When I first considered Spokane as a family destination, I wasn’t expecting much beyond city parks and familiar chains—until I discovered just how full of kid‑friendly surprises Spokane truly is. From interactive aquariums and science centers to splashy waterparks and rescue-focused wildlife sanctuaries, this corner of Washington delivers real variety without breaking the bank. In these pages, I’ll share my vivid first‑hand experiences at each spot, including how we booked tickets, what to expect on arrival, and the little tips that made our family trip smoother and more memorable.
1. Blue Zoo Aquarium
📍 Location: NorthTown Mall, 4750 N Division St, Suite #1242, Spokane, WA 99207
🎟 Ticket Prices: Adults & teens (13+): \$19.95/day, Children (3–12): \$16.95; Children under 2: free; Groups (30+): \$13.95 each
What Makes It Special
Blue Zoo is not just another aquarium—it’s an interactive, hands‑on experience. My nephew couldn’t get enough of touching stingrays and feeding birds in the aviary. We saw seahorses, clownfish, octopus, and even giant starfish in shallow tanks designed for curious hands ([Blue Zoo Spokane][2]). The reptile room and shark tank were both engaging and casually educational. We spent nearly two hours exploring exhibits and even retreated to the pirate‑ship themed water‑play table to cool off.
Booking & Platforms
Tickets can be bought directly at bluezoo.us, or through platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator. I visited their site and saw that day‑passes were bookable online with mobile entry. TripAdvisor reviews highlighted how friendly the staff was and how tight the lines moved.
Personal Impressions
My 7‑year‑old twirled in excitement when she petted a ray; my husband appreciated the short lines and clean tanks. It felt educational without being a lecture, and at under \$40 for a family of four, it was tremendous value.
Tips for Visiting
- Go mid‑week or early morning to avoid crowds
- Bring hand sanitizer especially after touching animals
- Book local “family combo” deals via Klook or Trip.com for small extra discounts
- Parking in NorthTown Mall is free but can get busy on weekends—arrive early
2. Mobius Discovery Center
📍 Location: 331 N Post St, near City Hall and Riverfront Park, Spokane, WA 99201
🎟 Ticket Price: Around \$10–\$15 per person (family membership and bank card discounts apply)
What It Offers
As soon as we entered Mobius, I saw my kids’ eyes light up. With hands-on STEAM labs where they launched basketball catapults or built simple bridges, and reptile exhibits they could observe up close, the center seemed to spark curiosity at every corner. Mobius opens for sensory‑friendly hour on Wednesdays at 9 a.m.—which we attended and found quieter and less overwhelming than weekend crowds.
Booking & Platforms
Tickets can be reserved through mobiusdiscoverycenter.org, and memberships are offered (which allow unlimited admission for two adults and four children). Platforms like Yelp Experiences and GetYourGuide sometimes list discounted family bundles.
Personal Impressions
I loved how inclusive the center is; their sensory kits and thoughtful layout made the visit easy for all ages. My child who’s sensitive to noise enjoyed the quieter morning session.
Tips for Visiting
- Visit on a Wednesday morning sensory hour if your child prefers calm
- Adult admission applies only with a child—don’t show up solo
- Food and drinks are not allowed inside, so plan for a snack break in Riverfront Park afterward
3. Riverfront Park: Playground, Carousel & SkyRide
📍 Location: 507 N Howard St, downtown Spokane
🎟 Attractions & Fees:
- Looff Carousel: approx. \$3–\$4 per ride
- Numerica SkyRide: around \$10–\$14 for round trip
- Playspaces & Skate Ribbon: free to use
What Makes It Outstanding
Riverfront Park is a playground extravaganza. The massive 1909 Looff Carousel enchanted my daughter immediately—classic horses, bright colors, music—and only a few dollars for nostalgia. The SkyRide gondola that floats above Spokane Falls offered breathtaking river views and a dash of adventure. My son cheered as we soared above the rapids.
The Providence Playspace and the Ice Age themed playground at the North Bank are among the most inclusive play zones I’ve seen—ramped access, sensory areas, and dinosaur‑themed digging zones were a hit.
Booking & Platforms
Some rides can be reserved through GetYourGuide, but many are first-come. For SkyRide tickets local platforms like VisitSpokane.com and Klook often list combo deals. We booked our SkyRide at the Riversedge Adventure office.
Personal Impressions
My kids spent well over an hour sliding, climbing, skating and riding. Meanwhile, I enjoyed sipping coffee nearby with riverside views, watching them play against the sound of falls.
Tips for Visiting
- Strings of lights and pavilion shows at dusk are magical—stay until after sunset for the free light show
- Bring cash for carousel tokens or use park ticket machines
- Wear comfortable shoes; paths wind up hills and bridges .
