The WaterShed offers programs and events for adults and youth of all ages in addition to the free exhibit hall and river campus. Check the event calendar for current offerings and read more below.
Adult Programs
Climate Volunteer Events
Participate in climate action and connect with your community at quarterly volunteer events. Past projects include riparian restoration, trash pick-ups and pollinator garden clean-ups. Check the event calendar for current opportunities.
Adult Field Trips
Our quarterly Adult Field Trips are designed to inspire advocacy and deepen your understanding of Boise’s climate priorities. Join us for a hands-on adventure, and connect directly with the people, places, and systems that help shape our community’s climate future.
Book Club
Join this free, community-focused book club that explores climate and sustainability through engaging reads and meaningful conversation. We meet at rotating community locations, offering a fresh setting and new perspectives each time. Whether you're a lifelong environmentalist or just curious to learn more, the book club is a welcoming space to connect, reflect, and take action together.
Tours
Groups of 15 or more can book a free tour of the exhibit hall and river campus during the week by contacting The WaterShed at least two weeks in advance. A self-guided public art tour via mobile device is available on-site.
Please Note: Water Renewal Tours will be suspended from December 2025 – December 2026 due to construction projects that impact tour safety. We appreciate your patience while we work to meet Boise's growing water renewal needs. Several educational resources are available on our webpage, including a process overview handout, presentation slide deck and video tour.
Educator Workshops
Workshops are offered year-round for formal and informal educators and homeschool parents. The WaterShed is a host institution for Project WET and offers a variety of water and climate workshops.
Additionally, The WaterShed is a partner with NASA’s Earth to Sky network, which offers an annual workshop to connect science communicators and educators to local climate science.
Youth Programs
Story Time
Hear a story and participate in an activity based on a sustainability or environmental theme. Designed for children ages 2-5 to learn and play, but all ages are welcome to attend.
Homeschool Days
The WaterShed offers FREE quarterly homeschool events catered to children ages 5 - 12, but all ages are welcome.
Drop-In Programs
When school is out, drop in to The WaterShed for free programming for kids. Programs are typically held over spring break, Thanksgiving break and occasionally one-day breaks.
Summer WaterShed Wednesdays
Join The WaterShed this summer for free all-ages activities, crafts and scientific demonstrations in the outdoor River Campus from 10:00 am - Noon.
K-12 Lessons and Outreach Programs
Groups of 15 or more may make a free field trip reservation. Please view the field trips page to schedule a lesson with us.
From November through February, outreach lessons are available to schools in Boise, Garden City, Eagle, and Meridian.
Events
Family events are held quarterly at The WaterShed and themes vary depending on the season. The annual Earth Day Celebration will be held the third Saturday in April and a Water Festival will take place the second Saturday of June. Check the event calendar to learn more.
