“Breckon has a lot of energy so snowboarding is a great outlet for him. He stuck to his heel edge for the first season and mastered riding ‘fakie,’ which means to ride opposite of the way you would naturally ride,” says his mom, Desi. The next season, Breckon learned how to carve, using the toe edge to heel edge pattern. “For his third season, we signed him up for a 2-hour class to help him with carving, and I noticed a huge difference after that one lesson. Although he thinks he has mastered the sport, we will enroll him in at least one lesson this year so he can learn some new techniques,” she says.

Breckon enjoys challenging himself on the mountain, and rides every weekend during the season at Lookout Pass with his family. His favorite run is Lucky Friday – a double-black diamond with powder stashes and snow-covered stumps for jumps. “Breckon loves to cruise the terrain park. He’s learning how to ride the rails, and looks forward to sticking his landings this season. His dad taught him that the trees and the sides of the runs have more snow and are more adventurous – he’ll go over any jump that he sees on the groomers,” says Desi. Another goal is to backflip off a jump, and he’s been practicing on his home trampoline since last summer. Someday he would like to join a snowboarding team; however, there are currently only ski racing teams affiliated with the local ski mountains “We hope they will eventually start a snowboarding team at Lookout Pass,” Desi says. “But until then he may take up skiing again to get on the team.”

Like many parents, the Mowrys’ main concern is their son’s safety on the mountain. “Luckily, he has not had too many bad crashes,” Desi says. “As much as we love to snowboard all day, sometimes it is better to have a 6-hour day instead of an 8. Your body gets worn out, and you are more prone to injury the longer you ride.”

Breckon’s dad, Cade, who has been snowboarding for 26 years after starting in 8^th grade, looks forward to taking Breckon backcountry snowboarding when he’s older. “Cade has hiked Bridger Bowl and Big Sky to ride some of the more difficult terrain,” she says. “I would also like to say our son looks up to me as well. Though I am not as strong of a rider as Cade, Breckon and I take some fun runs together.”

Desi notes that snowboarding has taught Breckon the importance of being outside and utilizing his body and physical energy. “He uses the time on the mountain to release his energy and learn to master the art of snowboarding. If he is practicing a move, he will try it over and over again until he gets it right. It’s good for him to keep it up and know that if you practice and focus then you can usually achieve what you want,” she says. “Mentally, I think all kids have a fight with any sport – ‘Do I want to do this today? I really wanted to stay inside and play my Xbox’ – but once Breckon gets on the snow, you can’t get him off.”

Breckon’s advice for other kids new to snowboarding? “Learn how to have good balance and how to lean on your board so you can adjust to each edge,” he says. “Personally, snowboarding is more fun than skiing because I can go faster and not fear getting my legs tangled together if I wreck.”

Desi encourages parents of novice snowboarders to be patient. “Most kids will learn this sport quickly, but there are some who may have a more difficult time,” she says. “Based on my experience learning how to ride, I wish I would have taken the time for lessons. If there is an opportunity for lessons, get them into it. Much like school, kids learn differently from different people. They may get frustrated faster with a parent than they will with a [ski school] instructor.”

In addition, she says, “If possible, get your kids on skis before a snowboard. They need to learn balance with skis on snow before they can ride a board. I have not met many people who have snowboarded without skiing first.” And start them young, she says. “Kids are resilient – they can fall and get up, whereas older kids and young adults fall and get hurt. The fear is not there yet with younger kids, so they will be more willing to take risks.” //

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Not All Campgrounds Are Created Equal

Choose a campground with amenities that best suit your family. There is a spectrum of camping, with four general styles. If you’re new to camping, decide which style best fits your family’s current situation and level of expertise and how rugged you’re willing to be for each trip. 

1. Primitive: Sites located on public lands, typically along national forest roads, known as dispersed campsites. No potable water, no sewage system or vault toilet, no trash removal service, and no fee to camp. You must camp no less than 200 feet away from a fresh water source, and follow Leave No Trace principles. You will need to bring your own water purification system (or bring all your own water) and portable toilet or trowel, toilet paper and plastic bags for carrying out all trash and solid waste, plus your own table and chairs.
2. Rustic: Established, no-frills campgrounds with potable water and vault toilets and typically picnic tables, usually in national forests. On-site campground hosts clean campsites, provide cleaning and maintenance of facilities, and ensures rules are followed. They also sell firewood if there isn’t a campfire ban in effect. Bring typical car camping gear, including bio-degradable soap and possibly an ample supply of sanitizing and/or body wipes for personal hygiene.
3. Comfortable: Established campgrounds with restrooms and sometimes showers and other amenities, such as a children’s playground, marked trail network, and ranger-led programs. These are usually found within state and national parks. No special gear required.
4. Deluxe: Private campgrounds tailored to RVs, providing full restrooms, swimming pool or beach access, and a store or visitor’s center. Cabins, yurts or other overnight rental accommodations are also sometimes available. Examples include for-profit RV parks and campgrounds and private, membership-only “camping clubs.”

