Looking for a summer adventure that gets kids off screens and climbing someone else’s walls? Wild Walls Climbing Gym in Spokane offers week-long kids’ climbing camps from June 23 to Aug. 21. Kids aged 7 to 14 will learn the fundamentals of climbing, safety techniques and teamwork, all while having a blast on indoor climbing walls. Camps run Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and cost $325-$375 per child, per week, depending on if you’re a Wild Walls member or not.  

Each week features different themes and challenges, ensuring returning campers always find something new to conquer. What sets an indoor climbing camp apart? It’s more than just a physical activity; it’s a holistic experience that boosts confidence, problem-solving skills and resilience. Kids develop strength and coordination in a supportive, fun and safe environment. Don’t miss out on this chance for your kids to scale new heights—literally! Visit Wild Walls’ website to register and learn more. Wildwalls.com 

Sponsored

The post Kids Reach New Heights at Wild Walls’ Climbing Camps  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Twin Eagles

In a world increasingly dominated by screens, schedules and artificial stimulation, something essential is slipping through our children’s fingers. Kids today are growing up without deep connection—to the Earth, to others and to themselves. At Twin Eagles Wilderness School, we’re here to change that.  

Our summer camps offer more than just outdoor fun. Rooted in the ancient art of nature-based mentoring, we guide kids into meaningful experiences that awaken their senses, challenge their edges and nurture their spirits. Whether it’s the spark of lighting their first fire by friction, the quiet pride of carving a spoon from wood or the thrill of moving silently through the forest like a fox, our campers are invited into a deeper way of being.  

At our Wilderness Survival Day Camp and in Emerging Wild Leaders, kids dive into hands-on skills like shelter-building, knife safety, foraging and wildlife tracking. But what truly sets Twin Eagles apart is our mentoring. Our experienced guides walk alongside youth with care and curiosity, helping them grow in confidence, creativity, leadership and resilience. We foster not just competence, but a sense of connection and wonder. Over time, something begins to shift. Children return home standing taller, more rooted and alive, carrying the wild in the way they see, listen and move through the world.  

This summer, give your child the gift of real wilderness—a journey that lives both on the land and within. Learn more about Sandpoint, Idaho-based Twin Eagles Wilderness School and register at Twineagles.org.  

Sponsored

The post Why Real Wilderness Still Matters for Kids   appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Mt Spokane

This summer, Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park invites young adventurers to trade ski boots for hiking shoes and bike helmets. The 2025 camps emphasize outdoor fun, skill-building and environmental learning all at Spokane’s namesake mountain playground.  

What sets Mt. Spokane’s day camps apart, says outdoor recreation director Katrin Ferraro, is the wildness of the mountain and the surrounding state park. “Our day camps feel a lot like an overnight wilderness camp—kids get many of the same experiences without needing to stay overnight.” Many campers are already skiers, she says, but for a lot of them, it’s their first time seeing the ski area up close without the snow, which helps cultivate a stronger connection to the mountain. 

Both the Mountain Adventure and Mountain Bike camps are built to boost kids’ confidence and outdoor skills—without overdoing it. Leaders also focus on fun and play, creating space for campers to be kids, says Ferraro. “We do an activity where one of the counselors dresses up in a bear costume, and the kids practice what to do if they see a bear—being big and loud, using squirt guns as bear spray.” While bear encounters at camps are unlikely, it’s a fun, memorable way to teach wildlife safety and appreciation.  

Mountain Adventure Camps 
Designed for children ages 5–13, this three-day camp immerses participants in the natural beauty of Mt. Spokane State Park. Activities include hiking, climbing, crafts, and games, all emphasizing nature appreciation. Choose from three Mon.-Wed. sessions: June 23–25, July 14–16, or July 28–30. Each session runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ($209 registration fee includes a t-shirt). 

Mountain Bike Camps 
Mt. Spokane offers some of the only kids’ mountain bike camps in the region, including options for new and experienced riders. The four-day mountain bike camps for kids ages 7–15 encourage them to build mountain bike skills and confidence. Some of the camps even offer the chance to shuttle some of the trails.   

• Beginner Camp: July 7–10, focusing on foundational skills on double-track trails. 

• Advanced Skills Camp: July 7–10, for riders ages 10–17 with prior singletrack experience. 

• All-Levels Camps: July 21–24 and Aug. 4–7, accommodating various skill levels with group placements based on ability. 

Each mountain bike camp runs Mon.–Wed. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thurs. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ($329 registration fee includes a t-shirt). Participants must bring a mountain bike with at least seven gears, front suspension and no pedal brakes, along with a helmet and other appropriate safety gear. “It’s incredible how much confidence kids build—on the trails, in themselves, and in the outdoors,” says Ferraro. 

