Blake Walsh

15 Free Things to Do in Nampa, ID

  • Published 2022/12/21

Nampa is a gorgeous city in the heart of Treasure Valley, Idaho.

This small but bustling city is 20 miles west of Boise, making it an ideal weekend getaway destination.

Nampa mainly features a combination of small-town appeal with a growing urban community.

This city in Canyon County, Idaho, is home to over 240,000 inhabitants known for their rich cowboy heritage.

Besides its famous wineries and rolling vineyards, you’ll enjoy plenty of exciting things in Nampa.

It’s also home to gorgeous parks, historical landmarks, colorful street art, and exciting activities.

Above all, many of these attractions are free to enjoy, which makes Nampa an ideal destination for budget travelers.

Check out the free things to do in Nampa, Idaho, and prepare for your next adventure!

Embrace the Outdoors at Lake Lowell

Sunset reflecting on Lake Lowell

JayOhGee / Shutterstock.com

Lake Lowell is a small but charming lake along Lake Avenue.

This lake became one of the Western United States’ biggest off-stream reservoirs after being completed in 1909, spanning over 9,800 acres.

Some of the best activities at this lake are sightseeing, birdwatching, hiking, boating, and fishing.

Nature trail at Lake Lowell

Charles Knowles / Shutterstock.com

There are numerous access points to the lake along Lake Avenue.

When visiting Lake Lowell, keep your eyes peeled for various animals, such as birds and mammals, that thrive in the area.

Head to Lake Lowell upon arriving in Nampa to get acquainted with the city’s natural scenery.

Bring Your Dog to the Nampa Dog Park

Those bringing their dogs on their Nampa adventure can visit the Nampa Dog Park for a fun experience.

This dog park, situated along 2nd Street S., is a safe place to let your dog enjoy the outdoors.

Since it opened in 2009, this dog park has welcomed countless dogs who want fun inside a safe and fully-fenced facility in the heart of Nampa.

Since it’s an off-leash dog park, your dog will have fun doing zoomies and playing with other dogs there.

So, you now have plenty of reasons to bring your dog to your visit to Nampa since Nampa Dog Park will always welcome them.

Enjoy a Lovely Picnic at the Lakeview Park

Lakeview Park is Nampa’s oldest park.

You and your family can visit this park along 7th St. N.

This 44-acre park once served as a homestead and has opened since 1888.

It mainly features a lush green space, picnic areas, a rose garden, a children’s playground, a bike trail, a horseshoe pit, a duck pond, a sand volleyball court, and an amphitheater.

Besides picnicking, you can enjoy hiking, sightseeing, fishing, or playing sports at this park.

Visiting Lakeview Park is one of Nampa’s best places in the city that don’t ask you to spend a single penny.

Catch a Fish at the Wilson Springs Ponds

Wilson Springs Ponds is a charming pocket of nature along S. Powerline Road in Nampa’s southern portion.

The entire area encompasses 55 acres comprising a chain of ponds that used to be a marshy pasture back in the day.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game purchased the area in 1989 and converted it into one of its natural attractions.

Today, it’s a popular urban fishing destination with a peaceful ambiance and gorgeous scenery.

The most popular catches at the Wilson Springs Ponds are bluegill, largemouth bass, and trout.

Besides fishing, you can also enjoy sightseeing and wildlife viewing at this attraction for a worthwhile visit.

Traverse the Nampa Greenbelt

The Nampa Greenbelt is a 3.4-mile ascending route and one of the city’s most famous outdoor recreational spots.

You can visit this place along Constitution Way Nampa Recreation Center.

It’s an excellent place for a worthwhile hike during your visit to Nampa.

It has a slight elevation gain of about 53 feet which takes you to some scenic locations along the way.

Since it’s a paved trail, you can take your family or friends for a relaxing hike and proceed to some incredible birdwatching spots.

Of course, don’t forget to bring your camera while hiking the Nampa Greenbelt to document your visit there.

Spot Animals at the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge

Trees on the waters of Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge

LenzTherapy / Shutterstock.com

The Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge is a vast natural area where the local flora and fauna thrive.

You can visit this wildlife refuge along the Upper Embankment Road.

This is your go-to place if you’re searching for an outdoor adventure in Nampa since it features local flora, fauna, and breathtaking scenery.

This wildlife refuge attracts nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts who want to explore its vast area through hiking.

Along the way, you’ll spot mammals, birds, and small reptiles only found in Idaho.

At the same time, you can relax at one of Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge’s camping and picnic areas before continuing your outdoor adventure.

Drive along the Snake River Canyon Scenic Byway

The Snake River Canyon Scenic Byway is a must-visit location when visiting Nampa.

This 50-mile route traverses Idaho Highway 45, which takes you to back and county roads filled with breathtaking locations and fascinating attractions.

Nampa, one of the full-service stopovers, is an excellent jump-off point whenever you’re planning to drive through this famous byway.

Exploring this byway shows you a rich tapestry of scenic locations, people, and places showcasing Idaho’s genuine beauty.

Of course, don’t forget to stop by gorgeous locations along the way.

At the same time, take photos and document your incredible experience driving through the Snake River Canyon Scenic Byway.

Jog along the Wilson Pathway

Wilson Pathway is the perfect place for fitness buffs to sweat out.

This trail spans over three miles, which you can access through Sunnyridge Road.

With over three miles of paved trails, you should enjoy jogging or hiking along with locals who want to burn calories.

While jogging, you’ll see gorgeous scenery as it passes through quiet neighborhoods, parks, and natural areas.