Location, Location, Location

Pick a campground that’s located near opportunities for the recreation and activities your family enjoys. If you’re looking for a lake-focused experience that includes fishing, paddling or swimming, then campgrounds like Round Lake State Park near Sagle, Idaho, or Hawley’s Landing at Heyburn State Park, on the shore of Lake Chatcolet, are good choices. If you want more trails for hiking, mountain biking, and perhaps the opportunity to play disc golf, then book your stay at Farragut State Park, near Athol, Idaho. For campsites within walking distance to a lake to launch a stand-up paddleboard or kayak that also have a dog-friendly beach, try Sam Owens Campground on Lake Pend Oreille near Hope, Idaho.

Depending on your previous camping experience, and the ages of your children, you may want to choose a campground located within a 1-2 hour drive from home, or within close proximity to a supply store or alternative overnight lodging. Have a Plan B. Kids may get sick. A rainstorm might soak your clothes and gear. Nights may be colder than you planned. Whether you need to retreat to home or book a night at a hotel or lodge to dry out and recover, there are ways to modify a trip and salvage a vacation.

Choose a Campground Near Entertainment Attractions

For some kids, camping close to alternative activities, especially if you’re camping out for several nights, can make all the difference. Try Farragut State Park, near Athol, Idaho, and visit Silverwood Theme Park. Or when camping in Washington’s Cascade Mountains, there are two campgrounds located off I-90 west of Snoqualmie Pass (Tinkham and Denny Creek) that open up many opportunities for experiencing different activities: hike the trails within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, hike through old-grown forest to Franklin Falls, plan a day trip to Seattle, or visit the Northwest Railway Museum and Snoqualmie Falls in the town of Snoqualmie, which hosts the “Day Out with Thomas” family event in July. Off-campground excursions can be thrilling for the whole family.

Plan Ahead to Maximize Fun

Do not risk disappointment with a first-come/first-serve campsite. Ensure you have a campsite waiting upon arrival. Some campgrounds allow reservations up to 6-12 months in advance. Most campgrounds provide easy online reservation systems.

Make sure you don’t forget critical things. Consult a packing checklist and plan ahead to create intentional fun and surprises. Rather than start a checklist from scratch, use one provided by an expert source like Jennifer Aist, author of “Babes in the Woods: Hiking, Camping, and Boating with Babies and Young Children.” On her website, Wildernessforkids.com, there are free downloadable resources.

Other reputable camping gear and packing checklists can be found at Nwtripfinder.com, Wta.org, and Rei.com. And don’t forget fun items such as nighttime glow-sticks, nature journals, bug nets, bubbles, water squirters (for the lake or river), or special, surprising treats like Jiffy-Pop® or ingredients to make unique S’mores (e.g., peanut butter cups), campfire banana boats or donut snakes. Camping-themed bedtime stories, like “Curious George Goes Camping” are a fun way to end the day.

Leave No Trace Principles for Kids

Teach your children Leave No Trace ethics. Be creative and patient as you pass on your love for nature and camping, and demonstrate how to tread lightly. The member-driven Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics teaches people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. This copyrighted information has been reprinted with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics (LNT.org).

Try these tips for limiting your impact on the places you visit:

• Choose The Right Path
• Trash Your Trash
• Leave What You Find
• Be Careful With Fire
• Respect Wildlife
• Be Kind To Other Visitors

Originally published as “Summer Camping Smiles: Create The Ultimate Camping Experience For Your Kids” in the April 2017 issue.

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A.M. Cannon Park – West Central

Located at the intersection of Maxwell Ave and Elm, this 8-acre park has something for everyone – softball fields, tennis courts, horseshoe pits and playground equipment. Picnic tables and restrooms are also available, and during the summer the aquatic center is a great choice for families.

Coeur d’Alene Park – Browne’s Addition

As the city’s oldest park, the 10-acre grassy expanse and historic replica gazebo exudes a charming ambience. In addition to a playground and splash pad, there are restrooms, picnic tables, and courts for tennis and basketball. People throwing Frisbees or lounging on blankets while picnicking or reading books are common on sunny days. The playground’s old-school equipment, like the teeter-totter (aka see-saw) and metal slide, will delight both kids and adults.