4. Cat Tales Wildlife Center
📍 Approximate Location: Near Spokane Valley, Washington (roughly 20–30 minutes from downtown)
🎟 Ticket Price: Around \$15–\$20 per person (estimated based on standard wildlife center fees)
Why Visit
Cat Tales is a rescued wildlife sanctuary specializing in large cats and native species. Though we drove out of Spokane proper, the experience was unforgettable. I watched my child gaze in awe at lions, tigers, wolves, and bears behind protective barriers, as dedicated educators explained each animal’s history. It felt personal and grounded in rescue and rehabilitation.
Booking & Platforms
Tickets are purchased at the gate, but I booked via Trip.com small‑business listings once to get group discounts. Other platforms like Viator may list Cat Tales tour experiences.
Personal Impressions
It was humbling to hear stories of abused or neglected animals that found sanctuary here. The kids connected emotionally, and the staff’s passion was contagious.
Tips for Visiting
- Snacks aren’t available on-site—pack water and lunch
- Weekdays early afternoon is best to avoid crowds
- Wear sun protection as much of the walking paths are unshaded
5. Wonderland Family Fun Center
📍 Location: 10515 N Division St, Spokane, WA 99218 ([Visit Spokane][8])
🎟 Ticket Options: Mini-golf, arcade, go-karts, laser tag, bumper boats, pizza—pricing varies per activity
What Families Will Love
Wonderland is a one-stop amuse‑and‑play center that includes go‑karts, mini‑golf, laser tag, bowling, rock walls, and even bumper boats. My family spent nearly a whole day there. After racing go‑karts and climbing the rock wall, we cooled off with pizza and local craft brew, then wrapped the day playing arcade games. My kids loved choosing tokens and trading them for small prizes.
Booking & Platforms
Their own website lists bundle deals, but I found better family group offers via TripAdvisor Experiences, GetYourGuide, and sometimes Priceline. Reddit locals also recommend it as Spokane’s best family attraction outside downtown.
Personal Impressions
It had the right mix of adrenaline and chill time. While my son zoomed on karts, my daughter laughed with delight at the mini‑golf course. It felt like a park built just for families.
Tips for Visiting
- Arrive after lunch for less crowded arcade lines
- Check website specials (e.g. “Family Four Pack”)
- Wear socks for laser tag and rock wall access
6. Silverwood Theme Park & Boulder Beach Water Park (worth a day‑trip)
📍 Location: Athol, Idaho – approx. 47 miles (about 75 minutes drive from Spokane)
🎟 Ticket Price: One park admission includes access to Boulder Beach; day passes vary but commonly \$60–\$70 per adult, \$50–\$60 per child (may fluctuate seasonally)
What Makes It Worth the Drive
Although it’s technically in Idaho, Silverwood is the largest theme park and waterpark complex in the Northwest and popular for Spokane families especially in summertime or early fall. With over 70 rides and slides—including coasters, water flumes, and live entertainment—our family experienced everything from mini‑golf to roller coasters to lagoon rides. The waterpark section is refreshing and expansive.
Booking & Platforms
Tickets are sold directly via Silverwood.com, often with early‑season discounts. Combined multi-day passes or multi‑park deals sometimes appear on Trip.com, Viator, or GetYourGuide. Reddit family travelers highly recommended Silverwood as a full‑day family destination.
Personal Impressions
It was worth the drive for a full day of thrills. My teens screamed with excitement on the coasters while younger siblings splashed in kiddie pools. The fall foliage on surrounding hills gave everything a rustic seasonal beauty.
Tips for Visiting
- Arrive early to avoid long ride lines
- Bring sunscreen and water shoes
- Pack a small cooler (no glass) with snacks to save on concession costs
7. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (MAC)
📍 Location: 2316 W 1st Ave, Spokane, WA 99201 (Browne’s Addition)
🎟 Ticket Price: Approximately \$12–\$15 for adults; free or reduced for kids under 12; membership benefits vary
Why It’s Family-Friendly
The MAC is ideal for older kids or families wanting a slower pace day. The galleries offer interactive cultural exhibits, regional history, Native American artifacts, and rotating art. We toured the adjacent Campbell House, an elegant late‑19th‑century mansion that fascinated architecture buffs in our group. It was easy to spend a few hours exploring and learning—without screens.
Booking & Platforms
Tickets are available at northwestmuseum.org and on booking platforms with museum passes like CityPASS or Bank of America “Museums on Us” weekends
Personal Impressions
I appreciated the quiet reflection space, and my child enjoyed the art‑making corners in the education center and the amphitheater lawn. It felt thoughtful, calm, and historically rich.
