If you’re looking for one unforgettable day in the heart of Spokane, set your compass for Riverfront Park. This 100-acre urban playground stitches together scenic waterfalls, iconic landmarks, kid-approved play spaces, and year-round activities—all framed by the Spokane River. Below is your easy, locals-style guide to the park’s highlights, plus nearby bites and pro tips to make the most of your visit.

Start Big: The World’s Largest Radio Flyer

You can’t miss it—Spokane’s playful calling card is a 26-ton Radio Flyer wagon that doubles as a mega-slide. Kids swarm it; adults get nostalgic; your camera roll gets full. It’s the perfect icebreaker (and meet-up spot) for a day in the park.

Walk the “Theme Stream” & Discover the Park’s Island Heart

Riverfront Park wasn’t always one continuous landmass. A clever waterway—often called the theme stream—re-routes river water to restore the area’s original island feel. Follow the gentle cascade and you’ll understand why this landscape design is such a loved, calming feature. It’s a short, scenic connector that helps you flow from one experience to the next.

Connections Park, Playgrounds & Open Spaces

Riverfront Park is tailor-made for families. You’ll find multiple free playgrounds for little ones, shady picnic corners, and wide paths perfect for strollers and scooters. If you’re park-hopping with kids, make a loop that includes the greens near the Clock Tower and the overlooks of the upper and lower falls—two vantage points that deliver very different, equally beautiful views.

Pro tip: Arrive earlier in the day for quieter playtime and better parking; save your “waterfall wow” moments for golden hour.

Spokane Pavilion: Concerts Under the Lights

When the Spokane Pavilion lights up at night, it feels like the whole park is humming. This is a first-come, first-served lawn venue with a genuinely unique backdrop: glowing canopy above, river and skyline beyond. Autumn shows are particularly cozy—jeans, a light sweater, and a warm drink in hand. Food trucks often set up nearby, adding to the festival vibe.

Concert hack: Bring a blanket and settle in early. The lawn fills fast for popular acts, and the views are better when you’re unhurried.

Looff Carrousel: Hand-Carved Spokane Treasure

Just steps from the river, you’ll hear the cheerful organ and spot the gleaming horses of the Looff Carrousel (1909), one of America’s oldest hand-carved carousels. It’s pristine, beautifully maintained, and an easy “must-do” with kids—or the kid in you. Even if you don’t ride, pop inside to admire the craftsmanship and snap a few photos of the mirrors and menagerie animals.

Numerica Skate Ribbon & Four-Season Fun

A winding skate ribbon threads through the park and changes with the seasons: wheels in warm months, ice in winter. Bring your own gear for an easy, low-cost outing, or rent on site. It’s a fun way to explore the park’s curves and views without leaving the action.

Family tip: Helmets for kids, always. And if you’re skating in winter, warm layers and gloves make a big difference.

SkyRide Gondola: The Falls, Front-Row

Few cities let you float above downtown to watch rapids tumble through the center of town. The gondola-style SkyRide glides down into the river gorge and under historic bridges for a dramatic, sweeping look at the lower falls. It’s a short, scenic trip—and a highlight for first-time visitors or anyone who loves unique city views.

Great Northern Clock Tower: Spokane’s Timeless Landmark

Rising above lawns and footpaths, the Great Northern Clock Tower anchors the skyline and orients you as you wander. Stroll to its base to appreciate the brickwork and historic character, then loop back toward the Pavilion lawns or riverside overlooks for a fresh angle on the park.

Podium, Hoopfest & the Ice Age Meltdown Playground

On the park’s edge, you’ll spot The Podium, Spokane’s striking multi-sport complex and home base for big tournaments and community events. Below, a dino-meets-rock-scape skate and play zone ties into the Ice Age Meltdown Playground theme—another win for families looking to burn off energy before lunch.

Event note: Each June, the city transforms for Hoopfest, billed as the world’s largest 3-on-3 basketball event—an incredible spectacle of courts, crowds, and community spirit.

Where to Eat Near Riverfront Park

One of the joys of Riverfront Park is how easily you can pair fresh air with great food. A short walk puts you in reach of several local favorites:

• Clinkerdagger – A Spokane classic with river views and a reputation for special-occasion dinners (save room for the crème brûlée).
  
  
• Cochinito Taqueria – Creative tacos and quick-casual energy in downtown Spokane, perfect for a relaxed refuel after a morning in the park.
  
  
• Anthony’s at Spokane Falls – Northwest seafood with a dramatic perch over the rushing water.
  
  

Prefer to picnic? Grab takeout in Kendall Yards (an easy walk from the Pavilion) and claim a patch of grass near the river.

Sample Half-Day Itinerary

Morning
Start at the Radio Flyer wagon for photos, then follow the theme stream to the river walk. Duck into the Looff Carrousel and browse the gift nook while kids ride.

Midday
Loop to the Skate Ribbon for wheels (or ice), then float the gorge on the SkyRide. Refuel at Clinkerdagger or Cochinito Taqueria—or snag picnic supplies in Kendall Yards.

Afternoon
Stretch out on the Pavilion lawn, wander to the Clock Tower, and let the kids conquer the Ice Age Meltdown play area before calling it a day.

Is Riverfront Park Spokane Worth It?

Absolutely. It’s beautiful, easy to navigate, and packed with choose-your-own-adventure options—history and design for architecture buffs, views and gondolas for sightseers, free play spaces for families, and a legit concert venue for music lovers. Add in good food minutes away and you’ve got the recipe for a quintessential Spokane day.

If you’re considering a move to the Inland Northwest and want a neighborhood-by-neighborhood feel for Spokane and North Idaho—from parks like this to schools, commute routes, and hidden-gem eateries—we’re here to help. Contact North Idaho Experience and let’s start the conversation about your goals and timeline.