Celebrate family time in Coeur d’Alene with these fun excursions
Like many families lately, you’ve probably spent a lot of time together. For summertime, however, it’s time to switch it up and play outdoors. Make plans now to check out all that North Idaho has to offer for safe, affordable, invigorating family fun.
The grass is always greener at COEUR D’ALENE CITY PARKS, just steps from the lake, easy walking areas, both open and shaded areas, restroom and picnic facilities and, maybe most importantly, wide-open spaces for kids to be as boisterous as they want. MCEUEN PARK is one of the many jewels of Coeur d’Alene’s Parks systems and features ADA-compliant play areas, a dog park — can’t forget about Fido! — splashpad, and courts for basketball, tennis and pickleball. Across town near North Idaho College, check out CITY PARK, with its stately trees, an elaborate fort-like playground, and the pavilion where outdoor movies in the park are scheduled to resume in July and August.
While you’re there, check out the beautifully restored COEUR D’ALENE CAROUSEL or a local favorite, the MUSEUM OF NORTH IDAHO, for a trip back in time.
Rev up the fun factor at TRIPLE PLAY with both indoor and outdoor activities for all ages, including bumper cars, laser tag, miniature golf and outdoor go-karts. We dare you not to laugh your heads off!
Have the times of your lives at COEUR D’ALENE ADVENTURES, where you can rent any number of boats, from ones that go fast to those that cruise to kayaks you power yourself. Book a horse riding trip, a guided raft excursion, try their e-bikes, get on a stand-up paddleboard, or learn to fish under their expert guidance.
A full day kayak rental at KAYAK COEUR D’ALENE is only $65 and they even have tandem boats available, stand-ups, and even float tubes. Run by lifelong local outdoor enthusiasts, this is the place to go for advice on making your day on the lake spectacular.
TIMBERLINE ADVENTURES wants to get you up above the treeline for an exhilarating zipline experience the whole family can enjoy (ages 7 and up). Ask about the s’mores treehouse adventure for the sweetest summer memory ever.
Idaho Rebounds
Idaho has developed a comprehensive plan to bounce back from suspended business operations during the stay-at-home order. Called Idaho Rebounds, it outlines four phases of reopening with an extensive, cooperative effort to keep Idaho’s citizens — and its visitors — safe and healthy.
Phase Two May 16-29
Idaho moved into phase two of its reopening plan this week. Gyms, hair salons, and recreation facilities were cleared to reopen. Restaurants were also allowed to reopen for dine-in service, adhering to new safety protocols. The governor did relax some of the language regarding travel into Idaho during this phase. A two-week self-quarantine is now strongly encouraged, but not required and nonessential travel is to be minimized.
Phase Three May 30-June 12
Starting May 30, Idaho’s nonessential travel guidelines relax and out-of-state visitors will no longer be asked to quarantine after entering the state. Bars will be able to re-open along with smaller gatherings of 10-50 people. Larger events and sporting venues will remain closed. By June 13, if all goes as planned, many restrictions will have been lifted. Of course, the plan is just that; dates and protocols might shift. And the timeline is dependent upon all of us doing our part to allow plenty of room between ourselves and others, making good choices, and helping Idaho rebound.
What’s Open
As the governor’s four-phase rebound plan has moved into the next phase, several key attractions in North Idaho have recently announced their opening dates. Triple Play opened May 16. The Route of the Hiawatha is scheduled to open May 22. Silver Mountain’s opening weekend is set for May 23, offering scenic gondola rides, and opening the bike park and Silver Rapids waterpark. Silverwood Theme Park plans to open with modified operations starting May 30. For an update-to-date list of what restaurants, attractions, hotels, and businesses are open, visit coeurdalene.org/we-are-open.
