• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Cascadia Kids

Family travel in the Pacific Northwest and BC

  • Home
  • Oregon
    • Mt. Hood
    • Portland
    • Eastern Oregon
      • Bend
      • John Day Fossil Beds
    • Oregon Coast
      • Astoria
      • Cannon Beach
      • Florence
      • Newport
      • Rockaway Beach
    • Southern Oregon
      • Crater Lake
    • The Willamette
      • Eugene
  • Washington State
    • Central Washington & Mountains
      • Leavenworth
      • Roslyn-Cle Elum
      • Suncadia
    • E. Washington
      • Spokane
    • Great Wolf Lodge
    • N. Washington & Islands
      • Bellingham
      • Mt. Vernon and Tulip Festival
      • San Juan Islands
      • Whidbey Island
    • Olympic Peninsula
      • Port Angeles
      • Port Townsend
      • Poulsbo
    • Seattle-Tacoma
      • Mount Rainier
      • Olympia
      • Seattle
      • Tacoma
      • Vashon Island
    • Washington Coast
      • Westport
  • British Columbia
    • BC Family Ski Trips
    • BC Islands
    • Mountains & Coast
      • Whistler
    • Okanagan & Thompson
      • Harrison Hot Springs
    • Vancouver Island
      • Tofino
      • Victoria
    • Vancouver Metro
      • Richmond
      • Vancouver
  • Travel Themes
    • Water Parks, Pools & Amusement Parks
    • Beach Trips
    • Get Outdoors! Camping & Hiking Trips
    • Kid-friendly Trip Ideas
    • Road Trips
    • Pacific Northwest Spring Break with Kids
    • Travel Tips
  • About Cascadia Kids
  • Nav Widget

food

June 17, 2013

Camping Grub That Kids Will Love: Kid-Friendly Camping Food

Cardamom donut holes
Cardamom donut holes

Recently, I had the good fortune to interview Emily Trudeau, a veteran camper and one of the three cofounders of the camping-food blog Dirty Gourmet, along with Aimee Trudeau and Katherine Kwan. She encourages first-time campers to get out there — even if you’re not typically comfortable with sticks, dirt and bugs. “Being outdoors is a healing experience,” she says, whether you’re sitting around a campfire, counting stars in the night sky or watching your kids play (with sticks, dirt and bugs).

Camping doesn’t mean you have to leave the comfort foods of home at home — particularly with kids. Yet, if you’re sick of hotdogs by the summer’s end, I’m with you. With Emily’s help, here’s a quick rundown of popular camping meals for families that everyone will enjoy.

Dirty Gourmet Girls
Dirty Gourmet Writers

Kid-friendly camping meals (links to Dirty Gourmet site): 

  • Campfire Flatbread Pizza
  • Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
  • Skillet Enchiladas
  • Campfire Quesadillas
  • Campfire Roasted Sweet Potatoes
  • Camping Nachos

Great kid-friendly camping snacks:

  • Skillet-fried cardamom donut holes with raspberry jam
  • Apples and cheese (many grocery stores sell tiny bits of cheese, or “remainders” so you can create your own cheese sampler)
  • Campfire-cooked popcorn and root beer
  • Banana chocolate walnut bars (make ahead at home)
  • Dips made at home (such as orange-honey-mustard dip via Dirty Gourmet) along with pretzels, crackers, bagels or other dippables.

Camping with kids in Washington, Oregon and BC
Prepping for S’mores

Top this! New twists on s’mores: 

Emily Trudeau calls S’mores the “all-American quintessential campfire delicacy.” That doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun, though. Stack your s’more in a new way:

  • Pepperidge Farm Geneva cookies, marshmallows and dulce de leche
  • Shortbread cookies, marshmallows, chocolate and raspberry jam
  • Graham crackers, peanut butter, chocolate and marshmallow
  • Graham crackers, marshmallows, bacon, chocolate
  • Graham crackers, fresh strawberries, chocolate, marshmallows

Don’t forget:

  • Your awesome cooler
  • Cooking oil
  • Foil
  • Dish soap and cleanup
  • Cooking utensils
  • Mixing bowls
  • Silverware
  • A sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Plates & silverware
  • A knife for kids to “help” (you could bring bananas, etc).
  • Easy snacks for the kids (goldfish crackers, pre-sliced fruit, Trader Joe trail mix etc)

For more fun recipes, check out the Cascadia Kids “Camp Cuisine” board on Pinterest. Do you have a favorite camping snack or recipe to share?

