Each August, Garden City transforms into a hub of excitement and tradition with the arrival of the Western Idaho Fair. For over a century, this beloved event has been bringing together families, friends, and visitors from across the Treasure Valley to celebrate community, agriculture, and entertainment in one unforgettable setting. The Western Idaho Fair has deep roots in Idaho history, dating back to 1897. What began as a small agricultural showcase has blossomed into one of the state’s largest annual events. Today, the fair is hosted at Expo Idaho in Garden City, making it one of the most anticipated celebrations of the summer. From the thrill of the Ferris wheel to the laughter-filled fun of carnival games, the midway a place where fairgoers of all ages can find joy. Whether you’re braving the Zipper ride or winning a giant stuffed animal, the energy is infectious and a highlight of every visit. The fair’s lineup is packed with shows and performances that keep the fun going day and night. Nationally known musicians, comedy acts, and local talent take the stage, ensuring there’s always something to enjoy. The Western Idaho Fair is especially known for its concert series, bringing big-name artists right to the heart of Garden City. Food lovers rejoice, the Western Idaho Fair is a foodie’s paradise. Indulge in everything from classic corn dogs and funnel cakes to more adventurous eats like ice cream potatoes and deep-fried Oreos. Local vendors showcase Idaho flavors, making it a delicious experience from start to finish. True to its roots, the fair remains a celebration of Idaho’s agricultural heritage. Livestock shows, 4-H competitions, and agricultural exhibits showcase the hard work of local farmers and ranchers. Artisans and crafters also display their creations, from handmade quilts to intricate woodworking, honoring the creativity and skill of the community. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or creating new ones, the Western Idaho Fair is the perfect way to celebrate summer in Garden City. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this treasured tradition!
Unleash the Fun in Garden City: Top Family-Friendly Adventures Await
Garden City is the perfect destination for family-friendly fun, offering various activities catering to kids and parents alike. From the thrill of climbing at Asana Climbing Gym to the timeless excitement of bowling at Westy’s Garden Lanes, there’s never a dull moment. Kids can explore their adventurous side with micro-adventures along the Boise River Greenbelt, where they can discover the best-kept secret stretch filled with wildlife and scenic views. Moretracks offers unique experiences for all kids to step outside and explore the wild and urban spaces through experiential education, free play, and life-changing journeys. Whether it’s learning to line dance, swing, or two-step at The Farm, catching waves at the Boise Whitewater Park, or embarking on a guided river adventure with BROO, there’s something for every family to enjoy.
For those looking to spend quality time outdoors, the Greenbelt offers a serene escape where you can bike, walk, or enjoy the natural beauty surrounding you. This hidden gem provides the perfect backdrop for family outings, picnics, and nature walks, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
To discover more exciting activities and plan your next family adventure, visit the Garden City website’s Things to Do and Family and Kids sections for more information.
When it comes to hidden gems in Southwest Idaho, Garden City stands out as an oasis from the ordinary. Nestled along the Boise River, this charming community offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, scenic beauty, and vibrant local culture. Whether you’re a local planning a staycation or a visitor seeking a new travel destination, Garden City has something special for you.
One of the highlights of Garden City is Boise River Outdoor Opportunities (BROO), an adventure company founded by local rafting enthusiast Adam Bass. Adam and his team offer an array of guided rafting trips that allow you to float your cares away while enjoying the stunning scenery and wildlife of the Boise River.
Adam, a Garden City native, has been passionate about rafting for over a decade. With six years of guiding experience, he started BROO to align with Garden City’s strategic plan, aiming to highlight the area’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Adam’s deep love for his hometown and its rivers is evident in everything he does.
“Garden City is a place where nature and community come together in the most beautiful way,” says Adam. “The Boise River is not just a river; it’s a lifeline for our community, offering endless opportunities for adventure and connection.”
