Lilac Century Bike Ride (April 30, 2017)
Like SpokeFest in the spring, the Lilac Century Bike Ride is a great way to kick off the biking season with the whole family in a fun, safe and friendly environment. The Lilac Century Bike Ride has several challenging, scenic ride lengths along the Centennial Trail, Long Lake and country roads west of Spokane, but the two shorter bike rides are the big draw for families that love to bike together. The family-friendly routes include a 15-mile ride all on the flat, paved Fish Lake Trail near downtown Spokane, meaning there are no hills to climb and parents don’t need to worry about their children riding with traffic. The 22-mile ride is suitable for kids with more biking experience and includes the same Fish Lake Trail course as the 15-mile ride with an addition of 3.2 miles along Government Way from Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC). All of the routes are monitored by volunteers, including technical and mechanical support provided by North Division Bicycle Shop, and healthy snacks and beverages are provided at rest stops along the way. Riders of all ages on all of the five routes come together at the end of the event at SFCC to enjoy a baked potato feed and pick up their t-shirts. All proceeds benefit local charities supported by the Spokane Aurora Northwest Rotary Club that puts on the event. Read about the routes and register at Lilaccentury.com.
Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival (July 8)
Pack an entire summer’s worth of outdoor adventure fun into one day without even leaving Spokane. The third annual Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival is set for Saturday, July 8 at Camp Sekani Park and Boulder Beach on the Spokane River from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Spend your day enjoying the outdoors and trying new activities including rock climbing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, canoeing, disc golf, slacklining and other activities for kids and adults. Spokatopia is one of the biggest bike demo events in the Northwest, meaning adults and bigger kids can try out mountain bikes right there on the Camp Sekani/Beacon Hill Trail system. There is also a free bike shuttle to the top of Camp Sekani for mountain bikers of all ages who want a lift up for an all-gravity mountain bike ride back down. For those who don’t want to bike themselves, there’s an opportunity to watch mountain bikers flying through the air off of huge jumps at the Spokatopia Jump Jam in shade of the pines in the Camp Sekani bike park. There will also be over 50 exhibitors selling outdoor gear and sharing information about different outdoor sports and travel destinations, as well as food trucks, live bands, and even a trail run and free yoga class. Admission is free, although some activities cost between $5-20 and require pre-registration. Find all the details at Spokatopia.com.
Toyota Tuesdays at Silverwood (July 18 & 25)
For two days this summer, drivers of any Toyota vehicle will receive free admission to Silverwood (offer good for the driver only). Pack the family into any Toyota and save on a day enjoying the rides and activities for all ages, including the park’s two wave pools. This is a customer-appreciation event sponsored every summer by the Inland Northwest Toyota Dealers. Silverwoodthemepark.com.
Paddle Splash and Play Family Paddle Sports Day (August 5)
Get the whole family out on the water this summer and try all sorts of boats and boards, including several types of kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddleboards for free at Riverside State Park’s Nine Mile Recreation Area on Lake Spokane. The Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club hosts this annual event geared towards getting kids and their parents on the water to try different human-powered watersports in a safe location with assistance and tips from experienced paddlers. All equipment, including paddles and life jackets, is provided, although participants are encouraged to bring their own life jacket/PFD if they have one. A Washington State Parks Discover Pass is required and will be available for sale at the event. All on-water participants/parents must sign insurance liability waivers. Learn more at Sckc.ws. //
