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.