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.
Winter might be the best season to visit Bend. Whether you’re into snowboarding or skiing, the options are obvious with Mt. Bachelor being just a quick jaunt up the Cascade Lakes Highway. Maybe you’ve already experienced the mountain or just have other ventures in mind… Bend will deliver!
Ice Skating
Ice skating is the quintessential winter activity, especially around the holiday season. The Pavilion is Bend’s NHL-sized ice sheet that has open skating, curling lessons, and local hockey league games. Skates can be rented and there are locker rooms on site. Warm up after all your ice-capades with a visit to the warming room. There is a fireplace and an outdoor fire pit to help you enjoy your time off the ice. The Pavilion is home to the Winter Solstice celebration, an event featuring hot cocoa, raffles, photo booth, skate sessions, and performances by the Bend Ice Figure Skating Club. Check out the Pavilion’s schedule of events here.
If you’re interested in taking a little drive, another option for ice skating is available at Seventh Mountain Resort just outside of Bend. Here you will indulge your inner child as you glide around the ice under the cosmic lights, pausing to take a break while sipping a cocktail from the rink-side bar. Make a weekend of it and stay in one of the elegant suites at Seventh Mountain.
Get Outside
There are a myriad of outdoor activities available to Bend visitors in the winter. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and sledding are just some of the things you can get yourself into. If you’re interested in gear rentals, check out Powder House Ski & Snowboard. They will get you set up with everything you need, and they’re conveniently located on your way up to the mountains. Check in with the employees there for guidance regarding trails and permits for your winter fun.
If you’re feeling up for a bit of an adventure, a tour with Wanderlust Tours might be just the ticket. Wanderlust offers moonlight snowshoeing and stargazing excursions as well as their Bonfire on the Snow tour. With this trip, a naturalist will guide you through the forest and into a hand-carved snow amphitheater where a bonfire and drinks will be enjoyed under the gorgeous winter sky. You’ll be able to learn about the forests, wildlife, and do a bit of stargazing while enjoying local spirits and hot drinks. Check out Wanderlust’s winter tours here.
If you prefer to guide your own winter adventure, we’ve done some of the work for you. Click here for our piece on the 7 best hiking trails in Bend.
Mt. Bachelor
It would be remiss to mention wintertime in Bend without bringing up Mt. Bachelor. Mt. Bachelor serves up a winter wonderland for gravity sports enthusiasts. Offering lessons for both adults and kids (as well as childcare if your tot is too young to play on the mountain), Mt. Bachelor is welcoming to seasoned athletes and newcomers. If you’re going to be on the mountain to look for a unique experience, book a sled dog ride! Join an experienced Iditarod racer for an unforgettable trip gliding across the snow, learn about sledding, and take in the epic views of the Cascades. Check out Mt. Bachelor’s website for more details and scheduling.
Winter Fest
The Oregon Winter Fest is an annual tradition that happens in Bend. Featuring 3 days of music, family activities, food, and entertainment, this event is a must-see. There are fire pits, ice sculptures, a wine walk, and hot cocoa run. There is no such thing as bad weather in Bend, just improper clothing! This festival celebrates all things winter and occurs in February each year. The Rail Jam is sponsored by 10 Barrel Brewing and offers participants the chance to shred the rail. Enjoy a stroll through the marketplace or check out the Polar Market sporting goods expo to get your gear for Bend’s recreation. The festival caters to all ages with a family play zone with bounce houses and the OMSI science tent. Winter Fest is a great way to experience everything that Bend has to offer both locals and visitors.
Relax
Maybe you’ve spent all day at the mountain, or trekking through the snow in snowshoes. What better way to treat yourself after a long day of fun than with a nice, hot soak?
McMenamin’s Old St. Francis soaking pool is a sparkling turquoise oasis. With an open ceiling, you can watch the snow fall in to the steamy, glittering soaking pool. Take some time after your soak to venture out to O’Kane’s Pub on the McMenamin’s grounds. O’Kanes has fire pits outside where you can warm up from the inside out with a seasonal cocktail. Head through the old church doors to imbibe the house distillery flights. If you take the time to wander around McMenamin’s, you might stumble upon a broom closet… Push through the unassuming door to discover what’s being served up on the other side!