Cowley Park – Sacred Heart Medical Complex

Located on the north, shaded side of Sacred Heart, this 2-acre park offers quaint, historic charm and simple amenities – a playground (recently updated), restrooms and picnic tables. A spring-fed stream still runs through the park, as it did when it was the site of Reverend Henry T. Cowley’s family home after he arrived in Spokane in 1874. Before that, it was a Spokane Indian tribal winter camp, according to Spokanehistorical.org. Spokane’s first public school was also established here, though none of the original buildings remain. Take time to admire the more than 100-year-old maple, ash and sycamore trees – all planted by Cowley.

Liberty Park – East Central

Before the construction of I-90 divided this park in the 1960s, it was one of the city’s treasured leisure destinations. Throughout its 22-acres, you’ll find fields and courts for softball, tennis and basketball, horseshoes, playground equipment, picnic tables, restrooms, and a city aquatic center. Another great feature is the Ben Burr Trail, a recently-paved community trail that heads one mile southeast to Underhill Park (2910 E. Hartson Ave.), a 19-acre neighborhood mini-park. Here you’ll find a splash pad, playground, and lots of grassy fields and sports courts. In the future, Liberty Park will be easier to access by bike from downtown, thanks to a lower portion of the Ben Burr Trail that will connect with the Centennial Trail.

Mission Park – Logan Neighborhood

Located off the Centennial Trail east of downtown, this 13.33-acre park along the Spokane River offers a variety of recreation options: splash pad and playground for children, tennis courts, softball/baseball field, horseshoes, and swimming at the city’s aquatic center.

Olmsted Brothers Green – Kendall Yards/West Central

This neighborhood park, created by Greenstone Corporation, is conveniently located off the Centennial Trail west of Kendall Yards’ business district. It’s both a great destination and cycling rest-stop with playground equipment, water fountains, and grassy field.

Polly Judd Park – South Hill

This 5.61-acre neighborhood mini-park overlooks Latah Creek and the BNSF railroad line. Features include a covered shelter with picnic tables, restrooms, playground equipment, loop trail that includes multi-level WorldTrail® fitness course stations along the way, and a large grassy natural area and trails along the bluff for exploration.

Wentel Grant Park – Latah Creek/Vinegar Flats

At 10.57 acres, this neighborhood mini-park nestled along Latah Creek is accessible via Inland Empire Way, which is a shared roadway for bikes and vehicles. Playground equipment, basketball, and a softball/baseball field are the activity options (restrooms also available). // (Amy Silbernagel McCaffree)

Bike Safety Tips

Before heading out with your kids on bikes, make sure all riders have helmets and that you and your children know how to ride safely. These tips from Stickman Knows, Spokane’s first comprehensive bike, pedestrian, and motorist safety awareness campaign, are a good place to start:

• Obey all regulatory signs and traffic lights.
• Never ride against traffic.
• Be predictable! Use hand signals to tell motorists what you intend to do.
• Ride in a straight line to the right of traffic (on two-way streets) and a little more than a car-door width away from parked cars.
• Always wear a helmet and never ride with headphones.
• Use lights and reflectors at night and when visibility is poor.
• Don’t pass on the right. Motorists may not look for or see a bicycle passing on the right.
• Dress for the weather. Dress in layers so you can adjust to the temperature and always wear bright clothing.
• Keep your bike in good repair. Check brakes and tires regularly.
• Learn more at Stickmanknows.org. // (OTM)

[Feature Photo by Amy McCaffree]

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My husband played competitive sports through high school, so stepping into a coaching role was easy for him. Not so much for me when I felt called to that role. I have trained in martial arts for over 20 years, yet the prospect of teaching Hapkido to my daughter was daunting. I knew from the start that I am two different people, on and off the mat, and I needed to explain this to my daughter before we started. In talking with other coaches from a variety of sports, I found the idea of wearing two hats and separating the coaching persona from the role as parent seems to be a key factor in avoiding problems.

Jarrud Watkins says that establishing those roles has been very cut and dry for him and his two kids. “At basketball, I’m the coach, and at home, I’m dad. But after almost every single practice my daughter says, ‘Thanks for coaching.’ She knows it’s a commitment and appreciates that.”