Filed Under: Get Outdoors! Camping & Hiking Trips Tagged With: camping, food, kids

March 21, 2011

Family Travel: A rustic retreat at Holden Village

I had honestly never heard of Holden Village until reader Liz Sheffield let me in on Washington’s amazing North Cascades secret. Tucked along the north banks of Lake Chelan, Holden Village is a unique and in-the-know option for a family vacation. Today we chat with writer Liz Sheffield about her experiences at Holden Village (all photos are also courtesy of Liz Sheffield).

1. Who went on your trip? How did you hear about Holden Village, near Lake Chelan?

My husband, Brad, and I took our two sons, Henry (5) and Eli (1) to Holden Village. In search of a remote and reasonable get-away, Holden was the perfect place for us. I booked our four-night stay via the Holden Village website. Although we were an individual family, some people do come as part of a larger group.

I first went to Holden Village with my friend and her family in 1982 when we were in the seventh grade. As an only child, I loved taking this trip with my friend’s large family. Her parents were brave souls, hauling five teenage girls in their station wagon from Portland to the tip of Lake Chelan. I wanted to share the experience of Holden with my husband and sons, as well as to expose my sons to a faith-based community given that we don’t regularly attend church.

2. It’s only accessible by boat, correct? How did you decide what to bring with you, for such a remote experience?

Yes, the only way to get to Holden is via a boat called the Lady of the Lake. We got on the boat in Chelan, and it was about a 3.5 hour trip. In the future we would take the boat from Field’s Point Landing (about a 2 hour trip). Once we arrived in Lucerne (Holden’s port), we rode a school bus up eleven miles of dirt roads and switchbacks, to get to Holden.

Kids Playing at Holden Village in the North Cascades
Kids Playing at Holden Village in the North Cascades

Given the trek, I recommend consolidating items in your bags. We brought clothes (there’s a coin laundry if you need it), toiletries, one sippy cup and re-usable water bottles as well as a few books. In order to reduce its footprint, Holden offers a cloth diaper service for guests which we utilized — saving both the environment and room in our suitcases! Holden operates off its own hydroelectric plant, so saving energy is top of mind. (I left my hair dryer at home, and I survived.)

The rooms are furnished with bedding and towels. At my request, Holden was happy to provide a pack n’ play in our room, and upon arrival we found a few “loaner” jogging strollers that we used. Backpackers will find that some hiking equipment is also available to check-out. If you forget something basic, it’s likely they sell it at the small store in the village.

3. What was your room like at Holden? How about the natural surroundings? What was your favorite part about staying in this area of Washington State?

Most guests, like us, stay in one of the lodges (see 2011 rates at the Holden site). These rustic lodges are the dormitories where miners lived when Holden was a mining camp (1896-1957). Each floor has two bathrooms (men’s and women’s) that guests share. In our room we had a double and a single bed, as well as the pack n’ play for our youngest. The front porch of each lodge has seating and it’s common to find people sitting in Adirondacks, connecting over a cup of coffee, tea or a discrete bottle of wine.

Waking up each morning to the sound of the village bell, I felt grateful to be in such a beautiful location. The view from our window (and every other place in the village) is of the amazing Cascade Mountain range.

