I have a hard time rating parks lower than four stars…read more There. I said it. Why? Because--yay, I'm a fan of an oasis of green, however big or small. That said, of course, if it was overly littered or more weedy than grassy--I suppose I'd have to go lower in stars. Fortunately, that is not the case for Fairview Park. Fairview Park is a neighborhood park on the corner of 23rd and Idaho Streets that, while small, is none-the-less full of amenities. There's a playground for the wee ones as well as those a little less wee (you know--the 6-12 set). They have a couple full sized basketball courts as well as 2 tennis courts. There's picnic tables (no covered picnic area), plenty of benches, and restrooms (though--it should be noted they're closed in winter). Another note--probably not the best park for larger gatherings as the only parking is on street. Also, not the best place for sports or kite flying as there's a fair amount of trees dispersed throughout the park that would get in the way. The up side? Plenty of shade on a hot day. Get to it!

Great smaller relaxed park with nice basketball and tennis courts. Good/newer play-ground for kids…read more Love the neighborhood!

Barber Park is the perfect place to start your float on the Boise River. The official floating…read moreseason ends on Labor Day, but you can still float from here afterward. Just keep in mind there are no rentals or shuttles back and forth to Ann Morrison Park after that date. Parking is $7 and the park has nice restrooms, a playground, and a convenient staging area to unload your gear before you park. The float ends at Ann Morrison Park, which makes it really easy to plan your trip. I highly recommend floating the Boise River starting from Barber Park. It is a fun and memorable experience!

This was our first time going river rafting and it was such a journey. They have an area where you…read morecan stop the car and pull out any tubes or rafts to blow up. Once you are done, you can drive around and park your car. We had one car waiting at the end so that we could get back to this park. They do have restrooms in two separate spots as well. It is super easy to load the rafts into the water. The season is over right now, so there wasn't too many people into the water. The water was a little cold, but it was refreshing. Along the way, we saw people on hikes and in hammocks. We also saw people fishing as well. This is such a great park. I would love to do this again!

Great neighborhood park with something for everyone! Sure, it may be a simple park- but it's got…read moreeverything you'd need. Playground for the kiddos, tennis courts, beach volleyball, and basketball courts. Other amenities include benches, covered picnic tables, bathrooms, trash cans, and a parking lot. Helen Lowder Park is very well kept- I've never seen the trash overflowing and therefore no one litters here! The bathrooms close in the winter and lock after sunset in the summer but are pretty standard for a public park bathroom. Tons of beautiful, mature trees to keep you cool in the summer- and they turn the most beautiful colors in the fall.

Overall, it's a pretty good gym. I like the crowd here (low key and more serious about working…read moreout) versus Park Center, Meridian or The Village. Only complaint is broken equipment sitting idle too long and damaged stretching mats in the "turf" room. Honestly, why does Planet Fitness (which is horrible for other reasons) have newer/better equipment than Villa Sport?

Sadly, this Gym located on Fairview and Cole in Boise, Idaho, has been going downhill for some…read moretime. I've been a member for several years and am now looking to cancel due to strange billing practices, a filthy pool, and rude employees. For example, the customer service comment at the bottom of my review is way off base, as this gym DOES have a pool. Its gross and smells like pee. Lucky for our community a new Gym is opening across the street!

Free entry! Suitable for families and people of all ages, I saw people ranging from babies to the…read moreelderly and all enjoying themselves. I took my 3 year old, she's obsessed with playing with water, & this seemed like a fun thing to do, & it didn't disappoint, she had a great time! I appreciate the educational side of it & found it to be interesting and informative.

A really well thought out educational displays that are touch screen interactive. Tells the story…read moreof how water is moved around southern Idaho and how the wastewater is processed and returned to the environment. Not just a kid thing, but adults should enjoy the process of water reclamation. Great teaching tool for residents who need to understand the water resources. California could learn a lot from the measures taken by Idahoans to preserve fhis valuable resource.

This walking trail -- no bicycles or motor vehicles allowed -- is located along the Boise River,…read morenext to the Boise Greenbelt. It extends for 1.6 miles toward the East ParkCenter Bridge. Benches are located throughout the trail and there's plenty of plants and birds that inhabit the area. Bethine Church, who died in December 2013, was a tireless advocate for conserving and protecting public lands. It was fitting that the unpaved trail was named after her.

We love exploring the numerous trails around Boise. The Bethine Church River Trail is a great…read morenature trail restricted to pedestrians. Dogs on leash are welcome. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset. In the nearby ponds we've seen ducks and swans. You can exit the trail into adjacent neighborhoods or continue on the Greenbelt trail system.

Boise State students--you have it so good when it comes to a recreation center!…read more All the things: Indoor track, volleyball courts, basketball courts, free weights, weight machines, stretching areas, cardio equipment, various classes throughout the week, an indoor climbing gym, and pool/hot tub! You have practically everything that your heart could wish for in this work out facility. My favorite part: While I'm a fan of all the offerings that this facility has, my favorite is the climbing wall! All you have to do is take their intro to belay/bouldering skills class and then you can use the wall (when it's open) for the semester. I had never climbed prior to coming here, and they made it a fun/exciting/not intimidating process to learn. They have shoes that you can rent (this costs a few dollars) and harnesses (free)! The climbing gym also has several different courses varying in difficulty, so whether you are a newbie or an expert, you'll have a fun yet challenging time! Cost: If you are a full-time student, the cost for the rec center is included in your tuition...score. And if you want to continue your membership after graduating, their prices for alumni are compararble to other gyms in the area (about $29/month).

If you are a tennis player and live in Boise, this is the place to play and become a member. 12…read moreindoor courts and 9 outdoor courts make playing all year round awesome. Lots of members of all levels so if you're looking for a game, there are many to get connected with. Idaho has a great tennis population and this is where things happen. Been a member for 3 years now and am not disappointed. Love the pool in the summer.

Visited the racquet club in July 2019. Wanted a lesson for my son. We got Bill Gray. I must…read moresay, it was by far the best lesson my son Patrick ever got. He seemed to have immediate results, and after the two lessons, Bill coordinated with other good players for my son to play with. Great price for the lesson, terrific practice session afterward, along with top notch instruction. Thanks again Bill.