Family events in Nampa, ID

Young readers can take part in a yearlong reading passport program at Nampa Public Library. Each month, read at least one book, complete a short prompt, and bring the passport to the information desk on the first floor to receive a small prize. Passports are available for pickup at the same desk. The program is for ages 0 to 12, including those who will turn 13 in 2026.

Sponsored by D&B Supply, this interactive gardening session in the Children’s Library Garden welcomes children and their families in an easygoing drop-in format. With guidance from library staff and Master Gardener volunteers, participants can help water, pull weeds, prune, and harvest. Kids can get their hands dirty, pick up simple gardening skills, and might take home a bit of fresh produce or herbs. The program is free and open to everyone, and no library card or sign up is required.

Take on the goal of reading 50 books in 50 weeks with this reading challenge. Sign up to participate and pick up a 2026 reading log at Nampa Public Library.

The second annual Bubble Day in the Park offers a free, family-friendly afternoon at Discovery Park with bubbles, playful stations, and a welcoming community spirit. Visitors can meet teachers from Beyond the Books, enjoy interactive activities, and take part in a complimentary raffle with multiple winners. The event is open to kids of all ages and provides an easy way to learn about Beyond the Books, a local nonprofit that offers affordable enrichment and extracurricular classes for homeschool and at-home education students. Its programs help learners explore music, art, STEM, languages, life skills, and more in a supportive setting.

Meridian Parks and Recreation brings a summer favorite to Settlers Park with Sparklight Movie Night featuring The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, presented by ICCU. This free, family-friendly screening unfolds outdoors under the stars as part of a seasonal series. Low back lawn chairs are welcome so everyone can settle in for a relaxed evening on the grass. Arrive early to enjoy the park, pick up treats from the concession stand, and take part in pre-movie activities before the feature lights up the giant inflatable screen. Youth 18 and younger must attend with an adult who remains with them for the entire film. Thanks to sponsors Four Seasons Spa & Pool, Ada County Highway District, New Horizon Academy, and ICCU, admission is free. For more information, contact Meridian Parks and Recreation at 208-888-3879.

This car show at Warhawk Air Museum features food vendors and raffles. Admission is free to the public. Dogs are welcome if kept on a leash, but only service animals may enter the museum.

GemState 208 Market brings its August edition to Farm Estates Park, marking a fourth anniversary celebration and the fifth event of the 2026 season. Centered on small businesses and local pride in Kuna, the market features a blend of returning favorites and new vendors, along with food and drinks. Attendees can expect expanded raffles and giveaways, appearances by special guests, and the return of a sponsorship program that supports the community throughout the season.

Celebrate Vandal pride at The Joe Jog, a family friendly community run sponsored by the Idaho Running Company at Mallard Park in Caldwell. Participants can choose a one mile route or a 5K and are welcome to run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines as the black and gold spirit fills the park. Registration is $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under, and includes an official race bib, a custom The Joe Jog dri fit shirt, plus snacks and water.

Spend the day enjoying games, prizes, and food at the 1st Annual VPA Family Fun Fundraiser.

At Meridian City Hall Plaza, a community market showcases the work of local artists and food producers alongside music from area musicians and a variety of food trucks. The atmosphere is family friendly, with games for all ages and shaded seating for a comfortable visit, and pets are welcome. The Meridian Library Bookmobile adds an extra stop for readers of all ages. The organizers also offer opportunities for vendors, volunteers, and sponsors.

Enjoy a welcoming reading time at Nampa Public Library with Go Team therapy dogs. Readers of any age may read aloud or tell a story to one of the dogs. This program takes place on the second Saturday of each month.

Hosted by Idaho Hispanic Foundation, Fortaleza Event Center, and Motto Mortgage Achieves, this free back to school community gathering welcomes families from Caldwell, nearby areas, and rural communities. The event is designed to help students begin the new school year prepared and confident, with backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, and sports physicals available. Organizers express gratitude to the sponsors and community partners whose support makes this effort possible. Businesses, organizations, and agencies can contribute through sponsorships or by donating school supplies.

Explore a small business marketplace at The Village at Meridian as the Juniper Market brings together local makers and small business owners. Browse stylish handmade items and truly unique goods while supporting independent entrepreneurs. This recurring market appears at The Village throughout the year and features a range of finds from the community.

Enjoy a free casual session for the Pokemon TCG where players of every experience level are welcome. Bring your own deck to trade cards, play matches, and receive a promo pack just for attending. During weeks with a scheduled competitive event such as a Pre-Release, League Challenge, or League Cup, this casual play is replaced, so watch the schedule for those updates.

Hosted at the Ford Idaho Center as part of Branded Bonanza, this showcase highlights the skills of privately owned BLM and USFS wild horses and burros in a welcoming, community focused setting. Competitors can enter a range of divisions, including Adult for riders 18 and older and Youth for riders 17 and under, with Walk or Trot for those new to competition or not yet ready to lope or canter, and Novice for anyone in their first year of loping or cantering. Additional options include Burro for youth and adults showing burros of all ages, In-Hand for mustangs shown without riding, plus Specialty Youth and Specialty Adult. Awards feature a saddle for the Overall Champion, a scooter for the Overall Reserve Champion, All-Around Division Champion and Reserve Champion honors, first place prizes, and medals through fifth place. The Forever Branded program has secured funding for the year, and all events are planned to proceed as scheduled.

