The cure for summer boredom
'We're bored.'
[July 3, 2009]
You know you're going to hear those words -- "We're bored" -- before summer is over.
Sure, you could give the same answer you heard as a kid: "How can you be bored when there are weeds to be pulled? (Or laundry to fold, cars to wash, or books to read.)" Or you could use the opportunity to provide your family with fresh air and memories.
Here are six close-to-home ideas that won't drain your savings account, and may prompt your kids to reassess their belief that video games are the greatest thrill on Earth.
- Hike a trail at Tubbs Hill, Liberty Lake County Park, Mount Spokane, or the Little Spokane River Natural Area. Find more ideas in 100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest.
- Pitch a tent at a close-to-home campground like Liberty Lake County Park, Riverside State Park, or Farragut State Park.
- Paddle gentle waters. Tours available through the likes of Spokane City Parks and Recreation, Coeur d'Alene-based ROW Adventures and Sandpoint-based Full Spectrum. Canoe and Kayak rentals at outdoor stores, including Mountain Gear and REI in Spokane, and Kayak Coeur d'Alene. Find like-minded souls in the Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club (www.sckc.ws) and Coeur d'Alene Canoe & Kayak Club (www.cdacanoekayakclub.org).
- Play disc golf. Free courses in Spokane, Liberty Lake, Post Falls, and Coeur d'Alene. A complete list and other information at http://www.pdga.com/.
- Shoot a bow. Lessons and equipment at Spokane Valley Archery. Clubs include Evergreen Archery in Spokane (www.evergreenarcheryclub.org) and Coeur d'Alene Bowmen (www.cdabowmen.com).
- Stare at the heavens (and know what you're seeing), at a public Star Party hosted by the Spokane Astronomy Society (www.spokaneastronomical.org). The club has events scheduled in August.
