Summer Send-Off: Your Spokane Valley Break Before School

Before the morning mayhem of bus stop sprints and forgotten permission slips reclaims your calendar, soak up a few more smiles in Spokane Valley—where summer lingers longer and stress stays behind. With trails to trek, bleachers to bounce on, and back-to-school clothes to buy, it’s the perfect place to play and prepare for the school year ahead.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Don’t end summer stuck in traffic or tourist traps. Instead, find freedom and tranquility on the trails of Spokane Valley. Hike into the heart of Dishman Hills, where the Iller Creek unit reveals forested solitude and the surprising spectacle of the Rocks of Sharon—jagged stone monoliths that rise above the treeline and offer one of the region’s most rewarding overlooks. Continue your journey on the Centennial Trail, a family-friendly route that winds through wetlands, riverbanks, and breezy tree tunnels. Along the way, you’ll find Mirabeau Point Park, a hub of hands-on adventure with basalt boulders to climb, fossils to trace, and water features to cool off. It’s low-stress, high-reward recreation—close to nature, while comfortably within city limits.

RETAIL ROUNDUP

Beat the back-to-school bustle with a one-stop spree in Spokane Valley. At Spokane Valley Mall, brand-name basics and classroom classics are easy to grab—without the crowds or chaos. From flannels to folders, your checklist shrinks lighter with every stop. The Valley is home to a variety of retail options – from well-known retailers such as Macy’s and Dicks Sporting Goods, to specialized boutiques such as Jema Lane Boutique and The Bohemian, to vintage and thrift shops that offer hip styles from the past.  Then, swing by the Spokane Valley Farmers Market on Friday evening for fresh fruit, small-batch sweets, and other artisan finds to load lunchboxes with local flavor. Whether you’re grabbing gear or gathering goodies, Spokane Valley serves up back-to-school shopping with ease.

EVENING ENTERTAINMENT

As dusk descends, Spokane Valley welcomes families with a well-rounded roster of relaxing and riveting recreation. Spokane Valley Summer Theatre’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat invites audiences into a world of song and story. Soccer fans can catch Spokane Velocity FC at ONE Spokane Stadium on September 7. Meanwhile, the Spokane Indians, reigning Northwest League champs, host homestands August 12-17 and 26-31, culminating with a fireworks finale on the 31st. With affordable access and easy entry, every game and gathering fosters family fun and community connection.

RESERVE YOUR ROOM

With room to relax and reasons to roam, Spokane Valley is the perfect place to wrap up summer vacation. From trusted hotel chains to charming boutiques, the Valley offers a variety of accommodations. Plus, with free parking and convenient freeway connections at every location, it’s easy to extend the adventure before the bell rings and routine returns.