Incredible Camping Spots In Idaho

Idaho is a camper’s paradise, offering a wide variety of family-friendly campsites nestled among breathtaking mountains, rivers, forests, and lakes. Whether you’re looking for a primitive tent camping experience or a campground with full amenities for your RV, Idaho has something to make your family's outdoor adventure unforgettable. The team at 208 Cleaning has put together a list of some of the greatest camping areas Idaho has to offer. 

Ponderosa State Park – McCall, Idaho

Located on the scenic Payette Lake, Ponderosa State Park is one of Idaho’s most beloved family camping destinations. The park offers a mix of tent sites, RV sites with hookups, and even cabin rentals. Families can enjoy swimming at the beach, renting kayaks or paddleboards, hiking scenic trails, and spotting wildlife such as deer and bald eagles. Evening ranger programs are a hit with kids, and McCall’s charming downtown is just minutes away.

Redfish Lake – Sawtooth National Recreation Area

Surrounded by the stunning Sawtooth Mountains, Redfish Lake is a family favorite for its crystal-clear waters and wide range of activities. Campgrounds like Glacier View and Point Campground are just steps from the lake and offer access to fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking. There’s even a small marina and lodge nearby with a restaurant and boat rentals, making it a perfect mix of rustic and convenient.

Farragut State Park – Near Coeur d’Alene

Set on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Farragut State Park is one of the largest and most diverse camping areas in Idaho. It features over 200 campsites, including RV and tent sites, and offers amenities like bathrooms with showers, a visitor center, and playgrounds. Kids love the Discovery Center and the Museum at the Brig. The park also has excellent trails for biking and hiking, plus several great swimming spots.

Heyburn State Park – Near Plummer, Idaho

Heyburn is Idaho’s oldest state park and is ideal for families looking for a quiet getaway. Located along the southern shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene, the park has both developed and primitive campsites. Families can enjoy biking along the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, one of the most scenic bike trails in the Northwest, as well as fishing, boating, and birdwatching.

Henry’s Lake State Park – Near Island Park, Idaho

Close to Yellowstone National Park, Henry’s Lake State Park is a hidden gem perfect for families who love fishing and scenic beauty. The park is known for its excellent trout fishing and panoramic views. Campsites are spacious and peaceful, and wildlife sightings are common. It’s also a short drive from other attractions like Mesa Falls and Harriman State Park.

Bruneau Dunes State Park – Near Mountain Home, Idaho

For a more unique camping experience, Bruneau Dunes offers the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America. Families can camp near the dunes, hike up them, rent sandboards, or visit the park's small observatory for stargazing events. The campgrounds are well-maintained and include water and electric hookups, restrooms, and showers.

 

Whether your family enjoys water sports, mountain hikes, or simply roasting marshmallows under the stars, Idaho’s campgrounds provide the perfect backdrop for making lifelong memories. While you are out enjoying time under the stars, let us take care of the chores. Nothing caps of a fantastic vacation full of family memories better than coming home to a thoughtfully cleaned home. Contact us if you or someone you know may be in need of a residential or commercial cleaning service like ours. We can’t wait to hear from you. Give us a call or email us here. Have fun and stay safe out there!

DIY Easter Egg Dying Recipes For You To Try At Home This Year

If you’ve been watching grocery prices go up and up this year, then you’re probably familiar with the outrageous amounts that some retailers are charging for simple Easter egg dye kits these days. That’s why we put together a list of fun, easy, and relatively inexpensive egg dying kits that you can probably make at home right now with things you have lying around the back of your cupboard. 

A Classic And Simple Recipe

For this kit, you will basically be re-creating the dye kit that you will find at most grocery stores. It provides a simple baseline for your dye activities and allows you to add other elements like drawing on the eggs with a crayon for extra effects. The sky’s the limit!

Here’s what you’ll need:

Simply mix 1 cup of warm to hot tap water with 2 to 3 teaspoons of vinegar in a bowl or cup. Add 20 drops of food coloring to start, you can adjust as necessary. Stir the mixture to ensure even distribution and start putting your eggs in. Each egg takes about 5 minutes to dye and you can make multiple bowls so you can have several eggs working at once. 

Crazy Rice Bag Easter Eggs

For a budget friendly, yet out of the box recipe, you can try this rice centric twist! 

Here’s what you’ll need:

This one is fun and can even be more budget friendly than the first recipe. You don’t even need the vinegar! Take about a half cup of rice and dump it into your storage bag. Then add 10 to 20 drops of your food coloring. Shake the mix to combine the coloring evenly on the rice. Add a hardboiled egg and then gently shake it in the rice mix until it is covered in speckles to your liking. Remove the egg and repeat as needed! You can even add several dyes to the same bag for a cool tie-dye look.

