25+ Best Things to Do Near Fairchild AFB in Spokane

Stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base and wondering how to spend your next long weekend? You’re in luck. The Spokane region is incredibly military-friendly, offering everything from active-duty discounts at local landmarks to unforgettable day trips just across the state line.

To save you the guesswork, we’ve put together a complete roadmap of the area. Read on to discover military-friendly spots, local dining favorites, pet-approved parks, and seasonal events you absolutely cannot miss during your time in the Pacific Northwest.

5 Places in Spokane That Are Military Friendly

Spokane has a rich military influence because of Fairchild AFB. Because of the close ties to the base, Spokane offers many military-friendly locations that offer discounted tickets for its military members. Don’t miss out on your discounted tickets at a few local favorites listed below.

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Numerica SkyRide

The Numerica SkyRide offers spectacular and accessible upfront views of the Spokane River and Spokane Falls that run through downtown. This 15-minute, all-weather activity is an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. 10% military discounts are offered for in-person ticket purchases.

Address: 6095 E Rutter Ave., Spokane, WA 99211

Hours: Daily, 1000-2000

Admission: Adults $13.95 / Youth (3-12) $9.95 / 2 and under are free

Red Morgan Community Center

Red Morgan Community Center is more than a destination. It’s a place on base where food and fun come together for friends, families, and service members. The community center features virtual reality games, pool tables, a sports court, an enchanted treehouse, food, and more.

Address: 10 W. Ent St., Fairchild AFB, WA 99011

Hours: Monday through Friday, 0800-1900; Saturday, 1100-1800; Sunday, 1100-1600

Admission: Fees vary by activity

ROW Adventure Center

Let ROW Adventure Center take the guesswork out of your next adventure. They can plan a rafting adventure or fishing excursion to help you fall in love with the great outdoors.

Call ahead and ask about special military discounts at (208) 770-2517.

Address: 209 S. Washington, Spokane, WA 99201

Hours: Daily, 0900-1700

Admission: Prices vary by excursion

Riverfront Park

Spokane’s Riverfront Park has a whole day of activities packed into one riverfront destination. You’ll find food, skate trails, a carousel, pedal karts, a splash pad, parks, and more.

There’s a shuttle that offers stops throughout the park every 20 minutes, making this a great spot for little ones to explore.

Address: 507 N. Howard Street, Spokane, WA

Hours: Park hours are dawn till dusk, but attraction hours vary.

Admission: Park is free, but attraction fees vary.

Spokane Valley Heritage Museum

Explore the history of your new community at the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum. The region’s history is captured in immersive and interactive exhibits.

Address: 12114 E Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley, WA 99206

Hours: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 1100-1600; Thursday, 1100-1700

Admission: Free for active-duty military

5 Restaurants Near Fairchild AFB That Are Sure to Please

Whether you’re looking for a place the whole family can enjoy or planning a date night, the areas surrounding Fairchild AFB have a wide variety of dining options to meet your needs.

Frank’s Diner

Frank’s Diner is a local favorite that serves up hearty, scratch-made breakfast and lunch inside a historic, vintage railcar. This is a place the whole family will enjoy.

Address: 1516 W 2nd Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

Wild Sage American Bistro

Wild Sage American Bistro is a more elegant spot serving award-winning farm-to-table Pacific Northwest cuisine. Featuring fine wines and delicious food in an elegant, intimate setting, this would make a good date favorite.

Address: 916 W 2nd Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

The Flying Goat

The Flying Goat is a casual restaurant featuring artisan pizzas and craft beers. With a passion for the community, fresh ingredients, and the very best craft beers, the Flying Goat will make you feel at home.

Address: 3318 W. Northwest Blvd., Spokane, WA 99205

De Leon’s Taco & Bar

Craving authentic Mexican Cuisine? De Leon’s will surely beat that craving with mouth-watering Mexican dishes like enchiladas and deep red salsa. Several locations around Spokane will make getting your favorite cuisine easy.

Northside Address: 10208 N Division St Ste 110, Spokane, WA 99218

South Hill Address: 2718 E 57th Ave., Spokane, WA 99223

Gonzaga District Address: 1801 N Hamilton Street, Spokane, WA 99207

Clinkerdagger

Clinkerdagger has been voted best fine dining by the local community. Offering old-school steakhouse cuisine options overlooking the Spokane River. With the views and the menu, this will be a nice option for a special night out.

