are very popular in the town of Edison, and their interesting window displays draw in crowds of tourists each summer.

There are so many great shops to discover in Skagit county. From tiny boutiques hidden on county roads to local tourist shops on the main drag. All of these businesses are locally owned and operated by families in Skagit county who need support and shoppers through the winter season. When it’s rainy and cold out, considering going on a shopping tour of Skagit County! January- March is a critical time for small shops to prepare for the busy spring and summer season, and they love to have visitors come in, support, and learn more about their business.

For more shopping, eating, and local gems, check back into the Skagit County Clever Neighbor.

Just like any close-knit community, Skagit county does a lot of community-centered events during the holiday season. In any given neighborhood, Christmas lights begin going up in early November, and by early December, neighborhoods are fully decorated. Every house will be lit, trees will be up, and you may even hear Christmas music.

Christmas is a fun time to be surrounded by friends and family, but it is also fun to partake in all of the community festivities around you. While so many traditions happen in December, this article is meant to help you pick out just a few Christmas-related activities to do near you this December. All over Skagit County, there are tree lighting ceremonies, Christmas plays, and more going on. Make sure to look into your cities events list to find a complete list of the events.

LaConner Boat Parade

In December, the Swinomish Channel will be aglow with the lights from decorated boats! The La Conner Boat parade happens every year and is a community favorite. Boats from the marina decorated with Christmas lights, Santas, music, and more drive through the channel at night!

Everyone lines the La Conner Channel Walkway and settles in with hot cocoa. Christmas music plays to get ready for the parade of boats to move down the channel and under the rainbow bridge before turning around and coming back through. Many of the boats are themed for their owner’s favorite Christmas movies. Some people even get creative with costumes to match their boats.

Homestead Drive Christmas Lights

There are quite a few spectacular neighbors with amazing Christmas lights in Skagit County. In Burlington, Nearly L.U. School, there is a very well known neighborhood, well known for its Christmas lights that is. Every year homestead Drive gets into the Christmas spirit. Every Single house puts lights up, and many houses add festive music, blow-up characters, or other fun additions to their yard. Many people add lights to the trees that line the neighborhood, and the neighborhood votes on the best lights every year.

In 2019, the neighborhood decided to take its Christmas celebration up a notch and have a winter block party complete with a sleigh and a real-life reindeer. The reindeer stayed for a few hours while children waited to take their pictures with it. There was Christmas music and hot cocoa, and because the event was posted on the news, people from all over the valley turned out to join in. On any given year during December, there is often a steady stream of cars making their way through the neighborhood to check out the lights once it’s dark out.

Mt. Vernon Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting

Most cities and towns in Skagit Valley do some type of Christmas celebration each year, but Mt. Vernon also offers a Christmas Parade. In early December, Mt. Vernon hosts a parade followed by a tree lighting event in Downtown Mt. Vernon. The parade usually starts at 5 pm and travels down the main street before the Tree lighting ceremony happens at Pine Park. This is a very fun community even, and the parade is filled with Christmas lights and people dressed as Santa.

Mclean Christmas Trees

Another key part of every Christmas celebration is a Christmas tree! There are several Christmas tree farms in Skagit County and even more in the surrounding areas. But you won’t have to go far for a perfect tree as Mclean Christmas Trees on Mclean road in Mt. Vernon sells excellent Christmas trees. The Mclean Christmas Tree Farm is a 12-acre farm with a variety of Christmas trees. They have Fraser Firs, Nordman Firs, Blue and Green Spruce, Douglas Firs, and Pine Trees. They open on the weekend after Thanksgiving on a normal year and often sell out extremely quickly. On their website, they mention that they have been completely sold out of trees for several years by December 2nd or 3rd.

National Forest Christmas Tree Permit

If you are excited about a traditional tree cutting experience with your family this Christmas, you may be interested in the National Forest Christmas Tree Permits. Every year, there are limited permits available to cut down Christmas Trees in the national forest. Christmas Tree permits are available for the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie national forest. The permitting usually begins in early November and goes until Christmas. This is a unique opportunity to partake in an old Christmas tradition that is unavailable in many areas of the state and the county.

Notable Mentions

The Towns of Burlington, Sedro-Woolley, Anacortes, and several others also hold annual Christmas tree lighting events. The dates and regular occurrences of these events change from year to year and have been affected by the ongoing pandemic, but it is worthwhile to check out your town’s community page in the late fall to find out what activities are happening near you.

There is plenty of opportunities for Santa Pictures in Skagit County as well. At many of the tree lighting events and the Mt. Vernon parade, there are Santas that are ready to take pictures with young children. Every year, the Burlington Mall offers a Santa Display with a Santa that children can talk with and take pictures with.

