I was recently asked if it was worth going to Spokane with a four year old – here was my reply:
When are you thinking of going? In general Spokane is drier and warmer than Seattle during the summer. Anytime from mid June until mid September you are almost guaranteed sun and no rain. For outdoor activities I recommend:
| Place | Map | What to do |
| River Front Park | Downtown Spokane | Site of the ’74 world’s fair. Has a antique hand carved carousel that is great for kids. I also recommend a picnic and maybe some time in the splash fountain. This is a large downtown park. |
| River Side State Park | Just outside Spokane | Some of the best hiking super close to a decent sized urban area. |
| Manito Park | South Hill Spokane | A large park with a playground, formal gardens, duck pond, Japanese gardens. Great for walking around and kids to play in. |
| Davenport Hotel | Downtown Spokane | Turn of the century 4-star restored hotel. Look for deals and you can often stay for ~$120 a night. One of the nicest hotels I’ve ever stayed at. |
| Central YMCA | Downtown Spokane | If it is rainy take your kids to the downtown Spokane YMCA. A single entry may be a little expensive but the pool is one of the best kids pools I have ever seen. It has a large lap pool for adults, a heated pool for the kids, and a giant pool play-land for the kids complete with a slide and all sort of water toys. I haven’t seen anything in Seattle quite like it. |
| River Park Square | Downtown Spokane | Again – if there is bad weather there is a decent size mall downtown Spokane that includes a movie theater and several kid friendly restaurants. I believe there is a children’s museum here with interactive exhibits. |
| Coeur d’Alene, ID | Coeur d’Alene, ID | Downtown Coeur d’Alene, a resort community in nearby Idaho (30 minute drive). Has a nice lake for swimming, great parks and amazing golf. Very scenic. |