Free Things to Do in Spokane | Free Family Fun
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Looking for fun and free things to do in Spokane? Lucky for you, Spokane offers plenty of free things to do year-round! Here is your ultimate guide to free things to do in Spokane – get out in these Spokane neighborhoods and don’t worry about spending a dime!
The Best Free Things to Do in Spokane
- Centennial Trail
- Spokane Falls
- Riverfront Park
- Huntington Park
- Sculpture Walk
- Heritage Walk
- Free art galleries
- First Friday
- Farmers Markets
- Parks
- Hiking trails
Looking for more things to do in Spokane? Here’s are a list of our top best things to do in Spokane (some of these will cost money). Keep reading for all the FREE things to do in Spokane below!
Don’t forget you can always find a full events calendar of things to do around Spokane (for free and at cost) at our Spokane Events Calendar here!
What is there to do in Spokane for free?: Full List of Free Things to Do in Spokane
Free Things to Do in Downtown Spokane
Is it your birthday or birthday month? Make sure to check out our huge list of birthday freebies in Spokane here for even more free fun!
Spokane Falls
If you love water, nature, and free views, you won’t want to miss Spokane Falls. Have you ever seen photographs or postcards of Spokane? Chances are, the Spokane Falls are in them – Spokane Falls is the pride and joy of Spokane!
Spokane Falls consists of the Upper and Lower Falls. The Upper Falls is the site of the Upper Falls Dam and Power Plant. The Lower Falls is the site of a second dam, the Monroe Street Dam. A gondola ride will cost you some money (see below), but walking around the falls and enjoying the sights and sounds are absolutely free.
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Huntington Park
While few people may know the actual name of the park in downtown Spokane (along the Falls), chances are you’ve seen and possibly walked around this park! Huntington Park, located between City Hall and the Washington Water Power building (home of Mobius Science Center) was recently renovated. Huntington Park connects to Riverfront Park and has stunning views of the Lower Falls, with a 360 degree overlook walk way.
In addition to the views, Huntington Park now boasts a new grassy area, art pieces and interpretive exhibits. If you want to really enjoy the roaring falls, be sure to visit Huntington Park between March-May. Of course, any time is a good time to visit Spokane – it’s beautiful all year round!
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What is Spokane famous for? Riverfront Park!
No matter what time of year you visit Riverfront Park, chances are there is something going on! There’s a reason why so many Spokane postcards feature the Falls and Riverfront Park’s iconic bell tower – it’s because Riverfront Park is famous in Spokane!
For those of us that remember Spokane from years past, you may have thought “downtown Spokane? Oh no, thank you” but trust me, downtown Spokane has improved tremendously within a few short years. I would highly recommend visiting downtown Spokane, and in particular Riverfront Park – it truly is a fun place to visit for the whole family.
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Depending on what time of year you go, you could expect to find food trucks, yoga on the bridge, free walking tours, movies in the park, and so much more. For the very latest in free events at Riverfront Park, visit the City’s calendar of events here.
Also, if you do want to spend a little money, take a ride on the Spokane Falls Skyride! As of 2019, the cost to ride the Skyride is:
Adults: $7.75
Children 2 to 12: $5.75
Under 2: Free
(Ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult)
Skyride a little too adventurous for you? Maybe the Looff Carrousel is more your style! While it is also not free, the prices for a carrousel ride aren’t too expensive:
Rides:
$2.50 + tax
Unlimited Day Pass: $5.50
Summer Value Pass: 1 Hour Rollerskate or Scooter Rental, 3 min. Spider Jump, SkyRide Admission, Unlimited Looff Carrousel Rides
Adult: 18.95 + tax
Youth (ages 3-12): 16.95 + tax
Children 2 and under are free with paid adult.
You can purchase tickets for the Looff Carrousel here.
No need to spend any money at all though – the famous Red Wagon is free, as is my favorite little buddy, Spokane’s Garbage Goat!
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Centennial Trail
One of my absolute favorite things to do for free in Spokane is walk the Centennial Trail. Centennial Trail is a nearly 40-mile paved recreational trail for pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles (bikes, non-motorized scooters, etc.). It’s a National Recreational Trail, and it stretches from Sontag Park in Nine Mile Fills to the Washington/Idaho state line.
Centennial Trail extends for another 24 miles beyond the Washington state border into Idaho as the North Idaho Centennial Trail, through Post Falls and into Coeur d’Alene.
