I’ve been to Spokane, Washington many times—but until recently, I’d been kind of meh about this city near the Idaho border. That changed a few weekends ago, when we traveled to Spokane for a weekend to visit my sister and her family. Not only was the fall weather absolutely gorgeous; there was also a TON of kid-friendly activities in Spokane! We spent most of a day at the Riverfront Park in Spokane, one family-friendly set of attractions you don’t want to miss. So when you’re planning what to do in Spokane with kids, don’t miss this downtown destination.
Riverfront Park in Spokane is a hundred-acre park downtown. My girls loved every minute exploring the expansive park, in part because it has so much to offer families. So when you visit Riverfront Park in Spokane with kids, hit up all these kid-friendly activities!
Below, find details about parking and logistics of Riverfront Park and what to do in Spokane with kids. In fact, I detail everything in a half-day itinerary so you’ll hit all the highlights.
Bang for your buck: Riverfront Park in Spokane with kids
Here’s everything you need to know about Riverfront Park, plus a half-day itinerary of what to do with kids in Spokane.
Park safely and caffeinate
Downtown Spokane is fairly safe, but $8 for attended all-day parking is worth the peace of mind for me. That’s why we parked in the lot behind Atticus Coffee & Gifts in downtown Spokane. And since we were there, we of course had to fuel up: The girls each got a hot cocoa and split a delicious orange-chocolate scone. I got a chai latte and bought the most decadent candles that smell just like Christmas.
Now that you’re toasty and caffeinated, walk across the street toward the river for your first stop in the Riverfront Park in Spokane!
The biggest red wagon in the world
When you’re in Spokane with kids, you simply have to visit one of the most recognizable landmarks of Riverfront Park in Spokane: the enormous Radio Flyer wagon and slide! This 12-foot-high interactive sculpture has stairs kids can climb, then they can slide down the handle. My kids couldn’t get enough of this, in spite of the ice on the slide!
The Radio Flyer in Spokane was built in 1990 by sculptor Ken Spiering, and it’s attracted families in Spokane ever since.
While you’re at the Radio Flyer in Spokane, you’ll see another interactive sculpture that honors childhood: alphabet blocks that spell out “City” and “Spokane.”
Walk to the waterfall
Next, walk past the Looff Carousel and continue on the park trail, toward the river. You’ll take a right when the train dead-ends, then take a left onto the bridge. You’ll walk over the Spokane River and the Upper Falls.
It’s a gorgeous view from up here!
Stop for a snack
When you cross the bridge, take a left and walk to My Fresh Basket, about 10 minutes away. This Whole Foods-like grocery store has tons of ready-to-eat options, a salad bar, custom sandwiches and more. The food was almost all good, but skip the sub-par miso soup. (Meh.)
Level 10 travel tip: Eat upstairs or—better yet—on the spacious outdoor patio, if weather allows. There are also clean restrooms upstairs!
(If you need more ideas on how to turn a grocery store into the most kid-friendly restaurant ever, click over to my post!)
If you’re not hungry yet, grab some food to go. Riverfront Park in Spokane is also a great spot for picnics!
Spot the Lower Falls
Next, walk down to the north side of Spokane River to see the Lower Falls. You’ll find the best viewing spot directly under the bridge at Monroe Street.
You’ll probably get sprayed just a teeny bit, but that gives you a taste of the falls’ power!
Level 10 travel tip: Take a close look at the whirlpool created by the waterfall on the north bank of the river. Can your kids spot anything inside it? Over the weekend we visited Spokane with kids, we saw the same basketball swirling around for several days!
Get a bird’s eye view
When you’re ready, walk back across the river over Post Street. At the entrance of Riverfront Park, you’ll see the Spokane SkyRide, a gondola that takes you high above the park.
Buy your tickets inside then come back out to wait in line. On a sunny Sunday afternoon, the girls and I had to wait about 2 minutes—it was super-easy! Kids under 2 are free; kids 2-12 are $5.75, and adults are $7.75.
Level 10 travel tip: Buy your tickets to the carousel at the same time as the SkyRide tickets. You’ll save time since you won’t have to wait in line again.
The SkyRide takes about 15-20 minutes to circle you up over Riverfront Park and then over the Lower Falls. Know that you’ll pause along the way, giving you time to take a good look. I am afraid of heights but actually felt really secure. The gondolas don’t swing back and forth like a ferris wheel compartment, and everything is enclosed in glass so I had to fear of kids falling out. I totally recommend this one-of-a-kind family-friendly activity in Spokane.
Ride the carousel
If your kids are like mine, they’ll want to ride the carousel in Spokane as their first activity, but it doesn’t open until 10 or 11 (depending on the season—check the Looff Carousel website for hours). So now that you’ve explored the rest of Riverfront Park with kids, it’s time to reward the littles’ patience!
