Warhawk Air Museum

This activity requires a bit of homework on your part and a babysitter for your youngest kids. For your homework:

1. Have your kids ask grandma and grandpa to tell them stories about what life was like during WWI. Now I know that WWII is before their time (at least most of them) but they will have stories from their parents. Read family journals if you have them. Search through family photo albums.

2. Have older kids research WWII online and have a family night where they can report their findings.

Now you are ready for the Warhawk Air Museum. Plan on a couple of hours. There are so many things to see. So many stories to read, such as the women who flew airplanes from the factories to the bases. There are items that the soldiers brought home. Then there is my favorite: a silk wedding dress made out of an unused Japanese parachute and the story that goes with it.

Listen to the music that was popular during that time.

Skip over the pin-up girls pictures (little or no clothing, not something your kids need to see).

Tell your kids what it meant to display blue or gold stars in the window.

Show them the books and toys kids their ages played with. Try out the telegraph machine.

Then there are the planes. Real planes. My 12 year old who loves anything and everything historical and military went nuts.

Warhawk Air Museum

201 Municipal Drive

Nampa, ID 83687

Telephone: (208) 465-6446

Admission Prices

General Admission : $8.00

Seniors: $6.00

Veterans/Military (with ID): $6.00

Kids 5 -12: $4.00

I'm trying to keep my kid's interest and my sanity intact this summer. As we were making a list of things to do, all of the kids declared they wanted to go hiking. Warning: I am not the greatest outdoor mom. I married an Eagle Scout. My sons are all working towards earning their Eagles. You'd think I'd be more hip about this outdoor stuff.

Lucky for me, someone told me about the easy hike at Hulls Gulch Reserve in the Boise foothills. A few wrong turns (I'm still not used to all the one way streets in Boise) and we made it.
With a backpack full of water bottles, sunscreen, and bug repellent, and our dog on her leash, we explored a two mile trail that was easy enough for my 6 year old daughter and had enough challenges to keep my two older sons happy. There were plenty of trails for hikers and mountain bikers. The kids learned quickly to move to the side of the trail when bikes rode past. The bikers were friendly and courteous and did not run my kids over. Thank heavens.

We explored trails and creeks for two hours. As soon as we were back to the car, my boys wanted to know if we could come back again the next day.
Mission: successful.

Mission: successful.

We're now trying to plan weekly day hikes. Suggestions are appreciated.

Hulls Gulch Reserve

Ridge to Rivers Trails System