Idaho Meridian might sit right outside Boise, but there’s no mistake. It’s all a city with its own unique character. With an outdoor market, locally beloved restaurants, and just the right dose of adventure, Meridian offers a more relaxed life in Treasure Valley. Have a morning coffee before hitting the scenic trails, or spend the afternoon exploring the boutique and finish your day off with sunset views from a nearby park.
Whether you’re planning on buying a home in Meridian, finding apartments to rent, or turning to your city’s rental home, this meridian bucket list is your guide to some of the city’s most iconic experiences. From proven activities to pleasant surprises, these are the stops that capture the essence of the meridian and bring you back. Let’s dive in.
1. Spend an afternoon in the village of Meridian
Without visiting the village of Meridian, the city’s chic shopping and lifestyle destination, the Meridian bucket list is not complete. Here you can find everything from indie shops to national favorites, but it’s the sense of community that makes the experience shine. “For those new to town, I highly recommend this mall. It’s a very welcoming place to spend the afternoon, with beautiful shops and restaurants,” says Brenda from Idaho skincare company Larkspur Lane.
It also brings together locals on a calendar of events that bring the space back to life. “The village is not only known for its great shopping for local and large major shops, but says Kristen Schaefer, owner of El M. Boutique.
“It’s a great place to get together and eat, shop, drink wine and coffee, get ice cream, bowl, shoot new movies at the cinema. There are many different places to sit comfortably and relax and watch the fountain show. – Team at 1st Miracle Boutique
“The sparkling lights, dance fountains and cozy fire pits make it a place where people gather for dinner, shopping, or films under the stars. The perfect blend of small town warmth and modern convenience makes Meridian feel like home.” – Iridessa, Boise Aerials, Fitness
“The village is a great place to visit with many shops, restaurants, cinemas and beautiful parks and playground areas for everyone to enjoy.” – Amy Merrill, Inspirational Dance
2. Explore Discovery Park
To experience the local Meridian, start at Discovery Park. This 64-acre regional park combines the natural beauty of Idaho with endless ways to play from playgrounds and bike trails to shaded picnic spots.
“Is it one of the best ways to immerse that Meridian lifestyle? Discovery Park,” says Kaysi of Tatorjo Idaho Apparel. “It’s a complete victory at all ages. It’s 64 acres of fun with huge playgrounds, ziplines, bike and skate zones, sand and water play, and open spaces for kids. You can spend the day here and trust me.”
3. Celebrate the pride of the city on dairy farming day
There is no better way to embrace the Meridian spirit than Dairy Day, a week-long celebration packed with homeland pride. From the vibrant carnival and Meridian Speedway races, to the 4H Show, one of Idaho’s biggest parades, and the all-new hot air balloon glow, Dairy Day brings together the whole community. This is also a tradition of giving back. We raise funds for local 4H and FFA scholarships to support the next generation of agricultural leaders.
4. Going to hunt for treasure with vintage road tripping
“One of my favourite events in the Meridian area is Vintage Road Trippin’,” the team shares on Blue Fringe Boutique. “This is a six-month shopping event that brings participants to 18 small businesses in Meridian and surrounding towns. Some companies host pop-up vendors, while others offer in-store specials. The event, held every April and September, allows shoppers to spend three days visiting boutiques throughout the Treasure Valley area.
5. Spend the day at Meridian Speedway
Are you craving adrenaline administration in your meridian? Add Meridian Speedway to your bucket list. This local favorite will turn a quiet evening into a major event, filling the grandstand with cheering fans. “This is an absolute must,” says Andy, owner of Meridian BNB. “It’s loud, exciting, seriously fun. You have to watch the boat races they take old boats to cars and trucks and watch them crash around the truck.”
From rocket car exhibitions to actual NASCAR events, Speedway brings an unexpected edge to Meridian’s family-friendly reputation. “It’s perfect for anyone looking for Meridians or something unique and interesting (don’t forget to protect your ears),” adds Andy.
6. Take a leisurely stroll through Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park
For a moment when you just want to wander through a lovely place, Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park is the place to win your heart. The park, once a working farm, was generously donated from its same name as a gift to the community.
Today, visitors can appreciate its peaceful outdoor beauty while taking a walk along its trail, traveling to a playground, or taking part in one of their community events. While weighing the pros and cons of living in Idaho, this place may tilt the scale in favor of calling the Meridian home.
7. Tee off at Lakeview Golf Club
Lakeview Golf Club offers relaxed luxury that defines the Meridian lifestyle for those who love leisure with a scenic side. Here you can maintain a peaceful pace of play and continue to take on enough challenges to make things interesting.
“Whether you’re a longtime hometown or new to Meridian, hitting greenery is a favorite way to relax,” says Carla Hipwell of Idaho Maven. “Lakeview Golf Club is a community gem with scenic fairways and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. We love hosting guests on short-term rentals on 16 holes, but it’s also a go-to place for neighbors and golf enthusiasts.” And if you’re new to the game? “You’ll stop by Scheels or head to Topgolf. The club is included so anyone can easily join.”
