When you’re a parent, winter starts to feel like the longest season as kids are cooped up at home. Boise’s winter usually promises a few good days where it’s possible to be outside with the family. But for those days where it’s too cold or wet to wander outdoors, I’ve compiled a few more indoor activities your little ones will enjoy. Check out my previous blog post for more ideas.
Children’s Museum of Idaho
When your little explorers get antsy, take them to the Children’s Museum of Idaho. This hot spot for families has been a favorite in the Treasure Valley since it opened in 2018. Visitors can go “shopping” at Trader Joe’s, “fly” an airplane at the Boise Airport, or sail a pirate ship. The Children’s Museum of Idaho also hosts numerous events for the public and has a community room available for rent.
Discovery Center
Bring your kiddos to Idaho’s only hands-on science center, the Discover Center of Idaho! With more than 150 exhibits, your little ones will find plenty to keep their hands and imaginations busy.
The Discovery Center’s exhibitions are constantly changing, with a few permanent favorites such as a plasma ball and magnet race. Visitors can also check out Tinker the T-Rex, a skeleton of a juvenile dinosaur that will become a part of the Discovery Center’s permanent exhibitions.
Planet Kid Indoor Soft Playground
For those who enjoy conquering the playground, Planet Kid provides the perfect spot to climb, slide and zip without worrying about the weather. Planet Kid is specifically for kids 12 and under with a dedicated space for toddlers. Your children will love exploring the ball pits, climbing the rope ladders, investigating the numerous tunnels and zipping through the slides. A concession stand provides food for when your little one works up an appetite. Don’t forget socks in order to play!
Idaho State Museum
There’s no better way to learn about Idaho’s history than through interacting with it at the Idaho State Museum! Your child will love pretending to be a train conductor where they can blow the whistle or shovel “coal” into the boiler. Giant blocks are provided for children to build their own creations, or they can take a step back in time as they try their hand at mining for gems.
While there is a dedicated spot for younger visitors, the rest of the museum includes hands-on activities that kiddos will find fun (don’t miss the story of the parachuting beavers!). The best part? At the Idaho State Museum, kids under five are free.
Did I miss any great indoor kid activities in the Treasure Valley? Send them my way! I am always looking for any tips to help out my clients.
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