Summer Bucket List: 10 Family Adventures from Spokane Valley

Some family vacations are about one destination. This one is about ten.

Spokane Valley sits right in the center of one of the most activity-dense stretches of the Pacific Northwest—with I-90 running through the heart of the city, easy freeway access to the east and west, and a relaxed, open environment that feels nothing like a dense downtown. The summer activities on this list span theme parks, lake cruises, farm stands, mountain summits, minor league ballparks, and professional soccer. Settle in for a few nights, pick your favorites, and let the Valley be your launchpad for a bucket list built around lasting memories.

1. SILVERWOOD THEME PARK

For families who want to go big on Day One, it doesn’t get bigger than Silverwood. The Northwest’s largest theme park is located in Athol, Idaho—about 45 minutes northeast of Spokane Valley—and delivers over 70 rides, slides, shows, and attractions, including four roller coasters, live entertainment, and the massive Boulder Beach Water Park that opens alongside the main park in summer. Spend a full day here and you’ll barely scratch the surface. Pro tip: arrive early, map your must-rides, and let the kids lead—they’ll find something to love at every turn.

2. SPLASH DOWN WATERPARK

Not every summer splash has to be an hour’s drive away. Splash Down Family Waterpark sits right on East Mission Avenue in Spokane Valley—practically within walking distance of several area hotels—and offers slides, pools, and a relaxed family atmosphere that is ideal for a spontaneous afternoon. The park is open seven days a week during summer, with general admission from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (noon on Wednesdays) and a Twilight session running until 7 p.m. most evenings. For families who want to decompress the day after Silverwood—or squeeze in one more splash before checking out—Splash Down is a stress-free, no-drive option right in the neighborhood.

3. LIBERTY LAKE PADDLEBOARDING

Just 15 minutes east of Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake is one of the region’s favorite warm-weather retreats—and for good reason. The calm, clear water makes it an ideal spot for beginner-friendly stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, with rental options available through local outfitters near the lake. Liberty Lake Regional Park adds a public swim beach, picnic areas, and miles of backcountry trail to the mix, making it easy to build a full day around the water. The park charges a per-vehicle day-use fee during peak season, so bring your Discover Pass or budget a few dollars at the gate. From a Spokane Valley hotel, Liberty Lake is roughly 15 minutes east on I-90—an easy morning outing even for families with young kids.

4. LAKE COEUR D’ALENE CRUISE

About 30 minutes east of Spokane Valley lies one of Idaho’s crown jewels: Lake Coeur d’Alene. Daily 90-minute scenic cruises depart from Independence Point from April through October. Kids under five ride free, and the views—open water framed by forested ridgelines and blue Idaho sky—deliver the kind of scenery families will be talking about on the drive home. The Coeur d’Alene Resort also runs an evening dinner cruise during summer months for families who want a slightly more special experience. This is a perfect low-effort, high-reward outing.

5. SPOKANE INDIANS BASEBALL

Here’s a local secret that visiting families often miss: Avista Stadium, home of the Spokane Indians minor league baseball team, is located right in Spokane Valley. The Indians are a High-A Northwest League affiliate playing a 132-game season with 66 home games—meaning there is almost always a home game during a summer visit. Minor league baseball is one of the most family-friendly live sports experiences available: affordable tickets, relaxed seating, promotions, fireworks nights, and games that move at a pace perfect for young attention spans. The 2026 home schedule runs from early April through the season finale on September 6th. Check the schedule at milb.com/spokane and build an evening around it.

6. SPOKANE VELOCITY FC

From Spokane Valley, downtown Spokane is only about 10 to 15 minutes west on I-90—close enough to make a Spokane Velocity FC match a natural evening outing. The Velocity play at ONE Spokane Stadium in the North Bank Arts and Entertainment District, a 5,000-seat venue adjacent to the Spokane Arena and The Podium, with numerous dining options within walking distance. As a USL League One professional club in just its third season of play, the Velocity have already built an energetic local following, and home matches through summer and fall offer a lively, accessible introduction to professional soccer for kids. Tickets are available through TicketsWest; check USLspokane.com for the full match schedule.

7. GREEN BLUFF STRAWBERRY PICKING

Drive about 30 minutes north of Spokane Valley and the landscape opens up into the rolling farmland and orchards of Green Bluff. This collection of family-owned farms comes alive in late spring and summer with U-pick strawberries from mid-June through early July. Siemers Farm hosts a popular annual Strawberry Festival in mid-to-late June with free entry, family activities, food, and farm fun. The drive itself is part of the charm—the road takes families through the open Peone Prairie with views of Mt. Spokane on the horizon. Wear sunscreen, bring a cooler, and plan to leave with more berries than you intended.

8. MICA MOON ZIPLINE TOUR

Perched high above Liberty Lake on the forested flanks of Mica Peak, Mica Moon Zip Tours is one of the most talked-about outdoor adventures in the Inland Northwest—and one of the few that families with older kids and teens will unanimously rate as a highlight of the trip. The three-hour guided zip tour features nine ziplines, including “Big Mama,” one of the longest single zip lines in the country, plus an ATV ride on historic trails and panoramic views of Spokane Valley far below. This is the adventure on the list most likely to leave teenagers speechless.

9. CENTENNIAL TRAIL BIKE RIDE

The 40-mile Spokane River Centennial Trail is one of the Pacific Northwest’s great urban-to-wild trail systems, stretching from Nine Mile Falls through downtown Spokane to the Idaho state line—with 18 marked trailheads, river views throughout, and family-friendly sections ranging from easy riverside paving to more spirited terrain. Nearly 2.5 million people use the trail annually, underscoring its accessibility and appeal. Families with young children can target the flatter, paved section through downtown Spokane and Riverfront Park (roughly 3 miles of scenic urban trail), while teens and stronger riders can push further east toward Liberty Lake. Multiple trailheads along I-90 make it easy to park-and-ride from a Spokane Valley base. Bring your own bikes or check local rental options.

10. MT. SPOKANE SUMMIT

Save the mountain for last—or at least save it for a clear day. Mt. Spokane State Park, Washington’s largest state park at 13,919 acres, rises to a 5,883-foot summit that offers panoramic views stretching to Canada, Idaho, and across the breadth of the Inland Northwest on a clear summer day. From Spokane Valley, the park entrance is roughly 45 minutes north. From June through October, Summit Road is open to vehicles, allowing families to drive close to the top and hike the final stretch—a meaningful option for families with young children who aren’t ready for a full 12-mile summit trail. Over 100 miles of trails thread through dense forest for hikers and mountain bikers who want more. A Washington Discover Pass is required for vehicle access; purchase it online in advance at discoverpass.wa.gov.

SPOKANE VALLEY: YOUR HOME BASE FOR ALL OF IT

Ten adventures. One easy place to come back to each night.

That’s what makes Spokane Valley work so well for Inland Northwest family travel. From North Idaho lakes and mountain summits to berry farms, bike paths, ballgames and splash-worthy afternoons, the region opens up quickly from a central Valley stay. Families can build a long weekend around three favorite stops or return all summer to keep checking off the list.

When it’s time to rest, Spokane Valley offers a variety of accommodations—from trusted hotel brands to comfortable independent stays—along with free parking, easy freeway access and room to unwind between outings. Book your Spokane Valley stay, bring your summer crew, and turn the Inland Northwest into one big family bucket list.