Plan Your Perfect Summer: Family Adventures Await in Spokane Valley!
The region’s anticipation for summer fun peaks as temperatures rise and days grow longer. Embracing the vibrant season, Spokane Valley is a haven of summer delights, calling families to revel in the warmth and wonder of the Inland Northwest. Let us guide you through the top family-friendly activities in the Valley this summer, all while staying within your budget.
Beat the Summer Heat
As summer arrives, Spokane Valley offers a variety of cooling oases for families seeking to beat the heat.
Dive into the refreshing waters of our outdoor city pools, opening June 15. With an entry fee of just $1 per person and free admission for children 5 and under with a paying adult, these pools are a perfect addition to your summer itinerary, offering fun without the financial strain. The City of Spokane Valley offers Free Swim Fridays for the whole family to enjoy throughout the summer. Whether you’re spending your day watching your kiddos glide down a slide at Park Road Pool & Slide, wading and playing in the zero-depth entry pool at Valley Mission Pool & Zero Depth Entry Pool, or leisurely floating along the lazy river yourself at Terrace View Pool & Lazy River, there’s an attraction for every age. Plus, several local hotels provide the luxury of an outdoor pool right at your doorstep, ensuring an enlivening swim is always within reach.
Add a wave of thrill to your summer plans at Splash Down Family Water Park, conveniently located right off I-90. Since its reopening post-pandemic, Spokane Valley families have reveled in the return of the beloved local water park. Here, thrilling body and tube slides await, promising to whisk you away on an adventure-packed day. With family-friendly pricing and discounted evening hours making it even more accessible, it’s a summer staple that simply can’t be missed.
For adventurers seeking a more natural swimming experience, explore the array of local spots generously sprinkled along the scenic Spokane River in Spokane Valley. From the sandy shores of Boulder Beach Park to the serene setting of Islands Trailhead and Mirabeau Point Park, there’s no shortage of picturesque spots for families to float, swim, or simply enjoy a riverside picnic. Please note that a section of the Centennial Trail is closed this summer for repaving from the State Line to Millwood, but families can still access these popular beaches and swimming areas at various trailheads.
Entertain Every Age
The Valley is not just a swimmer’s paradise but also shines as a vibrant center of diverse amusements designed to entertain every age, satisfying thrill-seekers, art lovers, and sports fans.
Venture just 45 minutes from the Valley to Silverwood Theme Park for a dose of adrenaline and family-friendly fun that rivals no other in the area. This top amusement destination thrills with roller coasters designed for hardcore enthusiasts and families. Nestled within the park, the excitement continues at Boulder Beach Water Park, which was recently expanded over four acres. It boosts the fun with wave pools, towering slides, and lazy rivers. But Silverwood doesn’t stop at rides; the Phantasm magic show steals the spotlight with a 30-minute showcase of astonishing illusions and engaging audience participation, leaving guests spellbound. For those seeking a bit of relaxation and entertainment, the High Moon Saloon features live music spanning genres from country to rock, creating the perfect ambiance for a meal or a leisurely drink. Meanwhile, the park’s train ride takes visitors on a journey through Silverwood’s scenic back forest. This journey is enriched with amusing skits and tales of the early 20th-century history of the area, offering a blend of entertainment and educational value that appeals to visitors across all generations.
If you prefer a night in the theater, the Spokane Valley Summer Theater, known as the premier professional theater company in the region, rolls out a lineup of three productions that captivate audiences from mid-June to mid-August. Whether you’re a fan of musicals, comedies, or dramas, this theater promises top-tier entertainment for all ages.
And for sports fans, nothing beats a summer evening cheering on Spokane Valley’s minor league baseball team, the Spokane Indians. With tickets starting as low as $8, visitors can immerse themselves in the Valley’s storied minor-league baseball tradition from the early days of spring through the warm nights of September. At Avista Stadium, with the bonus of complimentary parking, the atmosphere transforms into a bustling hub of excitement. It’s not merely a venue for baseball; it’s a holistic, family-friendly spectacle. The calendar brims with engaging promotions, special theme nights, and dazzling firework shows illuminating the evening—making every game unforgettable. This unique blend of sportsmanship, affordable entertainment, and communal engagement truly embodies the Valley’s spirit.
Don’t forget to plan for the Spokane County Interstate Fair. This 10-day event kicks off on Friday, Sept. 6. It continues through Sunday, Sept. 15. Located just steps away from Avista Stadium, the fair promises a blend of attractions: farm life exhibitions, interactive displays, crafts, carnival rides and games, and live entertainment. Stay tuned to our blog for a detailed spotlight showcasing the fair’s standout features and unique draws that make it a year’s highlight. Book your stay now before rooms fill up!
Embrace the Great Outdoors
The lush landscapes of the Valley invite families to embrace the great outdoors, offering a multitude of ways to connect with nature.
