Finding fun things to do in Meridian Idaho has been exciting for our family. Why is that? Well, as a previously full time RV living family who traveled all around the USA, we loved visiting new cities and finding all the fun things to do with our kids.
That’s why once we ‘landed in Meridian’, I found myself excited to explore the city we currently call home. I started searching online for what to do in Meridian Idaho, and on the weekends we’d usually visit a new place nearby.
If you have recently considered moving to Idaho, then you’ll love what Meridian has to offer.
Keep reading to learn about 10 fun Meridian Idaho things to do, and why you might want to visit Meridian during your next vacation to Boise, Idaho.
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Where Is Meridian Idaho?
Meridian Idaho is located in Ada County, right next to Boise, Idaho. It’s considered the second largest city in Idaho and part of what’s called the Treasure Valley. Meridian is also considered the fastest growing city in Idaho!
Lodging In Meridian Idaho
If you’re planning an Idaho vacation and you’re looking for hotels in Meridian Idaho, then click here to find the best reviews and hotel options.
We Expedia almost all of our hotel reservations when planning vacations for a few reasons. I appreciate all of the reviews written about each hotel, bed and breakfast, etc. Now if you’d rather rent a vacation house for your family’s stay in Meridian then check out how many great VRBOs there are listed in the area.
Here’s a great house that sleeps up to 10 people and is great for a family visiting Meridian.
If you’re planning on bringing your RV and camping nearby, then read our detailed post sharing the best RV parks Boise Idaho has to offer.
Top Things To Do In Meridian Idaho
1. Visit The Village Meridian Idaho
The Village is located in Southeast Meridian, providing great shopping and restaurants to choose from. There’s a movie theatre, playground, and a dancing water fountain too.
During Christmas time Boise, there’s an ice rink that our family had a blast taking advantage of. We also enjoyed staying warm by the large heaters while drinking our coffee from Royal Coffee Co.
You are sure to find fun things to do at the Village in Meridian if you visit.
The Village, along with Heroes Academy, co-sponsors the annual Acton Children’s Business Fair every May. During this fun event, dozens of local children are able to create a business and sell their goods and services to the public! It’s a great event to help support local young entrepreneurs.
2. Go Fishing or Play at the Playground At Julius Kleiner Memorial Park
Now, if you’d like to find outdoor activities in Meridian Idaho, then you don’t need to go far. Walk just 2 blocks away from The Village to arrive at the big green hill and playground of Julius Kleiner Memorial Park.
If you have a fishing pole, then bring it along to do some fishing at the pond there, too.
3. Go Rock Climbing At Vertical View
Vertical View is a 4-story indoor rock climbing gym with top rope and lead climbing walls as high as 65 feet, a huge bouldering area, several yoga studios, and a great kids climbing area. I love that it’s locally owned and operated and somehow managed to continue to grow, after opening in January of 2020.
Our family is new to rock climbing and we have learned so much at Vertical View. The employees have been so kind and helpful with our kids and we love visiting. We bought a family membership and now climb weekly!
We have kids ages 5 to 12 years old, and going to Vertical View has been such a great family experience. We can all participate, and if the kids get tired of climbing, then they’ll usually play foosball or pool upstairs in the community area near the comfy couches.
4. Spend A Day At Jump Time Trampoline Park
Jump Time is Meridian’s locally owned indoor trampoline park with so many extra activities. From dodgeball courts and aerial stunts, to the big trampoline and Ninja Warrior course, our family has had a great time getting our wiggles out at Jump Time when we’re not jumping on our own trampoline at home.
If you’re looking for a place to let the kids play while you relax, then grab a coffee or even a glass of wine at Jump Time’s Bistro.
5. Go Bowling or Play Arcade Games At Big Al’s
Spend a few hours bowling and hitting up the arcade at Big Al’s next to The Village in Meridian, Idaho. Big Al’s is a bowling center that’s great for the whole family.
Order some food from the extensive menu at their large sports bar and enjoy playing fun video games in the large 2-story building that feels so open and exciting when you walk in.
6. Get Wet at Settler’s Park
Spend a summer evening watching a movie in the park at Settler’s Park. Or, visit during the day and play a game of tennis, horseshoes, catch, or let the kids play at the modern playground and splash pad to get wet.
We’ve had many picnics at Settler’s Park and I appreciate the bathrooms being open year round too.
