BOISE, Idaho — The Treasure Valley is a place where each season offers fun things to do, and summer is no exception.
After COVID-19 canceled many summer camps and classes last year, many families are excited about the chance to rejoin their favorite activities or try something new.
Scroll down for information about fun opportunities offered around the area. A new city will be added each day this week.
The cities of Kuna and Star also offer summertime programs for children and adults. To learn more, visit the registration site for Star here and Kuna here.
Meridian
Summer is almost here, and that means plenty of exciting opportunities for kids and adults alike in Meridian. The city offers classes and camps for all ages in areas like the outdoors, art and exercise.
Yoga classes for teens, adults, and seniors are held at the Meridian Community Center in downtown Meridian. Others who want to get physically active to music should check out the dance classes offered. Line dance, two-step, west coast swing, and a country dance sampler are all classes available.
The lessons are open to both beginner and intermediate dancers, and no partner is required.
Budding photographers hoping to improve on their picture-taking may be interested in the digital photography 101 class. Whether you have a fancy DSLR or a point-and-shoot camera gathering dust in your closet, this class could be a great way to hone your skills.
For the younger crowd, Meridian offers introductory rock climbing classes for ages 8-14. More advanced climbers ages 10 and up will be placed in the intermediate class. Lessons will be held at the brand new Vertical View climbing.
Youth tennis lessons are always a hit and are being offered at a variety of Meridian locations this summer for tiny tots ages 4-7 and juniors ages 8-14. Find the two-week session that fits your family's schedule!
Children aged 4-9 will get a kick out of the activities being offered at the children's Museum of Idaho. With titles like "Let's Get Messy," "Feathers & Fur," and "Destination: World," their young minds and hands will definitely be kept busy.
A full list of classes offered and registration information is available online here, or by calling Meridian Parks and Recreation at 208-888-3579.
Nampa
There is plenty of fun to be had in Nampa this summer, with sign-ups open now for an array of different classes and camps.
Nampa kids ages 4 to 7 may enjoy S.N.A.G., which stands for Starting New At Golf. Organizers say S.N.A.G.is all about having fun while learning the basics of the game.
But kids aren't the only ones who want to learn. A class called "Get Golf Ready" is an opportunity for adults to learn to golf at Ridgecrest Golf Course. All classes will be taught by PGA professionals, and clubs will even be provided if needed.
If golf is not your thing, how about an outdoor cornhole league instead? Teams will play a match every week for a seven-week season. The league starts in June and lasts through July.
Other classes teach teens and pre-teens the basics of babysitting, getting them certified through Nampa's Red Cross, or demonstrate the basics of cookie and cake decorating. The cake decorating class is offered at the Nampa Rec Center for those 12 and up. All materials are provided, and students will get to take their sweet treats home at the end.
Budding artists can also try their hand at painting in another class, offered in June, July, and August. No prior experience is needed, and all the paint and tools needed to create your masterpiece are included.
For more information or for signups, visit the website here.
Caldwell
From archery lessons to visiting the rodeo, there's plenty going on in Caldwell this summer.
The little tumblers in your life may enjoy joining the Dynamic Cheer Squad. Designed for kids ages 5 through 14, the squad will perform at local events around the area.
Others might enjoy archery lessons, which run from June 28- July 2 at the Archery Central indoor range on Cleveland Boulevard. All equipment will be provided, organizers say.
Logo-obsessed kids ages 9-12 will definitely want to check out the Lego Camp offered by the City of Caldwell in August. Participants will get to create all types of projects, including building their own robots.
Adults don't have to be left out of the fun. Caldwell offers multiple classes for the over-18 crowd as well, including pickleball lessons.
The sport - a combination of badminton, tennis, and ping pong - is played on a court using a whiffle ball and paddle. Lessons will be held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings in Luby Park.
Those hoping to get out in Idaho's rivers more this summer should check out the two-day fly-tying clinic offered each month this summer.
Participants will learn the skill necessary to tie a full complement of trout flies. The material will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own too, organizers say.
For more information about the classes and camps offered, or to sign up, visit the City of Caldwell's website here.
Plus, don't forget about the fun events happening this summer, including the 7th-annual Caldwell Family Fun Day on June 12 at Whittenberger park and the Caldwell Night Rodeo, which runs Aug. 17-21.
Eagle
The City of Eagle offers multiple classes and activities. Sign-ups and a chance to check out all that is offered are available here. Users must make an account to use the site.
Those who love to garden should check out the adult class being offered in June! It's all about planting, tending a garden, and sustainability. You will learn the best plants to grow for our weather and soil in Idaho, and techniques to help your garden succeed during the dry summer heat.
There are other options for adults as well. The Craft Box is a crafting club in Eagle that meets once a month to create some beautiful handmade crafts. The meetup is also a great way to find new friends for those new to Eagle.
The city also offers many children's activities, including a week-long
musical theater camp for ages 6 to 14. This week-long camp will build confidence and introduce students to the world of musical theater, e ending in a showstopping performance at the Emmett Cherry Festival. This year's theme is 'Newsies,' according to organizers.
Other artistic kids may be interested in a kids painting party for ages 6 through 14.The class is monthly, running May through August. Students will be guided through the steps of creating a painting in a supportive and fun environment. The class is aimed at beginner to intermediate students.
Younger kids can take part in the Amazing Athletes camp for kids ages 3-6. The five-week program is perfect for achild with energy to spare and a love of movement. Organizers say instructors teach the fundamentals of ten sports, giving participants a well-rounded introduction to fitness while helping them figure out what they enjoy the most.
Boise
Boise Parks and Recreation offers a host of classes and activities aimed at everyone from preschoolers to senior citizens.
If you have a little one who loves to dance, you might consider sending them to the Modern Dance class, aimed at 3 to 5-year-olds. The class runs from mid-July to mid-August and includes new dance concepts, fun games, and even an obstacle course.
Older kids may enjoy the "Rec 'Em" camp - where participants are transported to locations around Boise to try out hiking, rafting swimming and team challenges - or the Mountain Discovery Camp, a partnership with Bogus Basin that helps campers experience more about the outdoor world with help from environmentalists, naturalists, and wildlife biologists.
Teenagers also have options for fun classes, including hip-hop dance at the Fort Boise Community Center or poi spinning at Dick Eardley Senior Center. Poi spinning is described as a 3-D moving puzzle for your whole body and brain, creating shapes of light with your movements.
Boise Parks and Recreation also offers fun options for adults as well, including yoga classes for beginners and more advanced students and art enameling, the ancient art of fusing glass to metal.
For more information on cost and scheduling for the different classes, or to take a look at all the activities offered, check out the Boise Parks and Recreation Summer 2021 handbook here.