Junior Camp Counselor Program 
New this year, this two-week program offers teens ages 14–16 a chance to gain leadership experience while assisting with both camp types. Participants develop mentoring skills, boost their biking abilities, and learn what it takes to be a future camp counselor ($199 registration fee and reliable transportation required). Session options run June 23–25 and July 7–10, July 14–16 and July 21–24, or July 28–30 and Aug. 4–7. 

Parents Can Work in the Lodge or Hit the Trails while Kids Play 

Simplify your drive to and from Mt. Spokane’s day camps by staying up on the mountain to get some work done (or go for a ride or hike yourself!) Parents can use Lodge 2 as a workspace or relaxing place to read with Wi-Fi and a coffee shop or hit the trails.  

As a non-profit, Mt. Spokane prioritizes making its camp experiences accessible to all by offering a limited number of camp scholarships on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and to register, visit Mtspokane.com/summercamps.  

Sponsored

The post Summer on the Summit  appeared first on Out There Venture.

When you find yourself looking for a fun, active and confidence-boosting activity for your kids, let them unleash their inner ninja! Ninja Nation Spokane turns every visit into an adventure where kids become stronger, more confident and resilient. Whether your child is racing up the warped wall, swinging through obstacles or cheering on a friend, Ninja Nation gives kids a positive outlet for their boundless energy and cultivates a love for movement. From unlimited open gym sessions to skill-focused classes and unforgettable birthday parties, Ninja Nation is Spokane’s go-to destination for high-energy fun.  

Unlimited Open Gym Access: The Best Deal in Spokane  

If your kids love to move, climb and play, Ninja Nation’s unlimited open gym membership (only $49.99 per month) is a total game-changer that includes access to a fun, safe and structured environment with professional-grade ninja equipment. It’s hands-down one of the best values for active families that comes with unlimited access to open gym sessions every month and one free buddy pass for a friend each month. The membership pays for itself if your child comes just three times in a month since a single 1-hour open gym session is $18.  

Sign Them Up for Summer Ninja Camps to Level Up the Fun  

This summer, give your kids a week of movement, motivation and ninja magic. Ninja Nation summer camps are open to kids ages 5 to 14, with full-day and half-day options available. Camps focus on building core ninja skills like grip strength, coordination and obstacle technique; boosting confidence through goal setting; and supportive coaching and creating a positive community where encouragement and energy are at the heart of every activity. Camps include snacks and lunch, so all you have to do is drop them off and let the fun begin.  

Weekly Ninja Classes: Build Skills and Strength  

Ninja Nation’s weekly classes offer structured training for kids who want to develop their skills and track their progress over time. Taught by certified coaches, classes focus on obstacle technique, body awareness, agility, and strength. With different skill levels and age groups, there’s a class for every young athlete or aspiring ninja.  

High Energy Birthday Parties Without the Stress 

Want a birthday party that’s exciting for the kids and stress-free for you? Ninja Nation’s got you. Party hosts lead ninja obstacle games and stations that keep everyone moving, laughing and having a blast. Parents can relax while Ninja Nation takes care of everything—activities, set-up and clean-up.  

Grown-Up Ninjas Get Their Night Too  

Adults can join the fun during scheduled adult nights, where the arena becomes a playground for grown-ups who want a unique and active way to spend an evening. Whether you’re trying out the warped wall or racing a friend through the course, it’s a great way to challenge yourself in a fun, supportive space. Please note, childcare is not provided at adult nights.   

Ready to start your family’s ninja journey? Visit Spokane.ninjanation.com for more info or to sign up for memberships, book camps or schedule a birthday party, or follow them on Instagram @ninjanationspokane. Ninja Nation Spokane is located at 8016 N Division Street.  

Ninja Nation Spokane helps fund the non-profit work of owners Sarah and Alexi Matousek that supports surgical care for rural communities in Haiti.

Ninja Nation was brought to Spokane by Sarah and Alexi Matousek, a dynamic duo deeply rooted in both the healthcare profession and a passion for ninja sports. Alexi, a surgeon and contestant from “American Ninja Warrior” Seasons 7 through 10, and Sarah, an advocate for public health and wellness, share a vision that connects Ninja Nation Spokane to the non-profit they operate in rural Haiti. Proceeds from Ninja Nation Spokane support surgical care for some of the most under-served communities and most vulnerable people in Haiti. Scan the QR code to watch a short video about their inspiring work. 