4. What did your family do for fun at Holden? Were there any kid-specific activities?

Holden offers part-time childcare programming for guests on weekdays. Both of our sons participated in this program (9-12 noon), giving my husband and I time to connect. Our younger son enjoyed finger painting and playing with blocks in the nursery while our older son took a hike to the mining museum and played on the playground. Parents are expected to volunteer for at least one morning shift during the week; I had such a great time in the nursery with my younger son and the other toddlers that I volunteered twice. It was great to see our five-year-old son make friends and enjoy the freedom of being in a remote community. One of his new friends was at Holden for the entire summer (his mother was on staff), the new friend willingly shared a light saber with my son and they had a blast running around on the lawn in front of our lodge.

Hiking one of the many trails around Holden Village
Hiking one of the many trails around Holden Village

Holden has a pottery studio as well as several looms for weaving. If you’re interested in learning how to throw pots or weave, it’s best to make you’re your visit is between Monday – Friday, as most scheduled activities take place during the week rather than on the weekend. There’s also a library and a bowling alley, where bowlers re-set their pins by hand. We also watched an outdoor showing of The Sound of Music one evening. There’s a playground with a climbing structure, swings, basketball hoops and a zip line (my older son’s favorite activity). One of the lodges has a sand box out back as well as a hot tub. A nearby river offers up the perfect bank from which we threw rocks on a daily basis. The variety of trails (difficult, easy, short and long) makes hiking another family-friendly option.

5. Was it hard to live without Internet, cell, TV?

Living without the e-world was one of the best things about our five days at Holden. I was surprised by how easily I fell into not needing to constantly check my e-mail or Facebook. The same was true of being without access to a phone. It was great to have time to just connect as a family and with the new friends we made, without being interrupted by phone calls or e-mail messages. For anyone worried about the “what ifs,” there is a phone number at which people can be reached in case of an emergency.

6. What did you think of the food at Holden?

When I first went to Holden as a teenager, my friend and I begged her parents to stop at the first McDonald’s we could find after a week of “healthy food”. On this trip, my husband and I thought the food was fabulous. Much of the produce is grown in the village and there is delicious homemade bread at every meal (which I survived on as a teen)! Meals are served family-style, so kids can load up on what they like and bread and butter are always available for snacks. Holden also has an ice cream parlor that is open in the afternoon and evening. It’s the perfect treat on a warm, summer day.

7. Is Holden an overtly religious experience?

The mission of Holden Village is “to welcome all people into the wilderness”; given that the village is owned and operated by the Lutheran Church, religion plays a part in that experience. Each night guests are expected to attend the Vespers service which includes a brief sermon and singing. Guests can also attend optional Bible study classes and other, non-religious educational programs offered throughout the day. My husband attended a seminar about bugs, and the week before we arrived, there had been several talks about architecture. As non-Lutherans with a very liberal approach to spirituality, my husband and I felt completely comfortable. We found it to be a welcome and open environment for people from all faiths and of all ages.

8. Anything else you’d want to add about your family camp experience at Holden?

The sense of community at Holden is remarkable. Each day when the school bus leaves to take departing guests back to the port, people gather to wave and say farewell. The day we left, I sat on the bus, crying and waving through the clouds of dust that the wheels kicked up. It was harder than I’d expected to leave the freedom and the quiet that we’d found tucked away in a remote corner of the Cascades.

Playing at Holden Village in the North Cascades
Playing at Holden Village in the North Cascades

What did you think, readers? Have you ever gone on a similar family retreat or family camp? If staying in Holden’s lodge isn’t your style, also consider the Holden Bed and Breakfast.

Filed Under: Washington State Tagged With: family, food

November 8, 2010

30 Things to Do with Kids in Walla Walla

Walla Walla, a cute little Washington State college town, offers wonderful family activities and an escape from big-city stress. This week, we talk with Walla Walla resident Ben to discover more about this Eastern Washington burg.

Why do you like Walla Walla?

Ben: We love Walla Walla because it really is a beautiful town with lush parks and a vibrant downtown.  We enjoy a full four seasons here, from a hot summer to clear, crisp fall days, often snowy winters and our gorgeous spring (when the dogwood trees bloom in April it’s particularly nice!). We have a strongly diversified local economy; while many national retailers have come and gone, our locally-owned small businesses have flourished.

