During the winter months, it’s hard to keep yourself from daydreaming about all the beaches, boats, and beverages you’ll enjoy once June rolls around again. However, when summer actually starts, you might feel overwhelmed by all the things you can now do with your free time. Planning out the perfect summer — one where no moment of downtime is wasted — can be stressful. But whether you’re new to the area, a local, or just stopping by, there are plenty of fun things to do in Boise as long as you’re willing to search for them. Fortunately, we’ve started that search for you. 

If you’re looking to start your summer with something simple, try exploring parts of the city by bike or e-scooter. Stop by some of the parks, like the 153-acre Ann Morrison Park, or make your way along the Boise River Greenbelt, 25 miles of tree-lined paths that run along both sides of the Boise River.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you could hike the Ridge to Rivers trail system, where a good sweat will earn you some incredible views. And if you want to see the scenes while avoiding that sweaty feeling, consider making the drive up to Bogus Basin for an exhilarating ride on the Glade Runner Mountain Coaster. 

If you’re in need of a way to beat the heat, then float the Boise River, rentals and transportation made available by Boise River Raft & Tube. Or, to escape the heat entirely, catch a movie at The Flicks or The Egyptian Theatre. 

If you’re craving food more filling than theater popcorn, try dining at one of Boise’s many eating establishments. For the freshest oysters in town, Little Pearl Oyster Bar can’t be beat. For a refreshing happy hour, hit up Tiner’s Alley afterward. For other good eats, try a delicious bowl of pho at Pho Nouveau or Pho Real, or opt for some authentic Indian food at Bombay Grill. 

If you have the munchies but would rather not deal with menus, make a pit stop at Boise Co-op and pick up some picnic supplies. Take it a step further and make it “dinner with a show” by going to the Idaho Shakespeare Festival at a world-class outdoor amphitheater. 

If iambic pentameter isn’t your thing, you could get a taste of Boise’s history instead. Check out the Basque Block, visit the Idaho Black History Museum, or go on a guided tour of historical crime scenes via the 1970s motorhome of IdaHistory.

And if none of these ideas coincide with what you had envisioned for your Boise summer, there are still plenty of things to do: roam around Hyde Park, spend an afternoon at the Boise Art Museum, or take a day trip to McCall.

If you’re looking to do a little bit of everything this summer, then Boise’s got you covered. But can you do it all? Probably not – at least not in a single visit. But a comfortable room at The Avery, located in the heart of it all, is the best shot you have. 

A movie at the Egyptian Theatre? It’s just two blocks away from The Avery. A dinner at Bombay? That’s right across the street. And a drink to end your night? Tiner’s Alley is only a few steps outside your hotel room. 

Let The Avery be the anchor in your itinerary and get to know Boise’s summer side. As we say, explore, relax, repeat!