Best Things to Do in Spokane on a Weekend Trip

Standing in the land of Spokane, but still not figuring out the best things to do in Spokane with your family or friends? This guide brings a list of things that will help to make your trip memorable.

Spokane is a perfect destination with history and nature, offering a unique hiking and biking experience that combines the spirit of adventure with the richness of local culture. When you visit the city, you can ride the Spokane SkyRide, taste the local cuisine, and attend the seasonal festivals. Adventurous lovers can also enjoy their trip by camping at the Riverside State Park under the stars, and hikers love to hike the hills and forests. Let’s list out all the best things and do all the fun activities in the city.

Top 5 Family-Friendly Activities to Do in Spokane

Many families feel a vacation isn’t complete unless their itinerary includes enjoying waterfalls, enjoying parks, and doing some activities with their kids. Spokane is one of Washington attractions where you can cover all of the above by travelling a short distance. For starters, it offers some activities to do near waterfalls, and then it comes with the Historic Looff Carousel that will make your kids joyful.

1. Explore the Spokane Falls

Spokane Falls is one of the largest urban waterfalls in the USA. It also has cultural significance for the American natives, who gathered near the falls for celebrations and fishing. Nowadays, the power of the falls also contributes to electric energy generation. So, if you are visiting the Riverfront Park and have decided to visit one place, then the falls is the place to visit. Spring is the best time to visit the waterfall.

Best Activities to Do Near Spokane Falls

• The Spokane Falls walking tour is a 1.6 km-long pathway that allows visitors to walk across the footbridges and experience the wonderful waterfall views.
• Spokane waterfall viewpoints are one of the best photo spots in the city.
• Doing a skyride and spending some time in the Looff Carousel, visiting the Ice Age Floods Playground with kids, are the best family activities near Spokane Falls.

2. Do Fun Activities in Green Bluff

Green Bluff is popular for its local farms and seasonal fruit harvests, where visitors can pick fresh fruit and take it home. The bluff provides pumpkin patches, fruit markets, homemade jams, wineries, and harvest festivals. If you visit Green Bluff, then follow the Green Bluff map to easily cover all the top attractions of the area.

Things to Do in Green Bluff

• U-Pick Fruit Farms: It is one of the best activities to do in Green Bluff. Visitors can pick apples, cherries, strawberries, and raspberries, according to the season.
• Local Wineries: Green Bluff has several wineries that offer local wines and tasting experiences.
• Hayrides: Hayrides are one of the best outdoor activities to do in Green Bluff.
• Orchard Tours: Many farms allow visitors to walk through the orchards and pick fresh fruits.
• Seasonal Festivals and Events: Green Bluff hosts seasonal events such as harvest celebrations, fruit festivals, live music, and family activities. Cutting one’s own Christmas tree, which is a tradition for Spokane locals, is one of the fun activities to do in Green Bluff.

3. Ride the Historic Looff Carousel

The Historic Looff Carousel is one of Spokane’s most loved family attractions. The Looff Carousel offers a handmade wooden carousel with horses. The Looff Carousel horse ride is one of the most fun things to do in Spokane with kids. The single ride costs $3-$4, and the full day pass costs $9-$10 per person(Check current ticket pricing before your visit).

Things to Do in Looff Carousel

• Ride the wooden carousel and enjoy the moment with your kids.
• Do photos around one of Spokane’s most iconic attractions.
• Let kids enjoy one of the most family-friendly activities in the city.
• Explore nearby Riverfront Park attractions after the ride.
• Enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere and admire the historic carousel design.

4. Walk Through Downtown Spokane

When you are in Spokane, you must experience the local culture and atmosphere of downtown. It offers historic buildings, local shops, and lively streets. The streets feel wonderful with local Spokane restaurants and cafes that offer international and local foods.

Things to do in Spokane Downtown

Shopping is one of the fun activities to do in Downtown Spokane. The downtown offers local beauty shops, bookstores, and shops with local products, handmade items, and different gifts. Visiting all these shops gives visitors a chance to experience local culture and take some memorable gifts for family and friends.

5. Best Food to Try in Spokane

Spokane has numerous local restaurants and cafes offering local food and a variety of cuisines. Restaurants in Downtown Spokane also have restaurants that come with delicious international dishes.

• Cochinito Taqueria: The restaurant is well known for offering the best Mexican food and street tacos, and craft margaritas.
• The Flying Goat: It offers the best Neapolitan-style pizza and casual dining.
• Versalia Pizza: It offers the best wood-fired pizza and Italian-style dishes.
• The Wonder Building: It is famous for trying multiple dining options in one place.
• The Scoop: It is popular for ice cream, desserts, and sweet treats.

Best 3 Outdoor Adventures to Do in Spokane

Spokane offers a skyride and has numerous hiking, mountain, and forest places where you can do all the adventurous things. Spokane is not just the place to get away for relaxation; it also has adventures abound in the entire state.

