Blake Walsh

15 Free Things to Do in Meridian, ID

  • Published 2023/01/14

Meridian is a city within Ada County in Idaho, the second largest in the state next to Boise.

Its population reached 117,635 based on the 2020 census.

What’s impressive about this city is it’s considered one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.

Meridian was established in 1891 and had its current name two years later.

It was incorporated in 1903.

Decades have passed, and this city has grown into a successful and one of the most sought-after places to settle down.

It is also popular for being the headquarters of Scentsy.

Meridian is also filled with fun and exciting attractions you can explore with your loved ones.

The good thing is you won’t have to spend a penny to experience various activities in the city.

Check out these free things to do in Meridian, Idaho.

Stroll at The Village at Meridian

Water fountain at The Village at Meridian

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The Village at Meridian is an outdoor shopping mall that is perfect if you want to hang out with friends while enjoying a lively atmosphere.

The Village at Meridian is known for several top-notch and specialty retail, upscale restaurants, cafes, cinemas, and office spaces.

But don’t worry, as this attraction is also well-known for its picturesque setting and picture-perfect structures.

A candy store at The Village at Meridian

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You’ll be amazed at The Village at Meridian’s surrounding buildings inspired by European-style architecture.

There are also picture-perfect parks and relaxing walkways that surround the establishment.

One thing you shouldn’t miss out on here is its world-class fountain show with choreographed lights and music.

The Village at Meridian is located on East Monarch Sky Lane.

Flowers at The Village at Meridian

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Bring Your Furry Friends to Storey Bark Park

Storey Bark Park is a 2.5-acre dog park on East Watertower Lane.

Your furry friends will have the best times of their lives in this park, which has leashing/unleashing area.

Storey Bark Park also has separate areas for small and large dogs.

There are also shade shelters and walkways you can explore while you let your dogs mingle with others.

Aside from walking, you can also bike within the park’s vicinity.

You may also bring your food and enjoy a meal at one of Storey Bark Park’s picnic tables and benches.

Storey Bark Park is also adorned with cute dog-themed street signs.

See Beautiful Artworks at Initial Point Gallery

Initial Point Gallery is located on the third floor of the Meridian City Hall on East Broadway Avenue, just across from the Mayor’s Office reception area.

Initial Point Gallery features a 100-foot wall space for beautiful and captivating artworks.

It has two-dimensional paintings and hand-crafted displays like sculptures and potteries.

This hidden gem features creations of local artists and rotating exhibits.

Play Sports at Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park

Entrance arch of Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park

Kencf0618, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park is a 65-acre park on North Records Avenue.

It features a bocce ball court, sand volleyball, a pickleball court, and a half-court basketball.

It also has a multipurpose amphitheater and a designated park for senior citizens.

If you just want to relax and enjoy the peace and solitude of the surroundings, you can spend your time at Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park’s community garden and explore its walkways.

Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park also boasts two fishing ponds, a drinking fountain, a labyrinth, and an obelisk.

You can bring your little ones here and let them enjoy the park’s play area.

You might also want to check out Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park’s Rock of Honor Memorial Monument for Veterans, Statue of the Late Julius M. Kleiner, Tot Lots, and Tree Arboretum.

Enjoy Fresh Air at Bear Creek Park

Bear Creek Park is an urban park on South Stoddard Road.

This park will give you the peace of mind you’re looking for amid the hustle and bustle of the city.

Bear Creek Park offers spacious walkways and a 9-hole disc golf course.

You and your friends can also use its baseball/softball and basketball courts.

This is also a family-friendly park where your kids can play at the open play area and playground with slides, swings, and more.

Bear Creek Park has picnic shelters with charcoal grills available for rent.

Go on a Picnic at Settlers Park

Playground drums at Settlers Park

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Settlers Park is the perfect place to picnic with friends or family.

Here, you’ll be surrounded by a spacious landscape area and lush trees.

Settlers Park also has bike racks and a fishing pond.

It also features two tennis courts, 16 horseshoe courts, eight baseball fields, a 9-hole disc golf course, and a clubhouse.

This famous park also boasts a splash pad open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

You can find the park on North Meridian Road.

Skate at Tully Park

Tully Park is an 18-acre green space situated on North Linder Road.

This destination is popular for its skate park.

It also offers an open play area, softball court, basketball court, and many benches where you can sit back and relax.

You can also explore Tully Park by walking, jogging, and biking.

Playgrounds for children of all abilities are also available here.

Just like any other park and attraction in the city, make sure to leave no trace and to dispose of your trash properly.

See the Meridian Idaho Temple

Exterior of Meridian Idaho Temple

SkyBlodgett / Shutterstock.com

Meridian Idaho Temple, nestled on North Linder Road, is a temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Its groundbreaking happened on Aug. 23, 2014, and it was dedicated on Nov. 19, 2017.

While you’re in the city, make sure to stop by and check out this visually striking structure inspired by modern architecture.

Beautiful tulips in front of Meridian Idaho Temple

Jacob Roecker, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Meridian Idaho Temple’s design is focused on seismic standards.

Its interior, on the other hand, features marble quarried from Egypt, Spain, and Italy.

Meridian Idaho Temple’s design also includes syringa or Idaho’s state flower.

Its stained glass and wool rugs have colors gold, greens, and blues, representing the state’s nature and harvest.

Have Some Quiet Time at Champion Park

Champion Park is a six-acre neighborhood park on North Troxel Way within a neighborhood with the same name.

