Meridian, Idaho, is a city on the rise nestled in Ada County, ranking as the second largest in the state behind Boise. Its allure lies in its appeal and welcoming atmosphere for families.
Meridian stands out for its top-notch schools, an abundance of parks, and recreational spots that enhance resident's quality of life. The city's vibrant spirit shines through community gatherings and the annual Meridian Dairy Days festival, honoring the dairy heritage of the region.
Meridian attracts visitors with its living environment, community vibe, and easy access to outdoor adventures and attractions around Boise. Here are 20 unforgettable things to do in Meridian:
1. Play Water Games At Roaring Springs Waterpark
The largest water park in the Northwest is situated in Meridian, Idaho, called Roaring Springs Waterpark. Currently, it has numerous rides that are ideal for tourists of all ages, such as the Thunder Falls and the Mammoth Canyon Family Raft Ride, along with leisure services like the Whitewater Bay Wave Pool.
The park extends to over twenty acres and consumes 5 million gallons of water to guarantee tourists have the best time in the park. If you are searching for things to do Meridian, Idaho, Roaring Springs will be one of the most thrilling things for those who love fun.
2. Spend A Sunny Afternoon In Kleiner Park
On a typical sunny afternoon, Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park in Meridian is a beehive of activity. It is a large park that provides a variety of recreational activities within that area.
There is a well-tended sidewalk, beautiful reservoirs, and an opportunity to organize a picnic or to take a walk on the vast territory of the park. Playing equipment for the children's area is well laid out, with playgrounds and splash pads taking up most of the space.
Indeed, any person who is searching for ‘things to do in Meridian, ID,' would find the park interesting with its background and activities.
3. Experience Thrilling Car Races At Meridian Speedway

Meridian Speedway is a car racing track in Meridian, Idaho, where many car races occur regularly and colorful gatherings are often held. It currently witnesses racing events like stock car races, and drift races, and has special nights for themes.
It is a popular track within the community and presents those who find it with a taste of live racing. When considering what to do in Meridian Idaho, you should include Meridian Speedway in your plans.
It is advisable to get to the venue early to acquire good positions as well as be able to watch other events that precede the actual race.
4. Explore A Variety of Reptiles At Idaho Reptile Zoo
It is a friendly zoo to visit especially if you are interested in tours of different snakes, lizards, turtles, and more. People can also get to know about the habitats, conduct, and conservation of these species.
In addition, there are possibilities for the guests to actively interact with some of the animals in the zoo as it is a memorable experience for families and people who love animals.
The current operation of the zoo is 7 days a week starting from 10 am and closing at 6 pm. This is one of the fun things to do Meridian because it is both entertaining and informative, as can be seen by visiting the Idaho Reptile Zoo.
5. Shop The Village At Meridian
The Village at Meridian is a well-known shopping and entertainment complex. Being one of the critical Meridian Idaho attractions, it combines the best of shopping, dining, and entertainment in quite luxurious premises.
This mall has a spacious area of green scenery outside the mall, a clothing line that ranges from inexpensive to expensive brands, and different restaurants that sell different types of foods.
Visitors can ice skate when it's cold, go for seasonal activities, or touch and play with the water fountain when it's hot. There are always extras, such as farmers’ markets being held, and live music is often appropriate for the village setting.
6. Play Mini-Golf At Wahooz Family Fun Zone

Of the recreational facilities that are located in Meridian, Idaho, Wahooz Family Fun Zone is among the best because of the mini golf course. The facility has different creatively designed courses with different subjects and complicated structures.
It is a good activity area for families and groups of people. Being on the list of the best things to do Meridian ID, the mini golf at Wahooz is an entertaining event that guests of different ages will enjoy.
Ideally, it is better to visit during the weekdays or early in the morning/late in the evening on weekends if possible due to high traffic.
7. Stroll Through The Downtown Meridian
Meridian Downtown represents the central part of the city, with preserved remains of the past and new, beautiful illusions. It’s an active neighborhood with local stores, restaurants, and updated things.
There are different restaurants, ranging from traditional American meals to continental meals. There are also art galleries and cultural stations that can be found in the downtown area.
Include a leisurely walk through the downtown area as one of the must-do things to do in Meridian, Idaho. The place is highly accessible on foot, making it perfect for sightseeing on foot.
8. Take Part In Indoor Go-Kart Racing
Indoor go-kart racing turns out to be one of the most interesting activities that people with a zeal for speed can engage in. These facilities use electric or gaseous karts on a track that has been professionally laid down with sharp turns, tall straights, and other complications.
K1 Speed in Meridian, Idaho, is one such center that allows its users to have an incredible time driving, whether they are professionals or not. The karts that are used here include electric karts.
These karts are among the best on the market in terms of speed, ease of handling, and environmental friendliness because they do not emit any pollutants.
9. Visit The Aquarium of Boise

