The 48-Hour Spokane Family Bucket List: The Ultimate End-of-Summer Staycation

Before the school alarms start going off and the crazy fall schedule takes over, summer deserves one last proper send-off. The good news? You don’t have to deal with airport security or pack huge suitcases to get a real break. A quick two-day staycation right here in our own backyard is all it takes to squeeze in a little more summer fun.

Here is a straightforward, action-packed 48-hour plan to pull off an awesome weekend with the kids before back-to-school hits.

Day 1: Downtown Parks, Big Views, and Arcade Games

Morning: Hands-On Fun at Mobius

Kick off your staycation downtown at Mobius Discovery Center. It’s easily one of the best spots in town to keep kids busy without anyone getting bored. They can mess around with the interactive water displays, build stuff at the engineering stations, and just explore. Plus, it’s indoors, which is a nice way to start the day before it gets too hot outside.

Afternoon: Riverfront Park and the SkyRide

Once everyone is ready to move, head right across the street into Riverfront Park:

Ice Age Floods Playground: Let the kids run wild for a bit. There are tons of climbing structures, long slides, and water features to cool off.
Numerica SkyRide: You really can’t skip this one. It’s a quick 15-minute gondola trip right over the Spokane Falls, and the views of the river and the downtown skyline are worth every penny. Kids always love it.

Evening: Go-Karts and Pizza at Wonderland

Wrap up your first day by heading up north to Wonderland Family Fun Center. Grab a pizza for dinner, and then dive into some classic family competition:

Race each other on the outdoor go-kart track.
Play a round of mini-golf.
Hit the arcade to collect tickets and stock up on cheap prizes before calling it a night.

Day 2: River Floats and Mountain Trails

Morning: Paddle the Little Spokane River

Start the morning on the water before the heat sets in. Load up the kayaks or paddleboards and head to the Little Spokane River:

Put in at St. George’s or Painted Rocks for a smooth, easy float down crystal-clear water surrounded by trees.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the banks—you’ll almost always spot turtles, herons, and sometimes even a moose hanging out in the brush.

Quick Tip: Keep in mind that inner tubes and pool floats aren’t allowed on this stretch of the river, so stick to kayaks, canoes, or SUPs!

Afternoon & Evening: Cooler Air at Mt. Spokane

When the afternoon heat peaks, drive up Mt. Spokane State Park to trade the valley heat for fresh mountain air:

Hit the Trails: Pick a simple, family-friendly trail through the shaded pines. Late summer is a great time to catch wild mountain flowers and wide-open views across the region.
Pack a Picnic: Bring dinner with you and eat near the summit or up by the historic Vista House while watching the sunset before driving back down.

Making the Most of Late Summer

You don’t need a massive travel budget or a week off work to make lasting memories. Load up the car, grab some sunscreen, and go enjoy the best of Spokane while summer is still here!