Best Spring Family Photo Locations in Boise (2026 Guide)
If you’re new to Boise you may not know that our foothills become COVERED in wildflowers in the spring! This means a frenzy of family and maternity photo sessions once that first bloom starts to peak. We also don’t have green foothills year round. If you like that spring green look, green is the time of year you want! Also keep in mind that Boise can get wildfire smoke in the summer and fall so spring is a great way to remove that obstacle!
Being a local Boise family photographer I have been scouting the very best spots for spring family photos in Boise. Here are my favorite locations for spring family sessions!
Location #1: Kathryn Albertson Park
Why it’s beautiful in spring
Katheryn Albertsons Park is such a gem. (Fun fact, we had an extended family photoshoot here when I was a kid). The many water features give a really pretty backdrop and there are so many different things blooming any time of year.
Best time of day
This spot is a little more versatile! Because there are so many trees and shaded areas, we can use this spot any time of day.
Best for
I would recommend this location if you have really little kids that don’t need to run and explore so much (more on that in a sec) and want to stay close to the parking lot. I have also used this for extended family photos when there is a grandma that isn’t very mobile.
Outfit tip
I would use neutrals, blues, pinks, for Kathryn Albertsons Park in the spring.
Heads up
There are many signs about staying on the path at this park! They must preserve the flowers and vegetation and get a lot of traffic. I will definitely adhere to any signage to respect the area we are in. There are many instances where photography gets banned or charged a fee if damage continues to happen due to photography sessions.
Location #2: Boise Foothills
Military Reserve
Why families love it
This has become my go-to in the spring. The wildflowers are incredible and there is so much space to spread out. I’m a sucker for golden hour light and it is just ideal at this spot. The other perk is that there are many waves of wildflowers. I have photographed family sessions in the foothills for 2 months straight and still had wildflowers in the photos.
Best months
April and May are the months you want to aim for if wildflowers are your goal! I am happy to be flexible with weather and peak blooms.
Heads up
The very best spots for light tend to have a *small* hike. 10-15 minutes usually.
Location #3: Boise River Greenbelt
Why it works
This spot is a favorite for those that have been in the area for a while. The Boise Greenbelt is an iconic part of the landscape and many families like to have photo evidence of an area they spend a lot of time at. The trees and water make a great backdrop and there is the perk of having a built in activity. A fun session idea would be to walk to ice cream or coffee before or after to get candid photos of your family just having fun.
Great for
- Active kids that need something to do.
What to wear for a family session on the Boise Greenbelt
I like the idea of a more casual outfit vibe for a river session. It can be fun to get wet and play and make the whole session look like a casual family outing.
Location #4: Lower Foothills
There are many spots along the foothills that don’t require hiking or going very far at all. The benefit here is that you can schedule your session earlier in the afternoon and use shade.
Why it’s underrated
These locations are all over the Boise periphery and don’t require hardly any walking to get to. This can be great for a mini session or for an outdoor newborn session.
Location #5 Cherry Hill Cherry Blossoms
This spot is a hidden gem! There are a few different spots here to use with different types of trees. I love this spot for mom and me sessions or maternity!
How to Choose the Right Location
There are two ways to make this decision. Do you have a strong preference or love of a specific photo? Or do you like all the options and can’t decide? One of the best ways to pick a location is to tell your photographer all your preferences and then let them make a suggestion. If you’re choosing a photographer because you like their work as a whole, then it won’t matter too much where you have your session.
When to Book Spring Family Photos in Boise
I always recommend picking a family session date as soon as possible. This removes the chance that the year will come and go and it just won’t happen. If you pick a full service photographer they will make sure to send you reminders and hold your hand the whole way so nothing gets rushed or passed up.
The best months for spring family photos in Boise are April and May.
FAQ
When is peak wildflower bloom in Boise?
In 2025 I feel like peak bloom was around the first week of May. You want to know a secret though…. there is a trick to getting “peak bloom” look in photos around here. Because the wildflowers are on a hill the bloom spreads from the sunniest part to the least sunniest. This is why we get such a long season of blooms for photos. There are different sections of the hills that we can move to as the days get longer.
Are Boise parks crowded in spring?
Not at all! There is so much space around here. I have yet to fight for space during peak bloom season here. There are so many spaces for photographers to use and everyone has their own favorite spot.
What if it rains?
We love rain! It feeds the flowers right? But don’t worry, I keep a light schedule in the spring for the precise reason of being able to be flexible for the very best light and weather.
What time of day is best for spring photos?
I will likely be a “golden hour” family photographer until the day I day. Which means about an hour before sunset. BUT there are always exceptions. I actually really like a more direct light for spring sessions if we are working with a lot of color. I also don’t mind waiting for an overcast day in order to get great color options for editing.
TLDR
Spring is the BEST season for family photos in Boise! Don’t wait to book your session though because I keep really light schedule to make sure we get the best night possible for your family.
