Manito Park

Manito Park of Spokane, at a whopping 90 acres, manages to feel like multiple parks in one thanks to the designer's inclusion of a variety of gardens, separate lawns, and kids' areas. It's the kind of place where you will have to make an effort to see everything, and will be surprised at some of the pleasant features you discover while trying.

Parking and Public Transportation to Manito Park
You can find parking inside the park just off the main entrance (from Grand Boulevard) as well as near the Park Bench Café. With plenty of residential neighborhoods surrounding the park, you can also take advantage of street parking if you prefer. The Spokane Transit Authority also does have a bus route from downtown that stops just outside the main entrance.

Best and worst time to go to Manito Park
As with most parks, nighttime isn't recommended. With Manito, there's never a bad month to visit as the changing seasons allow different parts of the park to shine. Kids will enjoy the splash pad in the summer time and the sledding in the winter, while the whole family can appreciate the many winding paths and the playgrounds for the rest of the year.

Admission to Manito Park
Manito Park is free.

Must see/do at Manito Park
The Nishinomiya Japanese Garden and the Duncan Garden, when blooming, should both be at the top of your list. The Park Bench Café, with a menu of sandwiches and picnic fare, is also a great stop for a summer lunch. And of course, during the holiday season, don't skip the Gaiser Conservatory, it'll be decked out in lights.

Other places to visit near
Hidden away on 18th avenue, about two blocks from the park's main entrance is Rockwood Bakery, a locally owned coffee and bakeshop where you'll feel right at home. If you head a few blocks north of the main entrance, you'll also run into a smattering of businesses, including neighborhood favorite Lindaman's Gourmet-To-Go.

Insider Tip
On Friday evenings in the summer, check out the area by the Park Bench Café, they often have local musicians playing.

Author's bio: Dena Ogden is a freelance writer who can be found online at denaogden.com and @DenaOgden.