SUMMER FUN Starts here

Summer is just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning your adventures!

Whether

you're a thrill-seeker looking for an adrenaline rush or a nature lover seeking a serene escape, the Inland Northwest has something for everyone. From ziplining through the trees to climbing indoor walls and playing a round of golf surrounded by natural beauty, there are endless possibilities for summer fun. So whether you're a local looking for new adventures or a visitor seeking the ultimate summer experience, get ready to explore all that this region and beyond has to offer.

Zip Trips

Are you ready to zip your way through an unforgettable summer adventure? Mica Moon, in Liberty Lake, and Timberline Adventures, in Coeur d’Alene, will take you to the next level of excitment! These zipline tours offer an unparalleled rush of adrenaline as you zip through the trees and take in breathtaking views of the natural surroundings. With state-of-the-art equipment and experienced guides, you can feel confident that you’re in good hands as you launch yourself off the platform and fly through the air. So grab your friends and family and get ready for a heart-pumping experience that you’ll never forget! micamoon.com • ziptimberline.com

Send The Kids To Camp

School’s out and the kids are already screaming, “I’m bored!” Don’t worry, just send them to camp! Spokane Parks & Recreation has got you covered with an endless list of activities and day camps for your little ones this summer. From sewing to swimming, sculpting to drama, horseback riding to skateboarding, and even treasure hunting, there are over 200 themes to choose from! Plus, there are specialized camps for children with disabilities. And for those who crave adventure, they’ll love the new day camp at the top of Mt. Spokane. They can explore, get dirty, make new friends, and play hard while learning how to protect the environment. So don’t let the summer blues get you down, send the kids to camp for a summer they’ll never forget!

tinyurl.com/spokanekidscamps • mtspokane.com/summercamps

KALISPEL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

If you want to experience the beauty of the Inland Northwest, playing a round of golf might be the perfect way to do it. The Kalispel Golf and Country Club has been celebrated for its competitive challenge and exceptional beauty since 1898, and it’s where the most passionate golfers in the region call home. The 72-par course is nestled along the Little Spokane River and boasts natural landscaping that provides an opportunity to see wildlife such as deer and moose wandering across the fairways. The course has remained largely unchanged since its design, offering a unique and authentic golfing experience. While the Kalispel Golf and Country Club is a semi-private course, non-members can still book a limited number of tee times, so be sure to book early. Additionally, visitors can enjoy happy hour or Sunday brunch, which are two of the best and most affordable experiences in the region. kalispelgolf.com

Olympic Game Farm

Get ready for a “wildly” fun adventure at the Olympic Game Farm in Sequim, Washington!This exciting attraction offers visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of majestic animals, from playful bears to graceful elk. One of the highlights of the Olympic Game Farm is the drive-through tour. Visitors can hop in their cars and drive through the park, getting an up-close view of the animals as they roam freely. And don’t worry - there are no T-Rexes here! But you will see a variety of amazing creatures, including llamas, Tibetan yaks, zebras, Kodiak bears, Roosevelt elk, Sika deer and American bison. But the Olympic Game Farm isn’t just a fun place to visit - it’s also an animal sanctuary that provides a safe and comfortable home for a variety of creatures. The farm is dedicated to educating visitors about the importance of wildlife conservation and protecting these amazing animals for future generations. Olygamefarm.com

Wild Walls Climbing Gym

You don’t have to travel to the Himalayas to climb a mountain. Located downtown in a historic armory building Wild Walls Climbing Gym boasts 6,000 square feet of climbing and bouldering structures where climbers of all levels can challenge their skills.As a family activity, indoor rock climbing is at the top of the pack. There are few sports where every member of the family can participate in at the same time. Children and parents get a sense of excitement and accomplishment from their very first climb. No experience is necessary and everyone can climb at their own pace. Wondering if you have what it takes — if you can climb a ladder, then you can climb a wall! If you’re new to climbing, take the Vertical Introduction class where you’ll learn from trained professions the fundamentals to climb indoors: fitting the harness, knot tying and proper belay technique. Kids can defy gravity and gain self-confidence at summer camp climbing sessions. Wildwalls.com

Northern Quest Rv Resort

If you’re looking for an exciting getaway with the comforts of home, pack up your RV and take the short trip to Airway Heights and the Northern Quest RV Resort. You’ll find 67 luxury, oversized standard and deluxe pull through sites, and even plenty of cozy cottages for rent in case you don’t own an RV. Amenities include full hookups and access to the bathhouse, laundry, dog park, fire pits, and Clubhouse. Best of all, your just steps away from casino gaming, movie theaters, top-shelf entertainment, and over a dozen dining options. Northernquest.com/rv

