This year we have some places we would really love to take the kids. But as we all know, life dictates what’s actually possible. With Chris and I both building businesses right now (he started a business back in August 2025 and I’m in a rebuild phase on my jewelry biz), we are most likely sticking close to home, which for us is the Boise, Idaho area. We’ve done some amazing trips in the past to the Oregon Coast and South Carolina. This year though, we’re thinking more along the lines of day trips. Some of the places on this list are new to us, and some are tried and true, but each of them are places to consider if you’re looking for family friendly and engaging activities for your kiddos.
First up, the Idaho State Museum. They actually have homeschool days, where they do some special experiences just for homeschoolers, every month between January and May. The Idaho State Museum itself has so much to offer. It has the Rock Creek station, it has historic properties, the Idaho State Archives, the Old Penitentiary, and it’s the base of the famous Table Rock hike in Boise. The Birds of Prey exhibit and the Aquarium of Boise are both within 20 minutes of the Idaho State Museum, all of which is only about an hour away from us. I would love to take the kids to these places.
Some more places that are a bit further from home but I think would make great field trips are City of Rocks down by the Burly area and Craters of the Moon. If your kids are like mine and love rocks, these should definitely make it on your list. We went to City of Rocks last spring and there are some huge boulders out there that you can climb and there’s so much to see there. We drove by Craters of the Moon last year on our way to Yellowstone, and I think it would be so fun to take the kids back there.
There’s also McCall, our little getaway spot. We love to ski there in the winter and in the summer we go up and paddleboard. If you’ve never gone, I would highly recommend it. There’s a little river on the north side of Payette Lake that’s a no wake zone, and it is just magical. Another thing in McCall that I’ve heard a lot about but never done is the Loon Lake Bomber hike. This 10 mile long hike takes you around Loon Lake and past the crash site of a WWII aircraft. It’s a long one but considered family friendly. Plan for it to take all day and bring plenty of snacks and water. The pictures I’ve seen are stunning and I feel like the kids are to the ages where they could go and do something like this.
Another place that you could go if you’re near the Boise area is the Oregon Trail museum in Baker. They have gold mining along with their exhibits. We went there last spring or maybe a year ago with the kids. It was a really fun, interactive, and educational experience.
Another place I think the kids would enjoy is Old Fort Boise Park out in Parma. This historic sight is a must see if you’re in the area. Also out that direction is Owyhee River and Reservoir. That’s a great place to go with the kids, but you definitely want to go in the spring because there’s no shade out there. It’s so, so hot.
Another place we’ve taken our kids in Idaho that you would love is the Malad Gorge Thousand Springs State Park. There’s several different access points, but the one we went to is in Hagerman. There’s a hike to a waterfall and little visitor centers. If you’re over in that area, go to Twin Falls and check out Shoshone Falls. Both of these places are so neat for the kids and so beautiful.
We find so much meaning in quality time spent together as a family and we love educating out in real life. All of these experiences offer the children opportunities to learn, grown, and interact with people and places outside of their ordinary lives. And while all of these trips sound great, there is one thing I need you to remember (beyond staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen). There is no wrong way to homeschool your kids. Every family and lifestyle is different and you know what your kids need to thrive in a homeschool environment. Trust yourself, mama. You’ve got this.
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