Perhaps your tastes lean toward the refined, or you just want to experience over 400 varieties of whiskey…Stihl Whiskey Bar has what you’re looking for. Stihl boasts a carefully crafted menu and a vast array of whiskeys and cocktails to suit every need.
You can’t go wrong in the dining arena while strolling around downtown Bend. Check out our article about Bend’s best places to eat and discover your new favorite spot.
The winter season in Bend is a great time to get outside or indulge in some relaxation and luxury. Let us know your favorite winter activities in Bend in the comments below!
Things To Do In Portland After The Holidays
If you are looking for some family friendly things to do in Portland after the Holidays, look no further. We’ve selected some items that we believe are sure-fire fixes for those post holiday blues. You may even find some “you” time along the way.
Post Holiday Blues
So, the Holidays are over. Now you’ve got until early July until summer is safely here. Meanwhile you’re sitting on your couch bored as hell. Your kids are the sweetest but even they can’t stay cooped up the whole day without pushing at least some of your buttons. Oh, believe me. We’ve all been there. You’ve even noticed you’ve been spending a little more time browsing on social media than your comfortable norm. What’s a parent to do in this city that seems so youth driven? *Recall Schmidt gif with the caption “Youths!”
I know what you’re thinking, “The Mall?” To that I say, yes! Think about it. Reliably there is one or two go-to spots where you can get some coffee (or beverage of choice), you can walk around back and forth as many times you want without people thinking you’re weird while doing so. You’re out among people while you can window shop, get some exercise, and best of all it’s all under the pretense of getting out of the house. If you think about it it’s really a parent’s bread and butter. You’re not having to tell your kid(s), “Stop touching that!” You can let them play without the concern of their skull cracking open when they jumping around thanks to those spongy floors. Additionally, if you do it all in the morning you can wear them out so they will actually sleep during their nap time.
Washington Square Mall
A prefect example of this kind of play place is embodied in Washington Square Mall. Grab a coffee, pretzel, a free truffle at See’s Candy then head over to JCPenney where there’s a circular play place with a spongy floor and PDX themed climbable structures for the kids. The perimeter is seating for parents making it easy to be close by. There are coin operated machines to ride just outside the play area if your kids are into that.
Things to note: Parking near JCPenney makes this location accessible. Closures take place daily between 1-2pm for cleaning and sanitizing. Height limit for children is 42 inches which is 3.5 feet tall. This play place is free.
There are similar play places to this one including, but not limited to Clackamas Town Center and Cedar Hills Crossing. These locations are free.
Play Boutique
At first seemingly isolated due to the drive up Scholls Ferry Road this parent’s saving grace is well worth even just one visit to see what the “Play Boutique” has to offer. Gauging at which time of day you’re conquering any drive in Portland these days seems convoluted not to mention daunting when trying to fill your day with fun things for the kids that doesn’t add to your level of stress.
The best approach would be to plan to make this one of your first stops for the day if you don’t have any other pressing errands. Seating overlooks the play area so it’s ideal for keeping an eye on the kid(s) while relaxing sipping on something from the coffee bar. This way you’re able to do some light work done on a project or getting some “me time” without worrying being too far away.
The Low Down on Play Boutique
Parking: There’s plenty of parking at Progress Ridge so there’s little need to plan ahead for this visit.
Coffee: There’s a full service coffee bar inside Play Boutique easily reducing the amount of stops between your house and fun for the kids.
The Main Attraction: With over 2000 square feet of dedicated play space, a bounce house, play structures, trampolines, basketball hoops and more toys there’s no shortage of activities for the kids. There’s also a dedicated space for the infants and children too small for the larger play area.
Bathrooms are clean, there’s a water fountain for quick easy access for the kids.
