It’s finally warm enough to declare the start of park season! We Boiseans love our green spaces, so we’re power-ranking our favorite parks for lounging, playing games, picnicking, and entertaining kids.
Becca Bailey from Boise With Kids brought the family-friendly picks to the City Cast Boise podcast, and Marissa Lovell with From Boise has the adult recommendations.
When Becca considers park options for her young family, she always thinks about play areas first, including playgrounds, courts, and fields. Then she weighs the accessibility — both for kids with disabilities and how difficult it is to get to the park — along with its proximity to large roads and trails. Water features, proximity to hiking trails, and nearby coffee shops are all icing on the cake.
So without further ado: Becca’s (her kids had some input) favorite parks.
1. Ann Morrison Park
One of Boise’s gems, the fact that this sprawling classic takes the top spot should be no surprise. Ann Morrison Park is a whopping 153 acres, and even though it can be overly busy on river floating weekends in late summer, it’s so big you can almost always find space for your family. The splash pad and playground are favorites for children, but it’s also one of the best places where they can be introduced to new sports and new people.
Bonus: Ann Morrison is the only park that also made the adult ranking.
2. Discovery Park
A Meridian park snuck in to claim second place, but for good reason. Discovery Park has 64 acres, filled with bocce and tennis courts, a climbing wall, skate area, and a ton more. For Boiseans who haven’t been, put it on your list: it’s on Lake Hazel Road between Eagle and Locust Grove Roads.
3. Camel’s Back Park
Tucked between the Boise Foothills and Hyde Park, Camel’s Back Park has it all. It’s a major destination for sports teams, hikers and runners, picnics, and more. However, it may not have ranked higher because it can sometimes be a little too busy.
4. DeMeyer Park
DeMeyer Park has a quiet vibe, thanks to its large, shady trees and location tucked away from major roads. It’s off McMillan road and situated right inside the triangle of two elementary schools and Centennial High School on the West Bench. DeMeyer also boasts a small canal and a pond, frequented by ducks.
5. Molenaar Park
Southwest Boise is home to Molenaar Park, which is located off Maple Grove and Victory Roads. Her kids love the playground and its recent additions, but its skate park and splash pad also make it a great pick for kids of all ages.
Bonus tip: You can’t always remember which park had the blue slide your kid loves so much, so Becca recommends using her report card to help you keep track.
Give each of Becca’s family’s favorite parks a visit this summer! (City Cast Boise / Google Maps)
Dog Parks
City Cast Boise dug in the bark, gravel, sand, dirt, and everything in between to assess the best dog parks last summer. We followed our noses to Idaho’s veterinarian shortage, our pet peeves about Boise dog parents, and whether our furry friends really love us back.
