# Free things to do with kids in Boise this week

> Yes, plenty is free with little kids in Boise this week: we found 24 free outings, including Harvest Festival (Library! at Cole & Ustick) and Free Pumpkin Patch at Jordan's Garden Center, plus 22 library programs. Six free days and events are coming up, including two museum or zoo free days, each with its date. And five places never charge admission, like Downtown Library and Julia Davis Park.

- Last checked: 2026-10-19
- 24 free outings this week; 6 free days and events coming up; 5 always-free places
- Canonical page: https://littlesweekly.com/boise/free/
- Indoor play (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/boise/indoor-play/index.md
- This week (Markdown): https://littlesweekly.com/boise/index.md
- City index for agents: https://littlesweekly.com/boise/llms.txt

## Free days and free events coming up

- **Bank of America Museums on Us weekend** at Boise Art Museum, Boise. When: Sat Nov 7, Sun Nov 8, Sat Dec 5 and Sun Dec 6. Price: Free general admission for Bank of America, Merrill and Private Bank cardholders (one per card, with photo ID). Only the cardholder gets in free, so bring the card and an ID. Official page: https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/museums-on-us-partners (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Winter Wonderland (Indian Creek Plaza lights)** at Indian Creek Plaza, 120 S Kimball Ave, Caldwell, ID. When: Opening festival Nov 20–22, 2026; lights stay up all season. Time: Festival 6–9 p.m. Price: Free (skating extra; skate tickets on sale Oct 2026). One million lights, ice skating. Official page: https://www.indiancreekplaza.com/winter-wonderland-festival (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Santa & Mrs. Claus at Winter Wonderland Festival** at Indian Creek Plaza, 120 S Kimball Ave, Caldwell, ID. When: Nov 20–22, 2026. Time: 6–9 p.m. (winter market Sat–Sun from 3 p.m.). Price: Free festival. Santa listed among festival features. Official page: https://www.indiancreekplaza.com/winter-wonderland-festival (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Downtown Boise Holiday Tree Lighting** at The Grove Plaza, The Grove Plaza, Downtown Boise. When: Fri Nov 27, 2026. Time: 5 p.m. Price: Free. 40-plus-foot tree, 5,000+ lights, live music. Boise Holiday Parade next morning, Sat Nov 28 at 10 a.m., free (boiseholidayparade.org). Official page: https://visitboise.com/boise-lights-up-for-fall-and-holiday-season-with-new-flavors-festivals-and-a-city-full-of-glow/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Boise Holiday Parade**, Downtown Boise (starts at Jefferson and 10th). When: Sat Nov 28. Time: 10 a.m., about 1.5 hours. The 76th parade is free to watch. Get there early, dress warm and bring something to sit on. Official page: https://boiseholidayparade.org/things-to-know (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Discovery for All at the Discovery Center of Idaho** at Discovery Center of Idaho, Downtown, 131 W. Myrtle St. When: Any open day. Price: $5 per person for up to four people with a SNAP EBT card. In person only, so bring the card. Official page: https://www.dcidaho.org/discounts-access-programs (checked 2026-10-19)

