This year Julia Davis Park’s theme is “Stay the Day,” encouraging families to stay and take in all the Park’s rich cultural, historical, and fun outdoor experiences and resources. Here’s a glimpse of what your family can do when you have the time to stay the day.

        Entering off Capitol Blvd., you’ll drive through the beautiful wrought iron archway and into the Park, which was dedicated to the city of Boise in 1907 by Thomas Jefferson Davis in memory of his wife. You can park in the lot adjacent to the Rose Garden. The Park is also an easy bike ride for families on the Greenbelt along the Boise River.

        Stop at the Boise Art Museum to see the current art exhibits. On the last Saturday of each month, families can drop in for Family ART Saturday for a hands-on workshop. The weekend of September 10–12 features the 56^th annual Art in the Park; be sure to check out the Children’s Art Tent.

        Across from the Art Museum is the Idaho State Historical Museum. Families can experience the Story of Idaho, the Museum’s feature exhibit, as well as Lewis and Clark: The Journey in Idaho, and stroll through Pioneer Village (set to reopen this month with the Lewis and Clark Discovery Trail). On September 25, “Museum Comes to Life” features over 50 demonstrations and exhibits, with the houses in Pioneer Village open to the public.

        The Park’s newest addition is a 9-foot bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln, located near the Idaho Black History Museum. It was dedicated in June. The statue is one of many in the Park, including Sacagewea and the Julia Davis memorial.

        Your family might need to spend days at the Park if you’d like to make time for The Discovery Center of Idaho (just over the footbridge) and its current exhibit, Light Show, or Zoo Boise (at the east end of the Park) and its newest attraction, Wallaby Walkabout.

        There are tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic shelters, paddle boats, and more! So take a trip to Julia Davis Park and “enjoy the day.” For more information, go to www.boisemuseums.org or visit www.cityofboise.org/parks.