George Bryant has coached the Spokane Nordic Racing Team for 13 years. He says other times the line blurs as the relationship matures. “I think from the start I had to learn to feel where a line should be drawn. As they grew I think the line became less defined, with them asking for information outside of the training environment.”

All kids need and thrive on parent involvement and enthusiasm. But too much can have negative impacts on the parent/child relationship, says Jim Thompson of Positive Coaching Alliance. Thompsons’ non-profit is based out of Stanford University, and he encourages parents to talk to kids and find out their feelings before agreeing to coach. Thompson also agrees that separation of roles is critical.

When thinking of coaching, take your child’s personality and situation into account. Are they younger or older? What is the level of competition, and is that something appropriate for you to coach your child in? Softball coach Karen Peterson was clear on that point. “Knowing when to step back is important. Saying to yourself, ‘I don’t have the knowledge past this point and they need someone else.’”

Danielle McCulloch, a runner and triathlete, points out that with more individual sports, one solution can be pairing with other parents and coaches so that when exhaustion takes over, there is someone else to provide that extra push that might not otherwise be tolerated from a parent. Bryant agreed, “While skiing looks like an individual sport, no one gets very far without the support of other teammates, whether training, racing, or just doing team activities together.”

Most coaches agreed there is an advantage to having their child on the team. It could be extra time spent with that child, or insight into how the team works together. For more individual sports one advantage is the mimic dynamic. When your child sees you setting goals in your athletic endeavors, they have the opportunity to watch how to deal with success and failure gracefully on a personal level. McCulloch describes her son motivating himself by thinking of his dad’s completion of an Ironman race.

But it’s the disadvantages that scare most people. Relationships can be strained, and the opportunity to enjoy the same sports with your child can also be damaged. McCulloch adds, “The biggest challenge for a lot of parents is remembering how old your child is, and finding a balance between fun and advancing their technique. There’s a lot at risk if they start hating what you love.” //

Tips for Coaching Your Kids

No matter the sport, it is important to set realistic expectations for yourself and your child and keep things positive. Remember these tips when it comes to coaching your own:

• Attitude, preparation, and objectivity matter.
• Set clear expectations.
• Separate roles. Playfully adopt a different persona, and leave that persona at practice.
• Model self-improvement, don’t preach it.
• Don’t talk shop at home or push practice at home, at least not at first, and never without them being the one to ask.
• Encourage respect in both directions.
• Let them be responsible for their own gear, as much as you would for any other sport.
• Keep it fun and positive. Like all outdoor activities, if the kids aren’t enjoying themselves it becomes a burden for both of you. //

Crystal lives with her husband and two children in Spokane, where she works as a copyeditor for several academic journals.

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TWIN EAGLES WILDERNESS SCHOOL

This innovative, unique school, based in Sandpoint, Idaho, and operating since 2005, has camps throughout the summer to learn wilderness survival skills, foraging, animal tracking, natural shelter building, traditional archery and more. Youth enjoy personalized attention with adult mentors as they explore, learn and develop deeper connections with nature. With sessions in Spokane, Sandpoint and now in Coeur d’Alene, Twin Eagles’ day camp program (ages 6-13) features three different themes: Nature Adventurers, Wilderness Survival and Nature Ninjas. Overnight camps (ages 10-18) are more intense experiences and may include challenging activities such as nighttime scout games and wilderness survival campouts. This spring, Twin Eagles hosts a father-son wilderness weekend retreat (April 28-May 1). Twineagles.org, 208-265-3685.

CAMP SPALDING

Located on the shores of Davis Lake and 500 wooded acres at the foot of the Selkirk Mountain Range, near Newport, this Presbyterian-affiliated Christian camp offers Pioneer Camp, with different sessions for various school-age groups, grades 2-12. Different from Spalding’s regular program, Pioneer Campers sleep in an authentic 18’ Sioux tipi, cook meals over an open campfire, and hike to an overnight campsite. Other camp sessions include “Mom, Dad, and Me Overnight” for children entering grades K-2 (June 16-17), an all-ages Family Camp (August 16-20), and 3-6 night camps for different developmental ages: Discovery (three nights, children entering grades 2-4); Junior (six nights, grades 5-6), and Junior High and Senior High. Overnight accommodations include the Clearwater Lodge or cabins. New for this summer is a nature and crafts building with a wrap-around deck and “four glass garage doors that roll up to give the building a pavilion-feel,” says Camp Director Andy Sonneland. “It will serve as dedicated space for our popular crafts program, a base for our nature program, and a popular gathering space in the heart of the camp.” Campspalding.org, 509-731-4244.