We have no mall (a sore point for some) so its in our historic downtown, outdoors on the sidewalks, in the parks or at the farmer’s market where people gather and things happen. Also, thanks to our three colleges and growing wine tourism, we have a great arts scene.  Sometimes we wish for a culture that is more ethnically diverse, but for the size of our town and its distance from any major city, Walla Walla really has a lot to offer families.

What do you like to do with your daughter in Walla Walla?

Ben: My daughter’s favorite activity is to go to the farmers market downtown on weekends then walk down Main Street to the toy store, candy story, book store, or get a snack at the Patisserie.

We have a Children’s museum that has a fun range of exhibits and an outdoor play area. My daughter’s favorite thing at the Children’s Museum is probably the model of the Walla Walla Watershed in the “Our Powerful Valley” exhibit.  There’s something about playing with water and sand that I think just about every kid loves.  She also spends a lot of time in the kid-sized supermarket and Italian restaurant.

Fort Walla Walla Museum is excellent for school age children interested in history.  The museum has a lot of interesting history to tell, particularly with the weekly living history performances where a knowledgeable expert will pose as someone significant from our local history.  But those are probably more interesting to people with a longer attention span than a preschooler.  My daughter did enjoy looking in the homes and school house in the pioneer village, but her favorite thing was the new playground styled like a fort.  It is a pretty fun playground.

With all the agriculture in the area, some of the most fun things for kids are seasonal open farm days or harvest times around the valley.  The ones we frequent are Blue Mountain Lavender Farm, Klickers for strawberries, pumpkins, and Christmas trees, Lampson blueberries, Wheatland Alpaca Farm, Walla Walla Corn Maze, Dixie Hummingbird farm, and the Sweet Onion festival.

Walla Walla lavender farm

Three local colleges and our long-running symphony add a lot to our arts and culture scene. We have great opportunities for kids interested in music, theatre, dance, and art, as well as gymnastics and team sports. For visitors, this means many weekends offer performances or games of some sort that are worth checking out. There may not be many options on any given weekend, but between the schools, the Symphony, the Little Theatre, Fort Walla Walla Amphitheater, the Sports Complex, or our new Walla Walla Sweets Baseball team there’s usually something going on.

One of my favorite times to tell people to visit town is during our Balloon Stampede in May.  The balloons are always fun to watch, especially for younger kids, though you have to get up early in the morning.

Can you recommend any great kid-friendly restaurants?

Ben: My daughter will enthusiastically tell you that her favorite food is the chicken satay at Thai Ploy (311 South 9th Avenue; 509-525-0971), our favorite of three local Thai restaurants.   A close runner up is the pesto pizza at Sweet Basil Pizzeria.  She also loves getting soup at downtown’s perennial business-lunch favorite, Stone Soup.

Her top dessert stop is for gelato at Colville Street Patisserie, where they are constantly offering new and interesting flavors.  She even loved avocado.

More suggestions:

Tiki Teriaki Grill – Fun Hawaiian ambiance

Ice-Burg Drive-In – Great local burger joint, outdoor seating only.

Walla Walla Bread Company – good pastries, soups, and now cupcakes.

Dora’s Deli at the Worm Ranch - Delicious authentic Mexican.

Clarette’s Restaurant – A local favorite for breakfasts. We like the pumpkin pancakes.

His Garden Bakery & Café in College Place – Great vegetarian food and fresh juices.

Do you have any favorite parks in Walla Walla?

(Addresses and more information about Walla Walla parks)

Pioneer Park – great for community events (July 4th, Easter, and others) at the bandstand, good playground, aviary, duck ponds, small sledding hill in winter

Fort Walla Walla Park – fun place to watch or do various activities: wildlife preserve, skateboard park, disc golf course, bicycle motocross track, model car track, model airplane field, and an amphitheater that hosts an annual Summer Musical and Shakespeare play.

