Meridian IdahoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Meridian, Idaho.
1. The Village at Meridian
PREMIER SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT
The Village at Meridian is an upscale outdoor mall featuring a blend of local and national retailers, dining options, and entertainment venues. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful fountain show, shop at various stores, or watch a movie at the luxurious theater. The Village regularly hosts events like live music and seasonal markets, making it a hub of activity year-round.
2. Roaring Springs Waterpark
THRILLING AQUATIC ADVENTURES
Roaring Springs Waterpark offers a massive aquatic playground with thrilling water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river for visitors of all ages. During summer months, it's the perfect destination to cool off and enjoy some water-based fun with family and friends. The park features exciting attractions like the Cliffhanger slide and family raft rides that promise an adrenaline rush.
3. Wahooz Family Fun Zone
YEAR-ROUND FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
Wahooz Family Fun Zone is an all-seasons entertainment center offering activities like go-karts, mini-golf, arcade games, and bowling. The indoor and outdoor attraction provides endless fun regardless of weather conditions, making it ideal for family outings or birthday celebrations. Visitors can purchase individual activities or opt for all-day passes to maximize their experience.
4. Meridian Speedway
HIGH-SPEED RACING ACTION
Meridian Speedway is a quarter-mile asphalt oval track hosting exciting auto racing events throughout the season. The venue features various racing categories including sprint cars, modifieds, and legends cars that thrill spectators with high-speed action. Racing enthusiasts can enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere while experiencing the sights, sounds, and excitement of local motorsports.
5. Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park
SCENIC URBAN OASIS
Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park is a beautiful 60-acre recreational area featuring walking paths, playgrounds, and open green spaces for community enjoyment. The park includes a scenic pond, amphitheater for outdoor performances, and various sports facilities including pickleball courts and a baseball field. Adjacent to The Village at Meridian, this urban oasis provides the perfect setting for picnics, outdoor activities, or simply relaxing in nature.
6. Settlers Park
RECREATION AND RELAXATION
Settlers Park offers a variety of recreational amenities including sports fields, a fishing pond, and playgrounds for visitors of all ages. The park features a splash pad that's perfect for cooling off during hot summer days, along with picnic areas and walking paths. Winter visitors can enjoy seasonal activities like sledding on the park's hills when snow conditions permit.
7. Children's Museum Of Idaho
HANDS-ON LEARNING FUN
The Children's Museum Of Idaho provides an interactive learning environment where kids can explore, discover, and play through hands-on exhibits. The museum features themed areas designed to stimulate curiosity, creativity, and imagination in young visitors. Educational programs and special events throughout the year enhance the experience, making it a favorite destination for families with children.
8. Idaho Art Gallery
LOCAL ARTISTIC EXPRESSION
Idaho Art Gallery showcases the work of talented local and regional artists in a welcoming, accessible space. The gallery features rotating exhibitions spanning various media including paintings, sculptures, photography, and mixed media works. Visitors can admire the artistic talents of Idaho creators while gaining insight into the cultural landscape of the region.
9. Topgolf
HIGH-TECH GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Topgolf Meridian offers a unique blend of golf, technology, and entertainment suitable for both seasoned golfers and complete beginners. The venue features climate-controlled hitting bays where players can enjoy point-scoring golf games using microchipped balls that track accuracy and distance. Beyond golf, visitors can enjoy full-service dining, a lively bar atmosphere, and various entertainment options in this social sports complex.
10. Boise State University
ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC HUB
Boise State University is a vibrant educational institution known for its distinctive blue football field and comprehensive academic programs. The campus offers visitors beautiful grounds to explore, along with cultural attractions like the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts and the Albertsons Library. Sports enthusiasts can catch exciting Broncos games at Albertsons Stadium during football season or attend other collegiate sporting events throughout the year.
11. Idaho State Capitol Building
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT CENTER
The Idaho State Capitol Building stands as an impressive example of neoclassical architecture and serves as the seat of Idaho's government. Visitors can take self-guided tours to admire the Capitol's stunning interior featuring marble columns, a soaring rotunda, and the original legislative chambers. The meticulously maintained grounds surrounding the building provide a peaceful setting with monuments, memorials, and beautiful gardens to explore.
12. Ford Idaho Center
PREMIER EVENT VENUE
The Ford Idaho Center is a multi-purpose entertainment complex hosting concerts, sporting events, and large exhibitions throughout the year. The venue includes an arena, amphitheater, and sports center with facilities for equestrian events, rodeos, and other large-scale performances. Located just a short drive from Meridian, this entertainment hub attracts big-name performers and thousands of visitors to its diverse calendar of events.
13. Idaho Central Arena
DOWNTOWN SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Idaho Central Arena is downtown Boise's premier venue for sporting events, concerts, and large-scale entertainment. Home to the Idaho Steelheads hockey team, the arena offers excellent sightlines and modern amenities for spectators. Beyond sports, the venue hosts major music acts, family shows, and special events throughout the year, making it a cultural cornerstone of the Treasure Valley.
14. Old Idaho Penitentiary Site
HISTORIC PRISON MUSEUM
The Old Idaho Penitentiary Site offers visitors a glimpse into the state's criminal justice history through its preserved cell blocks, gallows, and solitary confinement areas. Operating from 1872 to 1973, this former prison now serves as a museum where visitors can learn about notable inmates, prison riots, and daily life behind bars. The site regularly hosts special events including paranormal tours that explore the allegedly haunted aspects of this historic landmark.
15. Freak Alley Gallery
OUTDOOR STREET ART
Freak Alley Gallery is the largest outdoor art gallery in the Northwest, featuring an ever-changing collection of murals and graffiti art in downtown Boise. What began as a single painting in 2002 has evolved into a vibrant public art space spanning multiple city blocks and alleyways. Artists regularly refresh the displays, ensuring that return visitors always discover new and exciting visual experiences in this unique urban gallery.