It's going to be a different summer in Boise.

Even as the mercury starts to climb and backs start to sweat, the public swimming pools will remain closed.

Boise city leaders announced in early May that the uncertainty around the spread of the novel coronavirus will keep them from opening municipal pools this year.

“The health and safety of our residents is important – and this was a very tough call,” Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway told our local news outlets. “After taking into consideration the continued protocols surrounding physical distancing and limited group gatherings that will be in place for the foreseeable future, and understanding the impact that would have on our admissions and fiscal accountability, we believe it is the right decision for the city and the community. We know this is disappointing news for many families and we look forward to reopening safely in 2021.”

If we aren't fortunate to have a swimming pool in our own backyard, where are we to turn? Where do we go to cool off?

Fear not, my friends. My staff at Platinum Idaho and I have compiled a list of swimming holes near Boise.

Just don't forget that five-dollar bill for parking if you're heading to a state park!

QUINN’S POND

This spot right in Boise is a terrific place to take a dip. The 22-acre pond is north of the Boise River between Fairview Avenue and Veterans Parkway.

The water is clean and clear, a quality achieved by connecting a waterway from Quinn's to two ponds at Esther Simplot Park (where you can find more swimming).

On city property, it's an undeveloped park that has fishing docks and picnic areas. It's also home to Idaho's oldest paddling shop, Idaho River Sports, where you can rent canoes, kayaks and standup paddleboards.

 SANDY POINT

Just south of Boise sits Lucky Peak State Park, a haven for swimming, picnicking, fishing, boating and biking.

The sandy beach sits right on the Boise River at a spot where the water is shallow and warm. It's a great place for families to spend a day. Paddleboard are available to rent by the half hour or hour, and snacks and beverages are available at the concession stand.

More activities beyond swimming and sunning are available, too, with a disc golf course and volleyball courts.

Keep in mind, dogs are not permitted on Sandy Point but they can be on leash at nearby Discovery Park and Spring Shores.

BARCLAY BAY

Down the road from Sandy Point, Barclay Bay is another great spot. The area around the nice, long beach is a 'no-wake' zone so swimmers can enjoy a carefree dip in the water.

The kids will love the Loch Ness Monster play area that's set up in the sand.

On busier days - and you know there's going to be some this summer - a trail takes you down to a rockier shoreline where you'll find covered picnic areas.

View fullsize

BRUNEAU SAND DUNES STATE PARK

This one ranks as a staff favorite -- not just for the swimming but for

the scenery. Bruneau Dunes State Park is home to the tallest freestanding sand dunes in North America. The highest dune reaches 470 feet. You can even rent a sandboard to "surf" a dune on breaks between swimming and sunning. The

LAKE LOWELL

A 40-minute drive west to Nampa gets you to Lake Lowell, formed by one of the largest off-stream reservoirs in the west.

The beach area is fully serviced with barbecue grills, picnic shelters, a water fountain, a disc golf course and an interpretive trail. Note that inflatables aren't permitted on Lake Lowell.

It juts up on the Deer Flat National Refuge, too, so bring binoculars or a long lens for your camera and get to some bird-watching.

JUMP CREEK

This is one of our staff favorites. Just a little bit west of Lake Lowell, Jump Creek lets you swim in the cool water while the water rushes down from above.

Wear a good pair of shoes, though. There's a quarter-mile treed hike to get to the swimming spot, an alcove surrounded by rock walls. The 60-foot waterfall fills a small dipping tool that's become pretty popular. It's a good idea to get there early, because the parking lot fills up quickly on summer days.

BLACK CANYON RESERVOIR

Now let's head 40 minutes north to Emmett. Black Canyon Reservoir is formed by the Black Canyon Diversion Dam on the Payette River. There's 12 miles of recreational shoreline with boat ramps, camping, parking, picnic tables and spots to fish.

As you take a dip in the water to cool off, you're surrounded by the desert hills dotted with sagebrush.

TELL US YOUR FAVORITE

Who doesn't love summer, sunshine, warm weather, and soaking up every chance to cool off in the natural areas with which we're blessed in Idaho?

We haven't even mentioned those lucky folks up north who get to swim in Lake Coeur d'Alene!

We're surrounded by rivers, lakes, ponds, and waterfalls you can jump into for a refreshing dip. We've only scratched the surface of what's around here.

What about you? Based on this list, do you already have a favorite? If you’re planning on visiting these spots or want to know more about Boise or if you’re interested in owning a home here, check out our featured listings at Platinum Idaho Real Estate.