Natural Dye Easter Eggs

You don’t even need food coloring to dye your Easter eggs! If you have any of these common household ingredients on hand, you can start coloring your eggs tonight.

This technique is a little slower, but it yields beautiful results. Boil each dye ingredient separately in 2 cups of water for at least 15 minutes. Strain the liquid and add to a clean bowl. Add a teaspoon of white vinegar to each bowl and stir. Soak your eggs overnight in the mixtures for best results. You will love the natural, earthy tones of this technique. 

For The Road

Getting the perfect egg dye setup together at home is no small feat, but with a little preparation you can be ready for anything that comes your way this year. Contact us if you or someone you know may be in need of a residential or commercial cleaning service like ours. We can’t wait to hear from you. Give us a call or email us here. Have fun and stay safe out there!

3 Great Indoor Play Locations For Your Family

When you think of cabin fever, you often think of an old man isolated deep in the woods talking to his pet rock while slowly going mad due to his complete isolation, but cabin fever also hits hard if you’re a kid and it’s the middle of winter and your options for playing outside are limited at best. That’s why we put together this list of the best places that you can take your kids to when it is too cold outside to play where they can have fun in a warm and safe environment and get to do fun activities to their heart’s content! 

Wahooz

Not just for summer! Wahooz offers a wide variety of play and entertainment options for the whole family, especially the kids. For their indoor attractions, there are almost too many to name, but they have things like an arcade, laser tag, bumper cars, several indoor “rides,” like the 7D Dark Ride Experience and The Twister, and so much more. They serve food including pizza and hot dogs and other similar items as well so you can play all day and fuel up when you need. Here is some more info on their attractions: https://www.wahoozfunzone.com/play/attractions/indoor/

Leap Years

Boise's original Montessori-inspired infant and toddler indoor boutique playground, Leap Years is a fantastic place to take your kids for some educational fun. They offer a wide array of play structures, games, and toys that your child will love. You can reserve a 2 hour play block on their website or you can even rent out their party area for any occasion like birthdays, or other celebrations. 

Jabbers

While similar to Leap Years, Jabbers offers a place where busy parents can bring their kids and let them play in a safe and supervised environment while either taking a break or working on your laptop. Jabbers offers a full cafe menu complete with coffee drinks, sandwiches both hot and cold, fries, salads, and a great kid’s menu. You can bring your kids and enjoy a cafe atmosphere that provides a place to work or relax for you and a place for your kids to run around and play in a safe environment. Everybody wins! If you’re looking for more information, please check out their website here. We encourage everyone to try their coffee, as it is delicious and they have unique and interesting flavor combinations like their Cookie Dough Latte and their Snickerdoodle Latte which features toasted marshmallow, caramel, and cinnamon.

For The Road

Finding a place to take the kiddos for some fun during the winter time is no small feat, but with a little preparation you can be ready for anything that comes your way this year. Contact us if you or someone you know may be in need of a residential or commercial cleaning service like ours. We can’t wait to hear from you. Give us a call or email us here. Have fun and stay safe out there!

2024 Halloween Great DIY Costumes For Kids

Halloween is such a fun time of year. The temperatures are cooler and the nights come earlier and the anticipation for the fun holiday season is starting to rise. One thing that can be stressful about Halloween is not getting your kids’ costume together in time. Whether it’s for a surprise school function or for the big day of trick or treating itself, it’s no fun getting caught flat footed without a good costume. That’s why we have put together a handy guide to help you navigate the tricky 2024 Halloween costume decision, because we can all use a little inspiration sometimes. 

Little Astronaut Or Space Explorer

Space exploration is so hot right now! Let your little one explore the boundaries of outer space and boldly go where no one has gone before with this fun and easy to put together costume. 

Here are the basics:

Archaeologist Or Dinosaur Wrangler

With lots of movies and TV shows featuring dinosaurs and archaeologists, now is one of the best times to put together a fun and relatively easy costume in this theme. If you need multiple costumes, this is a perfect one to pair with a dinosaur or two or even have them be fellow archaeologists together. Whatever sounds the most fun!

What you’ll need:

Tiny Chef

If your child loves to cook or has a celebrity favorite chef (Gordan Ramsay, perhaps?) then this is the perfect costume for you!

