Here are some fun things you can do with your family in the Boise, Idaho area for the month of February 2011. If you know of another fun family-themed event please share!

Free Events

1st – McCall Winter Carnival- family fun. Continues through Feb. 6; for a complete schedule call (208) 634-7631, www.mccallwintercarnival.com

2- Preschool Time at Ceramica- 11am–3pm, Ceramica,www.ceramicaboise.com, 342-3822. (Wednesdays)

2 – Kids Experience. Cool art and science projects for ages 6–10. 4pm, Garden City library,www.notaquietlibrary.org, 472-2944. (Wednesdays)

2-Spanish Story Time- Ages 3-5, 10:30am, Library! At Collister, 562-4995 (Wednesdays)

3-Storytime Adventures. 12:30pm, Barnes & Noble, 375-4454. (Thursdays.)

4-Puppet Show- Fun for all ages. 10:30am, Boise Public Library,www.boisepubliclibrary.org, 384-4200. (Fridays)

5-Laura Ingalls Wilder Celebration – preschool–elementary ages. 1–2:30pm, Eagle Public Library,www.eaglepubliclibrary.org, 939-6814 ext. 7.

5- Chinese New Year Celebration-. 1–3pm, Library! at Hillcrest, www.boisepubliclibrary.org, 562-4996.

5- Historic Bown House Tour. – 1–4pm, located on the campus of Riverside Elementary School, 2121 E. ParkCenter Blvd., boise.assistanceleague.org. (First Saturday of each month.)

8- Family Game Night. -6pm, Garden City Library, www.notaquietlibrary.org, 472-2944.

9- Become a Mad Scientist. For ages 6–12. 4pm, Library! at Collister, 562-4995,www.boisepubliclibrary.org.

9- Girls Only, Try Hockey for Free Clinic. – age 5–13. 7–8pm, Idaho IceWorld, registration is required, www.idahoiceworld.com, 331-0044.

10- Pirate & Princess Ball- 5:30pm, Garden City Library, www.notaquietlibrary.org, 472-2944.

10- Jr. Librarians- Ages 6–11, 4:15pm, Meridian Library, www.www.mld 888-4451.

11-  Family Game Night- 6:30pm, Ada Community Library, www.adalib.org, 362-0181.

12-Second Saturday Programs- 10am-2pm  All ages welcome!   Foothills Learning Center 3188 Sunset Peak Rd Boise, ID 83702

12- Read to a Therapy Dog.- 1pm, Library! at Cole & Ustick, www.boisepubliclibrary.org, 570-6900. I had a friend use this as a way for her daughter to feel more comfortable around dogs.

12- Big Read: Orienteering Adventure. Individuals or teams of all ages are invited to participate in a special Call of the Wild orienteering meet. Navigate with map and compass to find the answers to a series of questions. Bring a compass and good shoes. For more information visit ctoc-boise.blogspot.com. 10am, Boise Public Library, 384-4200

15-Chamber Orchestra Concert. An evening of classical music that will spark your children’s interest in the arts. See ArtsWest students perform along with professional musicians. 7:30pm, Holy Trinity Church, 201 E. Carlton, Meridian, www.artswestschool.org, 938-5410

17-Stuffed Animal Storytime and Sleepover-  After a lively Family Storytime, tuck the animals in and say goodnight. Come back the next day between 10am and 6pm to pick them up and find out what mischief they got into during the night. 6:15pm, Nampa Public Library,www.nampalibrary.org, 468-5803.

19-Family Field Trip at World Center for Birds of Prey-  Live bird presentations at 10:45, 12:15, 1:30, and 3:15. Tour the Archives of Falconry from 11am–3pm. Family-oriented scavenger hunt and 2011 Birds of Prey Calendar. 10am–4pm,  www.peregrinefund.org, 362-3716

19-Overstock Book Sale-  Stock up on adult and children’s books, DVDs, music CDs, and audio books. 9am–3pm, Eagle Public Library, www.eaglepubliclibrary.org, 939-6814 ext. 3

26-Free Family Concert!-  1pm, Egyptian Theatre. www.jimgill.com For more information, call the Main Library children’s department at 384-4200.

26 – Family Art Saturday. Featuring family tours, demonstrations, and a hands-on studio project related to the exhibitions. Recommended for ages 12 and under with an adult. Noon–3pm, Boise Art Museum, www.boiseartmuseum.org, 345-8330.

26 -Kids’ Fair. Petting zoo, pony rides, magicians, stage entertainment, face painting, air jumps, carnival games, obstacle course, prizes, food, and more. 10am–6pm, Expo Idaho,www.kidsfairboise.com.

26 – Our Troops, Our Families. Idaho IceWorld Military Family Day, offering free admission and free skate use for military families with valid IDs. 1:30–4:30pm, Idaho IceWorld,www.idahoiceworld.com, 331-0044.

26- Noisy in Boise, with Jim Gill. – 1pm, Egyptian Theater, boisepubliclibrary.org. 570-6900

Other Fun Ideas

1- Family Movie Day. $1 movies. Overland Park Cinema, www.opcmovies.com, 377-307 (offered every Tuesday)

2- Toddler Wednesday. Stephen Knapp: Lightpaintings. Children ages 2–3 with an adult, 10am–noon. Boise Art Museum, www.boiseartmuseum.org, 345-8330. Free with admission.

2- Young Discoverers. For preschool ages. 10:30am, Discovery Center of Idaho,www.scidaho.org, 343-9895  Free with Admission.  (Offered  every Wednesday and Friday.)

3- Preschool Zoo. For ages 3–5 with an adult. 9:30–10:30am & 11am–noon,

3- Zoo Boise, www.zooboise.org, 384-4486. Registration required. (Every Thursday.)

5- Neighborhood Open Gyms. grades K–6. Hawthorne, Liberty, Koelsch, and Valley View are open 10am–2pm. Boise Parks & Recreation in partnership with the Boise School District, 384-4256. (Saturdays and Sundays)

6- JumpTime Idaho Family Night. . 5–8pm, a family of 4 can jump for $25.

6- JumpTime Idaho, 1375 E. Fairview Ave. in Meridian,www.jumptimeidaho.com, 855-5867.

7- Family Night at Ceramica. Entire family paints for $15, 5–9pm, Ceramica, www.ceramicaboise.com, 342-3822.

12-The Father-Daughter Winter Ball: An Enchanted Evening. For tickets and information, visit www.epacdance.com or call 338-4633.

21- Buddy Day at Idaho IceWorld. Two-for-one skating and skate rental, 331-0044,www.idahoiceworld.com

These deals were compiled by specialist Kelly Wolsten, who is a SAHM of three beautiful and energetic boys.  She, and her husband of nine years, have lived in the Treasure Valley for 6.5 years.   She loves couponing, crafting, and spending time with friends, but most of all she loves finding things that her family can do together to make memories.