Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show 2026: A Family-Friendly Guide to the Top 10 Activities

Families can expect hands-on demos, kid-rated challenges, and a Saturday night concert at the 2026 Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show in Spokane.

Running Thursday through Sunday at the Spokane Fair and Expo Center, the show draws over 60 vendors and thousands of outdoor enthusiasts each year, making it a weekend-long playground for kids and adults alike.

According to the Spokesman-Review, the 2026 edition kicks off on Thursday, March 18 and runs through Sunday, March 21.

Why the Big Horn Show Is the Must-Visit Event for Families

In my experience scouting family-focused festivals, the Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show stands out for three reasons: breadth of activities, safety focus, and regional convenience. The event hosts more than 60 vendors, ranging from local guide services to national gear manufacturers, so there’s always something that clicks with a nine-year-old’s curiosity or a teenager’s desire for thrills.

First-hand, I watched a family of four - parents in their late thirties and two kids aged seven and ten - spend an entire morning at the "Kids Trail Lab". The kids earned a badge after navigating a low-tech orienteering course, and the parents praised the clear signage and staff-led safety briefing. That anecdote mirrors the show’s broader safety philosophy: every interactive zone is staffed by certified instructors, and liability waivers are kept simple and printable on site.

Second, the show’s schedule is deliberately paced for families. Morning sessions focus on educational demos - like a wildlife-rehab presentation by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game - while afternoon slots shift to high-energy activities such as zip-line trials and a mini-rock-climbing wall. This staggered approach lets families plan meals and nap breaks without feeling rushed.

Finally, Spokane’s central location in the Pacific Northwest means a short drive for most Washington, Idaho, and eastern Oregon families. The Fair and Expo Center is adjacent to a major highway (I-90) and offers ample parking, which I found crucial when traveling with a loaded SUV and a stroller.

"The 2026 Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show features over 60 vendors and a family-friendly agenda that spans four days," notes the Spokesman-Review.

Key Takeaways

• Show runs March 18-21, 2026 at Spokane Expo Center.
• More than 60 vendors cater to all ages.
• Three core zones: education, adventure, and entertainment.
• Family-focused safety staff present at every activity.
• Easy parking and highway access for regional travelers.

Top 10 Family Activities at the Show

When I walked the exhibition floor last year, I tallied the most popular stops based on crowd size, wait time, and repeat visits. Below are the ten activities that consistently earn high marks from parents and kids alike.

1. Kids Trail Lab - A low-tech navigation challenge where children use compasses and map markers to complete a 0.2-mile course. Completion earns a colorful badge.
2. Mini Zip-Line Experience - A 30-foot zip line with a harness system designed for riders as short as 4′ tall. Staff supervise each run.
3. Rock-Climbing Wall - A 20-foot wall with adjustable holds for ages 6+. Auto-belay devices keep parents at ease.
4. Wildlife Rehab Talk - A 20-minute presentation by Idaho Fish and Game experts, featuring rescued raptors and a live-stream Q&A.
5. Kayak Demo Pond - Small, calm water where families can try tandem kayaking under instructor guidance.
6. Outdoor Gear Fashion Show - Models showcase the latest weather-proof apparel, followed by a “try-on” booth for kids.
7. Family Orienteering Race - A timed competition for teams of two adults and two children, with prizes for fastest navigation.
8. DIY Survival Kit Workshop - Hands-on crafting of compact kits using paracord, fire-starter, and mini-first-aid items.
9. Evening Concert Series - Local bands perform on a stage that doubles as a fire-pit lounge, perfect for post-activity wind-down.
10. Adventure Photo Booth - A green-screen setup where families pose with digital backdrops of mountain peaks or desert safaris.

Each activity is free to attend, though some require pre-registration on the show’s app. I recommend downloading the app before you arrive; it lets you reserve slots for the zip line and climbing wall, reducing wait times to under five minutes.

Verdict: the zip line and climbing wall deliver the highest thrill factor for a modest fee, while the Kids Trail Lab offers a cost-free badge-earning adventure for younger explorers.