This is a famous educational and entertainment center that presents a great opportunity to learn about numerous species of sea creatures. It has several sections that contain fish, sharks, rays, and other sea animals and marine reptiles.
It also has exhibits of touch tanks through which people can possibly touch starfish and several other water animals. Education is an important focus of the facility, and multiple programs and events for children and adults are provided to teach them about marine biology and environmental conservation.
It is also a perfect site for families, school-going children, and people interested in marine life.
10. Attend Seasonal Events At Idaho Botanical Garden
The Idaho Botanical Garden is a botanic garden situated in Boise, Idaho near Meridian, and hosts several events according to the seasons’ natural calendar. Among the most popular events is the “Winter Garden aGlow”, where the garden is covered with over 500,000 lights, seasonal decorations, and festive music.
Another event of the Patron is an annual “Summer Concert Series” that presents outstanding live music from emerging artists and special guests accompanied by the beauty of gardens.
It also holds a popular ‘Bug Day’ event that occurs in the garden where the visitors get exposure to insects and their importance in the ecology through games and displays.
11. See Local Art Exhibitions At Meridian Art Gallery
Meridian Art Gallery is among the most popular cultural points that focus on displaying the pieces of art created by artists from Meridian and the nearby regions.
It contains reviews of art exhibitions, whereby the gallery changes its exhibitions from time to time, enabling the viewer to enjoy a different experience at any time.
They apply different media in their artwork, such as painting, sculpture, prints, photography, sculpture, and mixed media. That is why the gallery is always active and frequently organizes special events, meetings with the artists, and workshops.
12. Hike or Bike on Ridge To Rivers Trail System

Ridge to Rivers is a trail system that is based in the Boise Foothills and provides over 190 miles of at least multi-purpose trails for hikers, bikers, and equestrian enthusiasts alike.
The trails are marked, and the terrain is relatively smooth, so they can be enjoyed by everyone, even those without experience in mountain biking. Notable trails include Table Rock, Camel’s Back, and Hulls Gulch, which are known for their wonderful natural attributes and scenic views.
It also contains other natural vegetation and wildlife for the wealthy, who can do wildlife viewing and birding.
13. Explore A Wide Range of Books At Meridian Library
Meridian Library District is indeed a multi-branch library that is well stocked with books of all genres and other resources meant for various categories of users.
This versatile and open-concept library offers friendly services and accommodates students as it houses a large collection of books, multimedia books, magazines, newspapers, and educational materials.
To this end, it provides children’s storytime, book clubs, and programs in technology and craft, among others. The library is not only a place for library education but also a center for adult education as well as exhibitions of local artists’ works and cultural activities.
14. Learn About Meridian's Past At Zions Bank Building
Zions Bank Building in Meridian, Idaho is more of a historical building and represents the architectural and historical growth of the city. Although today it occupies the building of the former bank, it is appreciated for its early twentieth-century architectural style with classical motifs as well as decorative intricacies.
The people today who take time to visit the Zions Bank Building can be in a position to view it as a symbol of the advancement of Meridian. When a place has been registered as a historical monument, it is necessary to adhere to preservation measures that govern the building and any other neighboring structure.
15. Spend Time At Fink’s Country Farm

Fink’s Country Farm is a cherished destination among families, particularly in the fall season. The farm is famous for the large area of the pumpkin patch that is used for pumpkin picking by visitors.
Apart from pumpkin picking, other activities that Fink’s Country Farm undertakes include corn mazes, hayrides, and petting zoos. In addition, the farm is decorated to create a fun and delightful atmosphere for the events that target families, adults, and children.
It is advised to carry cash because some of the activities on the farm may not allow you to pay with cards. The ideal times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon.
16. Stop By Meridian Idaho Temple
The Meridian Idaho Temple is one of the vivid temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Consecrated on December 15, 2012, this temple is one of the many LDS temples globally and offers a sacred sanctuary to members.
It has a contemporary look and white exterior with a rather large gold statue of the angel Moroni on top, signifying the true doctrines of the gospel.
They directly encourage the general public to visit the temple since they maintain a serene environment and fabulous ornamental gardens that are occasionally open for public access.
17. Celebrate Community Events At Dairy Days
Meridian holds Dairy Days annually to recognize the historical background and existence of dairy farming in the city. This is a common event that is usually held in June, and the activities include parades, carnivals, livestock shows, and dairy shows.
This mainly involves local dairy products, and through the celebrations, visitors can have fresh milk, cheese, and ice cream, amongst others. One of the key attractions is the parade, which showcases floats, marching bands, and vintage tractors, creating a festive atmosphere that appeals to all ages.
Also, there is entertainment in the form of games, carvings, and tents selling various recognized and tasty foods for the families.
18. Try 12 Rotating Beer Taps At Eight Thirty Common

Eight Thirty Common is one such gem that attracts beer connoisseurs with its 12 taps that are constantly changing. It offers quite a wide variety of beers from the brewery or from the regional breweries.
The place offers various kinds of beers, including the IPAs, the lagers, and all the other varieties in between. For example, a tap on it might have an American IPA, say “Tropic Haze,” from Silver City Brewery or a Mexican Lager, “Tierra Madre,” from Mother Earth Brewing Company.
This existence of variety guarantees that people will always have something special to indulge in when it comes to beers.
19. Buy Antiques At Sevoy Furniture Gallery
Savoy Furniture Gallery offers furniture and art with a focus on mid-century modern furniture. The gallery provides a range of carefully chosen furniture, not limited to sofas, chairs, tables, and credenzas. This is blended with a very active art gallery of modern paintings and old, brutalist-painted metal works.
It is seen in the gallery’s organizational motto, which states that ‘the best is barely sufficient.’ It shows the gallery’s devotion to exclusively selling customized and selected items.
Customers need to prepare for the fact that the selection will be rather diverse; however, the focus will be on mid-century modern sensibility.
20. Savor Italian Classics At Bodovino Ristorante
Bodovino Ristorante is a famous restaurant known for its genuine and timeless Italian food. Situated in an classy environment the eatery presents a menu showcasing traditional Italian delicacies made with fresh top notch ingredients.
Diners can savor an array of main courses including flavorful homemade pastas, delectable risottos and expertly prepared seafood and meat dishes. The menu includes classics, like creamy fettuccine Alfredo, hearty lasagna and delightful tiramisu, for dessert.
The restaurant takes pride in its welcoming ambiance and outstanding service.