The days are still chilly and the kids are still hopping on the school bus every morning — which makes this the perfect time to start dreaming up your family’s super-fun summer vacation. We’ve put together a list of can’t-miss activities (both indoor and outdoor) so you can maximize every moment of your sunny stay. You can even start booking now!
The largest water park in the Northwest is back for the season and bigger than ever! In 2023, Roaring Springs completed a huge expansion — three new super-fun attractions, 16 shady cabanas, and a brand new bar and grill. And that’s on top of the more than 20 kid-friendly attractions that have made Roaring Springs an essential summer stop for visitors and locals alike. Children (naturally) love it, but there are also plenty of ways for adults to join the splashy fun, like the park’s luxury cabanas. You’ll snag a guaranteed spot in the shade, cushioned seating for lounging, and food and alcohol service for up to 16 people.
To Do Now: It’s not too early to book your cabana and purchase your passes. You can save $23 with a Triple the Fun pass, which will unlock full-day admission to Roaring Springs or its sister park, Wahooz (read more about Wahooz below). And you can split it! Enjoy both parks in one day or visit separately any time during the season, which runs from May 11-Sept. 15.
This insanely popular year-round extravaganza of fun next to Roaring Springs is loaded with 15 indoor and outdoor attractions. Your kids will discover all of their favorites here: Mini golf. Kid-friendly bowling. A massive arcade. Go-karts. Bumper boats. Laser tag. Even a ropes course and climbing wall! Wahooz is ideal for birthday parties, family reunions, or just an afternoon of excitement so the kids hit the hay on time. You don’t even need to leave for lunch — Wahooz has it covered with the Stargazer Grill and Z Bar and Grill. Be sure to purchase the Triple the Fun pass so the fam can experience Roaring Springs, too.
To Do Now: If you’re planning for a group, book your room before you leave for your trip to Meridian. Wahooz offers several group packages to make your visit an event.
It doesn’t get more Idaho than Dairy Days, Meridian’s annual celebration of its ag roots. But don’t worry — there’s no farm experience required to have a blast at this annual event, which takes place from June 27-29. Arrive hungry for a classic pancake breakfast, watch the parade make its way through Downtown Meridian, check out ag competitions, or cheer on this year’s Dairy Princess. Of course, Dairy Days will have a full carnival on site, complete with thrilling rides and your favorite fair foods. Come see why this event has been a beloved tradition for nearly 100 years!
To Do Now: Book your hotel room now. Dairy Days is based in Downtown Meridian, so if you’d like to leave the car in the hotel parking lot and walk to the action, choose lodging close to the center of town. And don’t forget to make restaurant reservations!
Meridian’s Topgolf location is the perfect place to perfect your game … and no need to take a long walk while doing it. Instead, you can lounge to your heart’s content in one of the 60 all-weather bays, watch TV on one of the 100+ screens (including a 22-foot video wall), and have ice-cold beers delivered to take the edge off a hot summer’s day. Topgolf is one of the most popular spots in the Treasure Valley — especially in the summer — so it’s a good idea to book your reservation before you arrive.
To Do Now: Mark your calendar to secure your reservation. A bay can be booked up to seven days in advance.
If you’re a speed fanatic, nothing says summer like the smell of hot pavement and the squeal of tires at Meridian Speedway. This longtime fixture of the racing circuit is a favorite of parents and kids alike, and there’s enough variety to tempt both experienced speedway fans and newbies. This season will include several nights of NASCAR Trucks action — mark your calendars for the Aug. 9-10 doubleheader.
To Do Now: Check out the summer schedule so you can plan your visit (if you want some extra action, choose days when the Speedway will also host fireworks displays). You can purchase tickets online in advance.
Meridian’s many parks offer options on a fine summer’s day: Will you go fishing at Fuller Park’s stocked pond? Take the kids for a dip in the Meridian Pool at Storey Park? Break out the skateboard for a stint at the Tully Park skatepark? Or maybe simply people watch at the urban Generations Plaza? With 25 parks to choose from, the city is your oyster.