Address: 621 W Mallon Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

What Are Some Pet-Friendly Places Near Fairchild AFB?

No need to leave your four-legged friend at home. There are plenty of spots to adventure and dine with your furry friends, bringing them in on the fun. Below are several pet-friendly outdoor spaces and restaurants in the areas surrounding Fairchild AFB.

Outdoor Spaces

High Bridge Dog Park

High Bridge Dog Park is about a 15-minute drive from base and offers large, fully fenced enclosures for off-leash fun. You’ll also find wooded hiking trails for exploring on leash.

Address: 330 S A Street, Spokane, WA 99224

Riverside State Park- Bowl and Pitcher

Take your pup along for an adventure like no other. Bowl and Pitcher features a 2.1-mile loop that includes a swinging bridge over the river. Your leashed pup will beg to come back to this spot!

Address: 4427 N Aubrey L White Pkwy, Spokane, WA 99224

Dawn to Dusk Doggy Domain

Looking for a private area to play and run with your four-legged friend? Dawn to Dusk Doggy Domain features a private, 2-acre dog park that may be rented hourly, giving you total privacy and safety to run and play without other dogs.

Address: 12811 S Jackson Rd, Mica, WA 99023

Fur-Family Friendly Restaurants

Billie's Diner

At Billie’s Diner, you can enjoy classic American comfort food and breakfast served all day. Bring your pup and enjoy outdoor seating when the weather is nice.

Address: 13008 W Sunset Hwy, Airway Heights, WA 99001

The Backyard Public House

Just a 10-minute drive from base, you can bring your pup along to enjoy a pet menu that includes treats like dog-safe bacon and patties.

Address: 1811 W Broadway Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

Jewel of the North - Neighborhood Gastropub

This casual dog-friendly bar with outdoor seating offers burgers, chicken sandwiches, and banana pudding, among other local favorites. Your pup may also enjoy a treat off the full doggy menu!

Address: 1924 W Pacific Ave Bldg. B, Spokane, WA 99201

5 Things For Couples to Do in Spokane

Spokane offers a wide variety of activities you and your date will cherish. From peaceful strolls, daring speakeasies, wine tastings, and gorgeous views, you and your date will have memories to last a lifetime. Check out our list of favorites below to get your next date planned and booked.

Manito Park and Botanical Gardens

Take a peaceful stroll with your date through the mirror pond, rose garden, and classic Japanese Garden at Manito Park and Botanical Gardens. Then, grab a picnic or ice cream from the Park Bench Cafe.

Address: 1702 S Grand Blvd, Spokane, WA 99203

Hours: Daily, 0600-2200

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars

Try a wine-tasting destination at Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, featuring award-winning wines, seasonal events, and stunning views. Book ahead for an intimate, curated wine tasting guided by the winemaker!

Address: 4705 N. Fruit Hill Rd, Spokane, WA 99217

Hours: Tasting room and estate are open daily from 1200-1700

Lorèn Social Club

Grab your date for a getaway at Lorèn Social Club, an exclusive, French-inspired speakeasy and restaurant underground. Featuring an elevated menu, craft cocktails, and a hidden private event space, you’ll surely enjoy this unique experience.

Address: 900 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201

Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, open at 1700; Friday through Sunday, open at 1600

Wanderlust Delicato

Book a cooking class to experience food in a unique way, or grab a bite of artisan cheeses paired with delectable wines. Take-home options are available too if you’re looking to bring the romance home.

Address: 421 W Main Ave Ste 103, Spokane, WA 99201

Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 1100-1900; Tuesday, 1100-1600

Riverfront Park Gondola

The Numerica SkyRide offers spectacular and accessible upfront views of the Spokane River and Spokane Falls that run through downtown. Take a stroll along the riverfront, then soar above for amazing views your date will remember for a lifetime.

Address: 6095 E Rutter Ave., Spokane, WA 99211

Hours: Daily, 1000-2000

Check Out These Nearby Day Trips Perfect for a Quick Getaway

Some extraordinary adventures are waiting a little farther from Fairchild AFB.

Natural Lake views at Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Center of the Universe in a mining town in Wallace, Idaho, and a magical Bavarian village in Leavenworth, Washington are just a few of our favorite day trip destinations. Read more about each town below.

