There’s just something magical about summer in the Inland Northwest.
The long evenings, lake days, patio dinners, outdoor concerts, and spontaneous adventures are what make this season so special. Every year, our family creates a summer bucket list… a collection of places we want to visit, experiences we want to share, and memories we hope to make together before the school year returns.
With three little ones in tow, our bucket list is a mix of family-friendly adventures, local favorites, and a few experiences we’ve been meaning to check off for years. Whether you’re a longtime local or looking for new ways to enjoy Spokane and Coeur d’Alene this summer, we hope this list inspires you to get out and explore.
Our 2026 Summer Bucket List
Spend a Day at Granite Point
We’re packing the snacks, sunscreen, sand toys, and spending a full day soaking up the sunshine at one of our favorite local swimming spots. Bonus: they recently redid their restaurant so definitely plan on some lunch and ice cream! Another bonus… they have nice, clean bathrooms on site!
Visit Silverwood Theme Park
This is always a highlight of summer. Between the rides, water park, and endless excitement for the kids, Silverwood is one of those classic Inland Northwest experiences that never gets old. We highly recommend the magic show during your visit!
Attend an Outdoor Concert at Northern Quest
One of our favorite ways to spend a summer evening. Great music, warm weather, and a fun atmosphere make outdoor concerts a must every year.
Explore the Mobius Discovery Center
Perfect for those extra hot days or when we need a break from the sun. The hands-on exhibits make learning feel like play, and our kids always leave begging to come back the next day.
Visit Cat Tales Wildlife Center
As annual season pass holders, we love an excuse to see tigers! The opportunity to see wildlife up close while learning about animal conservation makes it such a unique Spokane experience.
Pick Fresh Berries at Green Bluff
One of the sweetest traditions of summer. Whether it’s strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, there’s something special about spending a morning in the fields and bringing home fresh-picked fruit grown right here in the PNW.
Catch a Spokane Indians Baseball Game
Baseball, sunshine, hot dogs, and family memories. Need we say more?
Ride the Looff Carrousel
A Spokane classic. No matter how many times we visit Riverfront Park, the carousel never loses its magic.
Cool Off with Ice Cream
The Scoop, Didier’s, Froyo and MiFlavour will be calling our names after a hot pool day!
Have a Picnic at Riverfront Park
Sometimes the simplest adventures become the most memorable. Packing a picnic and spending an afternoon downtown is always a good idea.
Watch a Sunset Over the Lake
No agenda. No rush. Just slowing down and soaking in one of the many beautiful sunsets our region has to offer.
Explore a New Local Restaurant
One of our favorite parts of running SpokaneEats is discovering incredible local businesses. This summer we’re challenging ourselves to try several new-to-us restaurants around the region.
Visit a Farmers Market
Fresh flowers, local produce, handmade goods, and community connections… farmers markets are one of the best parts of summer and we are lucky to have one almost every day of the week! Check out our guide to the 2026 season here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DY46ccWMku7/
Have a Family Movie Night Outside
Blankets, popcorn, string lights, and a favorite movie under the stars. Summer magic doesn’t have to be complicated.
and many more found below in our printable graphic you can share with your family and friends!
Our bucket list isn’t about checking every box.
It’s about being intentional with our time.
Summer has a way of flying by, especially with busy schedules, sports, camps, and work commitments. Creating a bucket list helps us prioritize experiences over perfection and reminds us to say yes to adventure, even if it’s something as simple as an evening walk or an ice cream date.
Here’s to making the most of summer in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and the beautiful Inland Northwest.
What’s on your summer bucket list this year?
