Beat The Heat: The Best Swimming Spots in Spokane Valley

When the pavement boils and patience breaks, cool off where the crowds aren’t. In Spokane Valley, families will find everything from quiet coves to playful pools, all within easy reach and without the packed parking and peak-season pricing. With open skies overhead and I-90 at your side, your only delay is deciding where to dip in first. 

RIVER RETREATS

In Spokane Valley, refreshing river days don’t begin with brutal backroads. Merely minutes off the main road, the Spokane River opens into shallow shores and grassy groves. With no crowds to contend with, it’s easy to make memories—and keep your cool.

BOULDER BEACH

Directly off Upriver Drive and steps from the Centennial Trail, Boulder Beach in Spokane Valley is an easy-to-find escape that still feels wonderfully withdrawn. Large stone ledges frame clear water for confident swimmers, while the shallow shore is safe for kids. Overhead, towering trees cast cooling cover, setting the scene for slow lunches and longer lounge sessions. To extend your outdoor outing, cruise the Centennial Trail for a bit of cardio before cooling off. 

ISLANDS TRAILHEAD

Also alongside the Centennial Trail, Islands Trailhead serves as another natural nexus for pedal-and-paddle excursions. This stretch splits the Spokane River’s stronger currents into quiet sloughs, revealing leisurely lanes for safer swims and floats. Equipped with amenities like a paved parking lot and routinely maintained restrooms, it’s a sensible stop that blends outdoor adventure with everyday ease.

DONKEY ISLAND TRAILHEAD

Below Plante Ferry Park’s footbridge, Donkey Island Trailhead delivers a pebble peninsula where driftwood benches border tranquil dammed waters. A short stroll down Centennial Trail offers easy access to this hidden haven. Prior to cooling off, kids and parents can find fitness and fun on the park’s 92 acres of evergreen fields.

PUBLIC POOLS

When river retreats lose their lure and reliable recreation with lifeguards and locker rooms is preferred, Spokane Valley’s pools provide safe, supervised spots for your family. Swim, slide and socialize as long as the sun lingers, soaking up the summer sun without any worry. 

VALLEY MISSION POOL

At Valley Mission Pool, a shallow slope simulates a shoreline, welcoming toddlers testing the waters, while lap lanes accommodate serious swimmers. Affordable admission ensures family fun without breaking the bank, while its proximity to I-90 provides an ideal first stop for travelers to immediately unwind. 

PARK ROAD POOL

Leading with a lofty spiral slide, Park Road Pool strikes a steady balance between adrenaline and ease. Lap lanes stretch along one side, while a kiddie corner keeps smaller swimmers splashing safely. This careful configuration leaves no corner cramped, letting swimmers and spectators enjoy ample space to roam or relax.

TERRACE VIEW POOL

Known for its 60-foot-long lazy river and leafy refuge, Terrace View Pool flows with family-friendly features. The pool’s soft slope accommodates swimmers of all skill levels, leading to a deep end complete with a classic diving board. While kids keep moving, parents can pause under the cooling cover of the park’s ponderosa pines. 

WATER PARK WAVES

For families drawn to fast descents and fresh diversions, the region’s water parks present an array of attractions to keep kids entertained. Whether you’re whirling through water slides or unwinding in a wave pool these aquatic adventures welcome all ages. 

BOULDER BEACH WATER PARK IN SILVERWOOD

An hour northeast via I-90, Boulder Beach Water Park at Silverwood Theme Park pairs coasters and currents in one seamless stop. This dual-destination lets families toggle between theme park thrills and aquatic escapes without paying twice. Twin wave pools push five-foot swells every five minutes, while Elkhorn Creek’s forest-fringed float offers calmer cooling. Younger guests stay drenched at Polliwog Park and the newly expanded Salmon Run zone, now with over 200 splash features. For older kids, Riptide Racer and Avalanche Mountain serve as the ultimate slide-and-soak combo.

RAPTOR REEF INDOOR WATER PARK

Located in the Coeur d’Alene area, Raptor Reef Water Park at Triple Play Resort serves as an indoor alternative for aquatic adventures. Just 50 minutes east of the Valley, this 25,000-square-foot park pairs a wave pool with winding slides and a towering two-story play structure. Between the steamy soaks and splashy stunts, families find a rare balance of rest and release—no sunscreen required.

BOOK YOUR BREAK TODAY

Why wrestle with crowds when the cure for summer’s scorch is immediately off I-90? With scenic spaces and accessible activities, Spokane Valley makes it easy to escape the urban oven. Every hotel here welcomes families fleeing from the sizzle of the season with free parking and easy freeway access. Because staying cool shouldn’t be complicated.