Schweitzer Mountain Resort

Schweitzer Mountain Resort is an ideal summer getaway for those looking to enjoy a unique combination of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. From savoring huckleberries and admiring wildflowers to hiking and mountain biking, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the Sandpoint region. Take in breathtaking views of three states and Canada from the summit or experience an exhilarating zip-line tour. Additionally, don’t miss the annual Northwest Winefest and Mountain Music Festival, which offers a festive atmosphere with live music performances from talented regional artists and local wine and craft beer tastings. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures or a laid-back escape, Schweitzer Mountain Resort promises an unforgettable summer vacation for all. Schweitzer.com

Carefree Sailing

If you’ve been dreaming about cruising the beautiful, world-class waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene during the summer, Carefree Boat Club of North Idaho offers an excellent solution for you. Instead of owning a boat, members can enjoy all the pleasures of being out on the water without the hassles and expenses. You can choose from a range of watercraft, including pontoon boats, open-bow ski boats, a 27’ sailboat, kayaks, paddleboards, and jet skis, all ready-to-board at any time. The club has a one-time membership fee and affordable monthly dues, and an online reservation system makes planning spur-of-the-moment outings a breeze. Even if you’re new to boating, you can get training in safety, navigation, and on-the-water handling skills from instructors. The club has two locations: Templin’s Resort & Marina in Post Falls and Willow Bay Resort Marina on the Pend Oreille River. Moreover, members can access watercraft at more than 100 Carefree Boat Club locations worldwide, including Lake Chelan, Seattle, Canada, and the Virgin Islands. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the water this summer without the hassle of boat ownership!

Northidaho.carefreeboats.com

STARGAZER’S DELIGHT: CENTRAL IDAHO DARK SKY RESERVE

If you’re a stargazer seeking an unforgettable experience, the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve (CIDSR) is a must-visit. Encompassing the towns of Stanley, Sun Valley, and Ketchum, the CIDSR spans 1,400 square miles, making it the first International Dark Sky Reserve in the United States. Unlike most areas of the country that suffer from light pollution, the CIDSR boasts clear, brilliant night skies thanks to its strict regulations and long-term planning to reduce artificial light. To qualify as an International Dark Sky Reserve, an area must have a buffer zone and be free from excessive human-made light. Only a few such reserves exist in the world, and the CIDSR is a prime example of a preserved natural environment that offers an awe-inspiring view of the night sky. Whether you use your eyes, binoculars, or a telescope, you will find it is truly humbling to view the Milky Way, planets, meteors, comets, and even deep sky objects. idahodarksky.org

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BY KELLY MILNER HALLS

n the third Friday of each month at 11:00 am, kids 2 to 5 and their caregivers gather in the party room of the iconic Spokane merry-goround to celebrate the magic of reading. Spearheaded by Jill Reeves, the Community Engagement Manager at the City of Spokane Parks & Recreation, the gatherings are meant to support community and early literacy through stories, music, dance and simple crafts.

Prior to her work at Parks & Recreation, Reeves was an educator specializing in early learners. Each month, she selects a picture book from her own private collection to capture and hold the attention of her very young audience members.

“There is a sweet spot that works really well,” Reeves says. “There has to be a rhythm, something has to happen in the story, it has to be read theatrically and there can’t be too many pages or too many characters.”

Once she’s made her selection, Reeves sticks to her one-story rule, “because the demographic is very young. They have shorter attention spans.” When the book is finished, she leads the kids in song, does finger plays and simple dances. And she usually guides them through a very simple craft to wrap up the event.

Reeve avoids traditional holiday themes, to be sure Story Time is welcoming to families of every religious and social tradition. “This is an opportunity for parents to engage with other parents, too,” she says, “so we work hard to be all-inclusive.”

Once the story and the activities come to a close, families are offered the chance to buy carrousel rides for only $1.00 each to boost the fun factor even higher. So mark your calendars with the dates listed below. You won’t want to miss a single Story Time at the Looff Carrousel at 507 N. Howard Street in Spokane.

Join

Story Time at the Carrousel is an early literacy activity designed to spark and engage the young imagination with stories, songs, and preschool activities.

$1 Carrousel rides offered to those who attend. Recommended for ages 2-5. MAY