Table Rock

Hikes: Table Rock
Length: 3 miles round trip
Difficulty: not too bad, there are some steeper places
Reason: Great views
Time: about 2 hours round trip depending on how much time you take at the top

When we first moved to Boise I set out to find as many hikes as I could. A friend told me about Table Rock. Located near the Old Idaho Penitentiary (a museum now) and Botanical Gardens, Table Rock is a easy hike to find. We set off one day to do the hike. By we, I mean my kids, all under the age of 4, and I. We hadn't gotten very far, when I realized that the large flat rock towering above was our destination. A hiker on his way down informed me it was three miles to the summit. I was disappointed, but all was not lost, we turned around and did a small hike to Castle Rock, an outcropping of rocks nearby with a great view of the city.
Now, that the kids are all capable of walking, I decided we needed to hike Table Rock again. I did some research and now know that the entire loop is 3 miles. The trail head is located behind the penitentiary. It immediately splits into two trails, both will meet up later. The north fork is slightly longer, but better groomed and slopes gently while the south fork is quite a bit more strenuous, but also shorter. After the trails meet up you follow the trail marked Table Rock Trail. It slopes gently upward and wraps around the hill. Now you can see the summit and the rest of the trail which has three switchbacks on the way to the top. Being able to see the top get closer is a great motivation for everyone. On top it is not very picturesque. There are lots of towers and a large cross, you will also walk by a large B painted on the side of the hill. However, the view is amazing. There is a large flat area to sit or you can use the huge cement bench that has been placed in just the right place to allow you to look out over the Treasure Valley and enjoy your rest.
I recommend taking lots of water. The trail has no water and there is no shade. This hike is best done in the early morning or on a day in early spring/late fall to avoid the heat.
There is a great park not far from the trail head with bathroom facilities and a play ground. My kids still had enough energy after the hike to spend about and hour playing on the park.

Idaho Aquarium

Venue: Idaho Aquarium (indoor)
Ages: (all, but ages 3-8 will especially enjoy)
Time: 20 minutes-2 hours
Location: Idaho Aquarium

When I saw that Boise had an aquarium I was excited. Having grown up mere hours from the Oregon coast I love all things related to the ocean. Then I remembered that Boise is not only landlocked, but at least a day from the coast line. I dismissed all thoughts of going, especially when I saw the prices. Then one day a coupon showed up in the mail and I thought it might be worth taking a look at. As luck would have it the temperatures reached into the 100s the next week and we needed a good indoor activity so we went. I am so glad we did.
The aquarium is located in an old warehouse near the intersection of Cole and Franklin. Not the best looking building, but the large sea creatures painted over the entrance make it hard to miss. Inside we bought some tropical fish food (dried seaweed) and entered the aquarium. From that first moment we were hooked. The Idaho Aquarium is truly unique. Almost every exhibit is interactive. Not only can you feed the fish, you can touch them. You can also touch the sharks, rays and lizards and so much more. Even if you don't touch the animals you are still closer than you would be anywhere else (except maybe under the ocean). My kids loved it and I could not resist the urge to touch this guy's nose.

A group of adults could do the tour in less than 20 minutes, but my kids spent almost an hour at the shark and ray tank alone. The information displays are well done using what appears to be digital frames. If the display doesn't give you enough information the staff is very knowledgeable and willing to answer every question--I know because I asked a lot. When we left after almost two hours my kids' shirts were wet and they were already begging to go again.
I grew up going to lots of aquariums, many much larger, but I think the Idaho Aquarium is one of the best.