## Free this week

- **Tales and Trails at Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve** at Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve, 5301 N. Maple Grove Rd., Boise, ID 83704. When: Mon Oct 19. Time: 9–10am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. A library story and a short, stroller-friendly nature walk. Register online for the waiver. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/17053639 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Music and Movement (Library! at Collister)** at Library! at Collister, 4724 W. State St., Boise, ID 83703. When: Mon Oct 19. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. Clap, stomp and dance to music together, for ages 0 to 5 and their caregivers. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16513640 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Baby Stories and Play (Library! at Cole & Ustick)** at Library! at Cole & Ustick, 7557 W. Ustick Rd., Boise, ID 83704. When: Mon Oct 19. Time: 10:30–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–2. A weekly storytime for babies up to 24 months, then playtime. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16237062 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Afternoon Baby Stories and Play (Library! at Cole & Ustick)** at Library! at Cole & Ustick, 7557 W. Ustick Rd., Boise, ID 83704. When: Mon Oct 19. Time: 2–3pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–2. The afternoon session of the weekly storytime for babies up to 24 months, then playtime. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16237098 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Music and Movement (Library! at Cole & Ustick)** at Library! at Cole & Ustick, 7557 W. Ustick Rd., Boise, ID 83704. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. Moving and grooving to music in the Sagebrush Room every Tuesday. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16259120 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Music and Movement at Ivywild Park** at Ivywild Park, 416 W. Ivywild St., Boise, ID 83706. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. Library! at Bown Crossing takes music and movement outside to Ivywild Park. Dress for the weather and bring a blanket. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/15775776 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Family Storytime (Library! at Hillcrest)** at Library! at Hillcrest, 5246 W. Overland Rd., Boise, ID 83705. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 10:30–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. Stories and songs for kids 5 and under and their caregivers in the Canyon Room. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/13201028 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Read to a Therapy Dog (Library! at Bown Crossing)** at Library! at Bown Crossing, 2153 E. Riverwalk Dr., Boise, ID 83706. When: Tue Oct 20. Time: 4–5pm. Price: Free. Ages: 4–12. Kids practice reading aloud to a certified therapy dog for 5 to 10 minutes. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/15700758 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Family Storytime (Library! at Cole & Ustick)** at Library! at Cole & Ustick, 7557 W. Ustick Rd., Boise, ID 83704. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. A Wednesday family storytime in the Sagebrush Room. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/17058581 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Toddler Storytime (Library! at Bown Crossing)** at Library! at Bown Crossing, 2153 E. Riverwalk Dr., Boise, ID 83706. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 1–3. A toddler storytime that moves outside when the weather allows. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/15072617 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Baby Stories and Play (Library! at Collister)** at Library! at Collister, 4724 W. State St., Boise, ID 83703. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 10:30–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–2. Stories and songs for babies and their caregivers. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/15301818 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Pajama Storytime (Downtown Library)** at Downtown Library, 715 S. Capitol Blvd., Boise, ID 83702. When: Wed Oct 21. Time: 6:30–7pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. Wear jammies and bring a stuffie to the Downtown Library’s third floor for evening stories. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/17238100 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Baby Stories and Play (Library! at Bown Crossing)** at Library! at Bown Crossing, 2153 E. Riverwalk Dr., Boise, ID 83706. When: Thu Oct 22. Time: 10:30–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–2. Rhymes, songs, board books and movement, then open play and new friends. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/15662952 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Family Storytime (Library! at Collister)** at Library! at Collister, 4724 W. State St., Boise, ID 83703. When: Thu Oct 22. Time: 10:30–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. A Thursday family storytime in the Sycamore Room. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/15301888 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Preschool Storytime (Library! at Cole & Ustick)** at Library! at Cole & Ustick, 7557 W. Ustick Rd., Boise, ID 83704. When: Thu Oct 22. Time: 10:30–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 3–5. A kindergarten-readiness storytime and craft for preschoolers. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/15637578 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Toddler Storytime (Library! at Hillcrest)** at Library! at Hillcrest, 5246 W. Overland Rd., Boise, ID 83705. When: Thu Oct 22. Time: 10:30–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 1–3. An hour of songs, books and play for toddlers. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16624512 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Craft a Spell Book (Library! at Bown Crossing)** at Library! at Bown Crossing, 2153 E. Riverwalk Dr., Boise, ID 83706. When: Thu Oct 22. Time: 6:30–7:30pm. Price: Free. Ages: 4–99. Decorate a homemade spell book to go with a witch costume or Halloween décor. All ages. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/15609669 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Storytime in the Grass (Library! at Bown Crossing)** at Library! at Bown Crossing, 2153 E. Riverwalk Dr., Boise, ID 83706. When: Fri Oct 23. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. An outdoor storytime on the lawn between the library and Riverside Elementary. Bring a blanket; ages 0 to 5. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16984722 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Baby Stories and Play (Library! at Hillcrest)** at Library! at Hillcrest, 5246 W. Overland Rd., Boise, ID 83705. When: Fri Oct 23. Time: 10:30–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–2. Rhymes, songs, stories and open play for babies up to 24 months. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/15118766 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Play and Learn (Library! at Cole & Ustick)** at Library! at Cole & Ustick, 7557 W. Ustick Rd., Boise, ID 83704. When: Fri Oct 23. Time: 10:30–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–5. Open-ended playtime for kids 5 and under and their caregivers. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/16415173 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Music and Movement at Ann Morrison Park** at Ann Morrison Park – Old Timer’s Shelter, 1130 W. Royal Blvd., Boise, ID 83706. When: Fri Oct 23. Time: 10:30–11am. Price: Free. Ages: 0–6. Downtown Library’s music class meets by the Old Timer’s Shelter in Ann Morrison Park (look for the deer statue). Ages 0 to 6; bring a blanket. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/17542321 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Read to a Therapy Dog (Library! at Collister)** at Library! at Collister, 4724 W. State St., Boise, ID 83703. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 10:30–11:30am. Price: Free. Ages: 4–12. Kids practice reading aloud to a certified therapy dog for 5 to 10 minutes. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/15302526 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Harvest Festival (Library! at Cole & Ustick)** at Library! at Cole & Ustick, 7557 W. Ustick Rd., Boise, ID 83704. When: Sat Oct 24. Time: 11am–1pm. Price: Free. Ages: 0–99. A fall celebration with crafts, outdoor games, drinks and snacks for all ages. Official page: https://boisepubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/14844954 (checked 2026-10-19)
- **Free Pumpkin Patch at Jordan's Garden Center** at Jordan's Garden Center, 2591 S Cole Rd, Boise, ID 83709. When: Next: Mon Oct 19, Tue Oct 20, Wed Oct 21, Thu Oct 22 and 3 more. Time: Mon–Sat 10am–8pm; Sun 10am–7pm. Price: Free (pumpkins are priced for sale). Ages: 1–8. A garden center pumpkin patch with no entry fee. The hay maze, petting zoo, corn pit, toys and photo spots are all free, so it's an easy hour with a toddler. Official page: https://jordansgardencenter.com/pumpkin-patch/ (checked 2026-10-19)