The town of Concrete offers a holiday lane every year, and several other areas have drive-through Christmas light displays. There is a singing house in Sedro-Woolley that times its Christmas lights to a local radio station. The singing house is located at 4623 Blank Rd. off Prairie Rd. near Samish School, Sedro-Woolley (musical display 92.3 FM. There is also a singing house on HWY 20 West towards Anacortes that has a very festive light display that is also in tune with a radio station. Anacortes has a community light show in the middle of December every year.

In Skagit county, there is no shortage of light displays, decorations, and events that happen to celebrate the winter holidays! It is a festive time, and due to the limited daylight hours and colder weather, taking advantage of some of these holiday events can be a great way to stay entertained during December. Check back into the Clever Neighbor for more holiday events and activities year-round.

Visiting Boise in the winter months offers a plethora of activities to choose from. Whether you are wanting to brave the frigid slopes of one of the nearby ski resorts or would rather stay warm in a gorgeous natural hot spring, Boise offers something for everyone.

Bogus Basin

Just a 45-minute drive from downtown Boise, Bogus Basin offers easy access to countless winter activities. The main attraction is the ski hill which offers 2,600 acres of terrain, 80 runs, and 10 lifts. If flying down a mountain is a little extreme for your taste, they also offer cross-country skiing, winter tubing, and snowshoeing. Bogus Basin is also home to Idaho’s only mountain coaster, where riders can fly down 4,330 feet weaving in and out of trees and experience the mountain like never before.

Winter Garden aGlow at the Idaho Botanical Garden

If you’re visiting during the month of December, the Winter Garden aGlow at the Idaho Botanical Garden is a can’t-miss event for the whole family. Every night during December that Idaho Botanical Garden lights up with over 550,000 lights across its 14 acres of land. Along with the amazing visual experience, there are food trucks, live music, and fun events and activities for the kids. Winter Garden aGlow is one of the botanical garden’s biggest fundraisers of the year, so not only will you receive a memorable experience, but you will also be helping the garden provide a wonderful service to the local community.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is an extremely popular ski-resort town about 3 hours northeast of Boise that offers skiing, fine dining, and an exciting nightlife. Bald Mountain is what brings most winter tourists up to the town. If you enjoy beautiful views, you’ll find plenty in Sun Valley, but the one you can’t miss is at the Seattle Ridge Day Lodge located at the top of Bald Mountain. At 8,800 feet you can see forever, and if you time it right you can see the mountains turn from white to a combination of a breathtaking pink and blue at sunset, just make sure you call ahead because you do need a reservation.

Along with the mountain, Sun Valley has a laundry list of other winter activities such as ice skating, sleigh rides, and ice sculptures. Once you have gotten your fair share of outdoor time, you’ll need to warm up inside with a hearty meal and a drink of your choice. There’s plenty of options to choose from, but some of our favorites include Sawtooth Brewery, Lefty’s Bar & Grill, and The Roundhouse.

Hot Springs

It’s difficult to find yourself anywhere in Idaho without being close to a hot spring. There are dozens of springs within a couple of hours of Boise, here’s a great guide that lists most of the ones available to the public.

If you’re looking for a hot spring experience that has a resort feel to it with built-out pools and some amenities such as bathrooms, food and drink, and on-site parking, we’d recommend Goldfork Hot Springs near McCall or The Springs at Idaho City. Both locations are easy to access while still getting all the benefits of a natural hot spring.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and want to experience a more “natural” hot spring experience you can’t go wrong with Kirkham Hot Springs or Trail Creek Hot Springs. Both require a small but relatively steep hike down to the pools, but the scenery and experience is well worth it if you can make the trek.

McCall

Another lovely mountain town about 2 ½ hours north of Boise is McCall. With many of the same characteristics as Sun Valley, McCall offers all the typical mountain activities in a beautiful city built right next to Payette Lake.

Brundage Mountain & Tamarack Resort are both within a short drive from McCall and have some of the best ski terrains in the Northwest.

In late January to early February McCall hosts their annual Winter Carnival which is a favorite among locals and tourists. One of the main attractions is the ice sculpture contest, where amateurs and professionals compete for $1,000+ prizes for the best sculpture. There are upwards of 100 sculptures each year so just walking through town is an event in and of itself.

The supporting events are just as fun, with activities such as a dog sled challenge, chef collaborative dinner, mardi gras parade, and snowshoe golf.

Looking for more things to do while you are in Boise? Check out our other guides here.

_{Charles Knowles from Meridian Idaho, USA, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons}

The fall months are some of the best times to visit Boise. Tree’s all around the city start to change, turning the city from a giant green patch to a kaleidoscope of red, pink, yellow, and orange. The weather is also quite pleasant in the fall months, nestled right between the 100 degree days of summer and the freezing, windy days of winter. Along with the city’s natural beauty, there are a number of exciting events going on during these months that are sure to please.

