When the temperature goes up, stay cool with these water activities in and around Coeur d’Alene
Hot sun and cool water adds up to fun when you’re in Coeur d’Alene. From beaches, to water parks, to being out on the water, here’s the 411 on cooling down around town.
Whether it’s just you and the family kickin’ back in your inner tubes or a whole flotilla of you and your friends, the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene is where people go to FLOAT THE RIVER. Two vehicles and inner tubes are all you need but for a whole-day adventure, we suggest towels, water shoes, beverages, snacks and extra tube to hold your gear. Take Interstate 90 exit 43 at Enaville and park near the gas station or Snake Pit, or venture on to put in near Bumblebee Campground. Visit fs.usda.gov/activity/ipnf/recreation/wateractivities for more places to float.
For whitewater action, RAFT THE RIVER with COEUR D’ALENE ADVENTURES or ROW ADVENTURES tours the Spokane, St. Joe and Clark Fork rivers.
Don’t just float; drive your next adventure with a BOAT RENTAL from KJ WATERSPORTS. Take the pontoon boat to find your favorite deepwater diving area, or make some waves with a jet ski or ski boat. Rent a wake surf, pontoon or cruiser boat from BUOY BOAT RENTALS and enjoy a meal at their lakeside eatery. JUST ADD WATER SPORTS can also get you out on the water in no time with dockside rental.
SILVERWOOD THEME PARK is two parks in one, so definitely hit Thunder Canyon’s river ride and slosh along the “rapids” to cool off. When you’re ready to get wet and stay that way, head to BOULDER BEACH where getting cool comes with a side of adrenaline rush.
An INDOOR WATER PARK? Absolutely, and even better: the roof retracts at TRIPLE PLAY’S RAPTOR REEF for indoor-outdoor fun. In Kellogg, splash, spin, swirl or lounge at SILVER RAPIDS INDOOR WATERPARK.
We know: The goal of stand-up paddleboarding is not to fall in the water, but when you RENT A PADDLEBOARD, KAYAK OR PADDLE BOAT, you’re on the water and get to be in it whenever you’re so inclined. Rent a board or boat at COEUR D’ALENE PARASAIL, COEUR D’ALENE ADVENTURES, KAYAK COEUR D’ALENE, FLOATERS COEUR D’ALENE or the ROW ADVENTURE CENTER. Find a quiet bay for a refreshing dip in the lake after all that effort. You can also rent 
paddleboards by the hour, or for a half-day or full day at the COEUR D’ALENE RESORT. If you’d prefer a guided adventure, make sure you check out the sunset or Cougar Bay guided trips offered by ROW, the Coeur d’Alene Resort’s exclusive outfitting company and adventure partner. We’re partial to the Cougar Bay paddle — a nature preserve just south of the resort — as it’s a popular destination for eagles, osprey and herons. Protect your phone with a clear dry bag and make sure to take a selfie with the beautiful flowering water lilies in the middle of the bay.
Keep it simple this summer: a towel, your swimsuit and a good book at your favorite BEACH is a great way to relax the body while exercising the imagination. Try the beach at CITY PARK, along NORTH IDAHO COLLEGE or SANDERS BEACH. A little further out of town, also try Q’EMLIN PARK in Post Falls and HONEYSUCKLE BEACH in Hayden.
Special Events
Oklahoma!
JULY 17-28
In this Roger and Hammerstein classic presented by Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre, the road to true love never runs smoothly. $49 adult, $42 senior, $27 child; Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 pm; Saturday-Sunday, 2 pm; Salvation Army Kroc Center.
Northwest Winefest
JULY 20-21
Great wine, food and live music all equal great fun during Schweitzer’s fifth annual Northwest Winefest. Sample from 20 regional wineries with 80 wines and enjoy music from five different bands. $25; wine tasting noon-7 pm on Saturday, noon-5 pm on Sunday; Schweitzer Mountain village.
First Date
AUG 1-4
Award-winning Broadway producer Laura Little brings “First Date” back to Coeur d’Alene, for a special dinner theater engagement. Watch and laugh as a date unfolds in real time, and twists from dating disaster to something special before their dinner check arrives. Theater-style seating $35, dinner and the show $55; Thursday-Sunday 7:30 pm; Sunday 2 pm; Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn. Call 208-765-3200 for tickets or visit LauraLittleTheatricals.com.
