We recently took a trip back to our hometown, after nearly three years away. There isn’t really a reason why we hadn’t gone back there, aside from the fact that we had our second baby, then got pregnant with twins, then had the twins… such is life. I forgot how beautiful it was in Washington and I wanted to share some of my favorites things to do in Spokane, if you are ever in the area or live nearby.
While it is a smaller town, in comparison to say Phoenix, it has a lot of beauty, especially when it comes to the outdoors. There is a lot of charm and things to do when you are raising a family in the area.
*Our trip to Silverwood was hosted by the theme park. All opinions about the park are my own.
Things to do in Spokane, WA
I had not been to Silverwood Theme Park in years, until a few weeks back when we went on our summer vacation back home. I forgot how much fun it was, and even more fun now that I got to watch my children enjoy it. They have so many different things to do there, including rides for all ages, food, shows, and a water park.
The ice cream shops are always a must, and they give you the biggest cones for practically nothing. These are kids cones, people… it’s crazy! “Sugar High” was an understatement.
They also have a train that takes you through the park and out into the woods outside of the park, where they do an old western skit for you. It’s a lot of fun, and the park takes donations to a children’s charity during the faux “train robbery” that takes place.
A huge thanks to Silverwood for having us!
Riverfront Park:
This is one of the most iconic spots in all of Spokane. The clock tower has been there forever, and is in most of the images you see of the Spokane River and its backdrop. They also have an ice skating pavillion which you can see in the back of the photos below. It has also been there since the World’s fair, and it is actually in the process of being redone (finally!). This area is also home to Spokane Falls, which you have to go see and take photos of while you’re there. They have a restaurant called Clinkerdagger that overlooks the river, and it is just stunning. The carousel was built in 1909 by Charles I. D. Looff as a gift for Looff’s daughter, who owned Natatorium Park. This was moved to Riverfront Park in 1975, and remains active a beautiful to this day.
This park also has the infamous red wagon slide, which is literally a gigantic slide with monkey bars under it, that looks like a red wagon. My girls loved it!
Greenbluff:
This area has forever been one of my favorites. During the summer, it’s all about cherry and berry picking, and gorgeous scenery. During the fall, all of the farms out there are open for apple picking, pumpkin picking, apple cider, corn mazes, you name it! Check out even more fall activities for kids here.
We had a chance to go up there while we were in town and I am so thankful that we did. During the winter months, it is full of sleigh rides, places to cut your own Christmas tree, and hot cocoa. Such a beautiful and scenic area.
Manito Park:
Another iconic outdoor area in Spokane. This park is home to the Japanese Gardens, a huge duck pond, and some amazing botanical flower gardens in the spring and early summer. It actually has five major garden areas: the Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden, Duncan Garden, Rose Hill, Lilac Garden and Ferris Perennial Garden. Manito Park is a photographers paradise in my opinion. We took our little ones there with some of my family and let then run around and enjoy the beautiful weather.
I also had a fabulous photoshoot with Katya Higgins Photography at the park and it was just beautiful!
I had forgotten how much I loved being in this area. The Northwest is just beautiful, and the four season suck me in every time.
What are your favorite things about the area that you live in?
*Here’s to our home sweet homes*
I’ve been to Spokane but it was a long time ago and pre-kids. I didn’t know about that cool park. My kids would love the wagon slide.
I have never been there.. that slide looks like so much fun!
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It looks beautiful! Much more exciting than sitting amongst the cornfields in Illinois. Gianna and I were just talking about taking a trip and she mentioned Washington (because I like the Seattle Seahawks lol) .
This looks like some wonderful places to visit. I love the fall weather for visiting outdoor places. It’s a perfect time to spend the weekend exploring. Thanks for sharing!
Never been to Spokane before but based on your pics I really should change that!!!! Looks like a fun area to visit!
Looks so pretty! I’m actually headed to Seattle tomorrow, visiting family, and I can’t wqit to do some exploring.
We live near a little town on a river and one of my favorite things about it is the river walk. A nice path with parks on it for the kids and then if you want to head just into town from there a bunch of really cute shops for some window shopping. 🙂
I have never been there, but it looks like so much fun! The northwest is on my list of places in the US to check out soon.
The Pacific NW is one of my favorite areas:)
I have only driven through Washington, and I would love to go back for a visit! The Japanese garden looks like a peaceful place to visit!
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Never been here or honestly even heard of Spokane, but it looks like it would be a fun trip to make.