Esther Simplot Park image

Esther Simplot Park

Park

Sprawling, verdant park featuring open green expanses, ponds, hiking trails & boardwalks. People often mention park, Boise, water, river, parks, nice, swim, bike, paddle, board,


Address

3206 W Pleasanton Ave, Boise, ID 83702

Website

www.cityofboise.org

Contact

(208) 608-7600

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 7 AM to 10 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 7 AM to 10 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 7 AM to 10 PM
  • Tuesday: 7 AM to 10 PM
  • Wednesday: 7 AM to 10 PM
  • Thursday: 7 AM to 10 PM
  • Friday: 7 AM to 10 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: park (26) Boise (10) water (9) river (8) parks (7) nice (7) swim (7) bike (7) paddle (6) board (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Ty B. 2 years ago on Google
    Boises crown jewel threatened. Recently we witnessed a homeless person smash a sign with a crowbar on the edge of this park and then approach us asking for directions to State Street. He was agitated and high or drunk. The Boise Mayor and Police Chief defunded Bike Patrol. We used to see them 2-3 times a day along greenbelt. They also don’t dispatch to move the homeless out of the parks and if you enter the parks at the crack of dawn some of them are still up on a bender and you are not safe. The police don’t even call you back anymore to tell you what they did if you report an incident and we now see graffiti that sits for months without being removed. With a police chief the mayor hired from Portland I am concerned we are slowly becoming the next Portland. I hope citizens stand up to hold our leaders accountable and keep us safe.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 astryd s. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place! Such a nice walking path and all the animals make my day!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jodi L. 1 year ago on Google
    One of our favorite spots. Bring your swim suit in the summer. Floaty, paddle board, rafting, bike path, all things you are able to do at this beautiful park located right next to the Boise river. Perfect for taking pictures or hosting celebrations. Playground and sand near the beach for the little ones is nice as well.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kaitlin C. 1 year ago on Google
    A great park for the outdoorsy type, and those who just want to take in the scenery! Bring your bathing suits and a floatie if possible!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Collin Q. 3 years ago on Google
    This is one of my favorite parks in the Boise area. It doesn't have to be Fall to appreciate the beauty of this place but it definitely helps! Plenty of bike paths, fields, and even beaches to run around and make a say of things. There's a playground, numerous bodies of water, and even a man-made wave to surf in the summer months along the Greenbelt. If you ever stop by Esther Simplot Park, be sure to remember which way you traveled on the bike path because it will be an entire afternoon's worth of things to do just going one way so be sure to come back and travel the opposite direction next time so you don't miss out on any of the things to do and see!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 HA H. 2 years ago on Google
    It was beautiful. Very few people and the water was a perfect temperature for a swim. Everyone (the ducks) was really friendly!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zachary R. 1 year ago on Google
    I remember what this place was when I was a teenager. It was a giant dirt lot with a lot of delinquent, drug-using-individuals just roaming the area and homeless people sleeping in the trees. But now it has certainly redeemed itself as the city of Boise had completely overhauled the area to become one of the most family friendly and best parks/multi use outdoor areas in the state! You can walk the green belt and visit the various beautiful sites and amazing businesses along the path. You can swim with your family or play at the park with your kids and feel safe doing so. You can see the Boise foothills in spectacular fashion from friendship island! You can be proud to bring your pets or family to the area and have fun doing so. 😊
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nick B. 1 year ago on Google
    Incredible space for kids, outdoor sports enthusiasts or just to relax. There are play areas, a white water zone and endless walks around the water!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Danielle “Dani Lyon” S. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful free and not too crowded. A lot of space to play in the water or out. Decent parking.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tiago S. 1 year ago on Google
    It’s a must! Get your bike, or get a lime scooter and ride around the park or through the city from there. Beautiful sights, very relaxing. There are plenty of restaurants on one of the bike routes, if you want more nature, go west.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Roy A. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice park. Lots of sand and grass. An oasis surrounded by potato fields
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Shannon E. 10 months ago on Google
    When it's not shut down for e coli it's pretty fun and easy access. Lots of goose poop but still fun.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Xavier O. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice park in the heart of Garden City/Boise. Clean and feels new. Water activities, biking, skating, do whatever you want. Free atmosphere.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jessica P. 8 months ago on Google
    Very large park. Great place to swim on a hot day! Nice sized dock/platform to dive into the water with a ladder to climb back out. I'm sure they have more park amenities, but swimming's what we focused on that day. Had a blast, will go back and update for sure!