Spirit of Boise – Hot Air Balloon Festival

Probably the most popular fall event, as well as one of the most picturesque, is the Spirit of Boise hot air balloon festival. It is a 5-day event that usually takes place the first week of September. They do a wonderful job offering different types of events for the whole family.

It typically starts with a kid’s day where kids can take a “tethered ride” where they can experience a hot air balloon ride while still being roped to the ground, giving parents slightly less anxiety about watching their child float away. Later in the week, they have multiple flights where 20+ balloons take to the skies and float over the city and neighboring areas. On Friday night they have the Nightglow Spectacular, where they inflate all the balloons after dark and put on a light show along with music, drinks, and other fun events.

Treefort Music Festival

If music is more your thing, the Treefort Music Festival is a great opportunity to see not only great artists from Boise and the Inland Northwest, but the festival attracts big names from across the country as well. Previous years have featured artists such as Run The Jewels, Vince Staples, and Lizzo. If none of those appeals to you, there are over 100 shows every year, so you’re bound to find something that fits your taste. It’s typically a five-day event in the heart of downtown that features beer gardens, comedy shows, and plenty of food trucks to explore.

Boise Farmers Market

Every Saturday local farmers, artists, business owners, and chefs set up downtown for the Boise Farmers Market. Located in the heart of downtown, the farmers market is a great place to start your Saturday even if you don’t plan on purchasing anything. You will get the chance to see unique works of art by local artists, local and international cuisine, and tons of options for organic vegetables, beef, and fish.

Boise State Football Games

Even though Boise isn’t home to a major sports team, they still have one of the most exciting teams in college football. The Boise State Broncos rose to prominence in the early 2000s and have made it to a bowl game every year since 1999. The team is fun to watch and the environment is electric for a sports fan. Along with the great food and company at the tailgate, the stadium includes the famous “smurf turf” which was the first non-green playing field in college football history.

Boise Restaurant Week

If you consider yourself a “foodie”, or just enjoy a great meal in a fun environment, you can’t miss the Dine Out Downtown – Boise Restaurant Week. Dozens of restaurants participate in this event which includes special menus, deals on food and drinks, and fun events put on by each restaurant. Usually, this is held around the last week of October or the first of November. If you’re wanting to double down on your Boise food experience, there is also the Boise Grilled Cheese and Beer Festival held right before restaurant week.

Harvest Festivals

Few things get people more excited about fall than harvest festivals, and the Boise area has plenty of them. With pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, along with numerous other activities there is fun for the whole family at any of these festivals. There are numerous festivals throughout the fall, including in Eagle, Garden City, Caldwell, Emmett, and Kuna.

Boo at the Zoo

If you’re visiting around Halloween the Boise Zoo hosts an annual Boo at the Zoo event for children and families. The event usually consists of costume contests, prize giveaways, trick or treating, face painting, and games for all ages.

If you’re in town earlier in the month you can still experience the Zoo with a Halloween twist. Every weekend in October they have Spooktacular Evenings from 6-9 PM. They call it a “merry-not-scary” event that is suitable for all ages. The Zoo will be lit up with Halloween displays and will also have activities and special entertainment every night.

Visiting Boise during a different time of the year or want to check out more of what the city has to offer, check out our other recommendations here.

_{Tamanoeconomico, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons}

Boise is rightfully called the City of Trees – a city famous for its multiple outdoor opportunities and unique natural setting. It is a charming place, full of cultural, fun, and recreational activities. And even though the Downtown has a thriving social life, the suburbs are tranquil and safe. However, unlike most state capitals, finding unique and fun things to do won’t require you to leave the city territory. Everything is very close, accessible by public transport, a short drive or a pleasant walk. If you’re new to the area and want to introduce your kids to the fun amenities of their new home, here are the top 5 family-friendly activities in Boise, ID.

family homes

1. World Center for Birds of Prey

A trip to Boise Zoo might be the first choice for families with kids, but a visit to the World Center for Birds of Prey is a new, refreshing experience. It is an exotic and original way to introduce your children to the mightiest creatures of the wilderness. Focused on predator birds, such as eagles, owls, falcons, hawks, and vultures from all over the world, the Center is not a typical Zoo. Here, you get to interact with the birds and see the raptors in action! It is guaranteed family fun for all ages, even toddlers.

A person holding a bird — Visiting the World Center for Birds of Prey is a great way to enjoy family-friendly activities in Boise, ID.

2. Idaho Botanical Gardens

Cozily tucked into Boise Foothills lay Idaho Botanical Gardens. On 15-acres of space, you can enjoy exploring exotic and vibrant flora from all over the world. It is a perfect place for nature lovers of all ages, especially if you visit the site in spring. But even if you come here during other seasons, there are 800 plant species to see and learn about.

Also, if you’re new to Boise and you enjoy DIY landscaping, it is an excellent opportunity to learn about gardening using domestic and native plants. Even though the weather here is fit for many plant species, it is always good to use self-sustaining native plants when landscaping your new home.

