Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Don’t let summer fun pass you by

Each summer there are so many things we want to do. But life fills up the time and sometimes we get to Labor Day and realize some essential summer fun didn’t happen.

Consider this a warning: You’ve got seven weekends until Labor Day. That gives you plenty of time to take in all the summer must-dos. Here’s our list:

Take a swim. Lake, river or pool, it doesn’t matter. In many neighborhoods, a pool is just a short walk or drive away. Plus, there are water parks like the Spokane County aquatics centers, Splash Down and Boulder Beach at Silverwood. If chlorine isn’t your thing, freshwater swimming spots abound. (If you need ideas of where to go, check out our best swimming beaches list at spokesman.com.)

Pitch a tent. Leave the electronics behind and sleep under the stars. You don’t have to go far, the Riverside State Park and Liberty Lake County Park offer great camping right in the metro area. Plus, there are dozens of campgrounds within a two-hour drive including Heyburn and Farragut state parks in Idaho. Aug. 12-13 might be a good weekend for a camping trip – that’s when the annual Perseid meteor shower is expected to peak. Viewing is usually best during the predawn hours, unfortunately this year the moon will be out then, too, and its light will interfere with some of the show.

Eat an ice cream cone or popsicle. Homemade or from the grocery store, ice cream truck or corner shop, it doesn’t matter. Nothing says summer like enjoying your favorite frozen treat outside on the patio. Add some drips down your chin and a dog to lick up any spills and you’re set.

Get on the water. Motorized, human-powered or cruising – life is just better in a boat. If you don’t own your own (or have a friend willing to play captain), check out the cruises on Lake Coeur d’Alene (www.cdacruises.com). Or, many places offer rentals, including Mountain Gear (www.mountaingear.com), Kayak Coeur d’Alene (www.kayakcoeurdalene.com) and Eastern Washington University’s EPIC Adventures (www.ewu.edu/recreation/epic-adventures/epic-rental-program).

Enjoy summer’s bounty. Whether you’ve planted your own garden or go to one of the region’s u-pick farms, food never tastes better than when you’ve harvested it yourself. And if there’s too much bounty, the canner and the freezer will become your friends. During the winter months, you’ll appreciate the summer savings.

Get grilling. Most days it’s too hot to spend much time slaving over the stove. But the grill, that’s a whole different story. You can go traditional with hamburgers and hot dogs, or maybe the fish you caught while out on the lake. Feeling a little more upscale? Try some steak or Copper River salmon. Don’t want to do meat? That fresh-picked zucchini or squash would be great with some char marks. Add some corn on the cob (another summer must) and your favorite drink – dinner’s ready.

Listen to some tunes outdoors. There are the big venues, of course – the Gorge Amphitheatre at George and Northern Quest in Airway Hearts. For a more intimate or low-key evening, check out the many free concerts at area parks and patios. Among the options: the Hotel RL Outdoor Summer Concert Series at the Inn at the Park (Fridays and Saturdays); Harrison City Park in Harrison, Idaho (Saturdays); Coeur d’Alene Park in Browne’s Addition (Thursdays); and Riverstone Park in Coeur d’Alene (Thursdays). If you’re willing to wait for the last minute, Labor Day weekend is packed with options. Pig Out in the Park kicks off six days of music on Aug. 30 and the Spokane Symphony offers two free concerts that weekend, with one Saturday at Pavillion Park in Liberty Lake and Monday at Comstock Park on the South Hill.