FYI: Play Boutique has limited hours of operation and even then you’ll want to get in the habit of checking their schedule online for any closures to the public due to party reservations or events. The last thing you need after 30 minutes of driving is to get there only to see that it’s closed and have to come up with another game plan.
But even if that happens we’ve got your back which bring us to the next of our things to do in Portland.
If it’s a warm summer day: Next to Ava Roasteria there’s a splash pad so don’t forget to bring the swimming gear.
If it’s raining: Get some coffee at Ava Roasteria give up and just go home. Just kidding. Hopefully you’ve packed your rain jackets!
Summer Lake Park
Things To Do In Portland: Summer Lake Park
Summer Lake Park is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll. There are a number of paved, easy to walk foot paths with 3 different wooden foot bridges.
For the kids there are two different play structure areas that feature three different sized structures (keeping most ages content). There is a basketball court, tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields, and there’s even a dog park.
With over 30 acres this park leave little to be desired. I the summer time include watching little league games and kids playing basketball. During Mid to late Spring the Rhododendron garden is in full bloom. The entire park is in one giant loop so one could walk it multiple times over if one so desired. The wildlife and lake itself make this an invaluable spot to spend time with your kids to do things to do in Portland.
OMSI
Things To Do In Portland: OMSI
Along the east bank under the Morrison bridge there is a place for learning and discovering facets of science. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry established in Portland has hours of activities for not only kids but for all ages groups. It is one of the best things to do in Portland during the cold winter months.
OMSI’s science playground featuring messy, tactile, zany, and fun activities teaching scientific concepts in a hands on way. There are 9 different exhibits at OMSI that teach about space, renewable energy, and the stages of growth within the womb to name a few. There’s a Planetarium, an IMAX theater, tours inside a retired military submarine called the USS Blueback, and various cooking and science labs.
It’s an exciting place where your kids can play happily hours on end. There’s even a dedicated room for kids between the ages of 0-6. Some people say that this room alone is worth its weight in the cost of admission when you have small children. If you’re feeling hungry there’s a cafeteria.
Between the exhibits, movies, the play areas, and a cafeteria you could spend up to 8 hours there.
OMSI is easily accessible by car, public’s transit, and by bike. OMSI has its own parking lot, however, you have to pay for it.
The Tualatin Hills Nature Park
Things To Do In Portland: Walking in the Tualatin Hills Nature Park
The Tualatin Hills Nature Park entails 1.5 miles of paved and 3.5 miles rugged trails ready for the family explorers! With over 220 acres this retreat is a family favorite in suburban Beaverton. It’s close to the MAX line or can be driven to from Murray. There’s a visitor’s center where attendants can answer questions. With not much foot traffic along the trail it makes walking with children leisurely and stress free.
Woodland creatures are aplenty including, but not limited to, grey squirrels and deer. If you’re into bugs watch where you step! You might just find a slug or a snail speeding on by. There are multiple wooden foot bridges to cross and trails to explore.
So next you’re on the westside of town and are in want of an activity check out the Tualatin Hills Nature Park.
Go Ice Skating at Lloyd Center Mall
If you’re into ice skating and your kids are down to go as well then you should go ice skating for a fun and festive winter tradition at Lloyd Center’s Ice Rink. Skating usually opens to the public anywhere between 10am and noon with family skate nights on Tuesday and Thursday nights starting at 6:30pm.
In conclusion
Think in term of “Small Doses”. As a parent myself more days all I really need to make sure I am able to stay sane is 45 mins outside the house.
Be encouraged! Between parks, the library, and place places there are many things to do in Portland. Best of wishes. Don’t forget to be creative and from one parent to another, we’re all in this together!
Of course Portland has even more options you can explore.
–Council Crest – The tallest point in Portland and great vistas from the West Hills.
–Mt. Tabor – Complete with play structures and for Portland vista’s from Southeast Portland.
–Rocky Butte – The Best View of Mount Hood from Portland (when it’s sans rain), overlooks the airport, and yet another good location to view the Portland skyline this time from Northeast Portland.