Here’s how to get started:

A Magical Unicorn 

This one is pretty simple. Your kid can have fun with it and there are lots of customization options as well. Start by having them paint their face with glitter paint or their favorite colors in a fun “magical” style. Then they will need the unicorn accessories:

For The Road

Getting your Halloween costume for the kids together is no small feat, but with a little preparation you can be ready for anything that comes your way this year. Contact us if you or someone you know may be in need of a residential or commercial cleaning service like ours. We can’t wait to hear from you. Give us a call or email us here. Have fun and stay safe out there!

2024 Halloween And Trick Or Treating Events In The Treasure Valley

There are always fun things to do in and around the Treasure Valley, but in October, all of the stops are pulled out! Boise and the surrounding areas are great for raising a family for many reasons, but especially because there are so many fun and family friendly events to partake in. Today, we are going to explore some of the most exciting and interesting family friendly Halloween events coming in 2024.

Boo At The Zoo | October 26th And 27th

A time honored tradition in the valley, Boo At The Zoo is one of the most anticipated events of the Halloween season. Gather your friends and family, especially the kiddos, and take them on down to the Boise Zoo for a day of spook-tacular fun that everyone can enjoy. Come dressed in your favorite costume or as your favorite animal. There will be trick-or-treat stations with free candy, special treats to give out to the zoo animals, costume contests, and more! Come early to beat the crowds!

The YMCA Monster Mile and Freaky 5K | October 26th

Starting time is 10am so be there early! Open to the whole family, ages 4 and up! This fun run is one you don’t want to miss. Come dressed up in your favorite running friendly costume and prepare for a fun Halloween running adventure for a good cause. BONUS! Stay after the run to go Trunk Or Treating with your kids near the starting area at 11am. More information here.

Boise State Symphony Orchestra Halloween “Spook-tacular” Concert | October 30th

This special symphony presentation is so good, it’s scary! But, it is fun for the whole family so it’s not that scary! Bring the family down to the Morrison Center Main Hall for an evening of Hallowen themed music, narration, and refreshments. Full details and tickets here.

Dog-Toberfest. Indian Creek Plaza, Caldwell | October 5th

Do you love dogs? Do you have a cute dog that you would love to dress up in costume and show off to the world? Then this event is for you! Come on down to the Indian Creek Plaza for a day of dog-themed festivities that you won’t want to miss. There will be live music, a “running of the weiner dogs” competition, a doggie costume contest, and much more! Full details available here.

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics | October 12th and 25th

If you have kids that are a little older and they are into fun and spooky music, then this is perfect for you. It is a small scale intimate concert complete with a Halloween themed playlist performed by a live string quartet. Ticket details here.

For The Road
Getting your Halloween event schedule together is no small feat, but with a little preparation you can be ready for anything that comes your way this year. Contact us if you or someone you know may be in need of a residential or commercial cleaning service like ours. We can’t wait to hear from you. Give us a call or email us here. Have fun and stay safe out there!

 

Great Fall Events Coming To The Treasure Valley

While the summertime may be the prince of fun activities, the fall is most certainly the king. With the fall, especially in Idaho, you get better weather, more holidays, and the relentless beauty all around you that comes from the dazzling colors brought on by the changing of the seasons. Fall is a great time to gather the family and go have some fun. The only problem is deciding on which events to actually do! In today’s article, we’re going to highlight some of what we think are the very best family friendly events that you should make room for in your schedule this year. As always, give us a shoutout in the comments or on social media with your favorite fall events. 

Visit the Idaho Botanical Gardens

Summer is a great time to visit the Botanical Gardens, but some would argue that their fall events are even more fun. They have a jam-packed fall lineup, starting in October, they are going strong all month long with their “Harvest Days” events. On October 5th, they are having a huge event that includes their annual Fall Plant Sale and Artist Market. For the plant sale, this is your last chance for the year to shop for and take home their own expertly curated selection of seasonal plants before next spring. Get in while you can! Full details here on their website.

Boise State Football Games

It’s always a fun time celebrating the hometown team. Tickets are already on sale for the home games for this season which, by all accounts, should be one of their best ever. Cheer on the boys on the blue turf with the whole family and don’t forget to grab some hotdogs and popcorn at the concession stand because being a superfan is hungry work! 2024 BSU Schedule.

Boo at the Zoo

The Boise Zoo is always a fun time, but they really go all out for their annual fall Boo At The Zoo event! Join the whole zoo crew Saturday and Sunday October 28th and 29th starting at 10am and going to 5pm. There will be candy set out at stations for trick-or-treaters, a costume contest, various vendors, photo ops, face painting, and more! Check out their site for more details.