3. Boise National Forest

Technology and office jobs are keeping us indoors every day. Not to mention that “screen time” for our kids it’s no longer a privilege but their new reality. What better way to spend healthy and quality time with your family than reconnecting with nature in one of the prettiest national forests in the US? Countless rivers, hot springs, and campsites will make you instantly fall in love. During your stay, you can enjoy hiking, fishing, and sightseeing. Your kids will be busy exploring some of the most popular kid-friendly trails in Idaho. In the meanwhile, you can relax and restore your “batteries” from everyday stress. To fish in Idaho, anyone over the age of 14 must have a valid fishing license check out the tackle village complete guide of license discounts and exemptions for anglers with a disability.

A family hiking in Boise National Forest — Reconnecting with nature will benefit your health and genuine well-being.

4. Planet Kid Indoor Playground

Families with toddlers and young kids often have trouble finding ways to spend that immense amount of energy their little ones have. If you want to challenge your kids’ boundaries when it comes to pure physical fun, take them to Planet Kid Indoor Playground. Any type of fun you can imagine is available here. From tackle, rope swings, slide to the cargo net, and web climbing. And the best part is, it’s fit for all ages up to 12 years old. The area is split by activities and age, separating toddlers in their own special corner – the Toddler Town! We can assure you that this will be your kids’ favorite from all the family-friendly activities in Boise, ID.

5. Discovery Center of Idaho

If you have curious kids that enjoy history and science, Discovery Center of Idaho will be their favorite place in Boise. There is something for every age, from dinosaurs and Ancient Egypt to virtual reality and many other interactive workshops. The Center has over 150 unique stations, guides, and live programs. All that will provide hours and hours of quality fun and education for your family!

Moving to Boise, ID

Even with the growing popularity in recent years, Boise is a relatively small and calm city. However, the city itself is part of The Boise-Nampa Metropolitan Area, also called the Treasure Valley. The district attracts many investors, millennials, and young professionals in advanced manufacturing, food production, and technology. Still, magnificent nature, a healthy environment, and affordable living costs make the city quite popular among families.

The median home value is approximately $300.000. Although, with a bit of luck, you can find great family homes for $200.000 or less. And even though the real estate market is competitive, finding the home of your dreams is not that hard. The Boise housing market offers magnificent homes in many different styles, from historic to mid-century modern. Just take your pick and settle down in your new family home stress-free with the help of reputable local moving services.

Unlike the housing, transportation, utilities, and groceries in Boise cost less than the US average. With relatively affordable costs of living and many cultural amenities, the city has excellent growth potential. Thus, no wonder many students, business people, and families chose Boise as their new home.

Conclusion

Whether you plan to relocate to Boise or take a family road trip from across the country, there are many activities to explore in the Treasure Valley. Especially for families with kids! And even though there are plenty of indoor family-friendly activities in Boise, ID, we’d recommend you to get the best of the great outdoors. Still, all the above-mentioned natural and recreational amenities are just a glimpse of what this delightful city can offer. To get a full image of Boise life, it’s essential to consider all aspects of the place. To enjoy yourself with family, you do not have to take a day or a weekend off. A simple stroll Downtown will be refreshing. It is clean, walkable, with a mix of charming shops, top-notch restaurants, and beautiful unspoiled green surfaces, such as Military Reserve Bike Park and Boise Whitewater Park.

The PNW is home to an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. Northwest Washington is home to Skagit County, which is the perfect spot to find fun activities for the whole family this summer. Located in between Seattle, Washington, and the Canadian border, Skagit county touches the Puget Sound and reaches all the way into the North Cascades. With endless room to explore, traveling Skagit county will provide you with excellent indoor and outdoor activities to keep any adventure entertained for a long weekend or maybe a few weeks if you have the time.

Skagit County is expansive! So we have broken down this guide to adventure into three separate parts to help keep your travels organized. Activities to do near the water (the West third of the county), the Valley (the middle third of the county), and the foothills (the Eastside of the county).

Skagit County-What to do near the water

La Conner Washington Kayaking

Skagit County spans through Anacortes and into the Puget Sound, encompassing Guemes Island and Samish Island. This area is ideal for kayaking, boating and fishing, and biking! If you are looking for activities to do on the water, consider getting out in a kayak. There are plenty of rental areas in both La Conner and Anacortes. If you head into La Conner, launch from town and head southwest through the channel. Look for the hole in the wall, and you can paddle through and head into the Skagit Bay. Be prepared to see seals, porpoises, Eagles, and maybe whales, if you are lucky.

Biking Guemes Island

If you want to try your hand at Island life, head to Anacortes and take the ferry to Guemes Island. This tiny ferry will take you on a quick trip across the Guemes Channel over to the island. Guemes is a popular spot to bike. You can circumnavigate the island with views of Samish Bay, Bellingham Channel, the North Cascades, and Mt. Baker on a clear day. The whole island takes just a few hours to bike around, and there are even a few hiking trails that you can stop at on your path.

