Story by Tia Crabtree, Photos by Jean Wolford
SUMMER FUN WITH KIDS!
Explore & Play!
It’s been an unpredictable year for weather. Each morning we ask Alexa “what’s the weather” or we Google our WeatherBug app for details because it’s always changing. Is it in or outside today with the kiddos? Where do we cool off, and what’s for lunch? Then your local conscience mind says, “keep it local when you can” if you’re going out. Planning and executing activities on a daily or every-other-day basis is smart, especially in this overwhelming tech era where kids are glued to electronics. As parents we are educators, fitness directors, nutritionist, safety experts, and more. Here’s to getting out and keeping dollars local.
Heritage Park
It’s been an unpredictable year for weather. Each morning we ask Alexa “what’s the weather” or we Google our WeatherBug app for details because it’s always changing. Is it in or outside today with the kiddos? Where do we cool off, and what’s for lunch? Then your local conscience mind says, “keep it local when you can” if you’re going out. Planning and executing activities on a daily or every-other-day basis is smart, especially in this overwhelming tech era where kids are glued to electronics. As parents we are educators, fitness directors, nutritionist, safety experts, and more. Here’s to getting out and keeping dollars local.
Smoky Mountain Pizza
If you want to escape the nuggets, cottage cheese and grape plate from home, there’s pizza time on the patio. You’ll enjoy lunch, creative pizza making skills from your kids, and people-watching all wrapped into one, and the wait staff cleans up giving you a break. After your visit, consider going for a walk in downtown Eagle.
SV Cookie Company
Enjoy an assortment of cookies by taking home a box for the family, or simply a cookie for each kid. They stick with the basics and it works. Chocolate chip, snickerdoodles, white chocolate macadamia nut, and other traditional recipe cookies. While enjoying the sugar-filled energy, glance at all the cool retails products not related to food. They have board games, puzzles, gadgets and hard-to-find unique gift ideas for purchase.
Bricknowlogy
Every kid loves Legos! This construction-themed retail toy store, education center, party experience, and ultimate trading post is a kid’s dream! They also have unique printing technology that allows you to create custom minifigures, parts, bricks, photos and more!! Bricknowlogy has the largest LEGO® selection and lowest everyday prices in the State of Idaho (and probably the region) which you have to love as a parent!
Merrill Park
A great park! Leave in the morning, have lunch and leave by 1pm before temperatures soar. Located next to the Boise River Greenbelt sits a beautiful 9-acre park with an open playing field, picnic areas, wetland/riparian areas, an observation shelter (gazebo), pond area, foot paths, children’s play area (including an interactive water feature), volleyball and basketball courts.
Crunch Fitness
Too hot, go indoors and swim at Crunch Fitness. It does require a membership or daily fee, and the kids will have a blast staying warm at room temperature and eliminating the need for sunscreen. You can escape for a workout if your kids are a certain age, or place young kids in their day care, then workout and swim all together.
