Boise — Idaho’s capital and largest city — has a lot more to offer than the Humanitarian Bowl. Here are some ways to kill time before or after the game.

Stuff to Do:

Outdoor activities are popular in Boise, even in the winter.

* Biking along the “Greenbelt,” which goes along the river, and in the foothills of the mountains, which are usually free from snow, is popular.

Bike rental is available from Bikes 2 Boards, 3525 W. State St. The business delivers bikes anywhere in town, including local hotels. Call (208)343-0208.

* Bogus Basin Ski Resort, 2405 Bogus Basin Road, offers great skiing — day or night.

The resort has 76 runs with seven chair lifts for Nordic skiing. Hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekends and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays. Daily lift prices: adult (ages 12-69) $37, child (ages 7-11) $10, seniors (ages 70+) and pre-school (ages 6 and under) free; half-day prices and student discounts are available.

The mountain has a shuttle that picks up at various lots around town.

For more information, call (208)332-5151 or (800)367-4397 or see its Web site at www.bogusbasin.com.

Cultural Spots:

Boise is the cultural center of Idaho and has several museums for those who want to learn something new during winter break. Many in the area are one-of-a-kind — including the country’s only Basque museum and the world’s only reserve for birds of prey.

* The World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame, 855 Broad Street, Suite 100, honors world athletes who gave back to their communities and became positive role models.

The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and $1 for students. Children younger than 6 are free.

* The Basque Museum & Cultural Center, 607 Grove St., is the only museum in the country dedicated to the Basque culture.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. See www.boisebasques.com for more information.

* The Boise Art Museum, 670 Julia Davis Drive, is Idaho’s only public art museum and hosts more than 15 exhibitions annually. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, $1 for kids in grades one through 12. Kids younger than 6 and museum members are free.

* The Discovery Center of Idaho, 131 Myrtle St., offers interactive exhibits that illustrate the wonders of science.

Winter hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for kids 3-18.

* The Old Idaho Penitentiary, 2445 N. Penitentiary Road, was built in 1870 and used until 1973. It’s one of three left in the United States.

It’s open from noon to 5 p.m. every day. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and children ages 6-12 and free for children younger than 6.

* See one of the world’s largest eagles, the rare harpy eagle, observe a pair of California condors and experience a tropical forest at the World Center for Birds of Prey, 566 W. Flying Hawk Lane. The center is the only one of its kind in the world. It’s open from daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and $2 for kids ages 4-16.

* The Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 N. Penitentiary Road, celebrates the holiday season by covering the plants with 100,000 sparkling lights during Winter Garden aGlow from 6 to 9 p.m. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for members and children ages 6-12. Children younger than 6 are free.

Boise Hot Spots:

Downtown Boise offers the best selection of restaurants, shopping and entertainment in the city. And it’s only a mile from Bronco Stadium.

At night, college students flock downtown to the Old Boise District.Bars include: Hannah’s, 621 W. Main St.; JT Toad’s, 107 S. 6th St.; Main Street Bistro, 607 W. Main St.; Tom Grainey’s, 109 S. 6th St.; Sixth & Main at Joe’s, 6th and W. Main Sts.; Pengilly’s, 513 W. Main St.; Cactus Bar, 517 W. Main St.; and the Neurolux Lounge, 111 N. 11th St.

After Dark:

* Want to watch a sport other than football? Watch the Idaho Stampede basketball team take on Sioux Falls (S.D.) Skyforce at 7:10 p.m. Dec. 30 at Bank of America Center. Call (208)388-4667 for ticket information.

Boise has a few concerts going on around New Year’s Eve. On Dec. 28, Leftover Salmon is at the Big Easy Concert House, 416 S. 9th St. and Marcus Eaton & The Lobby is at Tom Grainey’s, 109 S. 6th St. On Dec. 30, Jerry Joseph & The Jackmormons are at Neurolux Lounge, 111 N. 11th St.

Eats:

Information on all Boise restaurants is available at www.boiseweekly.com/dining. Some highlights are listed below.

* Bardenay Restaurant, Bar and Distillery, 610 Grove St., began as a rum, gin and vodka distillery and expanded to a restaurant.

* Chapala’s Mexican Restaurant, 105 6th St., calls itself the most authentic Mexican food in Idaho.

The chain’s Web site, www.chapalarestaurants.com, has three coupons for dinner.

* Chicago Connection — The Better Pizza, 7070 Fairview or 4th and Bannock. The Web site, www.chicagoconnection.com, has coupons.

* Goodwood BBQ Company, 7849 W. Spectrum, specializes in true barbecue and food products made fresh with made from scratch quality.

* TableRock Brew Pub and Grill, 705 Fulton St., is the home of TableRock microbrews, which were voted Boise’s Best Beer four years in a row. It offers a full lunch and dinner menu in a great family atmosphere.

— Compiled by Anna Holland

Source: Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.boise.org