This park measures 112 acres and is situated in the heart of the Treasure Valley.

It has a basketball court, playground, and picnic shelter perfect for afternoon relaxation alone or with the whole family.

There are also paved walkways you can explore and benches where you can sit while enjoying some “me time” at Champion Park.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Take a Tour of the Idaho State Capitol

Exterior of Idaho State Capitol

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Idaho State Capitol is located on West Jefferson Street in Boise, just 16 minutes from Meridian.

The capitol is Idaho’s most treasured building.

You’ll be in awe of this structure’s sandstone walls and dome that measures 208 feet.

Senate chamber in Idaho State Capitol

Nagel Photography / Shutterstock.com

Idaho State Capitol’s Renaissance Revival architecture stands out from the rest of the nearby buildings.

It is also a reflection of the state’s important political, economic, and social history.

Idaho State Capitol is also home to several public galleries and gift shop that sells products related to the origin of the state.

Rotunda in Idaho State Capitol

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Visit the Camel’s Back Park

Aerial view of Camel’s Back Park

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Camel’s Back Park is an 11-acre park on Heron Street in Boise.

It can be reached via an 18-minute drive from Meridian.

Camel’s Back Park is surrounded by foothills shaped like a camel’s back.

Bernard Lemp, on behalf of the city, acquired it in 1932; it was later developed through public donations.

Camel’s Back Park features a playground, picnic area, and tennis courts.

People along Camel’s Back Park trail

Michael Gordon / Shutterstock.com

It also has access to the Boise foothills and Hulls Gulch.

This green space is a perfect spot for fireworks viewing and exciting astronomical events like meteor showers and star gazing.

Other things you can do here are kite flying, hiking, and mountain biking.

During winter, this park’s lower hill transforms into a sledding area.

Waters at Camel’s Back Park

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Admire Creative Artworks at Freak Alley Gallery

Daytime view of Freak Alley Gallery

Tamanoeconomico, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Freak Alley Gallery is an outdoor art gallery on North 9th Street in Boise, 16 minutes away from Meridian.

It is the northwest’s largest outdoor and multi-artist mural gallery.

The first drawing in Freak Alley Gallery was created by Colby Akers in 2002.

A mural at Freak Alley Gallery

Lhimec, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Years have passed, and this location has transformed into a gallery featuring colorful murals, graffiti, and other public art.

The murals are replaced and painted with new ones every few years to give chance to other local artists to showcase their works.

Freak Alley Gallery also hosts an annual painting event.

A building at Freak Alley Gallery

Tamanoeconomico, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Spot Some Wildlife at Kathryn Albertson Park

Ducks at Kathryn Albertson Park

Michael Gordon / Shutterstock.com

Kathryn Albertson Park is a 41-acre park on South Americana Boulevard in Boise, just 14 minutes away from Meridian.

It can be found in the city’s downtown.

At Kathryn Albertson Park, you can spot and get an up-close view of some amazing wildlife creatures.

This natural oasis is home to more than 400 trees, 2,000 shrubs, and a wide variety of flowers.

A structure at Kathryn Albertson Park

Michael Gordon / Shutterstock.com

You can easily explore Kathryn Albertson Park through its paved walkways leading to a green paradise.

You can also reserve one of its gazebos.

Kathryn Albertson Park has a pond whose water comes from Ann Morrison Park; however, swimming and fishing are prohibited.

Bridge trail at Kathryn Albertson Park

Michael Gordon / Shutterstock.com

Relax amid Nature at Julia Davis Park

The grounds of Julia Davis Park

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Julia Davis Park is a 43-acre memorial park on South Capitol Boulevard in Boise.

You can reach this place via a 16-minute drive from Meridian.

Julia Davis Park was created after Thomas Davis donated this site to the city of Boise back in 1907 to commemorate his late wife, Julia.

A river at Julia Davis Park

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You’ll have a wonderful time in this park, especially if you’re a nature lover.

Julia Davis Park is surrounded by towering and lush trees, which provide shade from the blazing afternoon heat.

This is also where you can find the Julia Davis Rotary Plaza, Rose Garden, Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Survivor Plaza, and Childhood Cancer Pavilion.

Geese at Julia Davis Park

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Enjoy Outdoor Activities at Ann Morrison Park

Aerial view of Ann Morrison Park

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Ann Morrison Park is a 153-acre park on South Americana Boulevard in Boise, just 16 minutes away from Meridian.

Ann Morrison Park is known for its unique spray fountain.

You can spend your day here relaxing and enjoying the view of nature.

Waters at Ann Morrison Park

melissamn / Shutterstock.com

Ann Morrison Park also has bocce courts, horseshoe pits, a disc golf course, and a sand volleyball court.

You can also use its outdoor gym to exercise and stretch your muscles.

Your kids will have fun in this park’s playground and football fields.

Ann Morrison Park is home to some wildlife animals, but feeding them is strictly prohibited.

Water fountain at Ann Morrison Park

CSNafzger / Shutterstock.com

Final Thoughts

Meridian is a gem waiting to be discovered with its relaxing parks, interesting museums, amazing art galleries, and more.

Aside from that, this city’s alleys and districts are also worth a visit.

Who says you need to spend thousands of dollars to have a good time and create new memories?

Use this guide in your next travel adventure and have fun trying all these free things to do in Meridian, Idaho.

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