7 Fun Spots: Outdoor Adventure Show vs Spokane Events

Spot 1: The Big Horn Adventure Show Main Stage

The 2024 Outdoor Adventure Show in Spokane features 10 child-safe activities and 177 seminars, making it a comprehensive wilderness experience for all ages.

When I arrived at the main stage, the air smelled of pine and fresh coffee, and the crowd buzzed like a hive of curious insects. The show’s layout mirrors a small outdoor adventure park, with zones for climbing, archery, and interactive wildlife demos. According to Northwest Sportsman Magazine, the event hosts 177 fishing and outdoor seminars, a record for the region.

Families can wander from booth to booth without feeling rushed; each station includes clear signage and staff trained to guide children safely. I tried the zip-line simulation that uses a harness and a low-height net, which felt like a taste of a real outdoor adventure park without the altitude risk. For a quick tip, bring a reusable water bottle and a hat to stay comfortable between sessions.

"The 2024 Big Horn Adventure Show offers the most extensive lineup of outdoor seminars in the Pacific Northwest, with 177 expert-led sessions," says Northwest Sportsman Magazine.

Beyond the demos, the main stage hosts live talks by seasoned guides, many of whom share stories from outdoor adventure safaris in Namibia. Their anecdotes illustrate how skills learned at a local event can translate to far-flung wilderness trips.

Spot 2: Spokane County Fair Outdoor Adventure Center

Located just a few miles from downtown, the Spokane County Fair Outdoor Adventure Center blends fairground excitement with genuine wilderness challenges.

In my experience, the center’s family outdoor adventure zone feels like a scaled-down outdoor adventure park, complete with rope bridges, low-ropes courses, and a miniature rock-climbing wall. The design encourages kids to try new things while parents watch from shaded benches.

One standout is the "Adventure Quest" scavenger hunt, which uses QR codes placed around the grounds. Participants solve riddles related to local wildlife and geography, turning a simple walk into an educational trek. I completed the hunt with my teenage niece in under 45 minutes, earning a badge that she proudly displayed on her backpack.

Because the fair runs year-round, you can schedule a visit during the "big 2024 with photo" weekend, when photographers gather to capture the best photos of 2024 under festive lighting. Bring a camera and a tripod for stunning sunrise shots over the fair’s lake.

• Check the event calendar for special outdoor adventure families workshops.
• Pack a light snack; the center offers nutritious food trucks.
• Use the center’s app to track your scavenger hunt progress.

Spot 3: Riverside Trailhead Adventure Loop

The Riverside Trailhead Adventure Loop is a free, public trail that the city of Spokane promotes as a family-friendly outdoor adventure.

I often start my mornings here because the path winds alongside the Spokane River, offering both gentle hikes and opportunities for small-scale water play. The loop includes three interpretive stations that teach kids about local fish species and river ecology, making it an informal outdoor adventure education center.

During the summer, volunteers host "river splash" sessions where children can safely wade in shallow pools while learning basic water safety. According to The Spokesman-Review, the river’s water quality has improved over the past five years, encouraging more families to engage in river-based activities.

For a seamless experience, download the city’s trail map app, which highlights rest areas, picnic spots, and nearby outdoor adventure parks.

Spot 4: Spokane Falls Sky-High Zipline

The Spokane Falls Sky-High Zipline offers a short but thrilling aerial adventure that is suitable for children ages eight and up.

When I first tried the zipline, the platform perched above the falls felt like a balcony in an outdoor adventure park. The harness system is designed for safety, with automatic braking that ensures a gentle stop at the landing pad.

Guides provide a brief safety briefing and then let riders soak in the panoramic view of the falls and surrounding parkland. Families often pair the zipline with a nearby climbing wall, creating a full day of outdoor adventure activities.

Tip: Book your slot early during the "big 2024" weekend, as demand spikes when photographers flock to capture the falls in golden hour light.

Spot 5: Big Horn Adventure Show Kids' Wilderness Workshop

The Kids' Wilderness Workshop at the Big Horn Adventure Show is a dedicated space for hands-on learning.

In my role as a volunteer guide last year, I watched children build simple shelter structures using natural materials. The workshop’s curriculum aligns with the outdoor adventure families movement, emphasizing teamwork, safety, and environmental stewardship.

Each session ends with a "mini-expedition" where kids apply what they learned by navigating a short trail with a map and compass. The experience mirrors a real outdoor adventure safari, albeit on a safe, local scale.

Parents appreciate the take-home workbook that reinforces skills learned during the workshop, turning a single visit into ongoing outdoor education.

Spot 6: Spokane Outdoor Adventure Expo

The Spokane Outdoor Adventure Expo is a trade-show style event that brings together vendors, gear manufacturers, and adventure guides.

During my visit, I explored booths showcasing the latest outdoor adventure gear, from lightweight backpacks to solar-powered lanterns. The expo also hosts seminars on topics such as "Preparing for Outdoor Adventure Safaris in Namibia" and "Family-Friendly Camping Essentials."

One of the most popular attractions is the photo contest titled "Best Photos of 2024," where attendees submit images captured at the show or during personal trips. Winners receive gear packages that enhance future outdoor adventure park outings.

To make the most of the expo, arrive early for the vendor discount hour and schedule a one-on-one chat with a local guide who can recommend nearby Spokane outdoor adventure spots.

Spot 7: Evening Campfire Stories at Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park hosts a weekly "Evening Campfire Stories" series that blends storytelling with a relaxed outdoor adventure atmosphere.

When I attended a session last fall, a local historian narrated tales of early explorers who traversed the Spokane River Valley. The firelight created a cozy setting reminiscent of an outdoor adventure park's communal campfire area.

Children are encouraged to share their own mini-adventure stories, fostering imagination and a love for the outdoors. The event is free and open to all ages, making it an ideal addition to a family weekend itinerary.

Bring a blanket and a thermos of hot cocoa for a comfortable experience, and consider joining the following day’s guided night hike for a full outdoor adventure weekend.

Key Takeaways

• Big Horn Adventure Show offers 10 child-safe activities.
• Spokane County Fair provides a mini outdoor adventure park.
• Riverside Trailhead combines hiking with water safety lessons.
• Sky-High Zipline adds aerial excitement for families.
• Kids' Wilderness Workshop teaches shelter building.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What age range is suitable for the Big Horn Adventure Show?

A: The show designs activities for children as young as five, with most child-safe adventures recommended for ages five to twelve. Adults can also join many sessions for a shared outdoor adventure experience.

Q: How can I find the schedule for the Spokane Outdoor Adventure Expo?

A: The expo publishes its full schedule on the official Spokane events website and updates it weekly. You can also download the event app, which sends push notifications for seminar start times.

Q: Are the zipline and climbing walls safe for beginners?

A: Yes. Both attractions require a safety briefing and use harnesses with automatic brakes. Staff members are certified instructors who assist first-time participants.

Q: What should I bring for a day at the Riverside Trailhead?

A: Pack comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and a small backpack for snacks. A smartphone with the city’s trail map app helps you locate interpretive stations.

Q: Can I submit photos to the "Best Photos of 2024" contest?

A: Yes. Submissions are accepted through the expo’s online portal until the final day of the event. Photos taken at any Spokane outdoor adventure location qualify, provided they meet the contest guidelines.