Deception Pass Bridge and Mt. Erie

A must-see stop is Deception Pass Bridge south of Anacortes. Rosario beach on the northside of the bridge is an excellent spot for a hike or kayaking trip. If you are feeling brave, walk across the bridge for a great view of the Puget sound from the center point. If you are looking for more incredible views of the Sound, consider hiking on MT. Erie. The trails will take you to a high vantage point to see amazing views of Anacortes, Lopez Island, and the ferry crossings.

Washington Park

The perfect place for a sunset picnic near the water is at Washington Park. With picnic tables that line the shore, you will be able to enjoy the sun and the saltwater all in one place. During the summer, this location is busy, so make sure to get here early to grab a table. Watch the Ferries pass to and from the islands, walk the trails or cruise the beach for shells. Washington Park is an excellent stop for all ages and a way to see great water views without having to hike. There is a road that takes you all the way through the park to a viewpoint at the top, so make sure not to miss it on your drive out!

La Conner Shopping

The quaint town of La Conner is not just the perfect place to launch a kayak from. There is a number of great shops to wander through and merchants to talk to. If you head down to the main street, find a parking spot and plan on spending at least a few hours checking out all these shops. Like a farmers market, you’ll want to check out all the offerings and walk down both sides of the sidewalk. If you get hungry during your shopping, pop into one of the many restaurants for a bite to eat or head into the Calico Cupboard at the end of the street for a Coffee or a dizzying array of baked goods to choose from.

Best stops in Skagit Valley, Skagit County

What is commonly referred to as the Skagit Valley is an excellent place for great food, biking, views, and fun. This section spans from Conway to Alger. Starting in Conway, consider heading the Skagit Wildlife Area-Wiley Slough. This area is a bird watcher’s favorite spot! Eagles, Heron, and more are all common sites in this area. You can take a bike ride on the Skagit River Dike to get here, or you can park your right at the wildlife area and walk the short trail out to the water. This area is high in ecological diversity. Take your wildlife ID books with you!

Edison

Food, drinks and more biking. Edison and the Bow, Wa area is a quieter area of the Skagit Valley, home to far lands and sloughs. Edison has a few excellent restaurants that come with great views. Check out Slough foods, where you can eat with a view of the slough and the wetlands beyond. Right next door, be sure to stop into the Bread Farm for fresh bread, cookies, and other baked goods. This entire area is excellent for biking, and if you head west from Edison, you can bike onto Samish Island.

Be sure to drive through the farm fields between Bow and Burlington. In the summertime, stop by From the Farm to get fresh berries: strawberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, and more accompanied by homemade shortcakes and local goodies. There is plenty of berry stands throughout the Valley. While From the Farm is dedicated to berries from the Skagit Valley, there is a fruit stand in the parking lot of Karl’s Paints & Supplies in Mt. Vernon that hosts peaches, cherries, and apples from Eastern Washington.

The Skagit Valley Casino

Suppose you are looking for a bit of indoor fun; head to Alger, just off I5 to the Skagit Valley Casino. Complete with a hotel, several restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to gamble, the Skagit Valley Casino is an excellent place for some adult fun. This large Casino is the biggest north of Marysville, Washington, which is about an hour south.

Mt. Vernon Farmers Market

In downtown Mt. Vernon on Saturday mornings, you will find the Mt. Vernon farmers market. Right along the Skagit river, vendors from all over the county set up on the embankment to sell food, trinkets, and local gear. If you are looking to support local vendors and buy a few souvenirs to commemorate your visit to Skagit county, this is the perfect stop. After you finish wandering through the farmer’s market, there are a variety of breweries and restaurants to walk to. There are also a few excellent shops to wander through on the main street.

Where to head in the foothills of the Cascades in Skagit County

Sauk Mountain Trail

If you are ready to hike the North Cascades, the Sauk Mountain Trail might be the perfect fit for you. This 4.2-mile-long trail takes you up switchbacks to the top of Sauk Mountain. During the summertime, you can see wildflowers, marmots, chipmunks, and butterflies. This trail gains 1200 feet and reaches a high point elevation of 5500, giving you great views of the rest of the North Cascades mountain range. At the top, there is often snow, so be careful if you want to venture farther than the viewpoint at the top. Bring a lunch and a cold beverage because you will want to spend a while sitting at the top, enjoying the views. This trail sits along highway 20, headed east into the foothills of the Cascades.

Skagit River

The Skagit River runs across the entirety of Skagit County. The river itself begins in southwest British Columbia in Canada and ends by flowing into the Puget Sound. The river is roughly 150 miles long. The Skagit River is the only river in the United States that is home to all five species of salmon. If you are a fishing enthusiast, then look no further. There are plenty of great areas to fish on the river.