Coeur d’Alene, ID

Drive time: 45 minutes

• Tubbs Hill: Located on Lake Coeur d’Alene, Tubbs Hill is 165 acres of breathtaking scenery and hiking trails to explore.
• Boardwalk Marina: Book a stay at the resort or take a stroll along the marina for dining, shopping, and seasonal events.
• Downtown Dining: Coeur d’Alene has local favorites serving fresh cuisine at places like Dockside Restaurant and House of Brunch.

Wallace, ID

Drive time: 1.5 hours

• Center of the Universe Landmark: Declared the Center of the Universe by the town mayor in 2004, this mining town celebrates the fact that no one can prove it isn’t the center of the universe. Make a plan to view this iconic landmark for a few giggles on your trip.
• Antique Shopping: Stop by a few local favorite antique shops to grab a part of the past to take home with you. Some favorites include the Haberdashery Vintage Shop, North Idaho Trading Company, and Past Present Shoppe.
• Hiawatha Bike Trail: Open daily, you can grab a bike rental and ride 15 miles gently downhill on the Old Milwaukee Railroad that includes dark tunnels, sky-high trestles, and incredible views of the Bitterroot Mountains. Don’t worry about getting back up the trail; shuttles will take you and your bike back to the top!

Leavenworth, WA

Drive time: 2 hours, 45 minutes

• Alpine-Style Dining: Munchen Haus, Rhein Haus, and Yodelin Broth Company are a few local favorites for authentic Bavarian Cuisine.
• Boutique Shopping: Kris Kringl, Simply Living Farm, and Village Art in the Park are local favorites for shopping unique items and gifts.
• Christmas Lighting: Leavenworth is a sight all year, but Christmas time is something extraordinary. Come in Late November for the Christmas Lighting, where the town comes to life with over half a million lights, live performances, Santa visits, and many other festive activities.

5 Things For Kids to Do in Spokane

The military-friendly area surrounding Fairchild AFB includes many kid-friendly experiences and activities!

• Flying Squirrel: The Flying Squirrel in Spokane is a massive indoor entertainment park for kids of all ages featuring trampolines, an arcade space, a climbing wall, a cafe, and more.
• Mobius Discovery Center: Mobius Discovery Center is an experiential learning center that cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills through interactive exhibits, STEAM kits, and educational programs.
• Blue Zoo Aquarium: At Blue Zoo Aquarium, you’ll find more than just your favorite sea creatures. This special aquarium features hands-on-learning where you can touch and feed stingrays, birds, and reptiles. Interactive play areas and live shows will keep you entertained for hours.
• Wonderland Family Fun Center: Wonderland Family Fun Center has everything you need for a day out with the kids. This fun center features laser tag, go-karts, mini-golf, pizza, and so much more. This is sure to be a family favorite.
• Cat Tales Wildlife Center: Experience wildlife like black bears, lynx, pumas, tigers, and more through education, observation, and compassionate care of this wildlife at this refuge near Spokane. Take private tours, add an animal encounter, or just walk and observe the animals for a day admiring the beautiful animals.

Don’t Miss These Seasonal Events!

We’re sharing 5 seasonal events taking place in Spokane that you won’t want to miss.

• Inlander Restaurant Week: Inlander Restaurant Week is a late-February event where dozens of the city’s top spots offer curated, three-course menus at set price points, allowing all to enjoy the finer dining options!
• Lilac Festival & Armed Forces Torchlight Parade: Celebrated in mid-May to honor Spokane’s “Lilac City” nickname and military presence. The parade closes a week-long celebration of honoring youth and military personnel around the region.
• Hoopfest: Don’t miss this unique 3-on-3 basketball tournament held in late June, transforming downtown streets into more than 400 courts.
• Green Bluff Apple Harvest: Family-owned farms of Green Bluff offer pick-your-own fruits, baked goods, and craft stands in autumn when the apple season is at its peak.
• Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park: In the winter months, you’ll find plenty to do at the nearly 2,000-acre Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park.

Don’t Miss Out on These Fun Things to Do Near Fairchild!

Whether you’re exploring on your own, with family and friends, or with furry friends, Fairchild AFB and the surrounding communities have so much to offer. You’ll want to go out and explore today!