The best things to do in Ada County

30 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Ada County’s best · Restaurants · Beauty · Nightlife · Shopping · Bakeries & Sweets · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Arts & Culture · Health & Wellness · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Home & Garden · Pets · Cafes · Sporting Goods · Parks & Outdoors

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Entertainment · 30 places · showing the latest additions first

Premier Golf

Entertainment

If your short game goes into hibernation each winter, Premier Golf keeps it sharp with an exclusive, members-only indoor simulator setup…

1540 E Fairview Ave Ste 104 (Meridian)

“If your short game goes into hibernation each winter, Premier Golf keeps it sharp with an exclusive, members-only indoor simulator setup powered by TrackMan, plus private, 24/7 access. Run practice sessions, play virtual courses, and geek out on data in a comfy, pro-level space.”

From the Meridian newsletter, September 14, 2026

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A Boise bowling mainstay since 1959, Westy's Garden Lanes packs 40 lanes, BES X scoring and those Mad Games with Monster and Character…

5504 Alworth St (Boise)

“A Boise bowling mainstay since 1959, Westy's Garden Lanes packs 40 lanes, BES X scoring and those Mad Games with Monster and Character Factories. Bring friends for leagues, parties or just fries and frames from the full restaurant and bar, then visit the pro shop to dial in your gear.”

From the Boise newsletter, September 23, 2026

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Meridian Bowling Lanes is a family-run spot rolling pins for over 60 years, with leagues for every crew, Angus burgers and tots from the…

324 S Meridian Rd (Meridian)

“Meridian Bowling Lanes is a family-run spot rolling pins for over 60 years, with leagues for every crew, Angus burgers and tots from the Bullseye Sports Bar & Grill, darts if you're waiting on a lane, and plenty of reasons to declare a rematch next week.”

From the Meridian newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Traditional movie theater offering newly released feature films & classic concession snacks.

170 E Eagles Gate Dr (Eagle)

“Traditional movie theater offering newly released feature films & classic concession snacks.”

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Big Al's

Entertainment

Big Al's is the kind of all-in-one hangout locals keep in their back pocket, with lively bowling lanes, a legit sports bar, wall-to-wall…

1900 N Eagle Rd (Meridian)

“Big Al's is the kind of all-in-one hangout locals keep in their back pocket, with lively bowling lanes, a legit sports bar, wall-to-wall game-day screens, and a sprawling arcade and billiards scene. Easy spot for family chaos, friend nights, or parties when you don't want to overthink it.”

From the Meridian newsletter, September 23, 2026

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When weather or daylight won't cooperate, The Club House at Capitol Bar keeps your swing dialed indoors with a low-key, Boise vibe. Rally a…

6100 W State St Ste 101 (Boise)

“When weather or daylight won't cooperate, The Club House at Capitol Bar keeps your swing dialed indoors with a low-key, Boise vibe. Rally a few friends, groove some swings, and leave feeling like you actually practiced instead of just complaining about the wind.”

From the Boise newsletter, September 17, 2026

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Need a low-stress spot to burn off kid energy? Pojos Family Fun Center packs bumper cars, a throwback arcade, a carousel, and the Carousel…

7736 Fairview Ave (Boise)

“Need a low-stress spot to burn off kid energy? Pojos Family Fun Center packs bumper cars, a throwback arcade, a carousel, and the Carousel Cafe for easy eats, plus a free VIP Card that stores tickets and adds bonuses when you play... perfect for weeknights or team parties.”

From the Boise newsletter, September 30, 2026

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Quail Hollow Golf Course winds 18 scenic holes through the Boise Foothills, a walk that wakes up your legs and short game. Hit the…

4720 N 36th St (Boise) · ✓ checked Jul 29

“Quail Hollow Golf Course winds 18 scenic holes through the Boise Foothills, a walk that wakes up your legs and short game. Hit the full-length range, dial in chips and putts, then grab a to-go six pack from the pro shop or a lesson to tune things up.”

From the Boise newsletter, August 8, 2026

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Roaring Springs Water Park, the Northwest’s largest waterpark, is basically Meridian’s backyard beach with a wave pool, lazy river, and…

400 W Overland Rd (Meridian)

“Roaring Springs Water Park, the Northwest’s largest waterpark, is basically Meridian’s backyard beach with a wave pool, lazy river, and slides for every vibe. Grab a bite between runs then float it out, because this week deserves some splash therapy close to home.”