If you want to venture just outside of Skagit County, you can follow the river up highway 20 to Diablo Lake, which is a reservoir created by the Diablo dam. The water here is often a picture-perfect blue, and there are plenty of viewpoints along highway 20 to take in the views. The Skagit river also supports one of the largest populations of Bald Eagles in the United States. No matter where you are on the river, you are bound to find lots of fish, birds, and views.

Baker Lake

Just outside of Concrete, Wa, you will find Baker Lake.

Baker Lake is a massive lake situated just inside the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Park. Home to hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, camping, and swimming areas, Baker lake is the perfect summer stop. With stunning views of Mt. Baker and plenty of coves and beaches to explore, it is a favorite place for many people from Skagit County. If you are looking to stay, there are plenty of campgrounds on the lake.

Make sure to take a trip over the dam while you are here! It is definitely worth the drive. Bake lake has a few different swimming areas and public parks that often fill up during the summer months so make sure to grab a parking spot early in the day. If you are looking for a hike, there is a trail on the south side of the lake with incredible views of the mountains and even a few spots to jump in and swim.

Newhalem

If you are driving up HWY over the North Cascades, make sure to stop in Newhalem. This tiny town is the last town on the west side of the mountains and is a great pit stop on your way to Eastern Washington. The family favorite of this iconic stop is the retired train right on the side of the HWY. This historic train is often a playground for young children and their families. Make sure to take a turn ringing the bell attached to the front. If you need a place to stretch your legs, there are a few walking trails and even a campground in this tiny town.

Blue Lake

At the very eastern edge of Skagit County, in the Northern Cascades off highway 20, you can find the Blue Lake trailhead. This trial is a hot spot for day hikers because of its beautiful views. This four-mile roundtrip hike is perfect for almost any ability hiker, and the payoff is huge. The lake is crystal clear during the summertime, and if it’s hot enough outside, you can even take a dip. During the summer, the snow will melt off, and the trail is clear and easy to navigate. If you make the trek during the summer, make sure to come back in the fall to see the Larches!

While many tourists are in Washington to visit Seattle, the Skagit County is a must-see stop just an hour north of the city. With places to play for both ocean and mountain lovers, there is something for everyone. If you are ready to hike, fish, boat, bike, and play in the Sound, you have to make a trip to Skagit County this summer. There is a plethora of tiny towns, ecological diversity, and stunning views. From the Islands all the way into the cascades, the Skagit Valley may be one of the most diverse counties in the PNW. If you are looking for the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Seattle, or you are visiting from another part of the country, make sure to start planning all your stops in Skagit county today!

Takeaway

If you plan to visit Skagit County this summer, these summer activities mentioned above should be on your list! Never underestimate Skagit County as this outdoor playground has lots to offer, and it will only make you fall in love with the PNW even more. To learn more about Skagit County, visit https://cleverneighbor.com/

Like many local libraries, the Boise Public Library is a centerpiece in the community, offering resources and assistance for community members well beyond just renting books.

Basic information

The Boise Public Library is located close to downtown at 715 South Capitol Boulevard, with 4 satellite branches throughout the Boise area. All of their locations offer amenities such as computers, scanners, printers, 3-D printing, virtual reality, curbside pickup, and meeting rooms for public use.

If you’re a Boise resident, obtaining a library card is free and gives you access to a wide array of resources. With your library card you can borrow or download from their collection of over 600,000 titles as well as have access to things such as laptops or educational resources for children. The only payments you are responsible for is if you receive a fine for a late return or a lost or damaged item.

Check your library first

Libraries have become way more than just renting and returning books, if there is something you are in need of or need help with, your local library is a great place to start. We’re going to go through some of the lesser known resources that the Boise Public Library offers.

Learning new things

Lynda.com is a website that offers thousands of online courses. No matter what you are interested in they are likely to have a plethora of information on it, including topics such as photography, software development, design, business, and web development. Access to these classes is usually $29.99/mo but is absolutely free through the Boise Public Library.

Another website offering classes geared towards design and art is CreativeBug. There’s thousands of courses taught by well-known industry experts to help inspire your creative self and learn how to make beautiful art projects.

For teenagers in middle school or high school Learning Express offers access to tutorials, study guides, test prep, and ACT/SAT help. It also has resources for college students and beyond for people looking to further their career education.

