24 Best Things To Do In Coeur D’ Alene For Families

Coeur d’Alene (CDA) is the largest city in North Idaho, boasting a stunning natural setting. Situated to the northern end of the expansive Coeur d’Alene Lake, which stretches 25 miles long and 1 to 3 miles wide, the city is surrounded by the Coeur d’Alene National Forest and majestic mountains.

In the list below you will find 24+ things to do near Coeur d’Alene. Attractions have been listed and grouped based on location for ease of trip planning.

During our recent visit to Coeur d’Alene, we had the pleasure of experiencing the city’s diverse offerings with our 4-year-old and 70+ year old parents. Some of our favorite excurions included – water activities in Coeur d Alene lake – from boat cruise to paddle boarding to enjoyingthe beach and the park, driving the Lake CDA sceninc byway and visiting Farragut State Park. You can see our Coeur D Alene itinerary here.

Expand your travel radius to find more things to do in North Idaho – Lake Pend Orielle, Schweitzer mountains and scenic Selkirk Loop (at the end of the article) to plan awesome day trips from Couer d’Alene or Spokane, WA.

Things To Do In Coeur d’Alene Downtown

Situated on the northern end of this 25-mile lake, Coeur d’Alene Downtown is the activity hub and sort of a jumping off point for exploring Coeur d’Alene Lake.

With a mix of parks, beaches, hikes, activities and restaurants available within a 2-mile radius, you will find that all the places below are within walking distance of each other and make for fun things to do for families.

There is 2-hour street parking and ample paid parking lots across downtown, so places are easy to reach. Here’s a list of attractions / things to do around Coeur d’Alene downtown.

1. Hiking at Tubb’s Hill

This is a small hill located by Coeur d’Alene lake. It consists of 165 acres of natural area and the best way to enjoy it is by walking the ~2 mile kid-friendly Main Loop trail that encircles Tubb’s hill (see map here).

Along this path, you can revel in awesome lake views, veer off to side trails to cliff jumping points and relax at Tubb’s Hill beach.

You can also hike to the summit (2533ft elev) for views from the top. In winter, Tubb’s Hill makes for a great spot to view holiday lighting along the lakeshore.

2. McEuen Park

This ~22 acre park is the city’s largest. The downtown location and amenities make this a family-friendly spot. While the kids can busy themselves at the playground and splash pad, the adults can relax in the large grassy area, or enjoy sunset by the lake. 

The park serves as a trailhead for Tubb’s Hill hikes. You can also hop on to the 23-mile multi-use Centennial Trail that goes through the park, for family biking.

3. Sander’s Beach

While McEuen Park is to the southern end of Tubb’s Hill, Sanders Beach is to the eastern edge. This is a nice little beach by Coeur d’Alene lake that is perfect for kids and families to enjoy some beach time.

Bring your umbrellas, sandals and plenty of water as it can be very hot on peak summer days unless you are immersed in the cool lake water.

4. Independence Point and City Park

Independence Point is a 4-acre park located near Coeur d’Alene Resort and is connected to 17-acre City Park. A nice sandy beach,  swim area, the steps along the lake with a water feature, Fort Sherman playground and a paved promenade for stroller-friendly walk is everything a family and kids could ask for.

This is a great launch point for all activities – parasailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, biking, seaplane rides, as well as lake cruises that depart from here. The ice cream truck near the park makes it convenient to grab a treat for kids. Museum of North Idaho is located nearby that has exhibits on the history of the area.

5. Lake CDA Cruise

A great way to explore this gorgeous lake is via a boat cruise. There is a daily 90-minute cruise, Sunday brunch 90-minute cruise and a Sunset dinner 2-hour cruise.

While the boats may feel a bit tired and old, you will not tire of the fantastic views from the open air upper deck or the lower deck.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the wind in your hair and the blue colors of the lake and sky. Tickets can be booked online and cost ~$25 per person, kids under 5 go free.