Jefferson Park – good place to go with take-out from the Ice Burg.  Modern playground, fishing pond.

Rooks Park / Bennington Lake Recreation Area – nice hiking trails, close to town.

Walla Walla Community College has a great field for flying kites on windy days and the campus of Whitman College is fun for walking & exploring.

Thanks, Ben! Readers, if you have any tips on where to go with kids in Walla Wall, let me know.

Filed Under: Other Tagged With: food, history, kids

October 12, 2010

Families Travel! Breitenbush Hot Springs with Kids

Over the 2010 Labor Day Weekend, Portland mom Jennifer and her husband Tony (owners of Portland’s Milagros Boutique) took their two children to Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat and Conference Center in Detroit, Oregon. This resort, founded in 1977, is old-school crunchy Oregon, through and through. It’s a worker-owned cooperative featuring geothermal heating, eco-conscious structures and an off-the-grid lifestyle (no phone, no TV, no wi-fi).

The laid-back attitude extends toward clothing, which is optional in the tub areas. “A family uncomfortable with nudity would not feel comfortable in the bathing areas of Breitenbush,” Jennifer says. “The majority of folks in the bathing areas are naked.” So this may not be a resort for everyone – it depends on whether you’re OK with the pool aspect. As you can see from the photo at right, the kids are wearing swimsuits — it’s up to you how to dress.

For many families, the real draw of Breitenbush Hot Springs is the secluded, peaceful atmosphere. To get a better understanding of this Oregon institution, let’s find out more from Jennifer and Tony.

Q: What did your family like about Breitenbush Hot Springs?

Breitenbush is a unique experience, it is a opportunity to step away from the busy day-to-day and reconnect with our individual selves and, in our case, together as a family. There is no cell phone coverage, no internet, no electronic media of any kind so the typical distractions and attention-pulling activities in our regular lives are just not available.

The setting is bucolic and welcoming.  We spent our days soaking in the hot springs, exploring the scenery, reading together, eating together, and relaxing.

The kids enjoy soaking in the springs, walking in the woods, climbing trees, playing instruments in the Sanctuary, connecting with new friends (kids are great at connecting with other kids), and letting their imaginations fly free.


Q: Describe the pools for us, please? Were they really hot? Were they fine for little kids or babies?

There are two sets of pools. All the pools are outside with views of the surrounding woods, hills and nearby river. The sacred pools are more natural in their design and setting. The spiral pools are more traditional tiled pools.

In each area, there is a progression in the heat of the water and each has a pool that is set at a temperature that works well for kids (at or below 100 degrees). And if you want it really hot, they have that too!

Parents need to actively supervise their kids in the pools. Making sure they are not getting over heated, keeping them hydrated, and having them by stepping out of the pool to cool off from time to time.

Q: How about the Breitenbush resort itself? Is it actually resort-like or more camp-like? Is there good food at the resort or did you bring your own?

Breitenbush is a very relaxing and enjoyable experience but Breitenbush isn’t for everyone. It is rustic and simple.  The setting is a lovely wooded preserve with a river running through it.  When we are there, most our time beyond eating and sleeping, is spent outside. They have a number of free programs and classes happening everyday for folks on personal retreats. In addition, body work (such as massage) may be scheduled for an additional cost. The cabins are basic but comfortable, some have bathrooms others are shared.  During the summer, tent camping is also available. Organic, vegetarian meals are served three times a day in the cafeteria. It is a self-serve buffet and the selection is always tasty.  They also offer alternatives for folks who are vegan or gluten intolerant.

We did pack some snacks to have on hand between meal times and a few other food items just in case our picky little eater didn’t find something he liked in the buffet.

Q. What else can you enjoy at the resort?

There are trails nearby for exploring. On this last trip, Tony walked a five mile loop through ancient trees and over rivers.  The kids joined him on a number of shorter jaunts into the woods. The lodge itself has an expansive deck and library for reading, visiting, and quiet contemplation.  Other facilities on the property include a sanctuary for making music and the labyrinth for a unique meditative walk.