BEN BURR SUMMER CAMP

Spokane’s East Central Community Center is offering a day camp (8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.) for ages 5-12 to experience hands-on learning about science, cultural diversity, history, gardening and art, as well as field trips, games-based sports, weekly swimming at the Liberty Park pool, and hikes to learn about local ecology. Ecspokane.org/youth-summer-camp, 509-868-0856.

ART OF NATURE DAY CAMP

The 5^th annual Art of Nature day camp in Coeur d’Alene, for 2^nd – 6^th graders, will take place July 17-21. This day camp hosted by the Kootenai Environmental Alliance combines art, science and nature adventures. kealliance.org, 208-667-9093.

WEST VALLEY OUTDOOR LEARNING CENTER

At Spokane city and county libraries, the center’s staff will conduct “entertaining and educational presentations for families and children” to learn about animal homes, according to Director Jami Ostby Marsh, which includes “interaction with live animals like birds of prey, tortoises, hedge hogs or insects. Participants will also take home a fun project to do, related to animal homes.” Olc.wvsd.org, 509-340-1028.

SPOKANE PARKS AND RECREATION

Outdoor day camps include horseback riding (ages 8-13), outdoor adventures with different weekly themes for youth (ages 8-11) and teenagers (ages 12-15), and a 3-day stand-up paddleboard camp (ages 12-15). For older teens and adults, there are 1-day excursions, such as day-hikes and a canoe or paddleboard tour of Plese Flats (ages 15+). There is also a Wild Walls Indoor Summer Climbing Camp (ages 9-14, four sessions available), as well as various sports camps. At the Corbin Art Center, there are day camps focusing on science, ecology and conservation themes – half-day sessions for preschool (ages 3-5) or full-day for elementary (ages 6-12). Camps include “Surf & Sea Safari” (June 26-30, preschool); “Environmental Superheroes” (July 10-14, elementary); “Science ‘Art’splosions” (July 17-21, elementary); “Animals at Night” (July 17-21, preschool); and “Science & Nature Camp” (August 7-11, preschool). My.spokanecity.org/parksrec/, 509-625-6200.

PEAK 7 ADVENTURES

Based in Spokane, Peak 7 offers a 50+ day excursion-based Bower Adventure Course for ages 15-18 (June 19-August 11), for both males and females. This course will provide opportunity to be “certified as a Wilderness First Responder, backpack on the Olympic Peninsula, summit a peak in the North Cascades, experience a 24-hour solo time, learn basics of sport climbing, raft through class III-IV whitewater on several rivers, and spend a week serving others in the community,” according to Peak 7’s webpage. Peak7.org, 509-467-5550.

WASHINGTON TRAILS ASSOCIATION

Youth Volunteer Vacation for teenagers, ages 14-18, is an opportunity to camp and complete 40 hours of volunteer trail work at locations around the state. The local “vacation” is at Sullivan Lake in northeast Washington, June 25-30 and includes working on restoration of trails in the Salmo-Priest Wilderness within the Colville National Forest. With the East Sullivan Lake Campground as base camp, work may include brushing, treadwork, rock work and ford improvement of trails, including the Sullivan Nature Trail, Elk Creek Falls and Red Bluff Trail. Wta.org/volunteer/youth/youth-trail-work-parties/youth. 

NORTHWEST MUSEUM OF ARTS & CULTURE (MAC)

The MAC is again offering day camps that explore art and natural science topics, with sessions divided into three age groups (grades 2-3, 4-5, and 6-7). Some of the weekly camp themes include Animal Camp, July 31-August 4, and Exploration Camp, Aug. 7-11. Northwestmuseum.org, 509-363-5355.

WSU COUGAR KIDS CAMP

“Explore the Outdoors” is the day camp theme for July 17-21. Sponsored by Washington State University (Pullman campus), in partnership with the university’s Outdoors Program, children entering grades 3-6 will learn Leave No Trace principles, campsite setup and outdoor cooking, and compass and map navigation. A hike led by the Adventure Program staff will be the week’s capstone event, along with an optional overnight campout (July 21). Urec.wsu.edu/cougarkids/cougar-kids-camp, 509-335-2218.

