Family events in Ada County, ID

New to Dungeons & Dragons or a seasoned player, all are welcome to game with the Guild of the Phoenix. Volunteer Dungeon Masters host open tables so anyone can take a seat, and participants of all ages may join as long as they are ready to play. First-time attendees are encouraged to arrive early so a DM can help set up a character sheet, since once tables are underway new players cannot be added for that session. Expect to be paired with people you may not know. DMs work to keep play family friendly, roughly in a PG-13 range, though experiences with other players can vary. Please be mindful of this immersive setting and treat everyone with respect.

Take part in a group-format pinball tournament that uses match play. Sign-ups are handled at the door, followed by tournament rounds. Participation requires museum admission along with a $1 IFPA endorsement fee. First-time players are encouraged to join the competition.

Enjoy a creative paint and shake gathering at Stella's Ice Cream North Meridian. Participants will design an approximately 11 inch round door hanger, and all materials are provided. Children are welcome. When checking out, use code STELLAs to have your project prepared at the venue. No physical items will be mailed. Please register in advance.

ABU Games hosts a Standard format Pokémon Trading Card Game tournament with competitive, best of one matches. The event features three to four rounds determined by player turnout, and entry is $8. Prizing follows a pack per win structure, plus one six card Prize Pack while supplies last, with a participation pack for anyone who does not secure a win. An optional Upgrade Pack is available at registration for $3.75 while supplies last.

The MOVE Studio welcomes the community as part of JUMP's Open Studios, offering a free, hands-on chance for ages 5 and up to explore movement and creativity. This session centers on discovering personal flow, celebrating movement, and building community across all ages and abilities through fitness, yoga, dance, performance, and cultural expression. Participants can get familiar with the studio's equipment, learn how to get involved in studio projects, choreograph a dance, practice yoga, meet fellow movers, and try something new such as a Fire Dragon Stick. The program also encourages ideas for personal or community projects, with free opportunities for individuals, groups, teachers, and students to use JUMP studio spaces and tools to give back, bring joy, pursue a passion, learn new skills, and foster connections. Open Studios rotate through different JUMP spaces during the week, and the MOVE Studio is located on level 5.

This zero-proof paint and mocktail social offers the classic paint and sip experience without alcohol, welcoming solo painters, pairs, and groups. The evening features step-by-step guidance for a featured painting, lively music, alcohol-free cocktails, and friendly conversation in a relaxed studio setting. It suits a friends night out, a date, a birthday plan, or anyone in Boise seeking a creative outing. The class takes place in the alcohol-free North Studio, where alcohol is not allowed under state law. Guests under 21 must use the north entrance to reach the alcohol-free space and should follow posted signs when they arrive. Advance registration is required for every participant. Spectators are not allowed, and each person needs their own paid seat.

Meridian Main Street Market features local artists, food makers, live music, and a variety of food trucks at Meridian City Hall Plaza. Families can enjoy games together, relax in shaded seating, and bring their pets. The Meridian Library Bookmobile is part of the experience. Opportunities for vendors, volunteers, and sponsors are available through the market.

Explore 150 years of Boise history and architecture on a 90-minute guided stroll that highlights the buildings and stories that define the city’s downtown. The route begins and finishes in front of the Basque Museum & Cultural Center on Grove Street in downtown Boise. Designed for both visitors and Idaho residents, the tour traces how the area developed and the people who influenced its character. Tickets are $10 for Preservation Idaho members and $15 for non-members, with $8 admission for children 13 and under. Prices are subject to tax and credit card processing fees. Tours are held rain or shine, so dress for the weather and consider bringing sunscreen, an umbrella, and water.

