Photo: Karen McLaughlin
Photo: Jen Noble
Photo: Michelle Clark
Manito Park
★4.8(8,615 reviews)FreePark
🕑 2-4 hours👶 Perfect for all ages, from infants to teens. Toddlers (1-4) love feeding ducks at the pond and exploring the smaller playground areas, while school-age kids (5-12) enjoy running the trails and playing in the larger playground structures. Teens appreciate the beautiful gardens for photos and peaceful walking paths.🧡 Saved by 50+ families
About
Manito Park is a stunning 90-acre urban oasis that offers families the perfect blend of natural beauty and active play. With multiple themed gardens to explore, a charming duck pond that captivates little ones, several playgrounds for different age groups, and miles of stroller-friendly walking trails, this award-winning park provides hours of free entertainment for the whole family.
Highlights
- ✓Duck Pond where kids can watch and feed waterfowl up close
- ✓Multiple playground areas with equipment for toddlers through older children
- ✓Gaiser Conservatory with tropical plants and seasonal flower displays
- ✓Japanese Garden featuring koi pond, stone lanterns, and peaceful bridges
- ✓Wide paved trails perfect for bikes, scooters, and strollers
Pro Tips
- 1.Bring bread or birdseed for the duck pond,it's always the highlight for younger children and located near the main parking area
- 2.Visit the Duncan Garden (formal European-style garden) first thing in the morning when it's less crowded and flowers are dewy fresh,it's incredibly photogenic
- 3.Pack a picnic and claim one of the shaded picnic tables near Gaiser Conservatory; restrooms and water fountains are nearby
- 4.The Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden is a peaceful spot perfect for teaching kids about different cultures,ask them to find koi fish in the pond
- 5.Free parking fills quickly on summer weekends; arrive before 10am or try the smaller lot near the Gaiser Conservatory for easier access
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the best weather and full garden blooms. Weekday mornings (9-11am) are ideal for avoiding crowds while still enjoying pleasant temperatures. Summer evenings before sunset provide magical lighting and cooler temps for evening strolls.
What to Know
Admission and parking are completely FREE, making this an incredible value for families. Restrooms are available near the conservatory, and while there are no food vendors on-site, picnicking is welcome throughout the park with plenty of tables and grassy areas available.
Seasonal Notes
Gardens are most spectacular May through September with peak blooms in June and July. The Gaiser Conservatory offers year-round indoor tropical displays, making it a great winter destination. Holiday lights and special displays occasionally appear during December. Some gardens close or are less impressive November-March.
Nearby Eats
Manito Tap House (5 minutes away) offers a family-friendly atmosphere with burgers, sandwiches, and a kids menu. For a quick bite, the South Perry neighborhood (10-minute drive) has several casual cafes including Boots Bakery & Lounge with pastries kids love and outdoor seating.
More Activities Near Spokane
Park
Gonzaga Preparatory School
Free
This hidden gem on the Gonzaga Prep campus offers families a completely free summer escape featuring a splash pad that keeps kids cool on hot Spokane days. The adjacent playground equipment and spacious green areas make it perfect for an extended outdoor visit where kids can rotate between water play, climbing, and running around.
Park
Riverfront Park
★4.7Free❤️349
Riverfront Park is Spokane's crown jewel for family fun, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and exciting attractions right in the heart of downtown. With a historic hand-carved carousel, a thrilling cable car ride over roaring waterfalls, multiple modern playgrounds, and a unique skating ribbon, this 100-acre park delivers hours of entertainment without an admission fee.
Park
Cannon Hill Park
★4.7Free❤️34
Cannon Hill Park offers families a classic Pacific Northwest outdoor experience with its blend of modern playground equipment and peaceful natural wooded trails. This highly rated neighborhood gem provides the perfect setting for everything from active play to quiet nature walks, all completely free for Spokane families.
Entertainment
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.