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Centennial Trail also connects Gonzaga to downtown Spokane, so if you’re a student (or visiting parent/friend), you can easily park at Gonzaga and walk into downtown. It’s a leisurely, fairly short and safe walk – and 100% free!
Spokane Sculpture Walk
Spokane Sculpture walk is a guide to sculptures in Riverfront Park and along Centennial Trail. The Sculpture Walk begins on Washington State University’s downtown campus and ends on the southeast corner of the Monroe Street Bridge.
Heritage Walk
The Heritage Walk is a free downtown walking tour that explains the history of the mountain northwest. This self-guided tour goes through many gorgeous historic buildings, homes and monuments. You can click on the link above to learn more or visit the downtown Spokane information center to pick up a printed brochure.
Free Art Galleries in Spokane
Jundt Art Museum
The Jundt Art Museum is a gem located on the Gonzaga campus! The Jundt Art Museum houses Gonzaga’s growing permanent collection of almost 5,000 objects and also showcases temporary art exhibitions. Throughout the year, the Museum showcases work by local, regional, national and international artists.
Gonzaga’s collection includes work by:
- Rembrandt
- Goya
- Delacroix
- Rodin
- Picasso
- Chihuly (no need to visit Seattle!)
- Warhol and more
Chase Gallery
Chase GalleryThe Chase Gallery is located on the lower level of Spokane City Hall. The Gallery is free and open while City Hall is open, generally Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm (closed holidays). You can also visit the Gallery during First Friday from 4 to 7 pm.
First Friday
On the First Friday of every month, venues around Spokane open up for an evening of art and live music. First Friday is the perfect opportunity to try new places, or just enjoy all of the free music and art while soaking in the sun and great weather!
Farmers’ Markets
Much like Green Bluff, you might not be able to get away from the farmers’ markets around here without buying anything (I know I certainly can’t leave without at least a drink in the hot summer months!) but the farmers’ markets below are all free to attend!
Fairwood Farmers Market
Every Tuesday from May until October, 3 to 7 pm at 319 W Hastings Rd.
Kendall Yards Night Market
Every Wednesday from May until October from 5 to 9 pm. You can read our review of the Kendall Yards Night Market here.
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South Perry Thursday Market
Yes, you truly can visit a farmers’ market around Spokane almost every day of the week! Perry’s Farmers’ Market is on Thursday from May until October from 3 to 7 pm at 924 S. Perry.
Emerson Garfield Farmers’ Market
Every Friday from June until the end of September from 3 to 7 pm at 2310 N Monroe St.
Spokane Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday from May until September from 8 am to 1 pm at 20 W 5th Ave.
Spokane Parks
There are so many amazing parks in and around Spokane, it will take you several days to enjoy them all! Some of our favorites include:
- Manito Park
- Finch Arboretum (Finch is a can’t-miss if you’re looking to celebrate fall in Spokane!)
- Mirabeau Point Park
- Riverside State Park
- Mt. Spokane State Park
During the summer, many local Spokane parks also offer free splash pads – fun for kids and parents alike! You can find a full list of Spokane park splash pads here.
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Free Things to Do Around Spokane
Green Bluff
Green Bluff is absolutely one of my favorite places to visit in Spokane! Green Bluff is the perfect place to visit with friends, family and out of town guests. While you probably won’t be able to resist buying any local produce, pies, or donuts (seriously, try the pumpkin donuts from Beck’s!), there’s plenty to do and see at Green Bluff for free.
Green Bluff is located about 15 minutes north of Spokane at the foothills of Mt. Spokane. Green Bluff is broken into two loops, the East and West loop, and farms offer a wide variety of fruits, vegetables (U Pick and they pick!) plus pies, wines, and more.
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Spokane City Drive
The Spokane City Drive is a self-guided driving tour (download your PDF guide here) highlighting many of the city’s most unique spots! Your tour begins at Riverfront Park and goes through the arts district, Browne’s Addition, South Hill, Riverside State Park and more.
Hiking Trails Around Spokane
Looking for more of a challenge after walking Centennial Trail? Well, you’re in luck, because there are plenty of free trails of varying difficulty all around Spokane! Some of our favorites include:
Free Events at the Spokane Public Library
There are so many free and fun events at the library, it deserves its own section! No matter which library is closest to you, you’ll find fun, free entertainment. Everything from movie nights to origami to escape rooms – it’s all free!
Check out the full calendar of events near you here.
Did we leave any free events out? Let us know over on our Facebook page! What’s your favorite free thing to do in Spokane?