The retreat is near Detroit Lake and other outdoor attractions but we never felt bored. As odd as it sounds, soaking, eating, sleeping, and exploring the grounds was more than enough on the to do list for both parents and kids during the five days we were there.

Q. Did you enjoy any of the classes/workshops/spa treatments at Breitenbush?

We haven’t taken in any of the many free classes and workshops and they always sound intriguing. Jennifer did enjoy a wonderful massage (the massages are 90 minutes!) during our first visit.  One challenge for our active participation in many of the classes (although some are family welcoming) is that there is no childcare available at the retreat center. Active supervision of the wee ones is expected, so it’s not easy to peel away for a class.

For us, a big attraction is the time together away from all other distractions in a natural environment. It is a rejuvenating experience physically and spiritually and it is one of the reasons we made a return trip and hope to go again sometime.

Thanks for telling us your story, Jennifer.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: family, food, hot springs, kids

August 24, 2010

The Best of Spokane with Kids

Our family first passed through Spokane back in 2001, on our I-90 Washington-to-New York driving adventure (with a toddler – yeah, we’ve always been crazy!). Spokane was cute — historic, turn-of-the-century buildings, a riverfront park and bustling college scene. I threw Spokane into my “bucket list” of destinations to visit in the future.

Fast-forward 9 years, and life finally afforded the opportunity to return. Here’s my guide to the best of this Inland Northwest city with kids:

Best place to spend the day in Spokane:

Riverfront Park is one of the most adorable urban parks ever. The park’s 100 acres are packed with preschooler-friendly amusement park rides, an IMAX theater, the fast-spinning 1909 Loof Carrousel (a tiger and a giraffe are two of the unusual animals aboard) and a not-at-all-scary gondola over the Spokane Falls.

Spokane Riverfront Park's Golden Arm
Trying to grab the ring from the Looff Carrousel's "Golden Arm"

Families meander along picturesque, Euro-style bridges and beneath a 1901 Clocktower, slide down a giant Radio Flyer wagon and feed a garbage-eating metal goat. Save money and buy the day pass (in summer, add-on the Skyride and get the whole deal for around $20).

Best way to spend a too-hot afternoon or too-rainy morning:

The deceptively humble Mobius Kids Children’s Museum, housed in a downtown Spokane River Park Square mall. While the 16,000 square foot facility doesn’t look like much at first, my kids loved driving little plasma cars around the streetlight-enhanced Cooper’s Corner; buying fish and sundries from a Filipino market and paddling a canoe in the Bayanihan exhibit; and dressing up in the Globe Theatre. It’s a cute stop worth an hour or so, particularly with preschool-aged kids.

Riding a plasma car through Mobius Kids' streets

Best place to chill out in Spokane:

Families nestle into Auntie’s Bookstore’s nooks and cluster upon the  carpeted steps in the children’s area. You’ll find new and used, board books and chapter titles, cool kits and collectible tomes on the shelves. One of the best little bookstores I’ve seen in Washington State, and right next to Uncle’s Games, where you’ll find games to keep the kids entertained on the way home.

Most unique Spokane park:

Kids will always remember the accessible Discovery Playground, situated about 20 minutes outside downtown Spokane in the town of Spokane Valley. You’ll find adult-sized flowers, a sprinkler-filled play area, climbable rock walls and built-in trampoline. Caveat: No shade here – it’s you and smokin’ concrete and flamboyant sun. Perfect for heat seekers.

