5 Summer Family Activities in Spokane, WA | Spokane Hyundai

If you’re hoping to soak up as much family fun as possible this summer, you’re not alone. Fortunately, Spokane is full of exciting activities, from educational fun to heart-pumping adventures. Spokane Hyundai scoured the area for some of the best ways to make memories in the area this summer. Here are five ways families can make the most of summer in Spokane, Washington.

Spend the Day at Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park by Robert Ashworth | Licensed with CC BY 2.0

Riverfront Park is arguably Spokane’s most iconic spot for outdoor fun. Once the site of the 1974 Worlds Fair, this 100-acre fun-packed gathering spot surrounding the Spokane River mixes the best of city living with the kind of natural beauty you can only find in Washington. Once you’re done ogling at the nation’s biggest urban waterfall, head down to the Ice Age Floods Playground. This 40,000-square foot jungle gym is full of modern play structures and activities with the park’s signature outdoorsy touch, like a climbable faux-boulder and a fossil corner for future archaeologists.

After your little ones have spent their energy running around the playground, make your way to The Looff Carousel to grab a seat on one of the 58 hand-carved wooden animals that dance around this indoor ride. Providence Playscape is another on-site playground that provides opportunities for safe and inclusive exploration for children of all abilities. If you manage to stick around Riverfront Park through sunset, catch a dazzling light show at The Pavillion.

Experiment at Mobius Discovery Center

Spokane used to house both a children’s museum and a science center, but Mobius recently merged the two to create one expansive destination for learning, exploration, and experimentation known as Mobius Discovery Center. Here, parents can encourage learning and play for children of all ages with a series of educational exhibits that emphasize hands-on play.

Older kids with an interest in construction and engineering can experiment with physics by sending bottle rockets into the air or building wooden block structures. Creative types of all ages can express themselves in the art studio, and kids under three can explore the Enchanted Forest, a gentle play area designed for the center’s smallest guests. Exhibits typically focus on encouraging healthy, conscious habits, with displays and activities about topics like energy conservation and nutrition.

Mobius Discovery Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission costs $10 for adults and children, but babies under age one are free. Military members and seniors can get a $1 discount, and if you plan to visit often, you might consider becoming a member for savings. The center is in downtown Spokane, right by Riverfront Park.

Slow Down at Green Bluff Growers

If your busy family could benefit from some time unplugged, visit Green Bluff Growers, a Spokane-area community dedicated to sustainable farming. The 100-year-old Green Bluff Growers Association opens its doors to guests year-round, though some areas of the premises are only open during the summer. Your family can explore the collection of over 30 small farms strewn across the 12-mile property, each featuring unique plants like berries, vegetables, and greens. A visit to the farms allows you to enjoy the fresh air, learn more about Spokane-area agriculture, and get some exercise walking up and down the farm’s rows of produce.

You can bring a whole new meaning to farm-to-table by picking your fresh produce to bring home. Alternatively, you could explore the farms’ many pre-picked and prepared delicacies, like pies or cider. Each small farm operates independently and has its own selection, so available products can vary. Here are some of the items that are typically in season in the summer:

• Mushrooms.
• Garlic.
• Flowers.
• Eggs.
• Cherries.
• Strawberries.
• Apricots.
• Peaches.
• Tomatoes.
• Raspberries.
• Plums.
• Apples.

Kids of all ages might enjoy exploring the farms, and older kids might even have fun embracing their inner baker by trying one of the farm’s many recipes at home with parent supervision. Prices can vary depending on the vendor. Green Bluff Growers is just north of Spokane in Mead, Washington.

Enjoy the Outdoors with ROW Adventure Center

If your kids are a little older and are always seeking the next thrill, look to ROW Adventure Center for your next family bonding experience. ROW Adventure Center offers heart-pounding, adrenaline-fueled whitewater rafting trips in the Spokane area. The organization offers trips down the Spokane River from May through September. Due to the river’s conditions, riders must be at least 12 years old in May and June. Later in the summer, guests around five to seven years old may be able to board.

Children’s eligibility for rafting trips also depends on their swimming abilities, size, and rafting experience, so reflect on your family’s capabilities before committing to a trip. The organization recommends a half-day trip on the Spokane River for families with younger children, as it may be more gentle than some of the other rivers. You could also experience a slightly more tame trip down the river in a kayak or canoe. If you’d rather stay dry, ROW Adventure Center also hosts bike tours and guided hikes.

Visit the Big Cats at Cat Tales Wildlife Center

A non-profit organization committed to providing a safe and humane environment for exotic animals with nowhere else to go, Cat Tales Wildlife Center promises an exciting afternoon for animal lovers of all ages. Kids can even feed the animals by hand if they’re up to the challenge. For $10, children over six can feed a bear, and children over eight can choose from a bear, lion, or tiger. For an additional $10, guests over eight could feed a majestic white tiger. Safety is key, too. The center offers clear instructions and protective equipment, and a trained zookeeper supervises feeding closely.

Other animals on the premises include bobcats, coyotes, foxes, lynxes, wolfdogs, and pumas. Hot weather makes many of these large, furry animals sleepy, so be aware that you might catch them during their nap time. For a better chance of seeing the animals awake, try visiting on a cooler day and avoiding the middle of the day. Cat Tales Wildlife Center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Rain or shine, there’s no shortage of fun, family-friendly summer activities in Spokane, Washington. Do you know of a hidden gem we missed? Contact us so we can add it to our summer bucket list. At Spokane Hyundai, we have a host of safe, practical new cars and SUVs for on-the-go families, featuring fresh technology and plenty of space for your summer gear. Visit our dealership today to learn more.