Along with the online resources, they offer weekly classes and workshops on a variety of topics. Some recent ones have been:

Kenyan Beaders: How to make earrings like the women entrepreneurs of Kenya
Bee Hotels
Moon Prints
DIY Mini Terrariums
Vegetable Seed Starting 101

Resources for kids

For younger kids they offer resources such as NoveList K-8 Plus which helps kids find interesting books, they also have full access to National Geographic Kids. Every week they have a YouTube Live family storytime Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and Music & Movement Fridays at 10:30 AM. They even have a story reading service, all you need to do is call 208-972-8208 and you’ll be able to hear a full story over the phone, with new stories every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Fun resources

Everyone knows you can rent books from the library, but few people know that they offer many other rentals such as video games, CD’s, and DVD’s. The Boise Public Library is keeping up with the digital age by offering a digital collection of movies and TV shows with Access Video On Demand. If you’re interested in 3D printing they have printers at most of their locations where you can learn about them and have them make you an actual 3D print.

If you’re looking for other interesting things in the Boise area, check out our other articles here.

_{Tamanoeconomico, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons}

You can’t go very far in Boise without stumbling upon a unique and delicious restaurant. From fun, trendy food trucks, to fine dining, to foreign cuisine, you will be sure to find something that you will enjoy and be coming back for more.

Boise Fry Co.

Where better to start than with a restaurant that shares the name of the city and features the vegetable that Idaho is famous for, potatoes! Unlike most burger restaurants where the fries are a compliment to the burger, Boise Fry Co. puts the fries on center stage.

With 6 different kinds of potatoes to choose from, including purple potatoes, as well as 5 different styles of cut, you can mix and match to find your dream fry. It doesn’t stop there! No fry is complete without proper dipping sauce, and Boise Fry Co. didn’t skimp on this section of the menu either. Featuring sauces such as garlic aioli, spicy fry sauce, blueberry ketchup, chipotle, sweet mustard, marshmallow, and regular ketchup, you have plenty of options for what you’re going to dunk your fry into. Even though they say “Burgers On The Side” they still give you plenty of delicious options, such as a bison burger, turkey burger, and a beef/mushroom combination burger.

Bittercreek Alehouse

If you’re looking for a place to have a beer and a delicious lunch or dinner you should try out Bittercreek Alehouse. Located on 8th St. nestled in amongst dozens of other great restaurants, Bittercreek still stands out and has been a favorite for locals for quite some time. They offer your typical pub fare but with a twist. They don’t just have fries, they have polenta fries, and you can turn your fries or polenta fries into poutine for just a bit more. You’ll probably have trouble deciding which entree to select with options such as inside-out grilled cheese, lamb burger, and a smoked trout salad. If you’re looking for high quality food and atmosphere that consistently delivers, look no further than Bittercreek.

Lemon Tree Co.

Sandwiches are their specialty, but they provide wonderful compliments of soup and salad that makes Lemon Tree Co. one of the best places for lunch in Boise. Unique options such as the PB & JJB (jam, jalapenos, and bacon), sausage and pear, and Massaman Curry Bahn Mi highlight the sandwich section, but there are plenty of other options if none of those are speaking to you. They offer a wide range of salad options but you’d be missing out if you didn’t get a cup of the creamy tomato-basil soup to dunk your sandwich in. Take a look at their sandwiches here to see what you could be having for lunch today!

Paddles Up Poke

Trying to find good, raw seafood in Idaho can be somewhat tricky, but Paddles Up Poke has absolutely nailed it. Unlike traditional sushi, a “Poke Bowl” is typically made up of rice, raw fish, and traditional sushi toppings like ginger, seaweed salad, and cucumber. Paddles Up has been voted “Best poke, best lunch, and best caterer” in Boise since 2017, not too shabby for opening their doors in 2016. They offer an extensive range of seafood, toppings, and sauces such as the “piranha sauce” to let you make your bowl your own. Not a seafood fan? They even offer chicken for those who prefer that option.

Kibrom’s Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine

Kibrom’s offers authentic Ethiopian dishes that are as fun to eat as they are delicious.

Most dishes are served injera a spongy flatbread that is used to grab the meat and veggies that come with the meal. They have tons of combinations of ingredients, including beef, lamb, chicken, lentils, kale, potatoes, and cabbage, all simmered in their delicious sauces.

Tango’s Empanadas

This Argentina treasure comes in an unassuming package. Located on the bench, you could easily miss Tango’s if you’re not looking out for it. As you could imagine from the name, Empanadas are the focal point of the menu. These delicious fried turnover come with a number of fillings, all of them delicious. They offer 22 savory empanadas, including beef, pork, chicken, fish, vegetarian, even mac and cheese. To match the savory empanadas they also have 22 dessert empanadas for those with a sweet tooth.

Alavita

Alavita is an italian restaurant that does things the right way. Fresh, handmade pasta, locally sourced ingredients, and an attention to detail that makes every dish feel special. They offer some interesting dishes such as black ravioli and squid ink bucatini, but where Alavita really shines is the quality of their ingredients and the talent of their staff. It’s something you need to experience to truly understand, so give them a try!

