Rewind & Ride: Reliving Boise Summers Like It’s 1995

The Family Adventure Guide to a Flashback Summer in Boise

This summer we’re throwing it back to the 90’s and living like a Boise kid in the best way possible. We’re coming at you with your weekend plans. Boise is special for so many reasons, and one of them is that a lot of the places we loved back then are still around today. So grab your kids, channel your inner 90s nostalgia (jelly sandals and all), and let’s take a trip down memory lane with a “choose your own adventure” day in the City of Trees to soak in the Boise summer magic.

Morning: The Best Way to Start a Summer Saturday

It’s a crisp July morning, school’s out, and downtown Boise is buzzing with the Capital City Public Market—the perfect place to start your 90s throwback day.

Option 1: Bike Downtown Like a True Boise Kid
Load up the family bikes and cruise down the Greenbelt. Nothing screams childhood freedom quite like pedaling past the Boise River, dodging runners, and waving at fellow bikers. Once downtown, lock up your bikes and easily explore the city on foot.

Option 2: A Classic Coffee Stop
If you’re in need of caffeine (because, you know, parenting), hit up Java on the corner of 6th and Idaho for their signature Bowl of Soul or Flying M Coffeehouse on the corner of 5th and Idaho for a freshly squeezed orange juice and a peek at their quirky gift shop. Java is a perfect stop for those craving a cozy, casual cafe breakfast and homemade whip cream, while Flying M is the go-to for creative types who love a little side of funky charm with their espresso.

Option 3: Go Big with Breakfast at Moon’s Café
If your family is the “we need food, not just vibes” type, then a sit-down breakfast at Moon’s Cafe, currently located in the Fidelity Building on 8th and Main, is a must. This Boise classic has been serving up diner-style breakfasts since 1956. Whether you go for a stack of pancakes, biscuits and gravy, or a good old-fashioned eggs and bacon combo, you’re guaranteed to leave satisfied.

Midday: Farmers Market & Hyde Park Adventures

Stroll Through the Boise’s Farmers Market or Capital City Farmers Market
Nothing says 90s Boise like walking the farmers market, grabbing a fresh-squeezed lemonade, and checking out local artists’ booths. From handcrafted jewelry to homemade jams, fresh produce, herbs and wood and ceramic crafts, you can stock up on treats while supporting local businesses. Bonus points if you let the kids pick out something fun—maybe a wooden instrument or a hand-dipped candle?

Burn Off Energy at Camel’s Back Park
Now that everyone’s fueled up, it’s time to let the kids run wild at Camel’s Back Park on 13th Street. Back in the day, we braved the scorching metal slide—shoutout to those who survived it. These days, the playground is much safer, but the fun remains. Let the kids climb, swing, and sprint around the grass field before taking on the challenge of running up Camel’s Back Hill. If you’re feeling adventurous, explore one of the short family-friendly foothill trails nearby.

Cool Down with a Treat from Goodies
No 90s Boise day is complete without stopping at Goodies Soda Fountain and Ice Cream Parlor in Hyde Park on 13th and Alturas. The nostalgia is real with their massive ice cream scoops (the mini-est size is enough!), homemade chocolates, and classic Italian sodas. Bonus: They still sell Beanie Babies. If your kids don’t know the joy of collecting tiny plush animals, now’s the time to introduce them.

Evening: A Classic Boise Summer Night

By now, your kids are either hyped up on sugar or crashing from the adventure-filled day. Either way, it’s time to wind down.

Option 1: Backyard Dinner & Neighborhood Play
Head home, fire up the grill, and enjoy a backyard picnic with your market scores while the kids run off their last bit of energy with the neighborhood crew. If you grew up here, you know the drill—Boise kids live outside in the summer. The ultimate childhood move? A game of rollerblade hockey or Ghost in the Graveyard as the sun sets.

Option 2: Evening Treat at Fancy Freeze or Westside Drive-In
If you’re not quite ready to call it a night, take the family out for a sweet treat at Fancy Freeze on 14th and State or Westside Drive-In on 21st and State. Fancy Freeze is the ultimate spot for soft-serve lovers, and their fresh strawberry shakes are legendary. If you’re craving something a little more indulgent, Westside’s Idaho Ice Cream Potato is a must-try. Yes, it looks like a potato, but it’s all delicious ice cream goodness.

Wrap-Up: The Perfect 90s Boise Day

By the time you get home, your kids will be exhausted in the best way possible. Pop on some cartoon and puppetry classics (Doug, Dexter’s Laboratory, Captain Planet or for those younger ones Barney & Friends, Sesame Street, Little Bear or Madeline), kick your feet up, and bask in the glory of a day well spent. You just gave your kids a taste of what it was like to grow up in Boise in the 90s—nostalgia, adventure, and all.

Now, who’s ready to do it all again next Flashback Weekend!