From the Meridian newsletter, September 9, 2026

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Carve out a round this week at Lakeview Golf Course, an 18-hole, 6,521-yard track with diversified fairways, undulating greens and enough…

4200 W Talamore Blvd #1 (Meridian)

“Carve out a round this week at Lakeview Golf Course, an 18-hole, 6,521-yard track with diversified fairways, undulating greens and enough trees, ponds and bunkers to test every club. Then stick around for live music at Rooster’s Tavern on Friday nights in August.”

From the Meridian newsletter, September 3, 2026

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Need a pause that actually fills your cup, not your calendar? The Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial and the Philip E. Batt Education…

770 S 8th St (Boise) · ✓ checked Jul 29

“Need a pause that actually fills your cup, not your calendar? The Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial and the Philip E. Batt Education Building invite you to reflect, explore interactive exhibits like Dimensions in Testimony, and leave a little more grounded, compassionate, and ready to show up for Boise.”

From the Boise newsletter, August 5, 2026

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BanBury Golf Course delivers a par‑71 public layout by John Harbottle III that meanders along the Boise River and is consistently ranked…

2626 S Marypost Pl (Eagle)

“BanBury Golf Course delivers a par‑71 public layout by John Harbottle III that meanders along the Boise River and is consistently ranked among Idaho’s best. Keep the swing honest this week on their TrackMan indoor simulators, then unwind at Harvey’s Restaurant with a patio worth lingering on.”

From the Nampa newsletter, August 8, 2026

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If your calendar needs a little luxury this week, The Club at SpurWing pairs an 18-hole championship course with tennis and pickleball,…

6800 Spurwing Wy N (Meridian)

“If your calendar needs a little luxury this week, The Club at SpurWing pairs an 18-hole championship course with tennis and pickleball, resort-style pools, serious fitness, and relaxed dining, all wrapped in a tight-knit private club vibe that makes Meridian feel smaller in the best way.”

From the Meridian newsletter, October 7, 2026

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If the kids are ping-ponging off the walls, Wahooz Family Fun Zone is the perfect energy sink with go-karts, mini golf, laser tag, bowling…

1385 S Blue Marlin Ln (Meridian)

“If the kids are ping-ponging off the walls, Wahooz Family Fun Zone is the perfect energy sink with go-karts, mini golf, laser tag, bowling and a huge arcade. It’s a choose-your-own-chaos kind of spot that works for friend hangs or family nights, no planning required.”

From the Meridian newsletter, October 14, 2026

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Mini-golf played in a psychedelic, glow-in-the-dark indoor environment.

350 N Milwaukee St (Boise)

“Mini-golf played in a psychedelic, glow-in-the-dark indoor environment.”

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Shadow Valley Golf Course brings dramatic foothill golf north of Boise, with rock outcrops, ponds and a par-3 No. 6 carved into the…

15711 N Horseshoe Bend Rd (Garden City)

“Shadow Valley Golf Course brings dramatic foothill golf north of Boise, with rock outcrops, ponds and a par-3 No. 6 carved into the hillside. Hit the driving range, grab a lesson from the pros, then cap it with the Valley Bar burger they’re famous for.”

From the Nampa newsletter, August 13, 2026

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Overland Park Cinemas has a fun mix this week, from throwback chaos like Scary Movie and Masters of the Universe to family picks like The…

7051 W Overland Rd (Boise) · ✓ checked Aug 5

“Overland Park Cinemas has a fun mix this week, from throwback chaos like Scary Movie and Masters of the Universe to family picks like The Breadwinner, plus caped action in Supergirl and a galaxy-sized outing with The Mandalorian and Grogu. Boise night sorted.”

From the Boise newsletter, August 15, 2026

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Large-scale indoor trampoline center hosting open jump, fitness classes, dodgeball & parties.

3876 E Lanark St (Meridian)

“Large-scale indoor trampoline center hosting open jump, fitness classes, dodgeball & parties.”

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Jump Time

Entertainment

When the kids are buzzing like hummingbirds, Jump Time delivers with trampolines, a Ninja Warrior course, VR, a laser maze, mini golf,…

2805 E Franklin Rd (Meridian)

“When the kids are buzzing like hummingbirds, Jump Time delivers with trampolines, a Ninja Warrior course, VR, a laser maze, mini golf, dodgeball, and slam-dunk hoops. ” question.”

