List of parks in Boise facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Boise, Idaho is home to over 90 parks and undeveloped areas, all managed by the Parks & Recreation Department. These green spaces offer lots of ways to have fun and stay active! You can find 86 tennis courts, 48 soccer fields, 25 pickleball courts, 22 basketball courts, and even special areas for bocce, lacrosse, archery, and cricket. The city's parks also boast more than 45,000 trees and 190 miles of trails, covering over 4,600 acres. Plus, there are 11 special nature reserves with 40 miles of trails across 4,000 acres of natural habitats.

Cool Parks to Explore in Boise

Boise has many amazing parks, each with its own unique features and history. Here are some of the highlights:

Parks for Play and Sports

Many parks in Boise are perfect for playing games, sports, and having fun outdoors.

Ann Morrison Park

Ann Morrison Park is one of Boise's largest and most popular parks.

Ann Morrison Park is a huge 153-acre park. It was given to the city by Harry Morrison as a special memory for his wife, Ann. This park is a popular spot for many activities and events.

Borah Park

Borah Park, next to Borah High School.

Borah Park is 13 acres big and is right next to Borah High School. It was named after a famous person from Idaho, William Borah, who was a Senator. It's a great place for school sports and community fun.

Charles F. McDevitt Youth Sports Complex

The Charles F. McDevitt Youth Sports Complex has lots of space for sports.

This large 40-acre complex is all about youth sports! It's named after Charles McDevitt, who was important in the Boise Cascade Company and even served as a judge on the Idaho Supreme Court.

Simplot Sports Complex

The Simplot Sports Complex is a big area for many different sports.

The Simplot Sports Complex is a massive 161-acre area dedicated to sports. It opened in the 1990s and provides many fields for different games and activities.

Optimist Youth Sports Complex

This 51-acre complex is another fantastic place for sports. It was once a dairy farm and was opened in 1999 by the city and the Boise Noon Optimists group, showing how communities can work together to create great spaces for kids.

Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park

Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park, named after an Olympic champion.

Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park is a 28-acre park that used to be called Municipal Park. It was renamed in 2016 to honor Kristin Armstrong, an amazing Olympic medalist from Boise!

Rhodes Skate Park

Rhodes Skate Park is a popular spot for skateboarders.

If you love skateboarding, Rhodes Skate Park is the place to be! This 1.28-acre park was opened in 1995 and is named after Glenn Rhodes.

Nature and Trails Parks

Boise's parks also offer beautiful natural areas, perfect for walking, biking, and enjoying wildlife.

Boise Greenbelt

The Boise Greenbelt is a true gem! It's over 25 miles long and covers 850 acres of trails for walking and biking. It connects many of Boise's famous parks like Julia Davis Park and Ann Morrison Park, making it easy to explore the city's green spaces.

Kathryn Albertson Park

Kathryn Albertson Park is a peaceful place to enjoy nature.

Kathryn Albertson Park is a beautiful 41-acre nature area that opened in 1989. It's named after Kathryn Albertson and is known for its peaceful ponds and walking paths, perfect for spotting local wildlife.

Esther Simplot Park

Esther Simplot Park is a 55-acre park with 23 acres of ponds where you can go fishing and swimming. It's named after Esther Simplot, who was very involved in Boise's arts and culture.

Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve

Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve offers beautiful wetlands and trails.

This 44-acre reserve is a special place with wetlands, which are areas where water covers the land. It was acquired by the city in 1999 and is named after its previous owner, Larry Hyatt. It's a great spot for birdwatching and enjoying nature.

Hulls Gulch Reserve

Hulls Gulch Reserve is a large 292-acre natural habitat area located near Camel's Back Park. It was protected between 1991 and 1993, helping to preserve important wildlife areas.

Oregon Trail Reserve

The Oregon Trail Reserve preserves a piece of history.

The Oregon Trail Reserve is a 77-acre park that opened in 2000. It helps preserve a part of the historic Oregon Trail, where pioneers traveled long ago. You can even see old wagon ruts and historic drawings on rocks here!

Military Reserve

The Military Reserve is a huge 726-acre area that was once part of the Boise Barracks. It's a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking, offering many trails and open spaces.

Quinn's Pond

Quinn's Pond is a 22-acre pond within the 31-acre Bernadine Quinn Riverside Park. The land was given to the city in 1997 by Maurice H. Quinn. It's a popular spot for water activities like paddleboarding and swimming.

Spaulding Ranch Site

The Spaulding Ranch Site includes historic buildings.

The Spaulding Ranch Site is a 20-acre area that the city acquired in 2016. It's part of the historic Almon W. and Dr. Mary E. Spaulding Ranch and includes an old farmhouse, a silo, and other buildings. It's even listed on the National Register of Historic Places, meaning it's a very important historical site!

Historic and Memorial Parks

Some parks in Boise tell important stories about the city's past and honor special people.

Julia Davis Park

Julia Davis Park is Boise's oldest park.

Julia Davis Park is Boise's oldest park, covering almost 90 acres! It's named after Julia Davis, a pioneer and wife of a prominent land owner. This park is home to many of Boise's museums and the zoo.

C. W. Moore Park

C. W. Moore Park features architectural artifacts.

C. W. Moore Park is a small park that was given to the city in 1916 by C.W. Moore, an early Boise banker. It was reestablished in 1983 to show off a collection of interesting architectural pieces.

Cecil D. Andrus Park

Cecil D. Andrus Park is next to the Idaho State Capitol.

This 2-acre park is right next to the Idaho State Capitol building. In 2018, it was renamed Cecil D. Andrus Park to honor Cecil D. Andrus, who was a former governor and a cabinet secretary.

Cherie Buckner-Webb Park

Cherie Buckner-Webb Park is a newer park in Boise.

This half-acre park was developed in 2021, replacing a parking lot. It's named after Cherie Buckner-Webb, a notable person in Boise's history.

Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial

The Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial teaches about human rights.

The Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial is a special place dedicated in 2002. It serves as a memorial to Anne Frank and helps educate people about human rights and why they are so important.

Idaho Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park

This 5-acre park was dedicated in 2008 to honor firefighters who have bravely given their lives while on duty. It's a place for remembrance and respect.

Veterans Memorial Park

Veterans Memorial Park honors those who served.

Veterans Memorial Park is a 38-acre park preserved by the State of Idaho as a memorial in 1971. It honors veterans and provides a peaceful space for reflection.

Platt Gardens

Platt Gardens, near the Boise Depot.

Platt Gardens is a small park that opened in 1928 as a beautiful entrance to the Boise Depot. It was named after Howard Platt, a railroad manager, and was later given to the city in 1982.