To Do Now: Reserve a park facility, such as a shelter, for your outing. Reservations for the summer season open in February and the Meridian Parks Department has a handy guide with frequently asked questions here.
New worlds appear when you pop on a pair of VR goggles. At VR1 Arcade, which specializes in multiplayer experiences, you can choose your game from 14 different categories and immerse yourself in a virtual universe. It’s the perfect place for a group of kids (and adults!) — not to mention a fantastic air-conditioned option when the temps climb. Be sure to book your spot in advance, though, because VR1 is in demand.
To Do Now: Book your session at the arcade — the venue is already accepting reservations for the summer season.
You don’t go to The Village simply to shop. You go to have an experience: some browsing, some buying, a good meal, a cold drink, even a movie or an evening of games at Big Al’s. It’s easy to spend an entire day at this palatial outdoor mall packed with national brands and local favorites. You’ll find plenty of great sit-down dining experiences, as well as a brand-new In-N-Out Burger that made national news for the crowds that lined up in excitement for its opening day. (Yes, folks really did wait eight hours!)
To Do Now: Keep tabs on the Happenings page of The Village’s website. Your visit might coincide with additional can’t-miss fun.
Meridian is just a short drive away from Idaho’s wine trail, but you don’t have to miss out if you’re not able to make it to the Sunnyslope grape growing region. Maddie’s Wine and Whiskey, Bodovino, Vintage 61 Wine Bar and A New Vintage Wine Shop can introduce you to wines from Idaho and beyond. No matter where you go, be sure to pick up a bottle to take home and sip in the sun.
To Do Now: Give yourself a crash course in Idaho wines — and if you’re interested in visiting Vintage 61, please note that reservations are always recommended.
Meridian’s homegrown ice cream shops dole out scoops, cups, and sundaes to add a little sweetness to your summer day. You won’t want to miss the homemade Huckleberry Cheesecake flavor at Reed’s Dairy, the Malted Milk Chipper at Lovejoy’s Real Ice Cream, the Cake Batter at Stella’s Ice Cream, the Pecan Ball Sundae at Delsa’s, or the Boston Shake (your choice of milkshake flavor topped with your choice of ice cream sundae on top) at Fanci Freez.
To Do Now: Visit each website to check out new seasonal flavors. Some locations, like Lovejoy’s, change week to week.
You’ll find even more ideas to fuel your summer fun on our trip itineraries page! You can plan your entire trip, including lodging and restaurants, on our website. Remember to book tickets to events and reserve your spot at popular places like Topgolf in advance — they fill up fast!
There are plenty of ways to add more entertaining family time to your visit!
Parks: Meridian has a bevy of parks just begging for lazy picnics, playground adventures, and impromptu soccer games. The largest is the sprawling Julius M. Kleiner Park, which features bocce courts, a bandshell, a labyrinth, sand lots — even fishing! Check out this great roundup of Meridian’s 24 parks.
Movies: When it’s hot, there are few things more refreshing than settling into an air-conditioned theater for a summer blockbuster. Village Cinema takes moviegoing to another level with giant screens, luxury recliners, and even an all-day happy hour.
Mountaincoaster: During the winter, thousands of powder lovers flock to Bogus Basin for its family-friendly skiing and snowboarding. But summer offers plenty of unique opportunities to enjoy this gorgeous mountainous terrain and its views of the valley below. Take the family up the hill to try Bogus’s Glade Runner Mountain Coaster, the only one of its kind in Idaho. Hop on and enjoy the ride as the coaster travels over 4,300 vertical feet while reaching top speeds of 25 miles per hour.
Lucky Peak: Just minutes outside of Boise, Lucky Peak State Park offers a refreshing break on the hottest summer days. Dive into the waters at Sandy Point and let the kids splash in its famous fish tail water feature, or head to Spring Shores to rent a watercraft for the day. Stand-up paddleboarders especially like this area thanks to its placid waters. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, travel by bike: the Boise River Greenbelt ends at Lucky Peak.
