Summer may be winding down, but there is still plenty of family fun ahead! From free outdoor movies and colorful hot-air balloons to fair rides and a sweet celebration connected to Giraffe Laugh’s history, the Treasure Valley has something for every family this August and Labor Day weekend.
Here are a few local activities recommended by the child care experts at Giraffe Laugh Early Learning Centers.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie at Settlers Park
Source: Meridian Community Calendar
Friday, August 7
Activities begin at 7:00 p.m.; movie begins at dusk
Settlers Park in Meridian (3545 N Meridian Rd, Meridian, ID 83646)
FREE EVENT
Pack some snacks, bring a blanket or low-back lawn chairs, and settle in for an outdoor showing of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Meridian’s Sparklight Movie Night is a free, family-friendly way to enjoy one more summer evening together before the school-year routines begin.
Children and teens under 18 must attend with a parent or responsible guardian who remains at the event.
Celebrate Goody’s 30th Anniversary, and a Piece of Giraffe Laugh History!
Saturday, August 8, from 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Goody’s Soda Fountain in Hyde Park
1502 N. 13th Street, Boise
Help Goody’s celebrate 30 years of serving handmade ice cream, chocolates, candy and plenty of sweet memories in Boise’s historic Hyde Park neighborhood.
This celebration is especially meaningful to Giraffe Laugh because the building has an important place in our history!
Giraffe Laugh first opened in 1989 as a nonprofit drop-in child care center providing respite for families with limited incomes. In 1995, Goody’s purchased the building where Giraffe Laugh began, prompting our organization to relocate and expand its services. Goody’s opened its Boise shop the following year and has been part of the neighborhood ever since.
Stop by for a treat, celebrate another beloved local organization, and show your children where Giraffe Laugh’s story first began!
Lilo & Stitch at the Julia Davis Park Bandshell
Friday, August 21, at approximately 9:00 p.m.
Gene Harris Bandshell at Julia Davis Park
FREE EVENT
“Ohana means family,” making Lilo & Stitch a perfect choice for a family movie night!
The movie begins at dusk once it is dark enough for the projection equipment, usually around 9:00 p.m. Admission is free, and no tickets are required. Families are encouraged to bring blankets, warm layers, flashlights and low-back lawn chairs.
Western Idaho Fair
August 21–30
Expo Idaho in Garden City
Children 5 and under are FREE
Carnival rides, animals, live entertainment, exhibits and classic fair food make the Western Idaho Fair an end-of-summer tradition for many Treasure Valley families.
The fair opens at noon on weekdays and at 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is required, but children ages five and younger receive free general admission. Families can purchase tickets in advance or at the fair.
Before heading out, check the daily schedule and decide which activities your family most wants to see. Setting a spending budget ahead of time can also help everyone enjoy the day without the grown-ups getting an unpleasant surprise from the lemonade stand.
Youth Ride Free with Valley Regional Transit
Available through August 31
Youth Ride Free is not a one-day event, but it is an incredible summer program for Treasure Valley families.
Children and teens ages 18 and younger can receive a free summer bus pass providing unlimited rides on Valley Regional Transit services through August 31. The pass can be used on VRT services in Boise, Garden City, Meridian, Nampa and Caldwell.
Families can register online, at a VRT Customer Service desk or at participating Boise Public Library locations. It can be a great opportunity for older children and teens to practice traveling safely and independently while helping families save money on transportation.
Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
Source: Spirit of Boise Website
September 2–6
Ann Morrison Park
The Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic arrives a little after August this year, but it is too magical to leave off the list!
Families can watch colorful hot-air balloons inflate and launch over Boise during the early-morning events. Highlights include:
- Kid’s Day on Wednesday, September 2
- The first launch on Thursday, 11/03
- The Nite Glow Spectacular on Friday evening, 11/04
- The Family Morning Launch on Saturday, 11/05
- The final Great Launch on Sunday, 11/06
On Kid’s Day, children can learn how balloons work and may have the opportunity to take a free tethered ride on a first-come, first-served basis. All launches and tethered rides depend on safe weather conditions, so check the event’s updates before leaving home.
Morning temperatures can be chilly, and the grass is often wet with dew. Dress in layers, consider waterproof shoes for little ones and leave pets at home because the balloon burners can be uncomfortable for their sensitive ears.
Make the Most of the Final Days of Summer
Whether your family watches a movie under the stars, shares an ice cream cone, explores the fair or wakes up early to see balloons fill the Boise sky, these outings offer something even more valuable than entertainment: time together.
At Giraffe Laugh, we know that children learn through play, exploration and meaningful experiences with the people who care for them. We hope these local activities help your family make a few more joyful summer memories together!
