Have you ever considered Spokane, Wash., as a family getaway spot? Our family did! 

Our family was ready to welcome summer with a mini vacation. Our two oldest kids had put away their backpacks and finished up school.  My husband had wrapped up a major project at work. As a mom with a new baby, I’d changed a lot of diapers and spent many days at home. I was rearing to get out and about.

We decided on Father’s Day weekend and wanted to pick a vacation spot that was fun for the kids and would be easily accessible for grandpa who’d be coming from Seattle. We’d been to Portland, Ore., many times and the Northwest Coast. My eye was drawn to eastern Washington, an area I’d never explored….Spokane!

Spokane’s Riverfront Park is a giant playground for families.

I’d heard wonderful things about its riverfront park filled with fun attractions for kids. Plus, my husband is a river scientist and he loves seeing how city’s incorporate rivers into their downtown areas.

My father was game. “Did you know they had a World’s Fair in Spokane? 1974. The year you were born.” I always love having my dad along as he’s a great source for historical information.

I booked a three-night stay at the Best Western Plus Peppertree Airport Inn because the airport location would be convenient. My husband and father would be flying in and out at separate times and I didn’t want to spend half my vacation driving to and from the airport. The hotel has a free airport shuttle. What’s more, the hotel has a swimming pool, and let’s face it, on vacation all my kids really want to do is swim, especially with their dad and grandpa. Cannon balls!