24 Best Things to Do in Spokane, Washington

Last Updated on April 26, 2023

Whether you love outdoor or indoor activities, there’s always something to do in Spokane. It’s a haven for parks, museums, waterfalls and hiking trails. Spokane even has an orchestra!

Here’s a checklist of the best things to do in Spokane Washington.

Row Adventure Center

If you love outdoor activities, then the Row Adventure Center is the way to go. It’s an outdoor tour company that lets you explore the natural beauty of the region. The company offers whitewater rafting as well as other activities you may wish to take part in.

The Spokane Falls, Gorge, and waterfalls are highly sought-after by nature lovers. Birders enjoy the many ospreys and eagles that dwell in the region.

Manito Park

The beautiful park is an ideal destination for picnics, bird watching, and children’s games. During the fall, spring, and summer seasons, this 90-acre park is the best place to smell the roses, thanks to the Dahlia Garden and the Japanese Garden.

The conservatory is filled with exotic tropical and desert plants.

Mobius Children’s Museum

The Mobius museum of Spokane was designed as an interactive setting where children can learn about various topics such as art, culture, and science. Children extend their knowledge base around various subjects through classes and camps.

The Out-Of-Hand art studio is a special mention in this regard. Here, children can try their hands on drawings and paintings and use their imagination and various materials to make creative things such as feathers, beads, and others.

Spokane Falls

In the central district of Spokane, the Spokane Waterfalls include dams and waterfalls divided into the Upper Falls, featuring the Upper Falls Dam, and the Lower Falls. featuring the Monroe Street Dam. The Monroe Street Dam provides hydroelectricity for the area.

Centennial Trail

Hikers will want to visit this 37.5-mile long trail. Beginning at the official state line, the trail passes through Spokane and ends at the Nine Mile Falls. The trail follows the Spokane River offering accessibility to various outdoor activities including biking, hiking, skiing, camping, bird watching, and others.

The Centennial Trail and the North Idaho Centennial Trail link with one another. Together, they connect the societies of Coeur d’Alene and Spokane. One particular thing about the trail is it takes you to the countryside regions to the west and east of the city.

Riverfront Park

It’s one of the most wonderful urban parks of the United States. Covering an area of 100-acres, the park includes an island, the superb Spokane Falls, the 1909 Looff Carrousel, and more.

You may let your children play in the big red wagon, relax in the rotary fountain, or take a hike through the wild conservation areas and meadows.

Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture

Resting on West First Avenue in Spokane, the northwest museum has art, culture, and artifacts concerning the history of the local area, Native American culture, and other cultures.

Known as MAC among locals, the museum includes an auditorium, five galleries, an outdoor amphitheater, an education center, and a cafe and store.

The museum conducts guided tours of the historic neighboring area.

The Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox

The one of a kind theater began its journey in the year 1931. Robert Reamer, the famous architect, designed the lovely Art Deco building. Back then, it was the largest theater in Spokane with 2,300 seats. Anthony Heinsbergen’s spectacular murals decorated the auditorium and mezzanine.

Many stars such as Katharine Hepburn and Frank Sinatra have performed at this theater. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the theater presents an amazing stage for amateur as well as established artists to demonstrate their performances.

Monroe Street Bridge

While you could see the bridge from your SkyRide, take some time to walk on this historical bridge on foot. Built in the year 1911, the present Monroe Street Bridge, Spokane Washington, is the third one constructed on the site. It’s an exceptional place to walk around and enjoy stellar views of the Spokane River.

You may access the bridge via a trail leading from the Riverfront Park. Linking the south and north parts of the city, the bridge offers access to a wide range of magnificent attractions to visitors, including the popular Alpine Bakery Company and the memorable Patsy Clark Mansion.

Historic Davenport Hotel

Built in the year 1914, the Davenport Hotel is a long-standing hub. The classic architecture is the telling feature of this historic hotel.

John A. Finch Arboretum

Situated in West Woodland Boulevard, this splendid space is a public arboretum stretching 65-acres. Founded in the year 1949, the arboretum includes over 2,000 trees and shrubs famous for its assortment of maples and conifers, rhododendron grove and lilacs.

You’ll also find a nature trail known as the Touch and See Nature Trail.

Mount Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park

The Mount Spokane Park is located over 20 miles outside the center of Spokane. Skiing and snowboarding are the highlights of this park.

Snow tubing and nighttime skiing are also featured. If you wish to extend your visit, you may book one of the rustic lodges there.

Spokane County Raceway

Do you love car racing? If yes, consider catching a race at the County Raceway. Popular for hosting all types of vehicle racings during summer months, the raceway also hosts various winter events, and this includes the famous Snow Rally.

The multi-venue vehicle sporting facility is situated at Airway Heights in Spokane Washington. It includes a 2.3-mile course, a quarter-mile drag-strip, and a half-mile over the track.

Mica Moon Zip Tours

The Mica Moon Zip Tour offers an exciting way to view nature in unique style from high above the treetops. The tour takes you over a mountain stream, forest glens, and across a valley.

Downtown Spokane

If you’ve just arrived in the city, then Downtown Spokane should be on the top of your to do list.

The entertainment area includes the Martin Woldson Theater of the Fox, the knitting factory concerting house, and the 20-screen AMC Theater.

Avista Stadium

Located at the east side of Downtown Spokane Washington, the Avista Stadium is an outdoor sporting venue. Dating back to 1958, the stadium can accommodate around 7,000 spectators for baseball games.

Spokane Symphony

Founded in the year 1945 under a different name, the Symphony has evolved in popularity with time.

The Scoop

If you travel with your family and are enthusiastic about trying tasty desserts, the Scoop is the way to go. Take your kids for a walk at 25th Avenue on South Hill and let them savor some of the most favored delicacies. Popular items include hot Belgian waffles toppled with fruit and ice-creams.

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge

The Turnbull NWR is situated six miles to the south of Cheney in Spokane. It provides amazing wildlife watching opportunities along with various trails that loop through the pine forest and wetland habitats.

Then there’s a 5.5-mile route (auto tour). Here, you get a chance to walk, bike, or drive to access scenery of the refuge and the surrounding environment.

In addition to this, various short trails and a boardwalk loop on the outskirts of the lovely Blackhorse Lake. All these things make the site accessible for almost anyone who prefers the taste of outdoors.

Gonzaga University

Gonzaga is a private Catholic university on East Boone Avenue. This one of a kind university was founded in the year 1887 as a Catholic school for the Native Americans of the local area.

The university consists of 105 buildings with tours available.