Julia Davis Park
4.7(4,254)4.7 out of 5 stars, 4254 reviews Boise, ID
About Julia Davis Park
An expansive and scenic park in the heart of Boise along the greenbelt, offering an exceptional concentration of family-friendly attractions including Zoo Boise, multiple museums, paddle boats, playgrounds, and beautiful river trails.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Full-day family outings combining outdoor recreation with educational museum or zoo visitsActive water sports like paddle boarding, kayaking, and paddle boatingRelaxing walks, picnics, and enjoying nature in a safe environmentToddlers and Preschoolers (enjoying the playgrounds, feeding ducks, and visiting Zoo Boise)School-age Children (exploring the historical museum, rose gardens, and riding paddle boats)
Why families love it
- Convenient access to Zoo Boise, Boise Art Museum, and Idaho Historical Museum
- Scenic Boise River greenbelt trails perfect for electric scooters and biking
- Ponds with ducks, geese, and paddle boat rentals
- Beautiful rose garden, cancer survivor monuments, and a small waterfall
- Ample shade from large, mature trees and spacious picnic areas
- Zoo Boise located directly within the park grounds
Insider tips
- Rent electric scooters to easily cruise around the extensive trail system
- Be prepared to detour around occasional construction areas on the walking paths
- Look out for major seasonal events like 'Art in the Park' which bring in food trucks and vendors
- Utilize the park-provided shuttles during special events to make parking easier
Good to know before you go
- Attempting to navigate certain blocked pathways during active construction periods if using strollers or wheelchairs
- Ongoing construction can temporarily block some walking paths
- Crowds
- Usually quiet with low traffic, especially on the Broadway side
- Value
- Excellent value as a free public park, though individual attractions like Zoo Boise, museums, paddle boat rentals, and electric scooters require separate fees.
- Food
- Picnicking on the green grass is highly popular
- Accessibility
- Paved greenbelt paths suitable for walking and biking
- Safety
- Generally feels very safe for families and solo visitors
What parents say
"This is a quiet park right on the green belt near downtown Boise, usually not a lot of traffic, especially on the broadway side. It’s great to take a walk here and find the peace in the heart of the city. It’s also good to walk through the cancer monuments and to encourage yourself how precious life is and cherish every minute that you have."
a month ago
"Beautiful park!! Highly recommend renting the electric scooters and cruising around all the trails. Worth every penny! So much to do here. Saw people out paddle boarding, kayaking, walking, running, swimming, fishing, biking, picnicking, even wake-surfing! Such a pretty place with giant trees, river views, green grass and views to spare."
a year ago
"Beautiful. The signs are so in line with life. Warrior of 3 different cancers. So far, I've made remission in all of them. The grounds are nice , just construction kept me from walking all around park. I plan to return to visit again!"
a year ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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