KEENs POND TO PINES

Based in Ellensburg, Wash., the Kittitas Environmental Education Network (KEEN) is offering 9-weeks of summer day camps at Helen McCabe State Park, from June 19 to August 18, with weekly themes for K-9^th grade age groups. Themes include Nature’s Playground, Wild Wildlife, Survivor and Aquatic Explorations, among others. There is also a half-day preschool camp (ages 2.5-4). Ycic.org/keens-summer-camp-pond-to-pines, 509-551-0087. //

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2) Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt: Explore a trail and create your own scavenger hunt. Find designated items, such as a smooth rock, wildflower, three different types of leaves, and more open-ended items based on varied colors, textures and shapes (e.g., find something that feels rough, shaped like a square, something red). Teach your child Leave No Trace principles. For sample lists and more ideas, visit Homesciencetools.com or Lovetheoutdoors.com.

3) Explore a Conservation Area: Spokane County’s list of conservation areas can be found online at Spokanecounty.org (search “Conservation Futures”). Options include Mica Peak, Feryn Ranch, McKenzie and others – all have ecological and historical significance and provide opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, picnicking and other activities. Download trail maps before you go. In Latah and Whitman counties, the Palouse Land Trust (Palouselandtrust.org) has three conservation areas open to public recreation, such as the 35-acre Idler’s Rest Nature Preserve.

4) Hike and Picnic at Deep Creek Canyon: Pack a lunch or hearty snacks for the 5.5 mile loop (Trail 25) in this geologically fascinating section of Riverside State Park. Details and trailhead directions are at Wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/riverside-state-park-deep-creek-canyon.

5) Learn about Wildlife: Visit the National Wildlife Federation webpage for kids (Nwf.org/kids) to find hands-on ideas for outdoor activities and crafts to enjoy while learning about nature. Then plan a wildlife excursion, whether it’s a day hike or drive through Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge near Cheney (Fws.gov), or visit one of the seven Wildlife Management Areas in Idaho’s Panhandle region (idfg.idaho.gov), such as Boundary Creek (14 miles north of Bonners Ferry) or McArthur Lake (18 miles north of Sandpoint, near Colburn). WMAs have parking areas, restrooms, either boat launches or picnic areas, and a network of trails for non-motorized use.

6) Hike to a Fire Lookout: On 5,129 foot tall Quartz Mountain in Mount Spokane State Park, you can hike to the relocated fire lookout and even stay overnight (Parks.state.wa.us/423/Mount-Spokane-State-Park). There’s also a lookout atop Oregon Butte in the Blue Mountains, near Walla Walla (wta.org), and many others around the Inland Northwest worth visiting. Explore other fire lookouts around the Northwest and beyond at Firelookout.com.

7) View the Spokane River from New Vantage Points: Many riverside trails are flat and easy for kids. Visit Trail 100 off the Centennial Trail on the west side of the river near the T.J. Meenach Bridge. Or wander the trails at People’s Park, a peninsula between Latah Creek’s confluence with the Spokane River, located off W. Clarke and W. Riverside avenues, west of downtown Spokane.

8) Find a New Trail to Hike: An online search guide helps you find the best choice for your family hike. Visit Wta.org/go-hiking/hikes and search according to region (e.g., Eastern Washington) and sub-region (e.g., Selkirk Range). For the Selkirks, 37 hikes are available, such as the Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars (2.5 miles) west of Upper Priest Lake or the South Skookum Lake Trail (1.38 miles) in Pend Oreille County. New to hiking with children? Check out WTA’s extensive guide on hiking with kids (https://www.wta.org/go-outside/kids/kids-hikes).

9) Go Geocaching (GEE-o-cash-ing): Learn all about GPS-aided treasure hunting at Geocaching.com/guide. You can also search for details and view a map of local geocaches – over 1,200 available within 10-miles of Spokane. Consider a visit to the Cache Cave geocaching store in Spokane Valley (14109 E. Sprague Ave), the brick-and-mortar store for Cache-advance.com. Another helpful guide for families is Cascadiakids.com/geocaching-with-kids.

10) Attend a West Valley Outdoor Learning Center Open House: Tour the wooded grounds and raptor and owl sanctuary and visit with the other live animals in the classroom, including tortoises, guinea pigs, snakes and an owl. The next open house is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on April 15 (8706 E. Upriver Drive, next to Pasadena Park Elementary).

11) Volunteer for a Trail Project: “For families who hike together on a regular basis, it can be a logical next step to learn how to give back to trails and the hiking community,” says Holly Weiler, Washington Trails Association’s eastern Washington regional coordinator and work crew leader. “Volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace. They learn about trail-work tools like the grub hoe, Pulaski, green grubber and MacLeod.” Recommended for children age 10+, no experience is necessary. “It’s a fun way to have family bonding time,” she says. Search for a work party, register, and complete a required waiver at wta.org. //

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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. //

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