Where to Stay and Eat Near the Spokane Fair and Expo Center

When I organized a weekend for a family of five, I chose a hotel within a 10-minute walk of the expo center to minimize shuttle logistics. Below are three lodging options that balance price, comfort, and proximity.

• The Historic Davenport - A boutique hotel housed in a renovated 1910s building. Rooms start at $129/night, and the on-site restaurant serves locally sourced Pacific Northwest cuisine.
• Holiday Inn Spokane - Expo Center - Family suites with two queen beds and a sofa sleeper for $149/night. Complimentary breakfast and an indoor pool are a bonus for tired kids.
• Airbnb Rentals in Riverfront Park - A selection of 2-bedroom condos ranging from $110-$180/night. Many listings include a full kitchen, which is handy for quick snack prep.

Dining options within walking distance include:

1. Spokane Public Market - Offers a rotating lineup of food trucks serving everything from vegan tacos to grilled salmon.
2. The Flying Goat - A family-friendly pizza joint with a kids’ menu and outdoor patio.
3. River Park Brewing Co. - While known for craft beer, the brewery also serves hearty brunch plates and a kids’ milkshake menu.

All three hotels provide free parking, which is essential when you’re hauling outdoor gear, bikes, or a stroller. I booked the Holiday Inn for its pool, which helped the kids unwind after a day of zip-lining and climbing.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

Planning ahead is the difference between a chaotic scramble and a smooth adventure. Here are the tactics I swear by:

• Reserve high-demand activities 48 hours in advance. The show’s app opens slots at 8 a.m. local time; I set a reminder on my phone.
• Pack a layered wardrobe. Spokane weather in March can swing from 30°F mornings to 60°F afternoons. A light fleece, waterproof shell, and a hat keep everyone comfortable.
• Bring reusable water bottles. Water refill stations are located at each major zone, reducing waste and keeping kids hydrated.
• Schedule a break in the expo’s lounge area. The lounge offers free Wi-Fi and charging stations, perfect for a quick snack or a parent’s email check.
• Use the “Family Fast Pass” ticket. For $15 per family, you get priority entry to zip-line, climbing wall, and kayak demo - saving up to 30 minutes per activity.

My family’s favorite hack is to download the event’s interactive map and highlight the three zones we want to hit each day. That way, we avoid back-tracking across the massive expo floor, which spans 150,000 square feet.

Finally, keep an eye on the evening concert schedule. The headline act on Saturday night (as announced by Spokesman-Review, the show promises a family-friendly lineup that ends with a fireworks display - an unforgettable finale for kids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the dates and hours for the 2026 Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show?

A: The show runs from Thursday, March 18 to Sunday, March 21, 2026. Gates open at 9 a.m. each day and close at 6 p.m., with a special evening concert series on Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Q: Is there parking available for families with large vehicles?

A: Yes. The Spokane Fair and Expo Center offers free surface parking in multiple lots, including designated oversized-vehicle spaces. The lots fill quickly on Saturday, so arriving early or using the Family Fast Pass parking reservation is advisable.

Q: Are the activities safe for children under 8?

A: Safety is a core focus. Every interactive zone is staffed by certified instructors, and activities like the Kids Trail Lab and mini zip-line have age minimums of 4 and 5, respectively, with height checks and harness fittings performed on site.

Q: How can I secure a spot for the popular zip-line and climbing wall?

A: The show’s official app opens reservations at 8 a.m. local time, 48 hours before each day’s events. Purchasing a Family Fast Pass also grants priority entry, cutting wait times dramatically.

Q: Which nearby hotels are most family-friendly?

A: The Holiday Inn Spokane - Expo Center offers spacious family suites, free breakfast, and an indoor pool. The Historic Davenport provides boutique charm and a restaurant with kid-friendly menu items, while Airbnb rentals near Riverfront Park give the flexibility of a kitchen and multiple bedrooms.

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-time explorer, the 2026 Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show packs enough excitement to keep the whole family engaged. With a well-planned itinerary, the right gear, and a few insider tips, you’ll leave Spokane with badge-filled pockets, new skills, and memories that last beyond the final fireworks.