Bombay Grill

If you’re looking to fill up at lunch time, and possibly not go back to work, Bombay Grill is a wonderful place to check out. With a fairly priced lunch buffet, you can dig into all your favorite Indian dishes such as butter chicken, saag, curry, and tikka masala. Served with fresh, buttery-garlic naan that makes you never want to leave, Bombay Grill is truly one of the best places in Boise to visit.

Curious about great food in other cities? Check out our other articles at cleverneighbor.com

Whether you are visiting Boise for a weekend or are a current resident looking for some new activities, there is no shortage of fun and unique things to do in the Boise area. With a lively downtown area, nature surrounding, and running through the middle of town, as well as unique historical and cultural attractions, there is a little something for everyone in Idaho’s Capitol.

Explore the Boise River and Greenbelt

One of the best features of Boise is the Boise River flowing right through the downtown area. In the summer months, you can float the river for free (or rent a raft if you need one). Starting at Barber Park and ending at Anne Morrison Park, the float takes about 2-4 hours depending on the time of year. If staying dry is more your style, you can also bike along the Boise Greenbelt, a 25-mile long bike path that runs parallel to the river that has numerous parks along the way. Right next to the Greenbelt is the Boise Zoo which is great for children and adults alike.

Go on a hike

You’re never far from a good hike when you’re in Boise. The most popular of all the hikes is the famed Table Rock Trail. The trailhead starts at The Old Idaho Penitentiary Site (more on that later), and is a 3.7 mile out and back hike. The trail is fairly steep, so if you’re going in the summer months, try to go early to beat the heat or later in the day to enjoy a wonderful sunset overlooking the city. If you are wanting to take in the views without the strain of a steep hike, there is a road that leads up to the top of table rock, you can find directions here.

If you are wanting to hike with a little less foot traffic, Camel’s Back Park is another great option, although this one can still be fairly busy in the summertime. Military Reserve is a good easy option that features a dog park, bike park, and stream nearby. The 14 Tram Trail Trailhead is another gorgeous hike with numerous options branching off of it, this is heavily trafficked by mountain bikers so just be aware.

Explore some history

One of the underrated parts of Boise is its historical attractions. As mentioned earlier, The Old Idaho State Penitentiary Site is a wonderful historical tour experience. The penitentiary opened its doors in 1872 but is now used to educate people about the history of our prison system, notorious inmates, as well as an in-depth tour of the inner-workings of the old penitentiary.

The Basque Museum & Culture Center isn’t something you would expect to run into in downtown Boise. The Basque Center offers people to explore the history of the Basque people and their heritage. They offer guided tours, classes, and events on a regular basis. If you are wanting to just explore yourself you are more than welcome to, you can even get a literal taste at Ansots Basque Chorizo’s.

The Anne Frank Memorial is another must see for history buffs. The memorial includes a life-sized bronze statue of Anne Frank looking out a window, but there is much more to it. The memorial encourages people to think about issues our society has faced in the past and are still dealing with today, mostly about human rights. It puts on display some of man’s triumphs, as well as some of our darker times. Visiting the memorial will surely make you take a deeper look at life and come away with a different perspective.

Take a day trip

If you are in Boise for more than a day or two, it is well worth it to explore the surrounding areas. From sand dunes, to hot springs, to snowy mountains, there are plenty of exciting day trips within a couple hours drive of Boise.

The Bruneau Dunes State Park is about an hour drive southeast from Boise that offers unique views that you don’t typically find in the inland northwest. The main feature is the tallest single-structure sand dune in North America. At over 470-feet above the desert floor it is quite a sight, visitors are welcome to hike or ride a horse to the top, if you are feeling extra adventurous you can rent a sandboard and ride down the dune! If you are wanting to stay past sundown, the state park also offers an excellent observatory that lets you get a wonderful view of space.

There are numerous hot springs in the surrounding areas, ranging from large, easily accessible pools, to tiny pools that are off the beaten path. If you’re wanting a resort-style hot spring experience with man-made pools we recommend The Springs in Idaho City, Goldfork Hot Springs outside of Donnely, or Miracle Hot Springs down in Buhl. If you are wanting a little more nature with your hot springs check out Kirkham, Trail Creek, or Snively hot springs. If you want to explore more hot springs options follow this link.

Lastly, if you are wanting to get out of the city for a smaller town feel, McCall might be the place for you. A little over a two hour drive north, McCall puts you in a gorgeous mountain town that’s a popular destination for visitors and residents of Boise. In the winter you can find great skiing at nearby Tamarack and Brundage ski resorts. In the summertime the lake and milder temperatures offer a welcome retreat from the scorching summers that Boise usually experiences.

Explore!

No matter what you choose to do while you’re in Boise, just make sure you get out to find what interests you. Boise offers so many things to do and such a wide variety of activities you can spend day after day exploring new parts of the city you never would’ve guessed were there.

If you are looking for more things to do in Boise or in nearby cities, check out other articles at cleverneighbor.com.

Older Posts