What to Do
Don’t let the slow pace and pastoral scenery fool you – Coeur d’Alene is bursting with big family activities in a small-town package. Before you go, get to know the town first through the book Mudgy & Millie, the story of a mouse-and-moose duo that calls the shores of Coeur d’Alene home. These two lovable characters were created by acclaimed author Susan Nipp, best known for her Wee Sing collection. They’re brought to life in a beautifully illustrated storybook that leads readers through the highlights of the city, and in Coeur d’Alene itself you can search around town for five bronze statues that depict scenes from the book. The 2.25-mile trail begins at the Tubbs Hill Trailhead, a forested peninsula that extends into picturesque Lake Coeur d’Alene – the main attraction in town – and winds through the heart of town, where your littles will certainly notice and beg for a stop at Mrs. Honeypeeps Sweet Shop and Figpickels Toy Emporium.
The trail ends at the edge of lake, and with the range of activities here it’s only a matter of choosing how to explore. Depending on the season, you can catch a scenic boat tour, rent a kayak or personal watercraft, take off on a seaplane or relax at the beach. For a treat that’s just for kids, Pirate Cruises (208/765-2300; cdacruises.com) along the lake are action-packed 90-minute boat rides punctuated with sword fights, games, face painting and singing. Nearby, the world’s longest floating boardwalk traverses a mile of shoreline and is an ideal place to spot bald eagles swooping down to catch some lunch.
Entertainment off the lake is plentiful too, including Silverwood Theme Park (208/683-3400; silverwoodthemepark.com), the largest amusement park in the Northwest. Thrill rides for the adventurous and an entire section of kiddie attractions mean that everyone will have a wild ride. Take advantage of Idaho’s mining heritage with a visit to one of the local gold or silver mines. Crystal Gold Mine (208/783-4693; goldmine-idaho.com) tours allow you to peek into an 1880s gold mine that was mysteriously hidden and rediscovered more than 100 years later, providing a unique look at the gold-mining boom that was kept frozen inside.
Where to Stay:
As far as hotels go, the Coeur d’Alene Resort (800/688-5253; cdaresort.com) is the place to stay in town, perched at the edge of the glacier-fed lake. When you’re booking a room, make sure you get a lake view. Wall-to-wall picture windows and private balconies (featured in lake tower rooms) are worth the extra money. If you want time to catch up on your reading, grab a spot near the infinity pool and send the kids to the Very Important Kids Club, which has summer camp-style activities to keep them entertained – at least for a while. A golfer of any age should book a round on the lakeside golf course, ranked in the Top 25 in the world thanks in part to the one-of-a-kind floating green accessible only by boat. Use the on-site activity concierge to arrange water sports on the sparkling lake playground just outside.
What to Eat:
Tito’s Italian Grill and Wine Shop (208/667-2782; titomacaroni.com) offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu with fire-grilled pizzas and Italian comfort food. While you sample the extensive wine bar, keep your little one’s hands (and minds) busy crafting their own personal pizzas with tableside ingredients. Catch the sunset dipping into the water at Dockside (208/765-2300; docksidecda.com), another option with lakeside dining at tables that are perfectly positioned to enjoy the evening’s colors.
Published February 2014