6. Coeur d Alene Resort Golf Course

The CDA resort and its golf course in CDA downtown are conveniently located with scenic views and great service. It would be a great group activity for adults or families with older kids.

7. Restaurants and Shopping in CDA downtown

If you are looking to enjoy a cute downtown vibe, want to go shopping or dining, then Sherman Ave between 1ts St and 6th St will offer ample options.

Take a walk, hop into a bar, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants and end with a sweet treat at an ice cream shop. You will not be disappointed.

Coeur d’Alene Activities

You can take advantage of many lake activities or sign up for non-lake activities near downtown as most offices will be located in this area. Rentals for most will be easily available from near the downtown area – see here.

8. Parasailing

A fun way to enjoy the lake. Coeur D’Alene Parasail is a nice option near downtown.

9. Kayak/paddleboard rentals

You can launch your own non-motorized watercraft from pretty much anywhere on the lake. For rentals, the ones near Independence Point are handy.

10. Coeur D’Alene Lake Boat rentals

Many boat or pontoon boat rental options are available. You will need a minimum of 2 hours to feel like you’ve really immersed yourself in the lake.

11. Seaplane rides

For some aerial activity and a bird’s eye view of the lake and the surrounding mountains, a seaplane ride with Brookes Seaplane is a nice option. ~45-min flights cost starting $150.

12. Whitewater Rafting

St.Joe River and Lochsa River are ideal for rafting and you can sign up with ROW Adventure Center.

13. Scenic Float

For a relaxed time, consider a scenic float down the Coeur d’Alene River which is also more kid and family friendly. You can sign up with CDA Adventures.

14. Zipline

Timberline adventures (office near downtown) provides multiple tour options. You can expect up to seven zip lines, two sky bridges, a S’mores tour and a treehouse lunch.

15. Biking

If you are a biking family, then you can hit the North Idaho Centennial Trail (see map here). The 23-mile multi-use trail offers views of Spokane river and Coeur d’Alene lake and is easily accessible from Independence Point/City Park or McEuen Park. You can rent bikes from Coeur d’Alene Bike Company in downtown.

Things To Do East and South of Coeur d’Alene

Away from CDA downtown but in the vicinity, here are fun things to do around  Coeur d Alene lake to explore and add to your itinerary. See map picture at the top of the article for reference on location.

16. Seven Star Alpaca Ranch

This is a working alpaca ranch located east of CDA downtown within ~10 miles / 20 mins driving distance. In addition to alpacas, the ranch also has other animals such as goats, horses, rabbits, mini-horses and mini-donkeys.

There are guided tours in spring and summer to explore this beautifully located and maintained ranch. Kids and adults will love spending time here. The gift shop has some cute alpaca wool items to purchase. Tickets are $5/$10 and kids under 3 go free.

17. Mineral Ridge Scenic Area Hike

This is a ~3.3 mile loop hike located in Mineral Ridge Scenic Area. The trailhead can be accessed towards the northern end of scenic byway. The hike is a little steep and may get complains from younger kids. But the views of Coeur d’Alene Lake from the top are amazing.

Picnic tables and restrooms at the trailhead. In winter, you can see lots of bald eagles that migrate to the area.

18. Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway

To break away from the activities and to indulge in a lazy yet effortlessly scenic drive, take the Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway. Starting from the intersection of I-90 and I-97 near the northern end of the lake, drive ~30 miles up to Harrison for a lake hugging scenic drive (see pink highlighted path in the map picture at the top of the article).

There are probably 1-2 general stores on this route with the only big town being Harrison, where you will find a bunch of restaurants and general stores. Lake front is mostly dotted with private homes.

There are no official overlook areas along the route but you will find sporadic spots to get down and enjoy the lake views. The byway ends at Idaho 3, where it meets the White Pine Scenic Byway that takes you on I-6 towards Palouse.

