Spokane is the gateway to the Inland Northwest, with attractions, recreation and organizations for families, professionals and seniors

Activities for all ages

Regardless of your age, family makeup or interests, you will find like-minded souls in the Inland Northwest. Whether you spectate, participate, create or recreate, you’ll never be bored here.

All in the Family

Spokane continually ranks as one of the nation’s best places to raise kids and here are a few reasons why:

• Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Campfire, Boys & Girls Clubs and the YMCA all have a strong footing here.

• Mobius Science Center entertains families with interactive exhibits, an art studio and a kids’ museum.

• The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture features a collection of American Indian artifacts and rotating exhibits. Next door, the historic Campbell House gives visitors a glimpse of life in Spokane in the early 1900s.

• An extensive library system has programs for toddlers, adults and every age in between. Bookstores attract nationally-known authors, and the annual Get Lit! Festival includes programs for all.

• “Kids Night Out” at First Night rings in the New Year with a huge, family-friendly celebration downtown.

• Spokane Parks and Recreation offers classes and outdoor activities for all ages.

• Five ski/snowboard resorts are located within a two-hour drive of Spokane with lessons for youngsters.

• Spectator sports include the Arena Football League’s Spokane Shock, minor league baseball’s Spokane Indians, the Western Hockey League’s Spokane Chiefs and five collegiate sports teams.

• Hoopfest, the world’s largest three-on-three basketball tournament, invites children and adults to battle it out on 456 courts spanning 42 downtown blocks.

• Athletes of all levels are welcome to hit the streets in Spokane’s annual 12K Lilac Bloomsday Run, when more than 50,000 people participate in one of the region’s most celebrated events.

• The Marmot March is a one-mile, non-competitive walk/jog/run for children in the second grade or younger, and Junior Bloomsday is a one-mile competitive race for third and fourth graders.

• Youth athletic leagues are managed by the YMCA of the Inland Northwest, Spokane Youth Sports Association, Spokane Valley Baseball, Spokane Region Little League, Upward and Spokane Girls’ Fast pitch Softball Association.

• Theater troupes and dance companies provide opportunities for little entertainers to try their skills on stage or enjoy a show in the audience at the Spokane Civic Theatre, Spokane Children’s Theatre, Theater Arts for Children, Lake City Playhouse and Christian Youth Theatre.

• Free indoor and outdoor children’s concerts are held all year, sponsored by Spokane Public Radio and the Spokane Symphony.

Professionals

In addition to traditional business organizations such as Rotary and Kiwanis and fraternal groups like Shriners, professionals can network in dozens of industry or interest-specific groups. There are clubs that gather based on mutual interests in education, arts, dancing, music, health, religion, animal rescue and much more.

Seniors

• Retirees flock to the Spokane region to take advantage of the affordability, scenic beauty and high quality of life.

• Senior centers located throughout the region offer classes, special events, performances and travel opportunities for the young at heart.

• Municipal and county parks provide fitness classes and recreation geared toward seniors.

• Senior sports teams include the Men’s Senior Baseball League, Old Timers Hockey League and Inland Northwest Masters Swimming.

• Dozens of uncrowded golf courses give seniors discounted rates.

• Gonzaga University and the Community Colleges of Spokane’s Seniors Program offer noncredit courses for retirees and North Idaho College has reduced tuition for seniors.

• Seniors can even volunteer at local businesses through the YMCA’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).