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Good morning, Spokane!

Saturday may require a family vote. Spokane Valley firefighters are opening their training center for live rescue demonstrations in the morning, while Mount Spokane has a late-afternoon wildlife walk. Both are good enough to build a day around, though the fire open house gets this week's Family Pick for being free and reserving its first hour for sensory-sensitive families.

Let's get to it.

— Laina & Lucas Wyland

Kids get the things they want at a fire department open house: trucks, helicopters, and live fire and rescue demonstrations. Admission and food are free.

Saturday, Sept. 19
Spokane Valley Fire Department Training Center, Spokane Valley
Special-needs and sensory-sensitive families have the 9–10 a.m. hour; general admission follows from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Free admission and free food.

See the open house details →

Winter is coming early this year! Join Spokane Nordic for a September Snow Day this Friday, September 18, from 5–8 p.m. at Brick West Brewing! Celebrate 50 years of XC skiing on Mount Spokane with: 

Admission is free and all are welcome!

Learn more and RSVP on Facebook here!

WEDNESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY

There is still time for one last fair day before the gates close Sunday. Go for the animals and exhibits, or budget extra if rides and midway games are the main attraction.

Wednesday, Sept. 16 through Sunday, Sept. 20
Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, Spokane Valley
Wed.–Thu. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–10:30 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Broad family outing; no specific age range published. Adult admission is $15 Wednesday and Thursday, then $17 Friday through Sunday. Youth ages 7–13, adults 65 and older, and military members pay $12; children 6 and younger enter free. Parking is $10, and rides cost extra.

Check the fair schedule and pricing →

WEDNESDAY

Make a paracord bracelet or keychain and pick up a useful camping skill along the way. The library will have simpler activities ready for younger siblings.

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 4–5 p.m.
Liberty Park Library, Spokane
Kids and teens ages 5–13; additional activities are available for younger children.

The library can arrange accommodations; use the event page to make a request.

See the paracord craft details →

THURSDAY

Come for food samples, family art, kids' crafts, youth sports, or open swim. Bring a swimsuit and towel if the pool is part of your plan.

Thursday, Sept. 17, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Central YMCA, Spokane
Families of all cultures; photo ID is required for anyone 12 or older who wants full facility access. Admission is free.

Plan your YMCA visit →

FRIDAY

Stories and songs come with the option every preschooler will notice: a $1 ride on the Looff Carrousel afterward.

Friday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m.–noon
Looff Carrousel at Riverfront Park, Spokane
Recommended for ages 2–5. Storytime is free; Carrousel rides are $1.

See the Riverfront storytime details →

SATURDAY

Learn about mountain wildlife, then follow a mostly flat two-mile route to a historic Civilian Conservation Corps campsite. The program is open to everyone, not only Girl Scouts.

Saturday, Sept. 19, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Mount Spokane State Park, Bald Knob Campground, Spokane County
Open to everyone; Girl Scout participation is not required. The program is free, but parking requires a $10 day-use Discover Pass or a $45 annual pass. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a jacket.

Review the hike details →

Bluey, Bingo, Dad, and the Heeler family are coming to Spokane with a stage full of puppets. Tickets are on sale now.

Thursday, Oct. 1, 6 p.m.; doors open at 5 p.m.
First Interstate Center for the Arts, Spokane
Families who enjoy Bluey; no specific age range published. Tickets run from $32–$146.

Get Bluey's Big Play tickets →

The daytime faire fills the fairgrounds with performers, merchants, combat, and a dedicated area for younger guests. Some main-stage shows may be rated PG-13.

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3–4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, Spokane Valley
Daytime family atmosphere; child tickets cover ages 6–12; some main-stage performances may be rated PG-13. Single-day tickets are $25 for ages 13 and older and $20 for ages 6–12, plus taxes and fees.

Choose Renaissance Faire tickets →

The Spokane Symphony turns each instrument into a character. Arrive early for crafts, games, and an instrument petting zoo before the concert starts.

Sunday, Oct. 11, 2 p.m.; doors open at 1 p.m.
The Fox Theater, Spokane
Designed for ages 5–12. Tickets and Family Series packages are on sale now.

See Peter & the Wolf tickets →

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