  • 4/5 Tom Y. 9 months ago on Google
    I'm not a whitewater enthusiasts - so I'll just put that out there. Finding the whitewater portion was more difficult than I ever imagined! To find it, go into the park, then go all the way to the back of the park over the bridge towards the river, park in the furthest parking area back in the park, closest to the river. Now walk north for some of the whitewater portion or south, over the walk bridge, to the two gates in the river. Along with those, there are ponds to swim in and use paddle boards on, and a few small beaches as well. There are a few picnic tables and gazebos as well. Overall it's a nice park - specifically designed around water activities.

  • 5/5 Brian G. 10 months ago on Google
    A lovely park in a part of the States I haven’t been to in over 30 years. Was with a number of family and friends. It was a long walk. But fun. A lovely place for picnics or just walking or riding bikes.

  • 5/5 Medina B. 8 months ago on Google
    Boise is blessed to have a wonderful assortment of amazing parks and open space. Simplot park offers something for all ages, including swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding at Quinn's pond or the other pond, watching the surfers on the river, walking around the beautiful park, picnicking, enjoying the sunset, etc. It is a fairly new park and so there is not a lot of shade, compared to the more established large parks and there is only one bathroom that is only open about half of the year. It is fun to walk over the bridge to the other side of the river to enjoy looking at the fun condos and enjoy great restaurants. This park really highlights the Boise River.

  • 5/5 B B. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the most entertaining parks for kids I’ve ever been in. It has got rocks to climb on safe paths that include protected bridges and docks as well as Lookout points! I especially like the playgrounds that are designed to include small shallow beaches. Kids from three years old all the way through to teenagers will love spending time at this park.

  • 5/5 Thatevo8intha208 10 months ago on Google
    Great place , waterfront , you can paddle board, swim , etc , area for smaller children , Walk ways , alot to do here

  • 5/5 Miranda P. 10 months ago on Google
    Brought our kids today and had a blast! "Beach" available on both sides of the lakes. Kids had fun at the playground and made cute sand castles! A great place for paddle boards and a day of relaxing by the water!

  • 5/5 Empowrd F. 1 year ago on Google
    This park is by far one of the best park to visit. It has nice walking / jogging/ bicycle paths. Great place to reserve for a wedding, birthday , or any other occasion through the city website. Paddle boarding is a great option in the summer. The views of Bogus & the mountains make it look like a painting in the backdrop & Even in the winter is great place to come for a walk (weather permitting) . Right by the Boise river & greenbelt to continue for your exercise! Come here soon!

  • 5/5 Man N. 1 year ago on Google
    I'm from out of town and lived in Boise for two months. This has to be my favorite place in the city. It's beautiful at anytime. I was there for sunrise, I was there for sunset, I was there for food trucks in the middle of the day. Come here to sit and chill, swim, kayak, picnic, bbq. You can do whatever. It's along the greenbelt so easy access by bike/scooter. Totally worth the visit.

  • 5/5 Altered r. 2 years ago on Google
    First time being here since its been open. Wish I would have done so sooner! This park is beautiful. Highly recommended visiting. Its not too busy and just enough activity to get you motivated to bring a bike, paddle board, or family.

  • 5/5 Julie O. 1 year ago on Google
    Bought a paddle board this year and needed a good place to learn to use it. This park fits the bill. Very large pond to practice. Water is mostly calm, sometimes a little choppy when the wind kicks up but nothing that would stop a beginner. Lots of parking so easy to carry your board to the beach. This is a great park and just a fun part of town whether you're biking, walking or on your SUP.

  • 5/5 Mark D. 2 years ago on Google
    A nice white water kayak surf hole and surfboard river surf hole. The alternate ideal board and kayak flows. It can get busy but not always. The people are nice.

  • 5/5 Roger P. 2 years ago on Google
    You can already tell what a world-class park this is gonna be in 10 yrs. Its peaceful and relatively unpopulated. A real battery charger.


Call (208) 608-7600 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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