A child-friendly Spokane park
Hatching out of an egg at Spokane's Discovery Park

Best Spokane hotel with kids:

The heartbreakingly beautiful Davenport Hotel, which offers multiple floors of 1914-era details, a pool, a high-ceilinged reception area (complete with fish pond) and restored ballroom upon restored ballroom. My kids and I loved wandering the second story hallways, where photos are framed by elegant, restored moldings and take-your-breath-away ballrooms fit for a Queen. When booking a stay here, be sure to stay in the historic, restored hotel (not the newer tower), because the pool is in the historic building. If you’re staying with a train-crazed toddler, ask for a room that’s nearer to downtown Spokane’s rail line, and you’ll hear trains all night long (in our family, that was a good thing).

The gracious lobby at the Davenport Hotel

Best kid-friendly foodie restaurant in Spokane:

Sante places some of the best food this side of the Cascades on the table, in the form of omelettes, sandwiches, soups and risottos. We ate breakfast here on our last day. Had I known about the quality beforehand, I would’ve eaten here for breakfast, lunch and dinner on every occasion, bathed in the restaurant’s wall of window light. The charcuterie and dining menu changes weekly, so I won’t bother telling you what we had — but suffice it to say that they’ll always make something delectable for adults and kids to eat. Don’t miss the pastry and sweets case – we picked up hand-made sour fruit candies for the kids.

An omelette at Sante, a kid-friendly Spokane foodie restaurant
An omelette at Sante, a kid-friendly Spokane foodie restaurant

Best kid-friendly crepe restaurant in Spokane:

Madeleine’s Café and Patisserie, located right downtown, whips up seasonal crepes from scratch. Order from the counter, then sit inside among the bistro-chic tables or head outside (like local families do) to eat al fresco beneath Madeleine’s blue awnings. Before you leave, pick out an eclaire or macaron for later. Yeah, it’ll get smushed in the backpack, but it’ll still be delicious.

Best kid-friendly Italian in Downtown Spokane:

The plush, floral-fabric chairs might make you a little nervous about the quality and kid-friendliness of Europa’s cuisine. But those chairs are awfully comfortable after a day of sightseeing, and the classical music soothes jangled nerves. Tangy bread is delivered to your table – you’ll probably be fighting over the crumbs before your main dishes arrive. I recommend anything made with the pesto cream sauce. The kids loved the “make your own pizza” option; even a small pizza was too much for my kids to polish off.

Best place to pick up food to eat in your room:

The interior of Moxie restaurant is a better fit for couples — and a little fancy for my children after a full day of sightseeing. However, quality Asian-fusion cuisine is always a hit in our home. Excellent, not-too-spicy (unless you want it) fare; it’s not cheap, but the ingredients are top-notch, as is the preparation.

Best place to buy toys in Spokane:

With little kids, head to Whiz Kids Toys, where I was interested to find all the toys organized by subject (toy shop owners: this is a great idea). All the horse books, toys and other equine gear is in one place. If you’re in the market for big-kid jokes, cool collectibles, awesome books and vintage fun, check the shelves at Boo Radley’s. With so many eclectic finds, you’ll be sure to pick up an oddball gift you’ve never seen anywhere else.

Best place to stop on I-90:

Ellensburg, Washington, located about midway between Seattle and Spokane. In Ellensburg, families can dig into breakfast or lunch at the popular Yellow Church Café, where the only thing sinful is the cinnamon roll. Afterward, walk a block to Dick and Jane’s Spot, a fun-show of odd lawn art. Kids will either love the house or get spooked.

Have you been to Spokane with kids? Do you have any recommendations for our readers?

Read more about Spokane’s kid-friendly options at Visit Spokane.

Filed Under: Spokane Tagged With: food, kids, restaurant, Spokane

Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Tips for a Safer Family Vacation During Coronavirus Pandemic July 12, 2020
  • Seattle Cat Cafes and Vancouver Cat Cafes February 5, 2020
  • 18 Tips for Visiting Great Wolf Lodge February 4, 2020
  • Are Great Wolf Lodge Day Passes a Good Deal? February 2, 2020
  • All Aboard! Take the Amtrak Train from Seattle to Leavenworth February 2, 2020

Categories

© Copyright 2017 Pretty Darn Cute Design

Back to Top