With more than 210 days of sun a year, heading outside is always Plan A for visitors to Meridian. But when wintry weather gets in the way — or you just need a change of pace — it’s time for Plan B. We’ve put together some of the best destinations for maximum coziness, comfort, and downright fun.
Get the Wiggles Out
Just because the kids are inside doesn’t mean they need to feel cooped up! Meridian boasts some of the top family-friendly spots in Southwestern Idaho — even your most energetic kiddo will sleep tight after a visit to one of these dynamic destinations.
Big Al’s
We’re filing this under destinations for kids, but here’s a not-so-secret bit of info: Adults flock to this sprawling funtime palace, too. With 66,000 square feet, we’re pretty sure everyone in the family will find something to do: upscale bowling, an arcade packed with games, a sports bar with every big game on TV. Don’t forget to check out the Daily Deals page of the Big Al’s website before you go — you could score more fun for less.
The Children’s Museum of Idaho
For once, your kids don’t have to keep their hands off the exhibits! This engaging learning museum is geared for children 2-8 and features interactive displays designed to spur their curiosity. They’ll love playing on the museum’s pirate ship, learning about science through playful crafts and activities, or exploring the cave full of live creatures (don’t worry, the critters are behind glass). Check the museum’s website before planning your trip, because you won’t want the kids to miss their special classes, theme days, or group activities. Traveling with a crowd or celebrating a birthday? Book your special event in advance and make it one to remember.
Jump Time
If your kids are bouncing off the walls (literally), make Jump Time your next stop. They’ll be wowed by trampolines galore, extreme dodgeball, a ninja warrior course, a laser maze, VR headsets, and slam dunk basketball. If it’s too cold to skate outside, they can even “skate” indoors on a synthetic ice rink. Be sure to pack grippy socks, because the kids will need them to participate.
Meridian Lanes
This classic bowling lane has been a family fun favorite for decades, and it’s easy to see why: You can’t beat the combination of knocking down pins, cold beverages, hot snacks like street tacos and Angus beef burgers, and reasonable rates. Even on Friday and Saturday nights, you won’t spend more than $30 per hour for a lane and shoe rentals are less than $4.
Wahooz Family Fun Zone
Roaring Springs may be closed for the season, but its neighboring sister arcade, Wahooz, serves up the fun all winter long. The kids can test their skills in the all-new laser tag arena, catch a thrilling movie-inspired adventure on the XD Dark Ride, smash into each other with bumper cars, or swing themselves silly on the Twister … and that’s just for starters. Check out the Wahooz site for a full list of activities and specials, including unlimited indoor attractions for $30 on Thursdays.
Indulge a Little
Whether you’re in Meridian for a girls’ weekend, to hang out with your best buds for high school, or simply to explore the area, it’s always good to plan a little indulgence or two.
Bodovino
Bodovino is a fresh take on wine tasting. Whether you’ve been dying to try a lavishly expensive Bordeaux or a smooth cabernet from Idaho’s own Snake River Valley, you can sip to your heart’s content at Bodovino in The Village. This unique wine bar/eatery has 56 Wine Emotion machines that dispense small tastes or generous pours of wines from around the world.
Lovejoy’s Real Ice Cream
This family owned-and-operated ice cream shop serves up a boggling array of flavors. Try a scoop of blueberry cream, savor a cup of banana cream pie, or even sample something out of the ordinary — ever had black licorice ice cream? If you can’t decide, don’t worry: You can order a flight and taste several. Everything is made in small batches from scratch in house.
Maddie’s Wine and Whiskey
This place will leave you in fine spirits (pun fully intended) with playful cocktails like the Mad-Hattan (Piggy Back Rye, Averna, and chocolate bitters), the Woo Girl (Party Animal Vodka, strawberry, basil, citrus, simple, and soda) and the Empress of Bainbridge (Empress 1908 Gin, Soho Lychee, dry rosé, lemon, agave, and soda). If you’re only in town for the weekend, pop in Sunday for a bite and $5 bloody marys and $4 mimosas.
A New Vintage Wine Shop
Sit down to one of the coziest wine experiences you’ll ever have at A New Vintage. Their wine bar features a rotating selection of handpicked wines from around the world, all available by the glass. After a glass or two, browse the shop, where you’ll find accessories for wine lovers — think convenient wine coolers, hilarious signs for your kitchen, and bar accessories.
Who Says It’s Too Cold to Golf?
Golf is never out of season in Meridian. Even when our courses are closed, you’ll still find plenty of ways to perfect your game so you can be in top form once spring rolls around.
Top Golf
One of the country’s newest Top Golf destinations stays open all year long, so you can practice your swing when the temperatures dip (don’t worry, the bays are climate controlled). Bring your own clubs or rent them for free at the venue, then settle in for fun: sip on a craft cocktail, nosh on bite-size snacks or pizza between swings, and let the high-tech balls keep score for you. Plan some time before or after your session to enjoy the bar and high-def TVs — what’s better than playing golf and watching your favorite team in the same afternoon?
PGA Tour Superstore
Stock up on your favorite gear now so you’re ready to hit the links when the weather warms up. Meridian’s PGA Tour Superstore is a bonanza of brand-name clothing, accessories, and gear. Why not gift yourself a putting mat, a new Ping driver, or a kicky skort? Be sure to check out the sales section — the deals are killer.
Treat Yourself
No need to let your New Year’s resolutions slip while you’re visiting Meridian. The city’s ever-growing health and wellness options can take you to new levels of stress-free, healthy living.
Body Calm Studio
This popular yoga-and-spa destination has been named one of the top three such establishments in the state. Try a beginner’s class, stretch into a yoga flow class, or try a candlelight yin yoga class for a gentle wind-down to an action-packed day. Feel free to make an afternoon of it with a massage or a sweat-inducing session in a high-tech infrared sauna. Check Body Calm’s website for one-off events like sound baths, kids’ yoga classes, or self-care workshops.
Hideaway House
It may look like a cute little house on the outside, but inside this facial spa you’ll find nothing but pure relaxation. Book a Hideaway Facial using all-natural Eminence Organics products from Hungary or a relaxing Sculptural Facial Treatment featuring incredible massage techniques. High-tech therapies are an option, too — their microchanneling service is known to increase collagen for plumper, firmer skin.
ReJuv MedSpa
Does your body need a bit of fine tuning after the holidays? Head to this longtime med spa for top-of-the-line treatments to blast away bumps and bulges. Or, if something a bit more relaxing is what you’re after, book a deluxe mani-pedi, a professional spray tan, or a full face of Jane Iredale makeup. Whatever you need to feel your best, you’ll be able to find it at this full-service salon and spa.
Play, Stay, and Play Some More
Booking your stay in Meridian puts you in the center of the action. Meridian is just minutes away from Boise, Idaho’s wine country, and popular winter attractions like Bogus Basin. Discover your next getaway by checking out our lodging page.