While the beloved Centennial Trail receives improvements through September, adventurers need not despair. The Valley boasts a variety of other trails ripe for exploration. Among them, the Appleway Trail emerges as a prime option. Carving a delightful 5.8-mile path through the heart of Spokane Valley, it accommodates walkers, joggers, runners, and bikers alike, making it perfect for family outings. Located in an old railroad right-of-way that parallels historic Sprague Avenue from east to west, this trail merges natural beauty with a slice of the Valley’s past. Its well-maintained path ensures a smooth journey underfoot, promising a safe passage through the Valley’s scenic landscapes. Moreover, dedicated parking and restrooms along its course allow for easy starts to your adventures.
For those looking to explore the land further, check out the beauty of the Dishman Hills Conservation Area, covering over 3,000 acres of diverse landscapes. This area, accessible through six main trailheads, invites adventurers to wander through its abundant ecosystems. Among the various trails available, the Rocks of Sharon hike is a beloved choice for families. After ascending 800 feet to the summit of Big Rock, hikers are rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the Valley atop colossal granite peaks.
Families eager to venture onto the waters of the Spokane River will find themselves spoiled for choice, with meticulously curated events catering to both watersport veterans and novices.
The Father’s Day Paddle Kayak Tour offers a serene river journey that celebrates dads in Spokane, the city where this holiday was founded. This special event takes families along a gentle stretch of the river with the picturesque backdrop of Riverside State Park. During this leisurely journey, families are equipped with all the essential gear and led by skilled instructors who prioritize safety and fun. More than just a paddle, the event is interspersed with educational stops, allowing guides to share captivating stories and facts about the local flora and fauna. As your kayak glides through the calm river, watch for the osprey, heron, deer, moose, and fish that call this region home, adding an element of surprise and delight to this memorable Father’s Day adventure.
Additionally, the Parent’s Night Out Youth Paddle Boarding event offers a unique opportunity for parents to enjoy a quiet evening while their children embark on an adventure of their own. Drop off and pick up for the young paddlers are located at Riverfront State Park, conveniently located in downtown Spokane. You can take advantage of this central location to enjoy an intimate evening in the vibrant neighboring city of the Valley. Meanwhile, your children are immersed in learning basic techniques, safety procedures, and environmental stewardship as they explore the scenic beauty of the tranquil Spokane River waters. With no previous experience required, children can enjoy the thrill of paddle boarding while under the watchful eyes of certified instructors. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.
Savor the Flavors of Spokane Valley
Immerse yourself in the Valley’s rich agricultural heritage with a collection of engaging events that let you experience the region’s community spirit and savor local flavors.
Every Friday evening, from early June through late September, the Spokane Valley Farmers Market transforms the CenterPlace Regional Event Center into a bustling hub of local commerce. Here, families can stroll among booths teeming with the finest produce from local farmers, discover handmade treasures from skilled artisans, and enjoy a selection of gourmet food truck offerings. Live music enriches the atmosphere, creating a vibrant soundtrack for your exploration. Adjacent to the market, the all-abilities Discovery Playground offers a playful break for kids. Wanting more farmers market fun? Liberty Lake hosts a Saturday morning Farmers Market just a few miles east on I-90.
The journey continues with a visit to one of the many acclaimed Green Bluff farms, a cornerstone of the region’s agricultural landscape. From June through October, the fields come alive with the opportunity to pick your own fruits and vegetables straight from the source. Kick off the season with the Strawberry Celebration, a delightful event in June and early July that invites you to indulge in the sweet pleasure of harvesting strawberries or enjoy farm-crafted treats at Beck’s Harvest House. The festivities continue with the Peach Festival in August, spotlighting fresh peaches from locales like Smith’s Hilltop Orchard and Walter’s Fruit Ranch. During your visit, don’t miss out on the popular peach ice, homemade peach cobblers, cakes, and pies that epitomize the flavors of summer. These cherished moments offer the unique opportunity to capture the joy of farm life with your family while embracing nature’s bounty and the warmth of community. For the full summer fruit picking schedule at Green Bluff Growers, including additional events and fruit availability, be sure to visit their online seasonal picking guide.
Finally, for a unique and aromatic experience, mark your calendar for the July 13-14 weekend for the Evening Light Lavender Festival in Deer Park. A scenic 45-minute drive from the Valley, this enchanting festival invites visitors to immerse themselves in endless waves of lavender, offering the opportunity to harvest your fragrant bouquets against the soothing sounds of live music. Amidst the purple hues, you’ll also find an array of food stalls and craft booths. It’s an idyllic setting for family photos and creating lasting memories, while the chance to purchase organic lavender products directly from the artisans ensures you can take a piece of the festival’s magic home with you. For more local and regional events, check out our Events page.
Plan Your Summer Family Adventure Today
Your summer vacation in the Valley is waiting, and now is the perfect time to start planning your family’s getaway. From exhilarating swimming spots to serene local farm experiences, the Valley offers a vibrant array of activities that promise memorable moments for every family member. And with a range of affordable lodging options, your stay can be as comfortable as it is exciting. So gather your loved ones, pack your bags, and don’t forget your sunscreen — your family adventure awaits.