1. Ride the Spokane Falls SkyRide

Adventurous lovers will love to experience the Spokane Falls SkyRide. The 15- 20 minute ride showcases an aerial view of Spokane Falls and a bird’s-eye view of the Riverfront Park. The ride also lets you scan a code that provides information about the place’s history.

Tips for Skyride

• The price of Numerica Skyride tickets is $13.95 per adult, $9.95 per youth under 15.
• The ride opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM, but it varies seasonally.
• The Spokane Gondola is not air-conditioned, so wear comfortable clothes.
• Before planning for the ride, you can check the Numerica Skyride reviews on TripAdvisor and decide whether to visit or not.

2. Camping in Riverside State Park

It is one of the best destinations for travellers who are planning to visit Spokane on weekends. The state park provides the best area for hiking, camping, and exploring nature. Riverside State Park camping is one of the best things to do in Spokane this weekend for adults. It offers 3 campgrounds: Bowl and Pitcher Campground, Equestrian Campground, and Lake Spokane Campground. If you are in Riverside State Park and thinking about camping under the sky, then we would recommend choosing Bowl and Pitcher Campground.

Things to do in Riverside State Park

• Walk through the bridge to enjoy the river views and rock formations.
• You can do night camping at Bowl and Pitcher Campground, which is considered the best camping area.
• Go for a walk through the forest trails and riverside areas to experience the best views of nature.
• The area also offers trails for cycling and mountain biking.

3. Go Hiking and Biking at Mount Spokane State Park

Mount Spokane State Park is one of the best destinations for hikers. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, spotting wild animals, and mountain biking. The park offers peaceful natural surroundings and beautiful landscapes for travelers of all ages.

Things to Do in Mount Spokane State Park

• Visit the Mount Spokane State Park Summit and experience panoramic mountain views, a beautiful view of the green forest, and do wildlife photography.
• Go hiking in the dense evergreen forest and watch the local birds and wildlife.
• Vista House is one of the highest viewpoints in the area, which is known as a popular photography spot.
• Mount Park has several trails for mountain biking.
• Open picnic areas are also available for family gatherings.

Top 2 Fun and Free Things to Do in Spokane

Spokane offers plenty of fun and free activities for visitors of all ages. Visitors can explore the scenic walking trails, relax at parks, and enjoy views of the Spokane River. The city offers local markets, public art, and a stroll through historic districts.

1. Walk on the Spokane Centennial Trail

Spokane Centennial Trail is known as a walking and hiking spot in Spokane. The trail is well known for walking and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere along the Spokane River. The trail extends through Spokane County and connects with the North Idaho Centennial Trail at the Washington–Idaho border. Before planning your visit, check whether all trail areas are accessible and open.

Things to Do on the Spokane Centennial Trail

• Go for a walk and enjoy the river and forest views.
• Visitors can cycle and bike on the Centennial Trail.
• Do photography of river landscapes and local wildlife.

2. Discover Spokane’s Historic Districts and Neighborhoods

Spokane’s historic districts offer the city’s historic buildings and cultural landmarks. These areas offer architectural buildings, local culture, and unique neighborhoods that show Spokane’s past and development. Walking through the historic districts allows visitors to enjoy beautiful architecture, discover local businesses, and experience the history that offers these unique things to do in Spokane, Washington.

Things to See in Spokane Districts

• Visit the Historic Districts: Explore the Browne’s Addition Historic District and the Riverside Avenue Historic District, and experience their historic homes and museums.
• Explore the Neighborhoods of Spokane: Visit the West Central Neighborhood and experience its local culture and historic buildings.
• Experience Spokane’s Arts and Cultural Districts: Art lovers will definitely love the Davenport Arts District, which offers historic buildings designed with art.

Seasonal Events and Festivals in Spokane

Spokane hosts several exciting seasonal events and festivals throughout the year. Spring and summer seasons have many outdoor concerts, farmers’ markets, and community celebrations. Autumn features harvest festivals and colorful scenery, while winter transforms the city with holiday lights and seasonal activities. These popular events attract families, couples, and travelers looking to enjoy Spokane’s local culture and entertainment.

Travel Tips for Visiting Spokane

If you want to do all the best things in Spokane, then you should follow these travel tips for an enjoyable trip. You should know about the best seasons to visit, transport options, and local culture. These travel tips can help you make the most of your visit.

• Visit in spring or summer to experience the best weather and do outdoor activities.
• Prefer to stay near Spokane downtown hotels for easy access to attractions and restaurants. (You can check all about the best hotels and their reviews on TripAdvisor)
• You can rent a car or a Washington Charter Bus for easy travel outside the downtown.
• Plan your trip during the Spokane festival to experience more about its local culture.
• Keep time for hiking and other cool things to do along the Spokane River.

Conclusion

The Lilac City’s botanical gardens, waterfalls, and exploration of the local culture make every trip memorable. Whether you are planning a weekend trip or a longer trip, the city always offers the best and most fun things to do. As Spokane offers so many things to do, it is listed as one of the best places to visit in Washington. We hope this guide has covered everything you were looking for to help you with your trip plan.