As a mom of three and local family photographer, I’ve experienced my fair share of Boise holiday family activities – both the magical moments and the meltdowns. Let me share what I’ve learned about celebrating the season with little ones in our beautiful city.
Essential Boise Holiday Family Activities for 2024
There’s something special about bundling up your babies and stepping out into a crisp Idaho winter evening. The Winter Garden aGlow at Idaho Botanical Garden has been a tradition for my family since my oldest was tiny. I’ll never forget his wide eyes reflecting thousands of twinkling lights that first year. Now, three kids later, I’ve mastered the art of this outing: go early (right when they open at 6 if you can), bring a sturdy stroller, and pack mittens, snacks (yes even if the kids just ate dinner) and more blankets than you think you’ll need.
This year Winter Garden aGlow begins Nov 29th and goes through December 31st and they have a brand new winter market! I’m so excited to check it out- according to their website you can shop local artisans December 14th and 15th, as well as Dec 17th-23rd.
Another outdoor activity that my family is going to try this year is Shindig Farm’s Lost in Christmas. It opens Nov 22nd and has all kinds of fun stuff to explore like a Christmas Light Maze and Candy Cane Zip Lines. Plus of course hot chocolate to warm everyone up while they play.
Indoor Boise Holiday Family Activities
Let’s be honest – Idaho winters can be brutal with little ones. On those days when the temperature drops too low or the inversion settles in, we head inside. I am so excited to check out Trica’s Snow Globe event this year because I completely missed the dates for it last year! This year they have tickets available Nov 30th, Dec 1st and Dec 6-8.
Looking to leave the kids at home? They have an adults only “Snow Globe Dance party” with a live DJ and full bar on Saturday Dec 7th from 8:30-10pm.
Or maybe you’re excited to just stay home! Gather together and settle in for a family playdate
Capturing the Memories: Professional vs DIY Holiday Photos in Boise
As both a mom and photographer, I’ve learned that holiday photos can be both magical and challenging. While professional photos ensure those perfect card-worthy shots, there are plenty of opportunities to capture beautiful moments yourself.
DIY Holiday Photo Tips
Want to try capturing some magical moments yourself? Here’s what I tell parents:
- Clean your lens! (always step 1)
- Turn off your flash – it’s your enemy with holiday lights
- Try portrait mode to blur out the background a bit for a beautiful holiday bokeh
- Try shooting during “magic hour” (just after sunset) when the sky still has some color but lights are visible
- Stabilize your phone as much as possible to avoid camera shake in dark lighting
- Change angles- capture the moment straight on, then from the side and with little kids- from above!
Treasure Valley Locations for classic holiday portraits:
- Capitol Building: The golden hour (4-5 PM) creates magical lighting
- JUMP: Perfect for rainy days with its covered spaces
- Grove Plaza: Weekday mornings for minimal crowds
- Scentsy Commons: snag a photo under their signature light tunnel!
- Visit Shindig Farms Lost in Christmas
Props:
One of my favorite “props” for holiday sessions is mini marshmallows. Kids absolutely love throwing them at my camera and they’re easy to quickly gather and throw again and again. Pro Tip: Hold down the burst button to capture the action quickly.
Some of my favorite suggestions for young kids are things like:
“Gather two big handfuls and on the count of three throw them straight at my camera!”
“Ok, now this time, take those two big handfuls and I want you to toss them up in the air and make it snow over your head”
“Alright, now mom’s going to hold you and I want you to spread your wings out like a helicopter while she spins and let the marshmellows fly!”
and finally “ok, now on the count of three I want you to dump that whole bucket of marshmellows on dad’s head, ready?” (have dad prepped and ready to grab hold of his toddler, pulling them in for a giant hug/tickle attack)
Prompts like this encourage play, genuine laughter and joy which in my personal (and professional) opinion always make for the best holiday photos. (p.s. If you do use marshmallows, please be extra cautious around young babies as they can be a choking hazard)
When to Call a Professional
While phone cameras are amazing these days, consider booking a professional (psst… like Glean & Co Photography!) for:
- Newborn holiday photos (safety first!)
- Large family gatherings
- Holiday card portraits
- Milestone moments (baby’s first Christmas)
Remember: The best photos, whether professional or DIY, capture genuine moments. Don’t stress about perfect poses – focus on capturing the joy and wonder in your little ones’ eyes.
Meeting Santa… and the Queen?
Every parent knows the tradition of Santa photos – some babies beam with joy, others cry at the sight of the jolly man in red. I personally am partial to the absolutely screaming toddler in Santa’s arms.
This year, we’ll be visiting with Santa at Broadway on the Rocks on November 30th. So much less stressful than a trip to the mall- Plus, you can grab a coffee (or a coffee with while you wait – a holiday survival essential for parents.
But here’s a tip from my studio sessions: while some kids can’t wait to tell Santa their wishes, others have their hearts set on a different holiday celebrity. “Let It Go” is hands-down the most requested song during toddler photo sessions, especially from our 2-3 year old girls. If your little one dreams of meeting Queen Elsa herself, head to the Indian Creek Festival in Caldwell. Their Winter Wonderland Weekend transforms the plaza into a magical kingdom where kids can meet the snow queen in person Nov 22-24th.
Photo Tips for Character Meets:
- Arrive early when kids are fresh and less overwhelmed
- Bring a backup outfit (hot chocolate spills happen!)
- Don’t force the interaction – sometimes the best photos capture genuine hesitation
- Consider a professional photographer for group shots – you’ll want to be in these memories too
Pro tip: Whether meeting Santa or Elsa, remember these moments are about making memories, not perfect poses. Some of my favorite client photos show the full range of emotions – from pure joy to hilarious uncertainty!
Planning Perfect Boise Holiday Family Activities
The key to successful Boise holiday family activities is preparation. I learned this the hard way after one memorable meltdown at Winter Garden aGlow (mine, not the kids’). Now I follow these simple rules:
- Always have coats, blankets and mittens in the car because nothing is more miserable than a cold child!
- Work with nap schedules, not against them
- Pack snacks like you’re planning an expedition
- Always have a backup indoor plan
- Check ahead for quiet hours at busy venues
Looking Ahead
Remember, the best Boise holiday family activities are often the simplest ones. Some of our favorite memories come from driving through North End neighborhoods in our pajamas, spotting lights and sipping hot chocolate. It’s not about doing everything – it’s about finding the traditions that work for your family and making them your own.
Don’t forget to check local resources like the Boise Parks & Recreation guide and Downtown Association calendar for updated event information. And if you see a mom wrangling three boys while trying to take the perfect holiday photo downtown, wave hello – it might just be me!
Want to schedule a photoshoot like the ones seen here? Contact Glean and Co photography to set up your shoot before another holiday season has passed us by!
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