Sponsored

The post Jump, Climb, and Conquer This Summer at Ninja Nation Spokane   appeared first on Out There Venture.

Slidewaters caters to all ages and thrill levels, from the gentle curves of Bonzai Pipeline to the wild twists of Sidewinder. The Downhill Racer allows you and your kids to race to the finish side-by-side. For those under 48 inches tall, the Aqua Zoo is a safe and fun water play area, and the zero-depth beach zone features a 150-gallon tipping bucket and spray features. Families can spend some quality time together floating the Lazy River, which gives you a chance to check out those views again. Adjacent to Slidewaters, Lakeside Surf is home to the world’s largest stationary surf wave, where adults and kids ages 10 and up can give surfing this magical wave a try (surf session pass required). 

Slidewaters makes lunch or snack time easy at the River Run Grill that serves a variety of kid-friendly options. There are plenty of hangout areas in and out of the sun too, and you can rent private cabanas to have your own shaded retreat and basecamp for the day. Slidewaters operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and offers discounted rates for children under 48 inches and free entry for kids three and under. A family trip to Slidewaters may end up being the most memorable adventure you have together this summer. Start planning your getaway at Slidewaters.com. 

Sponsored

The post Plan the Perfect Family Trip to Slidewaters Waterpark, Chelan WA  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Learn about Nature at Bear Lake June 7: Learn the names of the plants and animals at Bear Lake Regional Park near Chattaroy with guidebooks and specialized apps. 

Medical Lake Geology Walk & Water Sampling Aug. 6: Walk along the trail around Medical Lake with Chad Pritchard, professor of geology at EWU, to learn about the lake’s history and natural science.  

Introduction to Wilderness Survival (Aug. 5, 13, Sept. 18): Gain insight on ways to bolster your outdoor skills and survivability in our local wilds with an experienced U.S. Air Force survival instructor. 

Introduction to Urban Survival (Aug. 26, Sept. 24): Learn about some of the basic urban survival techniques such as procuring food and water, ensuring personal safety and security, and dealing with inherently unsanitary conditions. 

Tree Identification Walks (June 6, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 5): Educators from The Lands Council will introduce the fundamentals of tree identification during these interactive walks. Locations will include Waterfront Park in Medical Lake, Indian Painted Rocks, Dishman Hills and the Appleway Trail. 

Outdoor Painting (June 21, July 12 & 19, Aug. 2, Sept. 27): Bring your own art supplies to paint or draw en plein air at multiple local outdoor settings. Learn from experienced artists how to better replicate your surroundings in your art.  

The post 6 Ways to Get Outside this Summer with the Spokane County Library District  appeared first on Out There Venture.

This stretch of the Columbia River in Lincoln County is your answer to hot summer days. Paddle a kayak from Fort Spokane to Hawk Creek, where basalt cliffs rise over secluded coves perfect for a midday swim.

Cast for walleye or smallmouth bass near Seven Bays, or launch your boat from Two Rivers Resort and find your own quiet spot to cast a line, take a dip or listen to the water lapping at your hull. Camping at Porcupine Bay will extend your time exploring the waters of this massive eastern Washington lake. 

The post Paddle, Swim or Boat at Lake Roosevelt   appeared first on Out There Venture.

Washington State Parks’ Recreational Boating Safety Program is bringing back its popular paddle safety initiative for young people this summer. The program invites youth ages 11-18 to learn essential water safety skills through hands-on instruction both on the water and on shore. Participants will receive comprehensive training in paddle safety fundamentals, water competency and teamwork in small group settings of 15-20 students. Each participant will receive a complimentary life jacket and four hours of instruction, including two hours of on-water paddle training with experienced instructors. 

The program aims to build confidence and safety awareness among young paddlers while fostering an appreciation for water recreation. Classes will be held at the 9-Mile Recreation Area from July 22-24, 2025. Space is limited, and advance registration is recommended. For more information or to register, email boating@parks.wa.gov or visit the Washington State Parks website for program details. (OTO) 

The post Youth Paddle Safety Program Returns This Summer  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Their guided zipline tours include seven exhilarating ziplines, two sky bridges, and a scenic treehouse perched 30 feet above the forest floor—all set against sweeping vistas of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a first-timer, the experience combines high-flying fun with the natural beauty of the region.

Don’t miss Timberline’s “S’mores & Soar” evening zipline tour—featuring golden-hour rides and fireside s’mores at the forest treehouse. It’s a one-of-a-kind summer adventure that captures the magic of dusk in the Idaho woods.

The post Zipline Adventures Above Lake Coeur d’Alene with Timberline Adventures appeared first on Out There Venture.