Looking for something to do with the kids this weekend? September 11–13 brings an outdoor art festival in Boise, hands-on play at Expo Idaho, community celebrations in Fruitland, Mountain Home and Caldwell, and the final two days of the Eastern Idaho State Fair in Blackfoot.
These six picks are already in the Idaho Family Fun Directory. Use the admission notes and locations below to choose an outing that fits your family’s time and budget. All times listed are Mountain Daylight Time.
Choose your weekend outing
- For a free-admission outing: Art in the Park or Fruitland Family Fun Day. Food, shopping and some activities may cost extra.
- For children ages 2–12: Kids Discovery Expo offers an indoor day of hands-on activities.
- For a parade and community celebration: Head to Mountain Home for Air Force Appreciation Day.
- For a shorter afternoon outing: Caldwell’s preschool anniversary runs from 1–4 p.m. Saturday.
- For a final fair visit: Blackfoot’s fair ends Saturday, so don’t save that trip for Sunday.
1. Art in the Park — Boise
When: Friday–Sunday, September 11–13. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Julia Davis Park, Boise.
Admission: Free entry; budget separately for purchases.
Boise Art Museum’s outdoor festival brings 240 artists together with food vendors, live entertainment and hands-on art activities for children. It’s a good choice for families who want to browse at their own pace: you can make a short visit or leave time for art, food and entertainment. Check the museum’s parking and shuttle information before choosing where to park.
View our Art in the Park listing · Official festival information
2. Kids Discovery Expo — Boise
When: Saturday, September 12, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Expo Idaho, South Expo Building, 5610 Glenwood Street, Boise.
Admission: $5 per person; $20 family pass for two adults and up to four children. Ages 2 and younger are free. Some activities and extras cost more.
Designed for ages 2–12, this one-day expo includes interactive exhibits, bounce houses, a rock wall and more than 75 booths for play, learning and shopping. Choose this option if your family would enjoy trying several activities in one indoor location. Compare the family pass with individual admission before buying tickets.
View our Kids Discovery Expo listing · Official venue details
3. Fruitland Family Fun Day — Fruitland
When: Saturday, September 12, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Downtown Fruitland along Main Street and Fruitland Community Park.
Admission: Free entry; food and vendor purchases cost extra.
Make a day of local entertainment, food, shopping and family activities in Fruitland. This is a convenient community outing for families in the western Treasure Valley and nearby border communities. Allow time to explore both the downtown vendors and the park activities.
View our Fruitland Family Fun Day listing · Fruitland Chamber event information
4. Air Force Appreciation Day — Mountain Home
When: Saturday, September 12. The parade starts at 10:30 a.m.; check the chamber’s program for the day’s other activities.
Where: Mountain Home, with community festivities at Carl Miller Park.
Cost: A free community barbecue is part of the celebration. Vendor purchases cost extra.
Celebrate the connection between Mountain Home and its military community with a parade, vendors, food, crafts and family activities. The chamber describes more than 100 parade entrants and over 70 park vendors. Arrive with time to find a viewing spot, and check the organizer’s latest parade and parking guidance before leaving home.
View our Air Force Appreciation Day listing · Official chamber information
5. Grace Lutheran Preschool’s 50th Anniversary — Caldwell
When: Saturday, September 12, 1–4 p.m.
Where: Grace Lutheran Church, Preschool & Childcare Center, 2718 S. Kimball Avenue, Caldwell.
Cost: Admission and activity prices are not stated on the organizer’s flyer. Contact Grace for details.
Everyone is invited to celebrate 50 years of preschool service with carnival games, popcorn, cotton candy, cake walks, raffles and a hot dog/bratwurst lunch. Raffle prizes include children’s bicycles and themed baskets. The three-hour afternoon schedule makes this an option for families who want a local celebration without committing to an all-day trip.
View our Caldwell celebration listing · Organizer website and celebration flyer
6. Eastern Idaho State Fair — Blackfoot
When: The fair runs through Saturday, September 12. For this weekend, visit Friday or Saturday; attraction and show times vary.
Where: Eastern Idaho State Fairgrounds, Blackfoot; main office and Gate 1 ticket office at 97 Park Street.
Fair-week gate admission: $9 ages 12 and older; $6 ages 6–11; $7 seniors 65 and older; ages 5 and younger free. Carnival rides and grandstand events have separate ticket options.
There’s still time for fair food, livestock exhibits, entertainment and carnival fun before the fair closes for the year. Decide which shows or attractions matter most to your family, then build your visit around their times. A night-show ticket includes gate admission, so check what your ticket covers before purchasing additional entry.
View our Eastern Idaho State Fair listing · Official daily schedule · Official ticket information
Before you head out
Pick an outing close enough to leave time for the activities you want to enjoy. Check the organizer’s latest schedule, weather, parking information and ticket availability before traveling. Free admission does not necessarily include food, shopping, rides or every activity.
Want more choices? Browse the Idaho Family Fun community calendar or explore family-friendly places across Idaho. Have an upcoming event to suggest? Submit it for review.
Event details checked September 8, 2026. This roundup covers September 11–13, 2026.