Kids ages 5 to 12 can be dropped off for hands-on clay time in a welcoming studio setting. Sessions are open to beginners through advanced young artists and are priced at $40. Guided by ceramic artists and teachers Mindy Curran and Ben Alexander, participants explore the basics of handbuilding, try the pottery wheel, and learn glazing, with the focus rotating so multiple visits provide a fuller experience. Children typically leave with one or two functional or decorative pieces they created themselves. The reservation includes reclaimed clay, instruction, use of tools, wheels, and glazes, plus kiln firing. Wear clothing that can get messy or bring an apron, and note that long nails are not recommended for working with clay. Pre-registration is required, and arriving without registering may result in not being able to participate. Trimming and glazing cannot be completed on freshly made work, so an additional session is needed to finish those steps. At times this class overlaps with a figure painting session in the same space, and models wear kid-appropriate attire. Attendees are asked to be considerate of other classes.

Enjoy a screen-free family paint class designed for families with children ages 7 and up. A friendly instructor leads everyone step by step, so no prior art experience is needed and each participant can finish a painting to take home. To meet safety, space, and staffing requirements, every attendee must reserve and pay for their own seat, including both adults and kids, and spectators are not allowed. Guests under 21 must use the north entrance to access the alcohol-free family room, and no alcohol is permitted in that room at any time. Follow posted signage upon arrival. Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to get settled, as those arriving more than 15 minutes late may not be able to paint.

Draw from life with a raptor as your model during a monthly, self-directed art session. Professional falconer Lenn Eckman from the Idaho Raptor Institute introduces a feathered guest such as a falcon or an owl, and for now the featured bird is Ellie the Barn Owl. Participants of any age and skill level are welcome. Bring paper or canvas and your preferred materials, and avoid dusty media like chalk pastels to protect the birds. Personal music with earbuds and layered clothing are fine to bring for comfort. A limited selection of supplies will be available to try. Please keep voices low to accommodate the birds’ sensitivity to sound. Advance registration is required. The fee is $10 for those 17 and under and $25 for adults.

Curious about the areas normally closed to the public at the Old Idaho Penitentiary? This special access event opens select buildings and cells that are usually off limits, with guides stationed throughout to answer questions and share the site’s history. Admission is $15 per person, and Idaho State Historical Society members receive free entry. It is recommended for ages 13 and up due to graphic content and obstacles like low visibility and uneven ground. Many paths include stairs and rough surfaces, so the tour is not fully accessible. The number of people allowed in each space is limited, so lines may form. Please bring a printed or saved receipt confirmation to use as your ticket. Old Idaho Penitentiary tickets are nonrefundable and non transferable. This program is part of the Locktober lineup for 2026.

An arts and crafts class designed for toddlers takes place at Treasure Valley Arts in Meridian, ID. The session focuses on creative projects for young children in a classroom setting.

JUMP’s Creative Studios welcome the public to Open Studios: PLAY, a free experience for ages 5 and up. Designed for kids, teens, and adults, this studio time invites participants to explore new creative skills and hobbies in a multimedia setting where technology and imagination come together. In the PLAY Studio, anyone can experiment with storytelling, music, set design, or podcasting and watch ideas develop from concept to creation. During each session, attendees can get acquainted with PLAY Studio tools, learn how to participate in Studio Projects, use studio resources to work on personal or community efforts, view examples made by other community members, connect with fellow multimedia enthusiasts, take part in hands-on activities, and hear about the Dreamweaver Film Collective. Regular participation includes opportunities for training that provides access to more advanced tools during studio time. The studios also support community-minded projects by providing access to spaces and equipment at no cost for individuals, groups, teachers, and students who want to give back, spread joy, pursue a passion, learn something new, or build connections. Open Studios run Tuesday through Friday in a different studio each day, with the PLAY Studio featured on Tuesdays and the MAKE, SHARE, and MOVE Studios presented on other weekdays.

Settle in for board game night with a reserved back play area and access to a library of more than 150 titles, free to play. Bring the family for classics like Monopoly, gather friends for card favorites such as Fluxx or Cards Against Humanity, explore social deduction with Werewolf, or dive into heavier Euro games that focus on economy building, worker placement, and city creation. If a game from the library becomes a new favorite and you choose to purchase a copy, a 10% discount is available. A few creators with prototype RPGs and board games are also seeking testers, offering a chance to try something fresh and share feedback.