If you are looking for a few great places to visit with your kids while you are in Spokane you are at the right place! The best things are free things in my opinion, but I sprinkled a mix of both free and pay for you!
Especially with COVID being so high in the United States I kept in mind outdoor activities too for those who do not want to visit too many indoor venues.
My husband grew up in the Spokane area and I have been there quite a few times over the years. Never have we brought our kids though!
All of my husband’s family moved over to Idaho where we currently reside so there has been no pressing reason to visit in many years.
Because we are visiting in November we are not going to be visiting any, water parks, bumper boats, splash pad, or pools of any sort! Those are all great during the summer months but not so great in the fall.
Best Places To Visit In The City of Spokane
If a city we travel to has a nature trail, picnic area, and a fun place to eat we are usually happy campers! Let’s get this list started shall we?
MANITO PARK
A really beautiful place to visit with or without kids is called Manito park. Fun fact: We took our engagement photos in this park! It was a really beautiful place to visit especially in the spring and fall.
CENTENNIAL TRAIL
My husband grew up in the quaint town of Nine Mile Falls, Washington. The Centennial Trail is a 37.5-mile-long trail that starts right off Exit 291 off of I-90 East. The best part about the trail is that it is paved! If you have a little one that loves to ride their bike or scooter it makes for a perfect place to get the energy out!
GREEN BLUFF
Located just 15 minutes North of Spokane it is a farming community that offers year-round activities for the entire family. In the Spring visit their tasting room for wines and beers. In the Summer months enjoy picking your produce such as strawberries and peaches.
In the fall they are famous for apple picking, apple cider, corn mazes, pumpkin picking, and much more. Lastly in the winter months enjoy cutting down your own Christmas tree and grabbing a warm cider or hot cocoa. It is a fun experience for the whole family no matter what the season!
RIVERSIDE STATE PARK
This 1,400-acre camping park sits along the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers near Nine Mile Falls, Washington. I am familiar with this area because of the time I spent in Nine Mile Falls when my husband’s family lived there. It is a nice state park even in the Fall! This park is truly a nature lovers dream.
RIVERFRONT PARK
This is one of Spokane’s popular attractions for sure! It is located in the heart of Spokane Washington. It has its island which makes exploring around a great time for children of all ages. Inside this park are historical landmarks like the Looff carrousel and the clock tower. Another great memory I had as a little girl was going to ride the big red wagon.
Another fun activity the whole family will enjoy at Riverfront Park is the Spokane Falls Skyride which is a gondola ride over the famous lower falls of the Spokane River. So many fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. It is truly one of the best parks in Spokane because of the variety of actives and features it offers.
RIVER PARK SQUARE
Located near Riverfront State park are the entertainment, shopping, and eating portion of downtown Spokane. There are local shops as well as larger national shops to enjoy.
MOBIUS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
The Mobius children’s museum and the Mobius science center used to be located in the lower level of River Park Square, but since has moved and consolidated. The children’s museum and the science museum are now named the MOBIUS DISCOVERY CENTER.
They are located at the Washington Water Power building. According to their website: Mobius Discovery Center is located near City Hall and Riverfront Park, at 331 North Post Street.
A great place for educational activities for kids and even adults too! They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but open the rest of the week from 10:00 am- 5:00 pm. Sunday’s they open at 11:00 am.
CAT TALES ZOOLOGICAL PARK
This is a wildlife rescue and sanctuary located in Mead, Washington not too far out of Spokane. Home to big cats! They are open Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00-4:00 pm and admission costs around $15.00. It is a great cause to support as they care for and nurture exotic animals and different wildlife that are non-releasable back into the wild.
JOHN A. FINCH ARBORETUM
We head back outdoors to the 65-acre public arboretum located on Sunset Hills in Spokane. It is a nice area to get the kids outside and enjoy the beautiful Pacific Northwest at its finest!
HISTORIC DAVENPORT HOTEL
Opened in 1914 and was just divine. I love walking through this hotel and admiring its old historic charm. We have attended weddings here, stayed here as guests, and enjoyed the unique Spokane experience of Davenport. Even if you don’t go inside with the kids, make a note when you drive by it!
Other Notable places that I won’t be taking my kids but are too good not to mention:
- Northwest Museum of arts
- Cathedral of St. John
- Avista Stadium (Home to the Spokane Indians Baseball- minor league baseball team)
- Martin Woldson theater
- Also home to Gonzaga University catching a basketball game in season or just visiting the campus is another fun experience!
- Row Adventure Center (whitewater rafting for summer months)
GOOD EATS IN SPOKANE THAT ARE KID-FRIENDLY
MARY LOU’S MILK BOTTLE
I am getting hungry! Time to jump into some good eats in Spokane. My kids love a good ice cream shop and so do my husband and I. Mary Lou’s milk bottle is a must-stop place. It is an American diner that also serves Ice creams and milkshakes! Yum. The perfect place for kids!
FRANK’S DINER
Want to have a meal in a train car? This is such a fun experience for everyone in the family, and the food is to die for. It is truly a must-visit breakfast place while you are staying in Spokane. The kids won’t forget it!
TOMATO STREET
When I think of Spokane my mouth instantly waters for Tomato Street! Whether you dine there for lunch or dinner the food and service are always great, We love getting the calzones and the chicken parmesan! Yum!
THE FLYING GOAT
Good pizza. No problems. Most kids love pizza. The Flying Goat has great pizza and beer for the adults! Don’t miss it!
THE OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY
I think you can tell by now that we are not a gluten-free family! The Old Spaghetti Factory is a family-friendly restaurant with good portion sizes and overall good food most people will enjoy. They are closing down locations in many places, but in Spokane, it still thrives!
THE SCOOP SPOKANE
A fun and unique dessert experience that combines a small waffle and ice cream. If you are not a waffle person, no problem. Get yourself a delicious bowl of ice cream to enjoy! One of our favorite things as a family!
Washington state is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year. There are many great city parks to enjoy yet there are a plethora of outdoor adventures for any ages kids to get a lot out of. If you find yourself traveling to Spokane soon, leave a comment if you tried any of these places! Happy travels!
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Always the same list.
Call me. I know a few better options!
Hi Genesis,
Would you mind sharing with us here? Comment below if so!