7. Grab Coffee While Supporting Local at Bright Eyes Coffee Shop
If you’re looking for great coffee, friendly smiles, a cozy indoor fireplace, and a small children’s room with books and games, then you should really visit Bright Eyes Coffee Shop. I can’t even count how many times our family has visited Bright Eyes.
Being picky coffee ‘snobs’, Tony and I give Bright Eyes coffee two thumbs up. I always feel welcome as I walk into this locally-owned cafe.
Discover some great Boise coffee shops if you’re looking for more great places to grab a coffee nearby.
8. Eat Local At Biscuit and Hogs
Looking for the biggest pancakes you will ever see? Or are you a bacon fan like we are (guilty) and curious how the food —especially the pork belly and prime Angus beef patties — taste?
Biscuit and Hogs is a local eatery in Meridian that managed to open its doors in June of 2020, despite the crazy times. They not only provide food all day but great Happy Hour specials 7 days a week. We’ve been there several times for breakfast and dinner and love the food, service, and supporting local.
9. Eat Local at Epi’s Basque Restaurant
Downtown Meridian is a fun place to visit and grabbing dinner at the locally owned Basque Restaurant is a must. The food is delicious and so unique and the service is so warm-hearted there. The Basque cuisine comes from the Basque district in Europe located in north-central Spain and south western France.
Be sure to text or call ahead for dinner reservations as the space is on the smaller side and can be pretty popular. They were quick to text us back to confirm our same-day reservations, so don’t hesitate to text them!
10. Visit Roaring Springs Water Park
A really popular experience in Meridian, Idaho is to visit Roaring Springs Water Park. It’s an outdoor water park with many waterslides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and more. Our family has been visiting all summer long in 2022 and love it!
If you’re in the Boise or Meridian area for several days, you may want to consider buying a combo pass to Roaring Springs and Wahooz, as they are owned by the same company and offer package deals.
11. Wahooz Family Fun Zone
Wahooz is an indoor family fun park with many attractions, located in Meridian Idaho. The family could have fun on the indoor ropes course, bowling, or playing laser tag just to name a few options. Or if the weather is nice, your kids can enjoy bumper boats and go-carts outside!
12. Try Winter Disc Golf Course
If it’s your first time hearing a winter disc golf course, then, just so you know it’s one of so many fun things to do in Meridian ID in winter! Bear Creek Park is a popular place to do winter disc golf. Try this unique winter activity while you’re in Meridian in the holiday.
Other Things To Do Near Boise Idaho
Since Meridian is so close to Boise, if you’re planning a vacation or trip to in the nearby cities, then you’ll want to enjoy some other great things to do near Boise and Meridian. Here are a few quick ideas that are close by. Or, check out our ultimate post listing 29 Incredibly Fun Things To Do In Boise With Kids and add a few days to your trip in order to experience what Boise has to offer too!
Hike, Tube, or Swim at Eagle Island State Park
Eagle Island State Park is just 2 miles from Meridian and offers some great outdoor fun. With over 5 miles of trails for hiking or horseback riding, a playground and swimming beach, and even an outdoor snow tubing hill in the winter (where they make the snow), Eagle Island State Park is a fun place to get outdoors.
Visit one of Idaho Hots Springs Near Boise
Idaho is known for its many natural hot springs. That’s why our family took a road trip to check out several of Idaho’s hot springs close to Boise. Click here to read about our top Idaho hot springs.
Float the Boise River In The Summer
Rent some tubes and float the Boise River in the hot summer months. Start at Barber Park and enjoy some time on the river.
Hike Table Rock Near Boise
Table Rock is a 3.7 mile moderate hiking loop near Boise, Idaho. It’s a very popular hike with some excellent views. You can park next to the Old Penitentiary in Boise.
Or, check out other Boise hikes as I share our ongoing list of favorite hikes in the area.
Bike at Eagle Bike Park
Nearby in the city of Eagle, Eagle Bike Park has not only a BMX track that you can bike on but many mountain biking trails right in the foothills. Park in one of their many parking lots and take your family on a bike ride.
I hope these attractions in Meridian Idaho give you some ideas as you plan your time discovering things to do in the Treasure Valley.
If you plan to visit other areas of Idaho, then check out our tips on fun things to do in Cascade Idaho, plan some great things to do in McCall Idaho, and our top things to do in Northern Idaho.
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