From the Meridian newsletter, September 30, 2026

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If your swing needs some sunshine and fewer distractions, Indian Lakes Golf Course brings tree-lined fairways, mountain views, water…

4700 S Umatilla Ave (Boise)

“If your swing needs some sunshine and fewer distractions, Indian Lakes Golf Course brings tree-lined fairways, mountain views, water hazards and tactically placed bunkers on naturally rolling terrain that’s friendly to all levels. Grab a tee time this week and let those well maintained greens reset your brain.”

From the Boise newsletter, October 7, 2026

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Pierce Park Greens

Entertainment

Whether you’re tuning up your wedge game or introducing the kids to golf, Pierce Park Greens is a nine-hole par-3 with a friendly practice…

5812 N Pierce Park Ln (Boise)

“Whether you’re tuning up your wedge game or introducing the kids to golf, Pierce Park Greens is a nine-hole par-3 with a friendly practice range, totally walk-on, and home of First Tee - Idaho, so it’s low pressure, high fun, and a solid neighborhood reset.”

From the Boise newsletter, September 9, 2026

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Tucked into tranquil canyons with a fully renovated 18-hole championship course, Crane Creek Country Club doubles as a home base for five…

500 W Curling Dr (Boise) · ✓ checked Aug 28

“Tucked into tranquil canyons with a fully renovated 18-hole championship course, Crane Creek Country Club doubles as a home base for five indoor and five outdoor tennis courts, an Olympic-sized saline pool with summer concerts, and dining with seasonal specialties that rival Boise’s best.”

From the Boise newsletter, September 3, 2026

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Boise Ranch Golf Course brings an 18-hole, par 71 layout with undulating greens, eight lakes and ponds, and one of Idaho’s longest par 5s…

6501 S Cloverdale Rd (Boise)

“Boise Ranch Golf Course brings an 18-hole, par 71 layout with undulating greens, eight lakes and ponds, and one of Idaho’s longest par 5s across 6,611 yards. Challenging yet fair, it’s a sweet excuse for Caldwell golfers to sneak in a focused round this week.”

From the Caldwell newsletter, August 14, 2026

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The River Club

Entertainment

Country club with a golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, swimming facilities, and a fitness center, plus social events.

6515 W State St (Garden City)

“Country club with a golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, swimming facilities, and a fitness center, plus social events.”

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Warm Springs Golf Course is an 18-hole championship layout right on the Boise River, with roomy fairways, tidy greens, and foothills views…

2495 E Warm Springs Ave (Boise)

“Warm Springs Golf Course is an 18-hole championship layout right on the Boise River, with roomy fairways, tidy greens, and foothills views that make even a chunked wedge feel therapeutic. Beginner or rusty, jump into their group lessons or leagues, then celebrate at Warm Springs Grill + Golf.”

From the Boise newsletter, August 28, 2026

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Skip the same-old queue and treat yourself at The Flicks: Rick's Cafe Americain, where four screens rotate indie, foreign, and art films…

646 W Fulton St (Boise)

“Skip the same-old queue and treat yourself at The Flicks: Rick's Cafe Americain, where four screens rotate indie, foreign, and art films alongside select Hollywood picks, and the lobby cafe serves signature salads, sizzling burgers, legit-good soups, desserts, espresso, beer and wine you can enjoy with your show.”

From the Boise newsletter, August 29, 2026

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Liquid Lounge

Entertainment

When you need a reset this week that isn’t another hike, Liquid Lounge brings rotating stand-up lineups, open mics that actually hit, and a…

405 S 8th St #121 (Boise)

“When you need a reset this week that isn’t another hike, Liquid Lounge brings rotating stand-up lineups, open mics that actually hit, and a full bar with late-night eats, including gluten-free and vegan options. Slide in with friends, catch a set, then stick around while the vibe turns lively.”

From the Boise newsletter, October 14, 2026

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If you want a private club that actually feels like Boise, Hillcrest Country Club delivers with an 18-hole championship course, four…

4610 W Hillcrest Dr (Boise)

“If you want a private club that actually feels like Boise, Hillcrest Country Club delivers with an 18-hole championship course, four outdoor and two heated indoor courts and dedicated pickleball lines, a family-friendly pool, fitness options, and social events that make weeknights feel like weekends.”

From the Boise newsletter, September 2, 2026

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Topgolf Boise

Entertainment

Sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range & swanky lounge with drinks & games.

1050 S Silverstone Way (Meridian)

“Sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range & swanky lounge with drinks & games.”

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Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

2140 E Cinema Dr (Meridian)

“Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.”

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