8. Explore the wonders of the Idaho Children’s Museum
With kids, the Children’s Museum in Idaho will be your new go-to place. This museum is about the joy of learning through play. Your little ones will shop at mini trader Joe, search for gold in the mines, create play pizzas at Idaho Pizza Company, and become news reporters for KTVB. Their hands-on exhibits stimulate the imagination and curiosity of children of all ages and provide a fun space for families to connect with their community.
“As a meridian parent, I love taking my three children to the Children’s Museum in Idaho. There’s an annual pass. It’s one of the rare places they can learn and enjoy at the same time.” “From piloting jets that pretend to be to explore children’s sized grocery stores, every display stimulates the imagination. For our family, it feels like the perfect snapshot of the meaning of raising children in a childlike community.”
9. Make memories with Wahooz Family Fun Zone
If your fun ideas include a bit of friendly competition and endless laughter, the Wahoos Family Fan Zone is the ultimate playground for all ages. This action-packed entertainment center has so many activities, including go-karts, laser tags, climbing walls, mini golf, bumper boats, and full indoor arcades.
“Wahooz is a weekend adventure spot. Lighting my second before my seven-year-old, we’ll be pulling into the lot,” says Go Skate Meridian’s Tyler Smith. “As a dad, I love it being clean, safe and fun for the whole family, and that’s one of the places where I raise my kids here.
10. I’ll jump into fitness and fun
Jump time is a rare gem that brings fun to fitness. The trampoline park has been delighting Treasure Valley for over a decade with wall-to-wall activities that connect the community. It is a place where children can burn energy, parents can relax and neighbors can connect.
With a fun membership, you can jump for 90 minutes each day with Jump Time Plus and enjoy free check-in to the Wahooz Family Fan Zone, Meridian Bowling Lane, and dozens of other local spots in Treasure Valley.
11. Unleash your creativity
Sometimes the best nights are the ones where you roll your sleeves and get a little messy. Meridian’s DIY scene is full of inspiration and enough paint splatter to feel like a masterpiece created.
DIY Workshop
Looking for a reason to destroy your crafty side? Meridian’s Hammer & Stain covers weekly changing walk-in DIY projects, custom signs and hands-on fun. Are you planning a birthday bash for girls nights, or do you need a break from an adult? Owner Kate Spear and her crew make sure you leave with something beautiful or even a paint stain or two.
Draw your own pottery
For the same practical one, head to one of the most colorful hidden gems in Meridian: Hotspot. They have projects for planning all birthdays, girls’ nights, hanging with friends and family, and even rainy weekends. You can relax with BYOB on your patio or studio. Next, choose from seven creative projects, including painting ceramics, creating scrubs and candles, slime, and mosaics.
12. Explore the local flavor of the meridian
The Meridian dining scene is a revelation to be excited about. Make sure to check out each of these locally beloved spots to fully experience the character of the city.
Dusty Rose Reserve
Dusty Rose Reserve brings a fresh spin to the classic American pub. This neighborhood favourite features 54 spinning craft beers, an impressive selection of wines, and everything from flavourful starters to flavorful entrees. Owned by locals Dusty and Rosie, this restaurant is a great place to get a real feel to the city.
Red Fort Cuisine
Living on the Meridian is about community, warmth and blessing culture. And that’s exactly what you find when you step into Indian Red Fort cuisine. Surrounded by hand-painted murals capturing the soul and flavor of India, which continues to win statewide awards, Redfort offers a moment of escape to India in the heart of Idaho.
Tea won Boba and PC Cafe
Part Boba Shop, Part Console Lounge and T-Womboba & PC Cafe bring a Meridian food scene from a playful modern edge. Opening right away, this is a great place for groups to hang out and spend time with each other.
13. Cool off at Roaring Springs Water Park
Roaring Springs Water Park is Meridian’s ultimate summer escape and one of the top water parks in the northwest. With over 20 attractions, this is a meridian bucket list that is essential for thrill seekers and relaxing lovers.
With a heart-pounding slide to the gentle swaying of a lazy river, Roaring Springs offers fun to every mood. Recent additions such as the Class 5 Canyon White Water Raft Ride and the whimsical Camp IDAH2O bring fresh energy to the park. Want to relax? Private cabanas and shaded loungers offer a refreshing escape from the summer sun.
Check the Meridian Bucket List
Meridian is full of the charm, warmth and wide open possibilities that Idaho is known for. Whether browsing local boutiques, catching thrills at the speedway, or watching children illuminate at a children’s museum, the city’s idyllic lifestyle is an invitation to calm and enjoy every moment.
From summer fun to memory-filled weekends, this meridian bucket list captures the magic of everyday life and the quick fall of newcomers that locals love. So, if you’re planning on moving to Idaho, start discovering new favorites, share them with friends, and surprise you with Meridian in all the right ways.
