Things to Do in Ontario

Prague-born Filip Vogelpohl kindled his passion for glass blowing within his Boise home garage. As his knack for flame-working increased, Vogelpohl left the garage and traveled the world, honing his craft under the tutelage of internationally renowned glass blowers. Now, Vogelpohl welcomes fledgling glass blowers into his studio for small group classes. He also invites spectators to watch the studio's artists as they shape molten glass and borosilicate into jewelry or vases, which then go up for sale in the gallery. On the first Thursday of every month, the furnaces keep firing until 9 p.m. during free glass-blowing demonstrations as a part of the First Thursday Art Walk.

Bear Valley River Co. fuels outdoor fun with half- or full-day whitewater-rafting excursions along the Payette River. Licensed guides help passengers navigate the river’s twists and turns from a well-maintained fleet of inflatable rafts. The current-savvy hosts provide life jackets, helmets, and a laminated copy of A River Runs Through It for each rider, and can also offer catered meals prepared in the company's on-site restaurant. Guides place a strong emphasis on safety with mandatory equipment checks and a safety orientation before each excursion. Following the whitewater orientation, groups can enjoy a relaxing jaunt down the main Payette River, course through the waterfalls and Class IV rapids of the South Fork, or spend the day fishing in Swirly Canyon.

The coaching staff at Idaho Select Basketball fertilizes athletic growth and fosters competitive spirit through year-round youth basketball camps, academies, and tournaments. The Blue Chip Basketball Combine day camp strengthens budding players' skills on the court and includes an educational off-court class on the basics of college recruitment. Biannual three-on-three indoor tournaments test teams' mettle, and shooting camps teach backboards not to quiver when pelted with basketballs.