


Ice Age Playground
About
Located in Spokane's beautiful Riverfront Park, Ice Age Playground is an adventure-packed destination designed specifically with older, active kids in mind. The playground features thrilling slides, challenging climbing structures, and equipment that encourages kids to push their physical limits in a safe, supervised environment. With its impressive 4.7-star rating and convenient downtown location, it's a must-visit for families looking for more than your average playground experience.
Highlights
- ✓Exciting, fast-paced slides perfect for thrill-seeking kids
- ✓Challenging climbing structures that test strength and coordination
- ✓Adventure-themed play equipment inspired by the Ice Age era
- ✓Located within the scenic 100-acre Riverfront Park with river views
- ✓Modern, well-maintained facilities with safety surfacing
Pro Tips
- 1.Park in the Riverfront Park parking garage on Howard Street for easy access,it's just steps from the playground entrance.
- 2.Visit early morning on weekdays during summer to beat the heat and crowds, especially since the playground features more climbing than shaded areas.
- 3.Bring water bottles and snacks, as active kids will work up an appetite on the challenging equipment.
- 4.Combine your visit with a ride on the historic Looff Carrousel or the SkyRide gondola, both located within Riverfront Park.
- 5.The playground surface can get hot in summer afternoons, so closed-toe athletic shoes are recommended over sandals.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings during spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer evenings (6-8 PM) are perfect for avoiding the afternoon heat while still enjoying long daylight hours. Weekends can be busy, especially during peak afternoon hours.
What to Know
The playground is free to access and open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Parking fees apply in the Riverfront Park garage. Restrooms and water fountains are available throughout Riverfront Park, and the area is stroller-accessible though the playground itself is designed for independent, mobile children.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, though metal slides and equipment can be extremely hot during summer afternoons (July-August). Spring and fall offer ideal weather conditions. Winter visits are possible on clear days, but equipment may be cold or occasionally icy. The playground is especially beautiful when combined with fall foliage views along the Spokane River.
Nearby Eats
Riverfront Park Pavilion (seasonal) offers quick bites and snacks on-site. For a sit-down meal, head to Clinkerdagger Restaurant just across the river for kid-friendly American fare with spectacular views, or grab pizza at Italia Trattoria about a 5-minute walk away on West Main Avenue.
More Activities Near Spokane
Providence Playscape
Providence Playscape is a thoughtfully designed inclusive playground at Spokane's beloved Riverfront Park that welcomes children of all abilities. With sensory-focused play elements and accessible features throughout, this modern playscape ensures every child can explore, climb, and play together in a safe, engaging environment.
Audubon Park
Audubon Park is a beloved Spokane family destination that truly caters to all ages with its thoughtfully designed separate play areas for toddlers and older children. The seasonal splash pad makes this park especially popular during warm summer months, offering a refreshing way for kids to cool off while parents relax in the shade. With its impressive 4.6-star rating from over 1,000 reviews, it's clearly a community favorite that consistently delivers fun for local families and visitors alike.
Centennial Trail
The Centennial Trail offers 40 miles of paved, scenic pathway along the Spokane River, making it one of the Pacific Northwest's premier family-friendly outdoor destinations. Whether you're looking for a quick 30-minute bike ride or an all-day adventure, this trail accommodates strollers, training wheels, and everyone in between with stunning river views, wildlife spotting opportunities, and multiple access points throughout Spokane.
Looff Carrousel
Step back in time at the Looff Carrousel, a stunning hand-carved carousel from 1909 that's been enchanting Spokane families for over a century. Located in the heart of Riverfront Park, this beautifully preserved national treasure features 54 hand-carved horses and other whimsical creatures, all accompanied by the magical sounds of a vintage Wurlitzer organ. It's an affordable, nostalgic experience that creates lasting memories for multiple generations to enjoy together.