Visit Blue Sky Farms

Blue Sky Farms is a fun and family friendly farm located in Eagle, Idaho. It is owned and operated by a mother-daughter duo that have a passion for flowers! They have a huge flower garden which you can pay to pick your choice of flowers for your own enjoyment or to make a bouquet for that special someone. They also make their own local honey from the bees that live at the farm, available for sale! They have a ton of fun events all throughout the rest of the fall including sign painting classes, girls only events, pumpkin picking and much more! Full details here.

For The Road

Getting the family to the best and most fun events that Idaho has to offer is no small feat, but with a little preparation you can be ready for anything that comes your way this year. Contact us if you or someone you know may be in need of a residential or commercial cleaning service like ours. We can’t wait to hear from you. Give us a call or email us here. Have fun and stay safe out there!

Fun Ideas For Your Summer Work BBQ

Summer is the best time to put together an event for the employees of your company. To that end, a fun summer barbeque is an ideal way to foster team bonding, partnership, and create fun and exciting memories for all. If you want to help to put on the ultimate team-building BBQ event this summer, then this article is for you. So, strap in and grab your grilling tongs because it’s gonna be a wild (yet work appropriate) ride. 

Before The Event Starts: Planning To Perfection

We all want to dive into the particulars of the actual day of the party, but sometimes planning the time and place for the party can be just as important. You will want to pick a day that is convenient for your employees and won’t compromise their work schedules or overlap with their family vacation plans. For instance, you probably don’t want to plan the BBQ on July 5th as many families will be out of town, or already partied out from their festivities the day before. We suggest putting out a company wide poll for people to put the best week or weekend for them. 

Getting The Right Venue

Selecting the venue is also important. You will want to have a space that is big enough to fit all of your employees comfortably, but isn’t so exposed and wide open that they will be roasting under the direct sunlight. Make sure that there are ample restrooms for your guests as well. You will need at least 3 separate bathrooms for a group of 50 people and maybe even one more if you expect them to bring small children and babies who need special accommodations. If you find the right venue, then that is great! You should also find a backup venue just in case the first one falls through or you need to pivot due to bad weather. 

Provide Entertainment And Food

Food will be a must, of course. You will want to provide two options for a main dish and several side dishes and snack options as well as beverages. We recommend having a separate table for desserts and for a designated drink station so that people who just want a drink refill or dessert plate can get theirs quickly without clogging up the main food line. Have some fun family friendly games on hand that people can just pick up and enjoy right away. Things like cornhole, badminton, frisbee, or croquet are all great!

Include A Segment For Recognition And Employee Awards

They may not be expecting it, but a real treat to give to your employees is a chance for you, their boss, to publicly recognize them for their contributions, efforts, and hard work. They will appreciate it and printing out a few certificates or purchasing small award trophies will have a small upfront cost with a huge return in both employee loyalty and morale. 

For The Road

Putting together the perfect office BBQ for the whole team is no small feat, but with a little preparation you can be ready for anything that comes your way this year. Contact us if you or someone you know may be in need of a residential or commercial cleaning service like ours. We can’t wait to hear from you. Give us a call or email us here. Have fun and stay safe out there!

Too Hot? Boise City Pools Offer the Best Solution

Not all of us can afford to have swimming pools built into our backyards. The kids love sprinklers but only to an extent. What became of the slipping slides of yesteryear? We all endured those bruises and may not like to pass that heritage off to our little ones, fun as that was.

Thankfully the City of Boise offers many wonderful pools.  Glorious, well-kept pools. The oldest and most renowned is the Natatorium. It once existed as an indoor pool fed by natural hot springs, but a windstorm took it out during the Great Depression.  

According to the City of Boise, 

The Boise Natatorium—the Nat—was opened in May 1892 as a destination recreation center at the eastern end of a trolley line that would run on Warm Springs Avenue from downtown. The Moorish Revival style of the building easily communicated that the activities inside would be "something completely different" for the busy, hardworking citizens of Boise.

Among the  attractions was a 125-foot-long swimming pool, geothermally heated, and an artificial waterfall that fell over a 40-foot lava rock diving. Swimmers could also plunge into the pool from a copper slide, which stood two stories high. “The resort offered diversions for the whole family: dining room, clubrooms, saloon, gymnasium, baths, dance floors, card rooms and a tea room.”

Eventually, the steamy moisture in the Nat caused its wooden beams to rot, and tragically during a 1934 windstorm, a beam collapsed. There were no injuries, it closed down the original Natatorium and the geothermal water was cut off. Eventually, the City of Boise opened the pool as an outdoor swimming pool, and it remains today and includes a large, green waterslide: the notorious “Hydrotube.” Private parties can be held, by reservation, on Sunday evenings.