19. Heyburn State Park

It is situated towards the southern tip and technically not on the shore of Coeur d’Alene Lake but around three lakes – Chatcolet, Benewah and Hidden Lakes and St. Joe River.

You can camp or book a cabin rental and enjoy a variety of water activities, hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, fishing etc. This maybe a bit out of the way but makes for a good addition if you are planning to explore the southern end and are driving towards Palouse.

Day Trips from Coeur d’Alene – Hayden, Athol, Sandpoint

Just 30 mins north of Coeur d’Alene Lake is the largest and the deepest lake of Idaho called Lake Pend Orielle, which makes for an outdoor getaway of its own.

Along the way, you will pass three major cities/towns – Hayden, Athol and Sandpoint. Here are cool things to do with kids that make for great day trip options from Coeur d’Alene and Spokane. See them mapped in the picture at the top of article.

20. Triple Play Family Fun Park

This is a family amusement park located in Hayden,ID which is 6 miles / 15 mins drive from Coeur d’Alene downtown.

You can expect activities such as bowling, axe throwing, laser tag, mini golf, arcade and an indoor water park. You can find stay and food options within the park. You can pick from their selection of passes $32 and upwards or pay per person per ride . A good indoor option if the weather turns.

21. Silverwood Theme Park

This is an amusement park that is located near Athol,ID which is ~20 miles / 30 mins drive from Coeur d’Alene downtown.

With over 70 rides (includes 7 roller coaster rides, bumper boats and cars, Ferris wheel, etc) , an adjoining water park, variety of eating options, it’s a destination of its own for kids and family. You can filter the appropriate rides based on the size guide . Tickets are $40 for adults and $24 for kids (3-7years) and seniors (65+).

22. Farragut State Park

This is a 4000-acre park located on the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille (see map here). There are many day use and camping areas here. But if you are looking to plan a day trip, then you can consider spending time at Beaver Bay beach which offers a kid-friendly beach with beautiful green lake waters.

You can also walk the lakefront Beaver bay trail that starts from near the beach. For an expansive and breathtaking views of the lake from top, head to McDonald View Point.

There is also a Tree to Tree Adventure Park which offers zipline with a series of obstacles such as ladders, tight ropes, wobbly bridges, etc which makes for a fun group activity.

23. Sandpoint

This is a city located on the northern end of Pend Orielle Lake and a fantastic anchor point to explore Schweitzer mountain or Lake Pend Orielle. Surrounded by mountains and being adjacent to the lake, this small city has an expansive vibe.

Sandpoint City Beach Park – a 22-acre park with swimming area, gorgeous beach, boat launch, sports court, picninc tables and various amenities is a  popular destination. Nearby is Sandpoint downtown with ample choices of cafes and restaurants.

If hiking is your thing, then Pend Orielle Bay trail is a lovely option for activity with kids. The 3.3 mile trail is mostly a flat easy path hugging the lake with awesome views.

There’s definitely more to do around Sandpoint, but what is listed here are some top picks that are worth doing on a day trip with kids from Coeur d’Alene.

24. Schweitzer mountain

This is a ski resort near Sandpoint,ID that is fantastic for winter activities such as skiing or tubing. If visiting in the summer, you can take the scenic chairlift ride that affords amazing views of Lake Pend Orielle.

At the summit, enjoy some more sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, have lunch at the summit restaurant before you head back. For your return journey, you can take the chairlift back or hike or mountain bike the 3 mile downhill trail and enjoy picking huckleberries (in season late July-Aug) along the way .

There are other activities such as horseback riding, e-bike rides, disc golf, zipline, sluice box are some of the other activities you can expect here.

Things To Do Near North Idaho

If you are looking to spend more time in North Idaho and Coeur d’Alene is just a jumping off point, then you can research more on the following options  –

25. Pend Orielle Lake Scenic Byway

This scenic drive around Pend Orielle Lake starts at Sandpoint and follows ID-200 to Montana state line. The scenic views and the drive are dramatic and breathtaking.

