Searching for the top 10 things to do in Meridian this summer? We have that — and so much more! Whether you’re using Meridian as a basecamp for your Southwestern Idaho visit, traveling with the family for a sporting tournament, or simply looking for some inspiration, you’ll discover it here.
Help Your Kids Make Summer Memories
Meridian is one of the most family-friendly cities in Idaho, with plenty of activities that will keep everyone — even the teenagers! — happy.
Roaring Springs Waterpark: It’s already the Northwest’s largest waterpark, and with a new expansion opening May 31, Roaring Springs is now one of the largest waterparks in the country! Trust us, you’ll want to plan your visit now so the kids can splash through Camp IdaH2O, a Gem State-themed interactive water playground featuring seven slides, multiple play features, Idaho animals and birds, and (of course) the 650-gallon Tippin’ Tater potato tipping bucket. Plus, navigate the whitewater of Class 5 Canyon action river and take on the challenges of Critter Crossing adventure pool. Treat your family to a VIP experience in one of 16 new luxury cabanas with wait service from the new Geyser Grill and Bar.
Wahooz Family Fun Zone: Make it a weekend getaway with a second day at Wahooz, conveniently connected to Roaring Springs. Wahooz is super popular year-round thanks to 15 indoor and outdoor attractions, including its newly remodeled mini golf course, kid-friendly bowling center, always entertaining go-kart tracks, an arcade and so much more, with enough attractions to keep everyone from the littles to the teens happy. This summer, buy discounted Triple the Fun tickets and spend one day at Roaring Springs and the next at Wahooz.
Children’s Museum of Idaho: If your little explorer loves to touch every exhibit they come across, the Children’s Museum is about to become their new favorite destination.
This highly interactive space helps children learn about dinosaurs, outer space, machines, and so much more through play. They’ll pick up new information and unique experiences every step of the way.
Meridian Speedway: Loud, fast, and full of action, the Meridian Speedway is ideal for car-obsessed kids and their parents. Buckle up this summer and check out sprint cars, trucks, mini stocks, street stocks and so much more. For an extra dose of fun, choose a date that features a summertime fireworks display as part of the night’s events.
Non-Stop Shopping: From charming boutiques to sprawling emporiums, you’ll discover a shopper’s paradise in Meridian.
The Village at Meridian: This outdoor mall is more than a place to shop. It’s an entertainment extravaganza! After scoring new pieces for your summer wardrobe at top-tier chains like Anthropologie and Lululemon, relax in the cushy seats at Village Cinema or grab a margarita at The Matador. Be sure to check The Village’s website for special summer events, too.
Antiquing: Here’s a little secret: Meridian is one of the best places to find your next antique treasures. Two large specialty stores should be on the itinerary for every antique lover: Sevoy Furniture Gallery is a haven for mid-century modern lovers and Cherry’s Consignment Home Furnishings stocks high-quality furnishings from any era. With so many finds available, you might need to clear out extra space in your vehicle for the ride home!
Savor Every Bite of the Season: You’ll discover all of your favorite restaurants in Meridian, but these beloved local eateries offer out-of-the-ordinary experiences.
Epi’s: You might enter this cozy bungalow hungry, but we guarantee you’ll leave full and happy. Epi’s serves traditional Basque food such as red bean and chorizo soup, marinated pork loin topped with roasted red peppers, and the restaurant’s famous garlic chicken. It’s a true Idaho experience.
Eight Thirty Common: This popular watering hole and restaurant dishes out grown-up pub fare, handcrafted cocktails, and 12 rotating beer taps to satiate your taste buds. Book a weekend brunch reservation and tuck into savory dishes like carnitas hash or sweet treats such as cinnamon roll French toast.
Bodovino Ristorante: Bodovino has a unique setup: 56 Art Wine Emotion machines dispense tastes or pours of some of the world’s most-loved wines. Grab your glass and settle into the patio lounge for a meal featuring Italian classics such as calamari, scampi, ribeye, and flatbreads.
Big Jud’s: Big Jud’s burgers are so impressive that they’ve been featured on the Food Network. The Meridian outpost of this longtime local favorite serves up juicy burgers and fresh-cut Idaho fries, as well as its most famous offering, the intimidating one-pound Big Jud cheeseburger.
Discover Fresh Inspiration: Whether you’re just enjoying stunning visual artworks or looking for the next painting to grace your home, Meridian has beauty to offer.
Initial Point Gallery: This carefully curated gallery is located within Meridian’s City Hall and hosted by the Meridian Arts Commission. Exhibits rotate every month and feature works by local artists, often with Idaho themes.
Idaho Art Gallery: Enchanted by Idaho landscapes? You can find a gorgeous souvenir at Idaho Art Gallery, which features a number of paintings that center on landmarks like Shoshone Falls, dancing aspen groves, and life along the Boise River.
Get Outside: Southwestern Idaho is revered for its easy access to nature, and Meridian provides the perfect base camp to see it in all its summer glory!
The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey: This corner of Idaho is one of the best places in the world to see magnificent birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, and owls. But if you’d like to skip the bird hunt and see these natural wonders close up, the World Center for Birds of Prey is ready to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience. See how many of their Avian Ambassadors you can check off your must-see list.
City of Meridian Parks: You don’t need to get out of town to get outside! Meander through sprawling Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park, dog-and-kid-friendly Storey Park, activity-filled Settlers Park, or cast a line at Fuller Park’s stocked fishing pond.
Prepare to Party: Meridian’s calendar is crammed full of summer and early autumn events. Why not pencil in a festival while you’re here?
Far West Regional Championships: Hundreds of the best young soccer players in the country will flock to nearby Boise in late June 2023 — and Meridian is the perfect place to make yourbasecamp during all the excitement! Both boys and girls will compete at the Far West RegionalChampionships for a chance to play the nationals in July.
Dairy Days: Meridian’s oldest festival, a celebration of its agricultural roots, has been a community staple for nearly 100 years. This old-fashioned fest includes a carnival, diet-busting fair treats, animal shows, and the crowning of this year’s Dairy Princess.
Meridian Lions Rodeo: Let ’er buck! If you’ve never been to a rodeo, this is your chance to see real cowboys test their mettle against bucking broncos and tricky barrel courses. All proceeds help fund Lions Club projects.
Snake River Stampede: The Snake River Stampede is one of the biggest events in Southwestern Idaho, attracting thousands of onlookers to this rodeo that bills itself as “the wildest fastest show on Earth.” The Stampede is one of the top 10 rodeos in the country, so be sure to get your tickets early! (Bonus: It takes place in the air-conditioned Ford Idaho Center.)
Gowen Thunder Air Show: In late August, the skies over the Treasure Valley fill with military and civilian air performers who thrill the packed crowds below. Expect spine-tingling air stunts and soul-stirring patriotic moments all weekend long.
Oktoberfest: The inaugural Oktoberfest was such a hit that it’s now a permanent part of Meridian’s fall schedule! Enjoy live music, amateur boxing, food trucks, and (obviously) plenty of beer. All the action will be located in Meridian’s historic downtown.
For even more trip ideas, lodging information, restaurant suggestions, and things to do in Southwestern Idaho, visit the Meridian Chamber of Commerce, the Southwestern Idaho Travel Association, and Idaho Tourism.