The legacy of Boise was established at this historical site and continues elsewhere. Besides the Natatorium, there are a few other cool, blues gems about town that you can enjoy:

Ivywild

Ivywild Pool, located at 2250 S. Leadville Avenue offers a refreshing retreat during the summer months. It features two drop-off slides, a windy slide, a concession stand, and a separate wading pool, with smaller slides,  for children under six accompanied by an adult. Like the Natatorium, if you’re looking for a unique venue, Ivywild Pool is also available for private rentals for events like family reunions or birthday parties.

Borah Pool

Borah Pool also offers  a refreshing escape. Located at 801 Aurora Dr., it features 2 diving boards, a basketball hoop, and a small slide for kids under 6. Also check out the splash pad!

Fairmont Pool

Fairmont Pool in Boise, located at 7929 W. Northview St., offers plenty of deck space for lounging, a grassy area, a large shallow end, and even a basketball hoop. They also have a fun inflatable slide called the Wibit.

While you’re at the pool we can take care of your house! Don't let your summer slip by without getting a good deep cleaning. Contact us if you or someone you know may be in need of a residential or commercial cleaning service like ours. We can’t wait to hear from you. Give us a call or email us here. Have a fun and safe summer!

A Guide To Celebrate In The Treasure Valley

Whether you’re celebrating a new graduate or the commencement of summer, the Treasure Valley offers a lot of ways to bring loved ones together to have a lot of fun. We have a few ideas.

If you have out-of-town company coming into Boise for your big event, here are a few good lodging options:

 

 

 

 

For you locals and/or your visitors, there is something for everyone to enjoy:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whatever your form of recreation, Boise and its surrounding areas have it all.  For more information, take a gander at visitboise.com, which provides more information about the City of Trees and its pleasant amenities.

Are you a coffee fan? Maybe more like a coffee fanatic? We love a good cup of coffee to provide some fuel for our cleaning jobs. This blog is all about why you should indulge in coffee and gives you three of our favorite local spots to enjoy a nice cup of joe! 

There are a lot of people down on coffee. Don't let them grind the joy out of your favorite buzz! The truth is coffee can be beneficial for your health. Here are some great reasons to grab a cup today:

Antioxidants 

Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation in the body.

Mental Alertness 

The caffeine in coffee can improve focus, concentration, and cognitive function, enhancing alertness and productivity.

Mood Enhancement 

Coffee consumption is linked to a lower risk of depression and may help improve mood and overall mental well-being.

Metabolism Boost 

Caffeine can increase metabolic rate and aid in fat burning, potentially contributing to weight management.

Reduced Risk of Certain Diseases 

Studies suggest that moderate coffee consumption may lower the risk of conditions like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Remember, moderation is key when it comes to coffee consumption. Too much of a good thing can be bad. Excessive intake of coffee can lead to negative effects like insomnia, anxiety, and digestive issues. Coffee has been a part of the local culture for years. From loggers to farmers, coffee has long been looked to as an aid to getting the hardest jobs done. Throughout the state there seems to be a coffee shop on every corner in every town. Here is our guide to our favorite local coffee shops in the Treasure Valley.

Flying M Coffee

Since 1992 this locally owned coffee shop has provided a place for relaxation, connection, and delicious coffee. With a location in downtown Boise and one in Caldwell, the Treasure Valley has been able to enjoy this local favorite for decades. As one patron writes, “Great staff, great food and drinks, wonderful atmosphere!” 

Push and Pour

You're invited to skate, bike, or stroll on into one of their three locations for delicious coffee and fantastic food. A real city vibe, this is a great place to work from or catch up with an old friend. As one patron writes, “This is such a special place. The staff are friendly and hard working, the products are amazing, and the atmosphere is always nice.”

Moxie Java

Moxie Java is the longest lasting brew house on this list. Moxie Java has been fueling the Treasure Valley’s coffee craving since 1988. With several locations throughout the region, for long-time locals this may be the first place they ever tried an espresso! As one patron writes, “This is the best place to get great coffee whether on the go or for a sit down with friends!”

Whether you are a cappuccino person or a latte lover, hot or iced, these venues will be able to help you get your fix while supporting local businesses. And while you are out getting your cup filled we can be cleaning your business or residence. Give the team at 208 Cleaning a chance to show you what experts and professionals we are in the cleaning world. Contact us if you or someone you know may be in need of a residential or commercial cleaning service like ours. We can’t wait to hear from you. Give us a call or email us here. Have fun and stay safe out there!