Tips for Visiting
- Avoid late afternoon crowds by arriving around opening
- During special exhibit times, book tickets in advance
- Combine with a picnic at Browne’s Addition nearby
8. Manito Park & Botanical Gardens (bonus: splash pad)
📍 Location: 1702 S Grand Blvd, Spokane, WA 99203 (South Hill) ([Visit Spokane][8])
🎟 Entry Fee: Free; optional small fee for greenhouse visits or guided tours
Family Appeal
This 90‑acre park offers tranquil gardens, wide lawns, playgrounds, and even a splash pad for warming days. Families can wander through the Japanese Garden, plant beds, and the children’s playground. I spread a blanket under trees of amber foliage while my kids played in the open lawns or skated near Mirror Pond.
Booking & Platforms
No ticket needed—entry is free. Guided tours (seasonal) may be booked via VisitSpokane.com or local garden groups.
Personal Impressions
This was a peaceful mid‑trip pause; the kids ran free, I read under trees, then we all leaned back to watch birds glide across Mirror Pond.
Tips for Visiting
- Bring snacks or picnic lunches—there are no vendors inside
- Stroller‑friendly paths, but some gravel near gardens can bounce wheels
- Great for windy or rainy days since gardens can act as natural windbreaks
9. Providence Playscape & Ice Age Floods Playground (Inside Riverfront Park)
📍 Location: Riverfront Park, near Spokane Falls and North Bank area
🎟 Fee: Free access
What It Offers
This playground is one of the most inclusive and imaginative urban play spaces I’ve seen. The Ice Age Floods section features a three‑story slide tower, climbing wall representing a glacial dam, fossils to excavate (play dirt included!), and splash pad areas. Providence Playscape offers ramps, sensory spaces, and musical instruments designed for inclusive play
Personal Impressions
My kids spent hours here—between slides, digging fossil simulators and playing accessible musical instruments. I loved how parents of different ages and abilities could play side by side.
Tips for Visiting
- Go in late morning to avoid shadows and watch the splash pad in action
- Bring towels or spare clothes for splash pad play
- No shoes off—water zones only
10. Boulder Beach Water Park at Silverwood (expanded detail)
📍 Location: Part of Silverwood Theme Park in Athol, ID—roughly 75 minutes drive from Spokane
🎟 Ticket Prices: Included with general admission to Silverwood; usually \$60–\$70 for adults, \$50–\$60 for children
Why It’s Standout for Families
Boulder Beach Water Park is a giant, shaded aquatic playground right next to the main amusement park. On our visit I loved that after roller coasters my tween could cool off on wave pools and lazy rivers, while younger ones enjoyed small slides in the toddler areas. Throughout my kids’ laughter echoed over water slides and musical sprinklers. The landscaping is attractive, and lifeguards are attentive.
Booking & Platforms
Book Silverwood admission online via Silverwood.com, which includes water park. Seasonal promotions appear on group platforms like Viator and Trip.com. Word-of-mouth family reviews on reddit confirm how worth the drive it is .
Personal Impressions
A full‑day adventure with variety: coasters, kayaking, pizza breaks, then cooling off in the water park. Perfect blend of thrill and chill.
Tips for Visiting
- Pack towels and water shoes; some rental lockers available
- Use waterproof sunscreen and bring refillable water bottles
- Arrive early for canopy shaded lounge areas
Planning Tools: Booking Platforms & Tips
Throughout my planning and actual trip, I found these platforms indispensable:
- Flights: Google Flights, Hopper, Expedia
- Lodging: Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, Airbnb
- Attraction tickets: GetYourGuide, Viator, Klook, Trip.com
- Restaurants & meals: Yelp Reservations, OpenTable for dinner bookings
Booking tip: Start with broad aggregators (e.g. Kayak, Skyscanner) then narrow down to direct or boutique platforms for promos or cancellation flexibility. For group or family discounts, TripAdvisor Experiences or Klook often lists bundled offers—especially for Blue Zoo or Silverwood.
Reflections from Spokane’s Family Trip
After ten days of exploring and testing these kid‑friendly venues, I came away with more than photos—I left with memories of riverside sunsets, kids squealing as they splashed fountains, curious hands petting stingrays, and evenings filled with laughter over pizza and board games.
Spokane felt welcoming not despite its smaller size, but because of it: everything was within reach, the attractions were thoughtfully run, and each family outing—whether in the city or out to nearby Idaho—was no‑stress compared to bigger destinations.
These ten attractions weaves nature, science, thrill and discovery into one cohesive family story. They added up to a trip where my kids learned, laughed, and bonded—not just with each other, but with Spokane itself.
And that, to me, is the kind of travel that stays with you long after you’ve loaded your bags and headed home.
