Outdoor Family

Outdoor Events for Kids & Families

Get outside more this spring and summer with these upcoming family events, activities, and recreational venues located throughout the Inland Northwest. Some are close to ...

Amy McCaffree April 18, 2019

10 Spring Break Staycations in the Inland Northwest

Staying home this spring break? Keep kids physically active with local outdoor adventures—some can even be educational. Here are 10 ideas, either free or low-cost, ...

Amy McCaffree March 14, 2019

Gordon Ritchie (right) and his daughter cross-country skiing.

How to Become a Cross-country Ski Family

“Any kid is suited to cross-country skiing. You can go as hard and as fast as you want,” says Brad Thiessen, director of engagement for ...

Amy McCaffree January 23, 2019

Photo of kid taken from behind looking out window at fireworks.

10 Winter & Holiday Events for the Whole Family

Parenting and coordinating a busy family schedule can feel more hectic during the holiday season. From music concerts to family gatherings to out-of-town travel plans, ...

Amy McCaffree December 15, 2018

Photos of kids in a group ski lesson standing in front of a marked trail.

Learn To Ski Programs in Spokane and North Idaho for Kids & Families

If your children, or perhaps your entire family, are brand new to the world of alpine winter sports, then this article is especially for you. ...

Amy McCaffree November 7, 2018

Photo of young boy in hollowed out tree.

September Family & Kid Events in Spokane

September 9: SpokeFest—includes a family-friendly, 9-mile biking route. September 15: Global Kidical Massive—3-mile family bike ride along the Centennial Trail, starting at Kendall Yards; 1-3 ...

Amy McCaffree September 11, 2018

Photo of family of four at Hidden Lakes Overlook.

Local Guidebooks Help Families Get Outside with Their Kids

When exploring the outdoors or hiking with our children, “It’s easy for us to get frustrated,” says Harley McAllister, a father of four boys who ...

Amy McCaffree September 11, 2018

Photo of hikers on single track hiking trail on foggy mountain side.

Navigating the Backcountry with Kids

Beaver fever, iodine tablets, “Cathole” digging, bear-proof containers—these are just a few aspects of backcountry adventuring, where you can enjoy exceptional landscape beauty and natural ...

Amy McCaffree August 9, 2018

Try to photograph a moose, deer, and coyote within the city limits of Spokane (wildlife hat trick!).

Lake Critters & Junior Ranger Programs at Idaho’s Round Lake State Park

At Idaho’s Round Lake State Park, “The best way to observe wildlife is to hike around the lake” on Stewardship Trail (approx. 3 miles) or ...

Amy McCaffree July 22, 2018