## Always free

- **Downtown Library**, 715 S. Capitol Blvd. Boise Public Library’s downtown branch, with Pajama Storytime and other free kids’ programs. Construction is underway around the building. Official page: https://www.boisepubliclibrary.org/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Julia Davis Park**, Downtown, along the river. The city’s oldest park, from 1907, with a rose garden, a Solar System Trail and the bandshell. Official page: https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/julia-davis-park/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **Kathryn Albertson Park**, Near downtown. A quiet 41-acre park built for watching wildlife, with wide paved paths that suit a stroller. Official page: https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/kathryn-albertson-park/ (checked 2026-10-18)
- **MK Nature Center**, 600 S. Walnut St., Boise, ID. Free nature center with a stream walk and fish windows. Official page: https://idfg.idaho.gov/visit/mknc (checked 2026-10-18)
- **The WaterShed**, 6411 N. Ancell Ave., Boise, ID. Free environmental education center. Official page: https://www.boisewatershed.org/ (checked 2026-10-18)

## Free library storytimes

- **Boise Public Library**: Weekly; days and times vary by branch. Free storytimes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers at the Downtown Library and branches around the city. Calendar: https://www.boisepubliclibrary.org/
- **Nampa Public Library**: Weekly at the Children's Area Branch; Wednesdays and Fridays. Free baby, toddler and preschool storytimes. This fall's regular sessions include Baby Storytime (Wednesdays 11:15am) and Time for Twos Storytime (Wednesdays 10:15am). Calendar: https://nampalibrary.libcal.com/calendar

## About this list
- Published by Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/). Free weekly lists for kids ages 0–6, city by city.
- How we choose and check listings, and how to send a correction: https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/ (corrections: hello@littlesweekly.com).
- Sponsored spots are labeled on the HTML pages and are not part of this editorial list.
- How to cite: “According to Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/…), …” and link the page you quote.

## FAQ

### What’s free to do with kids in Boise this weekend?
This week we found 24 free outings for ages 0–6, including Harvest Festival (Library! at Cole & Ustick), Free Pumpkin Patch at Jordan's Garden Center, Tales and Trails at Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve and Music and Movement (Library! at Collister). See [free this week](https://littlesweekly.com/boise/free/#this-week); the list is rebuilt every Thursday.

### Are there free museum or zoo days in Boise?
Bank of America Museums on Us weekend: Sat Nov 7, Sun Nov 8, Sat Dec 5 and Sun Dec 6. Boise Holiday Parade: Sat Nov 28. Discovery for All at the Discovery Center of Idaho: Any open day ($5 per person for up to four people with a SNAP EBT card). Dates come from each venue’s own page; see [free days and free events](https://littlesweekly.com/boise/free/#free-days).

### What free holiday events are there for kids in Boise?
Winter Wonderland (Indian Creek Plaza lights), Santa & Mrs. Claus at Winter Wonderland Festival and Downtown Boise Holiday Tree Lighting are free this season. Dates and times are on each card under [free days and free events](https://littlesweekly.com/boise/free/#free-days).

### Where can we go for free any day in Boise?
Downtown Library, Julia Davis Park, Kathryn Albertson Park, MK Nature Center and The WaterShed don’t charge admission. Some charge for parking or special exhibits; the cards say so where the place does.

### Is there free indoor play in Boise?
Yes: Downtown Library. See all of them on [indoor play places in Boise](https://littlesweekly.com/boise/indoor-play/#places).

### Are library storytimes free in Boise?
Yes. Boise Public Library and Nampa Public Library run free storytimes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Times change by branch, so check the calendar linked below.

### How do you check these free listings?
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 19, 2026, and we recheck them every Thursday for dated events and once a month for free places. [How we choose and check](https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/).