Get ready for a day of art at the NAMPA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS 2026 at Lakeview Park in Nampa. It’s a festival-style celebration where you can enjoy the creative atmosphere at the park.

Swap children's books and discover new stories at a back-to-school gathering in the Children's Play Area at Pinnacle Library. Bring clean titles such as board and picture books, beginner readers, chapter books, and activity books. You can select the same number of books that you contribute, and books with rips, tears, or mildew will not be accepted. Children can craft a personalized bookmark, and a small goodie from Grüns Daily Nutrition is available for the first 30 kids. There will be time for kids to play while parents, including local moms, connect before summer ends.

Preschool Storytime at Nampa Public Library features a lively mix of stories, songs, fingerplays, and rhymes for preschoolers.

This arts and crafts class is designed for toddlers and offers a friendly, age-appropriate introduction to making art.

Created for homeschooled teens, this casual hangout offers a relaxed place to connect, socialize, and make new friends. The environment is welcoming and upbeat, providing a supportive spot for the local teen community. It is open to everyone ages 13 to 18. Monthly themes and activities are shared in the comments.

A friendly, low-pressure chess club that meets on the second Monday of each month. Participants can challenge themselves over the board, talk strategy, or get started with the fundamentals. Open to all ages and experience levels.

Explore a mobile library with a broad selection spanning fiction and nonfiction when the Bookmobile visits Carol Loop Trailer Park. The collection serves readers of every age, from dedicated book lovers to anyone simply looking for a relaxed read. Library card sign-ups are available.

LEGO fans ages 7 to 16 can take part in a monthly club at Caldwell Public Library that features fresh building challenges designed to spark creativity and teamwork. Participants can construct original designs, test their ideas, and share their creations, whether they are new to building or already have lots of experience. The club meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Programs at the library are free and open to all, and no library card or advance registration is needed.

Move, groove, and giggle through a lively storytime filled with music and movement. Participants use their voices and bodies to explore rhythm, balance, pitch, volume, and tempo while enjoying playful songs and engaging tales. The session centers on building early literacy through singing, dancing, and interactive storytelling.

Introduce toddlers to STEM and early literacy with a playful storytime that blends songs, stories, fingerplay, and rhymes. Designed for children 18 months to 3 years, it fosters learning through movement, music, and imaginative storytelling.

A neighborhood market features a changing lineup of booths each week with foods, fresh produce, plants, and handmade goods. Vendors interested in participating for a single week do not need to register in advance and can arrive to set up a spot.

Meridian's Main Street Mix brings free after-work live music to Generations Plaza in downtown Meridian. This show in the series features Charlie & The Changelings. Attendees are welcome to bring folding chairs or blankets for comfortable seating, and nearby restaurants offer food and drinks to enjoy alongside the music. The series is presented by the Meridian Arts Commission with support from Loose Screw Beer, Truffles Etc, Meridian Development Corporation, All American Insurance, and the Meridian Chamber of Commerce.

Escape your daily routine and reconnect with nature at Shindig Farms for a camping adventure. Whether you’re an experienced camper or trying it for the first time, you’ll have a chance to enjoy yard games, water games, arts and crafts, music, and a potluck where you’ll need to bring a dish to share. Bring your own tent and camping supplies. Potable water is available, and there is a porta-potty on site. Because the fields will just be planted, walking or driving on the fields is off limits. RSVP is mandatory, check in begins after 4:00 PM on August 13, and check out is before 11:00 AM on August 14. Price is free.

Each month at Farmway Village, school-age children and teens can enjoy snacks and hands-on crafts with a new activity every time. This session focuses on creating friendship bracelets and keychains. It is a library program that is free for everyone, and neither a library card nor advance registration is needed.

Whether you are discovering Dungeons & Dragons for the first time or have years of adventures behind you, the Guild of the Phoenix welcomes all experience levels. Volunteer Dungeon Masters host open tables so anyone ready to play can take a seat. Players of any age may participate with enthusiasm and readiness to game. If it is your first visit, plan to arrive a little early so a DM can help set up your character sheet. Once play is underway, new arrivals may need to wait until another session to participate. You will often be placed with people you have not met before. DMs strive to keep stories and table conduct appropriate for a general audience, similar to a PG-13 tone, but experiences with fellow players can vary. Please be respectful of others and the immersive nature of the event.

Explore The Learning Experience during a Happiness Showcase that highlights programs for infants, toddlers, preschool, and pre-K. Meet the teaching and leadership teams, tour vibrant classrooms within a state-of-the-art learning environment, and learn how a proprietary curriculum supports academic, social, emotional, and physical development. See how purposeful play, hands-on activities, and proven practices foster growth and kindergarten readiness. Staff will be available to answer questions about enrollment, tuition, schedules, and enrichment options. Children are welcome, making it easy for the whole family to experience a nurturing setting where confidence grows, essential life skills take root, and a love of learning flourishes.

Come out for the Owyhee County Rodeo, a professional rodeo event featuring rough and traditional timed competitions. The lineup includes Thursday Military Night, Friday Pink Night for Kids Cancer, and Saturday details are listed as TBD. Before the main performances, there’s a pre-rodeo at 6:30 PM with mutton busting, junior bulls, and a drill team.