A Variety of Exciting Guided Trips
BROO offers a variety of guided rafting trips that showcase the best of Garden City and the surrounding areas. Here are some of the exciting adventures you can experience with BROO:
Guided Boise River Rafting: A classic trip that takes you through the heart of Garden City, offering stunning views and opportunities to see local wildlife.
Snake River Rafting: For those seeking a more thrilling adventure, the Snake River offers challenging rapids and breathtaking scenery.
Lower Boise River: A serene float highlighting the peaceful beauty of the Boise River, perfect for families and those looking to relax.
Moonlight Scenic Raft Trip: Experience the magic of the Boise River under the light of a full moon. This trip offers a unique and enchanting perspective of the river.
Private Group Rafting is ideal for businesses, birthdays, team-building exercises, and other private groups. BROO customizes these trips to meet your group’s specific needs and interests.
Adam’s dedication to providing memorable and safe rafting experiences is evident in the glowing testimonials from BROO’s customers. All trips have no hidden fees and no lines so the trips are set for you to show up and focus on having a good time.
Customer Experiences with BROO
Visitors rave about their experiences with BROO. Ally K shares, “Best way to see the Boise River! My husband and I chose to do a scenic river tour on our honeymoon, and Adam made it one of the best things we did on our whole trip. We got to see an osprey dive for a fish, kingfishers, ducks, geese, and more. He even brought us a donut since we were celebrating a special event. Absolutely wonderful, if you’re thinking about doing this, DO. IT.” (-testimonial, BROO website)
Another satisfied customer, Cynthia N, adds, “We had a great time on the river rafting trip! It was safe and exciting at the same time. I would recommend it for people in the area, most definitely. The guides were professional, and fun to hang out with for the afternoon. Highly recommend!” (-testimonial, TripAdvisor)
International Rafting Federation and Future Plans
Adam’s dedication to rafting extends beyond Garden City. As the Secretary General of the International Rafting Federation, headquartered in Boise, he plans to bring an international event to the area. This event will showcase Garden City’s incredible rafting opportunities and put it on the map as a premier destination for water sports enthusiasts worldwide.
“Hosting an international rafting event in Garden City would be a dream come true,” Adam shares. “It’s a chance to show the world what makes our rivers and our community so special.
Garden City is more than just a travel destination; it’s a community of adventurers, nature lovers, artists, and friendly locals who welcome visitors with open arms. From the thrilling river floats to the serene parks and trails, there’s no shortage of ways to stay and play in this vibrant town. Murals brighten walls and buildings throughout the city, showcasing the work of local artists and reflecting the community’s creative spirit. With live music, art makers, and a vibrant culture, Garden City offers a rich tapestry of experiences for all who visit.
Meet the Guides
BROO’s team of experienced guides is dedicated to making your rafting adventure safe and memorable. Here’s a snapshot of the passionate experts who will guide you:
Adam Bass: A local native, Adam grew up exploring the Boise River and has since become an avid whitewater kayaker with extensive rafting experience in the Pacific Northwest, Grand Canyon, Costa Rica, and Australia. As the founder of BROO and Administrative Secretary for the International Rafting Federation, Adam is committed to enhancing customer experiences while promoting environmental sustainability.
Randy Eggert: Arriving in Boise in 1995, Randy pursued a degree in biology education and discovered his passion for outdoor adventures, including rafting, kayaking, climbing, and mountain biking. His extensive experience includes hiking the Pacific Crest Trail and working in environmental education, earning him the trail name “The Science Sloth.”
Elliot Rowen: A Boise native with a love for the outdoors, Elliot has been enjoying the Boise River since 1989. Whether hiking in the Foothills, running along the Greenbelt, or exploring with his dog Kohl, Elliot brings a wealth of local knowledge and enthusiasm to every rafting trip, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
Plan Your Visit with BROO
Adventurers can book guided rafting, paddle boarding (SUP), and kayaking trips through BROO. Visit here to book your trip today.