Tickets to the carousel are $2, or you can get a day pass for $5. Kids under 2 are free.
The historic carousel used to be outside, but the city refurbished it and moved it into a beautiful building of all windows. Your kids can choose one of 54 bejeweled horses (or one of the other animals, like a tiger or dragon).
Once the carousel in Spokane begins, those of you on the outside edge (and those of you with long enough arms) can reach up and grab little rings from a contraption outside the carousel. Then as you circle around, toss the rings into a picture of a goat. If you get the ring in, you win a free ride on the carousel!
Level 10 travel tip: If your kids are young, they won’t be able to reach the rings as they ride around. But the carousel employees are quite friendly, and if you ask, they’ll give your child a ring after the ride is finished.
Skate your heart out
When we visited Spokane with kids, the city’s skate park was closed. But when you’re looking for what to do in Spokane with kids most of the rest of the year, definitely check to see if it’s open—it looked so fun! The Ribbon is aptly named: Instead of a skate rink like the ones I grew up with, The Ribbon is a winding path, kind of like a lazy river.
During the summer, it’s open for roller skates, scooters and rollerblades, and in the winter it’s open for ice skates. We just happened to arrive when they were busy converting it from concrete to ice.
You can rent skates here, and safety equipment is free. It looked like a total blast—we’ll definitely try this out the next time we visit in Spokane with kids.
Level 10 travel tip: Bring cash. In the plaza outside the carousel, you’ll find street performers and people making animal balloons. The girls loved their balloon puppies!
That’s it—you’ve just explored the best of Riverfront Park with kids!
More family-friendly activities in Riverfront Park, Spokane
Spokane is serious about attracting families. That’s why it makes so much sense to visit Riverfront Park in Spokane with kids, especially when you factor in the free family-friendly activities.
Depending on when you visit Spokane, look for these weekly activities at Riverfront Park:
Food trucks & music
On Tuesday afternoons from 11-2, food trucks sell street food while musicians play. Head to the Orange Bridge to find them, but really you can’t miss ’em!
Trivia & food trucks
Ok, so beer and wine tastings are more an attraction for grown-ups, but kids love the scene at these Friday night gatherings, too. Bring the whole family down for food truck fare—hey, you won’t have to cook! Fridays from 5-8.
Free scooter and skate rentals
On Sundays from 1-3, kids can rent scooters and skates for free. The area around the Looff Carousel is well paved and has only a gentle rise, so it’s a safe place for even beginners. Rather have fun without wheels? Other kid-friendly activities, like chalk and giant bubbles, often make an appearance during this time.
Summer splash pad
During Spokane’s hot summer months, the plaza between the Looff Carousel and the SkyRide becomes a splash pad. It’s the perfect way for families to cool off in Spokane’s hot weather!
Even more family-friendly activities in Spokane
Check out Riverfront Park’s events list for other family-friendly ideas of what to do in Spokane with kids. Recent days included a parkour clinic, a chalk art competition and a fall-themed portrait spot set up in front of Spokane’s clock tower.
If you’re driving to Spokane, make sure to read my post about what to do, eat and see between Spokane and Portland. It’s the must-see guide for family road trips between Spokane and Portland!
How about you—have you ever been to Spokane? Do you have any recommendations on what to do in Spokane with kids?
Thanks for the great tips! Now that my youngest is finally three, we feel like we can get back into normal life and start taking vacations again. It’s great to know what options are available for the kids ahead of time. Thanks for the tips!
Oh Heather, I SO feel you! I came out of the no-vacation fog when my younger daughter was about 2 1/2. Those early years can be rough!
How fun is that HUGE wagon?! Spokane looks like such a fun spot to visit with kids.
I know, right?! I wanted to slide down, too, but the ice on the slide was too much for my grown-up bum hahaahaha
I have never been to Spokane. It looks like there would be plenty to choose from for a fun day with the kids.
Yes! They make it easy to travel with kids.
I’ve never been to Spokane but now I want to add it to my list! I love that it’s so family friendly!
There’s a ton to do! The fall was gorgeous there, too (though winter is coooooold!)
Great tips and the Spokane Sky Ride looks so fun!
Thanks! The SkyRide isn’t something I’d normally do but I’m so glad we tried it. My younger daughter in particular loved it.
I haven’t yet been to Spokane, but it looks like such a beautiful place for a visit! I always travel with my kids, so I’m always appreciative of kid-friendly recommendations and reviews. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Christa! It’s not really a destination you go out of your way to visit, especially since it’s a bit out of the way. But if you ever find yourself in the area, you’ll have tons to do with your kids in Spokane!
I’ve heard good things about Spokane! That red wagon is insanely cool 🙂
Yeah! I love that the wagon is so recognizable and also practical, since it’s really fun. 🙂