1000 Things To-Do

Today we are highlighting all the great parks available to you in the Spokane, Washington area.  My family spends an awful lot of time in our local parks.  With gas prices what they have been, and climbing everyday, the parks in Spokane and the surrounding area sure provide some great outdoor fun without the cost of a full-on vacation.

Spokane offers just about everything you could think of when you are looking for a park.  Our writers have put together some amazing posts of their favorite places.  Spokane parks, my favorite is Manitou Park, offers disc golf, basketball, unlimited picnic opportunities, bird feeding and watching, hiking, fun outings with your pets and have something for everyone.  Check out these Spokane parks for all your summertime fun!

• Lincoln Park-Spokane South Hill: Heading out early to the South Hill’s Lincoln Park this morning, with dog and kids alike, tongues hanging out, eager with expectation, the sweet, cool air promised yet another magical summer day to come and reminded me that the early mornings of summer definitely top my list of “the closest things to heaven on earth.”
• Comstock Park-Spokane’s South Hill: Comstock Park on Spokane’s South Hill has many options. There’s the public pool, the free tennis courts, the full basketball court, acres of grass and trees, and even a fire pit if you’d like to roast some marshmallows on a summer night.
• Disc Golfing at Highbridge Park: Highbridge Park is a great little secret nestled just west of Browne’s Addition, underneath the high train bridges (hence the name). The course is quite challenging and fun, and includes some great hiking. It isn’t the most well-marked progression of holes, so if you want to play disc golf, go with someone who knows the trail, or just show up and you’re sure to find some friendly disc golfers who will show you the way, or even let you join their group. Also, Highbridge Park doesn’t have the best reputation for safety after dark, so go in groups and keep it confined to daytime. Other than that, this place is a gem for disc golfers, picnickers, and families looking to enjoy a great summer day near downtown Spokane.
• Homlberg Park-North Spokane: Holmberg Park located at 9615 N. Wall Street just a few blocks north of Wall and Country Holmes. It was a good thing there was a play structure, swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball courts and lots of open green grass. We first made a beeline for the toys, which were fun if mom played too. The toy structure is definitely geared for older kids, but with a little help from mom we were able to go down the slides and climb the ladders. Holmberg Park has a swimming pool that opens at 1 p.m. and costs $1 and kids 5 and under (up to 3 per paid adult) are free.
• Audubon Park-Northwest Spokane: Since we live in West Spokane, we decided to take a walk over the Audubon Park, our favorite free place to go with kids in Spokane. Audubon boasts majestically tall pine trees, two big toys, a swing set, and acres of well-kept grass for the frolicking delight of our little friends. In the summer, this place is the epicenter of the neighborhood, with the sound of the ice-cream truck echoing across the park, competing with the joyful shouts of children and the bouncing of the basketball on the full court (which always has great pickup games going). We packed some snacks and weren’t disappointed that Saturday: the toys were busy with kids and watchful parents, and the weather was perfect for letting the kids’ legs get out and run off some energy.
• Millwood City Park-Spokane Valley:  Millwood City Park boasts a wadding pool, splash pad, play equipment, tennis courts, basketball courts and a horse shoe pit. There are also dozens of picnic tables, covered eating areas and a lots of wide open grass area to play on.  My son headed right to the wadding pool, which is only a few inches deep and has 2 lifeguards to watch over the kids while they play. The wadding pool is limited to those kids 7 and younger and is open 7 days a week; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a ½ hour lunch break from 2:00-2:30 Monday through Saturday and 1-5 with a ½ break from 2:00-2:30 on Sunday’s. Swimsuits are required.
• Manitou Park:  One of the beautiful attractions of Spokane, Washington can be found on the South hill at Manitou Park and Gardens. Take 25th Avenue or Grand Avenue to find the park and gardens for almost any family event or outing.