Nampa, Idaho, offers a fantastic blend of small-town charm and growing amenities, making it a perfect place for families to create lasting memories. If you’re looking for fun outings, you’ll be delighted by the abundance of family-friendly activities right at your doorstep.
From outdoor adventures to unique local experiences, Nampa provides plenty of opportunities to connect, play, and explore. Here are some of our top picks for family fun in Nampa:
1. Visit Lowe Family Farmstead
No list of Nampa’s family activities would be complete without mentioning the Lowe Family Farmstead. While they offer various seasonal events, we recommend that you visit during their fall corn maze and pumpkin festival.
Imagine navigating a giant corn maze, picking the perfect pumpkin from the patch, taking a scenic hayride, and enjoying delicious fall treats. Kids love the pumpkin cannons, the tractor rides, and getting up close with farm animals. It’s an immersive, wholesome experience that truly captures the spirit of autumn in Idaho.
But don’t just limit your visits to fall; Lowe Family Farmstead often hosts other events throughout the year. So, keep an eye on their calendar for spring and summer fun too!
2. Get Active at Lake Lowell
Just a short drive from Nampa, Lake Lowell is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise and a fantastic spot for family fun. This expansive reservoir offers a wealth of activities, especially during the warmer months:
- Boating & Kayaking: Bring your own boat or rent one to enjoy the vast open water. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular ways to explore the serene coves of Lake Lowell.
- Fishing: Lake Lowell is stocked with various fish, making it a great place to cast a line with the kids.
- Picnicking: Numerous picnic areas around the lake provide perfect spots for a family lunch with a view.
- Wildlife Viewing: As part of the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Lowell is a prime location for birdwatching and observing other local wildlife. It’s a great educational opportunity for kids!
Remember to pack sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of water for a full day of lakeside enjoyment.
3. Explore Parks & Playgrounds
Nampa boasts a well-maintained system of parks, each offering something unique for families. They’re perfect for a quick outing, a leisurely afternoon, or burning off some energy:
- Lakeview Park: This is one of Nampa’s largest and most popular parks, featuring extensive playgrounds, a splash pad (perfect for hot summer days!), picnic shelters, and plenty of open space for games. It’s a community hub with something for everyone.
- Kohlerlawn Park: Known for its disc golf course, Kohlerlawn also has a playground, picnic areas, and walking paths.
- Neighborhood Parks: Don’t overlook the smaller, local parks scattered throughout Nampa’s neighborhoods. They’re often quieter and perfect for younger children to play safely.
Many of Nampa’s parks host community events and summer programs. So, check the Nampa Parks and Recreation website for current offerings.
4. Go to the Nampa Rec Center
For year-round indoor recreation, the Nampa Recreation Center is an incredible resource for families. It offers a wide array of activities that can keep kids of all ages engaged:
- Aquatic Center: Featuring a large indoor pool, water slides, a lazy river, and a splash area, it’s a fantastic place for family swims, especially during colder months or for beating the summer heat.
- Climbing Wall: A fun challenge for older kids and adults.
- Gymnasiums: Open for basketball, volleyball, and other sports.
- Fitness Classes: While primarily for adults, some family-friendly classes or open gym times may be available.
Memberships are available, or you can often pay for day passes, making it a flexible option for visitors or those trying it out.
5. Tour the Warhawk Air Museum
For a fascinating and educational outing, the Warhawk Air Museum offers a unique experience. This museum is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting vintage aircraft and artifacts, with a strong focus on the personal stories of veterans.
Kids (and adults!) will be awe-struck by the collection of meticulously restored planes from various eras, including WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. The personal memorabilia and stories shared through exhibits provide a powerful and engaging history lesson for all. It’s an excellent way to introduce children to history, aviation, and the sacrifices made by service members.
The museum is well-organized and engaging, making it suitable for children who have an interest in planes or history.
6. Catch a Game
While the Boise Hawks (minor league baseball) play in Boise, it’s a very easy drive from Nampa and offers a classic family-friendly outing with hot dogs, cheering, and fun between innings.
Closer to home, Nampa is also home to the Idaho Horsemen, a professional indoor football team. Attending a game is an energetic and exciting experience for families, with high-scoring action and a lively atmosphere. Check their schedules for home games at the Ford Idaho Center.
Building Your Family’s Future in Nampa
Nampa truly offers a quality of life that prioritizes family and community. From seasonal festivals to year-round outdoor adventures and educational experiences, there’s always something to do in this corner of Treasure Valley. As you consider where to build your custom home, knowing that such a vibrant, family-friendly community awaits you is a significant advantage.
At Pleasant View Construction, we understand that a home is more than just a structure; it’s the foundation for your family’s life and memories. We’re proud to build custom homes in communities like Nampa, where every day can be an adventure.
