Coca Temoananui beamed as he stepped off the race track. The 18-year-old from Hawaii had just zipped through 40 laps around the 1,100-foot track at Spokane's Fastkart Indoor Speedway. "You get a rush," he said, sweat dripping from his hair and glistening on his forehead. A rush, indeed. The go-carts at this indoor racetrack are not for wimps. The carts, which sit little more than an inch off the floor, can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, according to raceway general manager Chip Gasaway. "It's not bumper cars," Gasaway says. Temoananui was visiting family in Spokane last week when the group decided to stop at Fastkart. While Coca and his 16-year-old brother, Ku, zoomed around the track, relatives munched on popcorn and cheered the boys on from the spectators' area. Like many families, the group was looking for ways to keep kids with diverse ages and interests entertained. First, the go-cart races, they said, then on to rock-climbing at Wild Walls, 202 W. Second Ave., and maybe a little laser tag after that. Summer is the season to be outdoors, of course. But some days, it's just too hot to enjoy Mother Nature. So, here are seven family-friendly places for indoor fun: “ Fastkart Indoor Speedway, formerly Nascart Indoor Speedway, allows wanna-be Mario Andrettis to live out their dreams. Drivers must be at least 13 years old and 5 feet tall and everyone must wear close-toed shoes. You'll receive a helmet and racing instructions. Prices range from $16 for a 10-minute drive to $36 for a 60-lap race. For those not interested in racing, there's an extensive snack bar, video games and a large spectators' area. Fastkart Indoor Speedway, 1224 E. Front Ave., is open Mondays from 4 to 9 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call (509) 568-1065 for more information. “ Know a budding artiste? You may want to check out Art by Yourself, 122 S. Monroe St., (509) 838-8993 or Hands-on Art Studio, 3115 N. Government Way in Coeur d'Alene, (208) 765-8203. At both studios, you can choose a piece of pottery — from bowls and plates to light-switch covers and dog-food dishes — and then go crazy with the wide selection of paints, brushes, stencils, sponges and other goodies. The staff will then glaze and fire each piece, and have it ready for you to pick up in a few days. The price depends on which piece you choose to paint, but most items are $10-$20, or less. Art by Yourself is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. Hands-on Art Studio recently relocated and is now across from the new Costco in Coeur d'Alene. The new studio is bigger and is air-conditioned. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. The shop is closed on Sundays during the summer. “ Maybe your group can't decide what to do. Wonderland Family Fun Center, 10515 N. Division St., (509) 468-4386, and Triple Play, 175 W. Orchard Ave. in Hayden, (208) 762-7529, have a little bit of everything. At Wonderland, there's laser tag, go-carts, video games, batting cages, mini-golf and a climbing wall. Triple Play has a 20-lane, smoke-free bowling area, as well as miniature golf, laser tag, a climbing wall and a three-story play area for little kids. Both amusement centers have restaurants. Wonderland is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and from 10 a.m. to midnight Friday-Saturday. Triple Play is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. “ The Garland Theatre, 924 W. Garland Ave., (509) 327-1050, shows free kids' movies at 9:30 a.m. every weekday during the summer. "Good Boy" plays through Friday followed by "Ella Enchanted" July 12-16, "The Secret Garden" July 19-23, "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" July 26-30, "Elf" Aug. 2-6, "Cat in the Hat" Aug. 9-13 and "Cheaper by the Dozen" Aug. 16-20. Movies for the end of August have yet to be announced. Plus, during the free movies, you can grab a soda and a bag of popcorn for $1. “ At the Creativity Clubhouse, second floor of River Park Square (next to the Children's Corner Bookshop), you can make a mess for a good cause. The Clubhouse is sponsored by the Spokane Children's Museum, and all proceeds go toward opening the new museum. Kids can take part in a variety of messy art projects, crafts and science experiments. On Tuesdays, there are activities especially for toddlers, including face-painting and fun with bubbles. Most activities are geared for those 2-10 years old. Admission is $3 or $1.50 for museum members. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The Clubhouse is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Go to www.childrensmuseum.net for more information. “ Are the kids climbing the walls at home? At the Wild Walls Climbing Gym, 202 W. Second Ave., (509) 455-9596, they can learn how to literally climb the walls. There are climbs suitable for all ages and abilities. Children under 10 must have a parent or guardian present. You can sign up for climbing classes or lessons, and you can also rent climbing gear. One climb up the gym's 40-foot monolith costs $5. There are also day passes. Wild Walls is open from 2 to 10 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Go to www.wildwalls.com for more information. “ After all that fun, it's probably time for a snack. For the price of membership ($45 for families), you and the kids can graze on food samples at the Costco "buffet." On any given day, there might be everything from toast with jam to edamame to bite-sized slices of pizza. With the recent opening of the Coeur d'Alene Costco, there are now three of the warehouse stores in the area. There's one at 5601 E. Sprague Ave., 7619 N. Division St., and 355 E. Neider Ave. in Coeur d'Alene.