Wilson Pathway, used by locals since the 1990s, is a worthwhile place to engage in outdoor activities such as jogging or hiking.

Remember to list this place for a lung-busting but worthwhile jogging experience in your itinerary.

Play Disc Golf at the Osborne Park Disc Golf Course

The Osborne Park Disc Golf Course is a popular outdoor sports facility along S. Avondale Avenue.

Besides being a gorgeous park, many locals, particularly disc golfers, love to spend their day playing at its twin nine-hole disc golf course.

The park spans over 11 acres, enough to give you a challenging but fun disc golf experience.

If you’re unfamiliar with disc golf courses, you can still enjoy watching locals play this unique sport.

Otherwise, have a picnic or spend time with your loved ones at this park.

Besides its top-notch disc golf course, there are plenty of other outdoor activities at Osborne Park.

Remember to add this fantastic park and disc golf course to your itinerary.

Bring Your Kids to the Liberty Park Children’s Playground

Those traveling to Nampa with their kids mustn’t miss Liberty Park.

This park along Sunny Ridge Road is a charming outdoor attraction known for its top-notch playground facility.

This park, constructed in 1995 through the Mercy Hospital, is a popular place for locals and visitors in Nampa to let their kids have fun.

It has a beautiful playground with numerous features guaranteeing your toddler a blast.

At the same time, this park has numerous sports facilities for basketball, softball, baseball, and soccer for a more engaging activity.

Besides these facilities, Liberty Park is also an idyllic location for a picnic, making it another worthwhile place to spend your time in Nampa.

Do a Flip at the West Roosevelt Skatepark

West Roosevelt Skatepark is a haven for skaters.

This skate park is at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Elementary School.

The Healthy Nampa Youth Coalition and the Selle-Reese Foundation funded the construction of this skatepark in 2004.

It eventually became a permanent home for Nampa’s skateboarding community ever since.

If you’re an avid skater, you mustn’t miss this skate park in Nampa and join fellow skaters for an entire day of doing tricks.

This skate park boasts a concrete bowl feature that is perfect for those who want to execute technical tricks.

At the same time, it has other features, such as ramps, rails, ledges, stairs, pipes, and plenty more, for more ways to execute your tricks.

Pack your skateboard whenever you visit Nampa and test your skills at the West Roosevelt Skatepark.

Other Free Things to Do Nearby

Since Nampa is near Boise and other cities in Idaho, head out and explore more places and attractions.

Here are some recommended attractions near Nampa that you can check out once you’ve enjoyed what this city offers.

Join Events at the Indian Creek Plaza

Welcome sign of Indian Creek Plaza

Tamanoeconomico, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Indian Creek Plaza is the most popular place to hold various events in Caldwell, Idaho, 14 minutes from Nampa.

This plaza regularly holds over a hundred events and activities year-round, from sports and concerts to cultural events, making this place exciting to visit.

Grounds of Indian Creek Plaza

Tamanoeconomico, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In addition, the plaza also features well-landscaped greenery, a children’s playground, and a splash pad, which kids can enjoy.

The best time to visit the Indian Creek Plaza is every summer to catch the summer night concert series featuring various musicians, serenading everyone for free.

Christmas event at Indian Creek Plaza

Lundebro, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Catch a Show at the Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park

Road arch of Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park

Kencf0618, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park is a famous outdoor attraction in Meridian, Idaho.

You can visit this park 18 minutes from Nampa.

The park spans 58 acres with a gorgeous amphitheater, a picnic area, a plaza, and sports facilities.

Many Meridian locals love to spend their time at this park for many reasons, mainly for outdoor recreation.

An excellent way to enjoy the Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park is to watch the free regular concerts and band performances at its amphitheater.

Regular shows happen at the amphitheater, which you’d likely catch when you head to Meridian.

Otherwise, you can unwind during your visit to this park.

See Murals at the Freak Alley

Daytime view of Freak Alley

Tamanoeconomico, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Freak Alley is a famous public art venue in Boise, Idaho, 22 minutes from Nampa.

This place is home to numerous stunning murals, graffiti, and other public art installations in the heart of Boise’s downtown area.

Many have claimed that this is the Northwest’s biggest outdoor art gallery, which makes it a fascinating place to explore.

Mural at Freak Alley

Lhimec, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

In addition, the graffiti, murals, and other public art installations at this place interchange regularly, which adds more excitement to its already lively scene.

Don’t forget to pose and take photos of these remarkable public art installations when visiting Freak Alley to complete your experience there.

Hotel mural at Freak Alley

DieselDemon, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Learn History at the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial

Back view of of the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial

Darrel Guilbeau / Shutterstock.com

Head to the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, a small outdoor complex near Boise Public Library in Boise, 24 minutes from Nampa.

This centerpiece statue of the late Anne Frank symbolizes the struggle against oppression and injustice.

Visiting this place allows you to immerse yourself in the deep history of Idaho.

Front view of the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial

Kencf0618, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A life-sized statue of Anne Frank stands at the memorial to commemorate her life and tragic story.

You can take a photo and pose beside the statue.

At the same time, you can read interpretive signs to learn more about the tragedy that befell the Frank family and millions of people under Nazi Germany.

Waterfall at the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial

Tamanoeconomico, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Final Thoughts

Nampa is a fascinating city with plenty of fun activities without breaking the bank.

Its parks and natural areas make this city a wonderful place to visit, especially if you’re a traveler on a tight budget.

Plan your trip today and discover the free things to do in Nampa, Idaho!

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