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Zoos, Museums & Nature in the Treasure Valley

Animals, hands-on science, gardens, and nature centers.

7 places

Boise WaterShed

Boise, ID · Ages 2–5, Ages 6–12

Environmental education center about where the valley’s water comes from, with exhibits and outdoor grounds.

FreeBoth

Children’s Museum of Idaho

Meridian, ID · Babies, Ages 2–5, Ages 6–12

Hands-on museum built for kids, with a planetarium show you can add on. Admission is cheaper for toddlers under two, and the second Thursday of each month is a $5 community day.

$Indoor

Discovery Center of Idaho

Boise, ID · Ages 2–5, Ages 6–12, Teens

Hands-on science exhibits kids are supposed to touch. A go-to for cold or rainy days.

$Indoor

Idaho Botanical Garden

Boise, ID · Babies, Ages 2–5, Ages 6–12, Teens

Gardens and paths at the foot of the foothills, with seasonal events through the year.

$Outdoor

Kathryn Albertson Park

Boise, ID · Babies, Ages 2–5, Ages 6–12

Quiet nature park with ponds, paved paths, and ducks and geese. Stroller-friendly.

FreeOutdoor

MK Nature Center

Boise, ID · Ages 2–5, Ages 6–12

Small nature center on Idaho Fish and Game land with walking trails and windows into the stream to watch fish.

FreeBoth

Zoo Boise

Boise, ID · Babies, Ages 2–5, Ages 6–12, Teens

The valley’s zoo, inside Julia Davis Park downtown. An easy half-day with little ones, and the park’s playground is right outside.