7661 W. Riverside Dr., Suite 104,Garden City, ID 83714
Ready to experience the magic of Garden City for yourself? Plan your visit today and discover why this Southwest Idaho gem is the perfect place for your next adventure. Remember to enter the July Staycation giveaway for a night at the Riverside Hotel and a chance to win a BROO river float for two and make your trip even more unforgettable.
Garden City truly is an oasis from ordinary. Its breathtaking natural spaces, vibrant community, and opportunities for adventure make it the perfect place to stay and play. We hope to see you soon, exploring the wonders of the Boise River and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates and giveaways from the Garden City Visitors Bureau. Happy travels!
Join us for Country Swing Dancing every Friday at Boise Largest ALL AGE Dance Hub!!
Doors Open at 7pm
Lesson starts at 7:30pm with Dirt Road Dancing
Social dancing from 9pm to Midnight.
No experience/partner necessary. Learn a few basics for beginners then how to up your dance game with a cool move or two. Every week will be different so don’t miss it!
JUST $10 for the entire night. Or advance tickets are only $8!
The Farm is an Alcohol Free all age Dance Hub and Event Center with a 2,600 ft2 dance floor. Check out more at www.thefarmboise.com
Under 18 allowed as long as accompanied by an adult.
We would love to share our space with you for our next Mixed Media Mixer on Summer Solstice! Come hang out with us while we transform our production studio into an artist showcase with art of all mediums!
Who can you expect to find?
Reham Aarti ~ Mosaic Artist
Erica Deshner Cornwall ~ Interdisciplinary Mixed & Multimedia Artist
Aryssa Hutchins ~ Fantasy Conceptual Artist
Nova Calverley-Chase ~ SoulCollage® Facilitator
Creatively ~ Uproar Comedy Troupe
Filmmakers: Elizabeth Findley, Brandon Freeman, Zie Florendo, Maximus Powers, Erica Deshner Cornwall, and more!
Musicians: Tucker DeCory, ZERO
Be prepared to view and experience incredible art, listen to beautiful music, enjoy snacks and beverages, and meet and mingle with awesome people.
Sure, Garden City has plenty of big fun for adults thanks to its Craft Beverage Corridor. But it’s also a wonderland of interesting activities for kids — and who knows, their parents might learn a few things, too!
Start the morning in the garden.
Garden City is the first Bee City, U.S.A. in Idaho, which means that the city is devoted to preserving and protecting these important insects. Garden City has created a safe space for bees at its purpose-built Pollinator Garden. At this educational garden, you and your kids can learn about native bee species, the plants they enjoy, and how the whole family can do its part to help Idaho’s bees thrive.
Learn at the library.
The Garden City Public Library proudly proclaims that it’s “not a quiet library.” And with the number of programs for kids, you’ll quickly find out why! Take your little ones to Toddler Tales storytime and Puppet Theater, or help your older children learn how to speak Spanish at Bilingual Storytime. You’ll discover plenty of other activities, from rock painting workshops to chess, as well as one of the most welcoming environments in the Treasure Valley.
Get weird at the Reuseum.
Let your kids’ imaginations run wild at this family-friendly electronics surplus and supply store. You never know what you’ll find here: Old lab coats, beakers, used motherboards — the list goes on and on and on. The Reuseum is a huge advocate for STEM education and regularly hosts workshops for kids like Deconstruction Labs, Bristlebot Builds, Circuit Building Basics, and Junk Drawer Robots. Or, if your child has a STEM or science project, book time with the staff to go over logistics and see how the Reuseum might be able to help.
Bowl like a pro.
Westy’s Garden Lanes have been a Garden City staple since 1959, and they’re still a family favorite. Strike down some pins and let the kids gorge on Westy’s breakfast-all-day specials (there’s a full-service bar on hand for adults, too). You could always make your excursion into a party: Westy’s has a party package that includes an hour of bowling, 30 minutes of arcade games, unlimited soda, and take-home gifts.