26. Priest Lake

Located in the northernmost part of Idaho, Priest Lake is fed by streams of the Selkirk mountains.

27. Selkirk Loop

The International Selkirk Loop is a 280-mile-long scenic highway that passes through Idaho, Washington, British Columbia in Canada. The loop goes around the Selkirk Mountains  and is a fantastic outdoor destination.

28. Riverfront Park in Spokane downtown (WA)

Spokane Falls are a noteworthy roadtrip stop on your Seattle to Coeur d’Alene drive.The Spokane falls are an absolute delight and the park itself is an amazing place for kids and families.

Where to Stay near Coeur D’Alene

• CDA downtown – If you are traveling with kids, then hotels in CDA downtown are the most convenient. The access to shops, restaurants, activities and amenities comes in handy.
• Hayden – Another cost-effective option would be to consider hotels near Hayden which is 15 mins north of Coeur d’Alene downtown. You will not stay near the lake, but you can easily travel to CDA as well as make trips up north.
• Lakeside rentals – You will find many vacation home rentals through AirBnB/VRBO along the lake shore. Those are great if you are keen on a lake facing rental. However, plan to take all your essentials and necessities. As you go away from downtown area, the amenities are fewer. So driving to downtown for a small grocery run can become a chore and unnecessarily waste your vacation time.

Tips for Visiting Coeur d’Alene

Seattle to Coeur d’Alene Drive

From Seattle, the drive to Coeur d’Alene is ~300 miles / 5 hrs on I-90 east. Technically, this would be doable in half a day.

However, there are a bunch of roadtrip stops near Vantage and Spokane that are worth stopping for on your Seattle to Coeur d’Alene drive.

With pit stops, the drive easily extends longer. I would count 1 day each for the drive to CDA and back. So a total of 2 days for round trip drive time.

Boise to Coeur d’Alene Drive

From Boise, the drive to Coeur d’Alene is ~382 miles / 7 hrs on ID-55N and then US-95N. I would count 1 day each for the drive to CDA and back. So a total of 2 days for round trip drive time.

Coeur D’Alene Trip Planning

• Road trip – With 2 days in driving (if coming from Seattle or Boise), I would plan for 2 – 3 itinerary at Coeur d’Alene. You can spend Day 1 exploring activities near CDA downtown – with the cruise and the parks. Day 2 – plan an activity like paddleboarding in the lake or biking the trails or hiking the Mineral Ridge or driving the scenic byway. If you plan to cover Sandpoint and Schweitzer mountain, then I would plan for a 3rd day in CDA.

• Group Trip – If you are traveling in a big group with friends and extended family, then a lake vacation at Coeur d’Alene would make for an awesome location. There are many vacation home rentals along the 25-mile lake which would work if you are planning on a staycation and/or indulge in lakeside water activities close to your rental for the entire time during your stay.

• Best time to visit – Spring, summer and fall.

Food and Amenities

• CDA downtown – has a great selection of food options, from fancy dining to quick service restaurants.
• Hayden, Athol, Sandpoint – All of these nearby cities/towns will give you many restaurant options.
• East / South of CDA – If you are staying along the east shore of CDA, then your options are limited. The only two options we came across for food on the scenic byway are Hutton’s General Store near Neachen Bay and Latitudes Food Truck near Carlin Bay Public Beach.

Final Thoughts

Coeur d’Alene provides a good change of scenery from the typical PNW locations.

Regardless of the time of the year, you will find something to do here. The hot dry climate that extends from June-September is ideal to cool off in the lake waters as well as enjoy hiking, biking and ziplining.

In autumn, the red, orange and gold hues dotting the landscape make it a fantastic destination to enjoy fall colors. In winter, you can enjoy the indoor amusement parks or outdoor skiing opportunities in the surrounding areas near Coeur d Alene.

The blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventures offers a plethora of activities for every season. Coeur d’Alene a must-visit destination for those craving a perfect mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation closer to Seattle.