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When it comes to finding relief from the summer heat, there’s nothing better than a big pool of refreshing water. Fortunately, there are plenty of places in the Treasure Valley to cool off and get wet all summer long.
Whether you want to go for a swim, wade in a lake, or get soaked at your favorite family park, there’s a great spot just for you.
Find the Perfect Public Pool
What says summer more than the joyful screams of a gaggle of kids enjoying the local pool?
You’ve got lots of options when it comes to public pools. You’re sure to find one that will fulfill your family’s desire to play in the water. Boise has six outdoor public pools, Nampa has two, and Meridian and Caldwell each have one.
Prices range from $2 to $4 per session for adults and from $1 to $3 for kids, depending on age and location. In Boise, watch for “family night” on Wednesday evenings, when your entire family can swim for as little as $5, depending on the pool.
If you can’t resist the lure of a water slide, check out the Natatorium in Boise or the Nampa Rec Center. Ivywild Pool in Boise and Lincoln Pool in Nampa have smaller slides and on-deck water toys that will add to your fun. Check out your local city website to find the location, hours, and pricing schedule for each pool.
Boise: www.cityofboise.org/parks
Nampa: www.nampaparksandrecreation.org
Meridian: www.meridiancity.org/parks_rec
Caldwell: www.cityofcaldwell.com
Getting Soaked at the Park
If you’re not up for the crowds that sometimes accumulate at the local pool, try the Splash Pad at Settlers Park in Meridian, and the one at the Reid W. Merrill Sr. Community Park in Eagle.
With the different water features, buttons to push, levers to pull, and lots of ways to get soaked, the Splash Pad provides plenty of ways to cool off and will keep the kids entertained for hours. Best of all, it’s free. You can pack up some snacks and the sunscreen and go and play in the water for hours. There’s no time limit, either. Settlers Park is located at the corner of Meridian and Ustick Roads. You can get to Merrill W. Reid Sr. Community Park from Eagle Rd. in Eagle or from west Hwy. 44 (State St.).
Get Back to Nature
My favorite way to cool off is to pack a family picnic and head out to a river or lake. The Treasure Valley has a great number of natural fun spots.
The Boise River is an old favorite. The river itself is scenic with plenty of places to picnic along its shore. On hot days, there’s nothing better than to enjoy a picnic and then float down the river on an inner tube or a raft.
You can put into the Boise River at Barber Park (six miles from downtown Boise on Eckert Rd. between Warm Springs and Boise Avenues.). There are raft and tube rentals there, as well as free air pumps if you need to fill your own tube or raft.
Float six miles downriver into the heart of Boise. There are four take-out points along the way where you can relax and enjoy the scenery (or use the restroom). The final take-out point is in Ann Morrison Park.
A regular shuttle runs between Ann Morrison and Barber Parks. The shuttle costs $3 and will take you and your raft back to Barber Park. Parking at Barber Park is $5 on weekdays and $6 on weekends.
Remember, safety first! Make sure everyone under 14 wears a life jacket. Weak swimmers should wear life jackets, too. Make sure someone knows your plans for the day. And don’t drink alcohol and float. A little planning will keep your day on the river safe and fun.
The reservoirs at Lucky Peak State Park and Eagle Island State Park are two more great options for cooling off in a natural setting. Both are beautiful spots, they are nearby, and they offer great swimming holes. Eagle Island even has a water slide.
Parking at Eagle Island is $4. The water slide is $4 for 10 rides. You can reach Eagle Island by traveling south on Linder from State St. (west of Eagle). Turn east on Hatchery Road and continue to the park entrance.
Parking at Lucky Peak is $4, but otherwise, it’s free to swim, free to picnic, and free to have fun. To get to Lucky Peak, follow I-84 east. Exit at Highway 21 and go north. Then just follow the signs.
If you’re a frequent day visitor to Idaho’s state parks, consider buying an Annual State Park Passport for $25. A passport for a second family vehicle is just $5. Passports can be purchased at any state park, the Boise Regional Service Center, or by calling (208) 334-4199. The Passport covers day use only, not camping fees.
Treasure Valley Water Attractions
If you want a little more thrill to your water adventure, then there’s no better place in the valley than Roaring Springs Waterpark. Roaring Springs features eight water slide rides, including the new Thunder Falls family raft ride. It also has a wave pool, a water play area, slides just for the younger kids, and more.
A full day pass at Roaring Springs is $26.99 for anyone over 4' tall and $21.99 for those under 4' or for seniors. Passes good from 3pm to 8pm are $19.99. (Tax is not included.) Roaring Springs also offers a variety of special deals on different nights, so check out their website (www.roaringsprings.com) to find out what’s available.
If you want a fun day at a water park, but would like something a little further west, check out Lakeview Waterpark in Nampa. Lakeview has a large water slide, a zero-depth entry to the pool, and plenty of spraying water toys to give the kids a variety of ways to get soaked. Admission is $1 for kids up to age 5, $2 for kids between 6 and 17, and $3 for adults. Lakeview Waterpark is located inside Lakeview Park on 7th Street North in Nampa.
No matter what your budget or what your style, the Treasure Valley has the perfect place for you and your family to get wet, have fun, and spend time together. From public pools to rivers and lakes to thrilling water attractions, there’s something for everyone looking to cool off this summer.
Heather Robson is a local freelance writer with a passion for healthy families. You can send her questions and comments at
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