The Tri-Cities is filled with ways to get outside. Spending time outdoors and playing is an essential part of everyone’s life, no matter their age. Summer sun, fresh air, and movement help create a healthy, balanced lifestyle. If you’re looking for ways to incorporate the outdoors into your summer, try these seven outdoor activities in the Tri-Cities. They’re perfect for all ages.
Mini-Golf at Golf Universe
6311 W Clearwater Ave.
Kennewick
There are golf courses spread across the Tri-Cities. It’s a great way to spend time outside, alone or with friends. A golfing option that can include all family members is the mini-golf course found at Golf Universe. Mini-golf is a fun experience regardless of age or skill. The creative and colorful course is engaging and entertaining for little ones, with just enough challenge to allow the opportunity for a competitive game to unfold. Rates can be found here.
Disc Golf
2701 Paul Parish Dr.
Kennewick
Another outdoor sport to explore is disc golf. The concept is similar to golf, but instead of hitting golf balls into distant holes, you are throwing discs into far-off metal baskets. The goal is to get your disc into the baskets with the fewest number of throws. These disks are like frisbees, but they are made only to be thrown, not caught. If you are interested in trying disc golf, Columbia Park Golf Tri-Plex has a course and provides equipment to rent if you do not have your own. Rates for the Tri-Plex’s course can be found here. If you already have the equipment, several other course locations are found at pdga.com. Enter your location, and the map will bring up the courses closest to you. These courses are free to the public, but you’ll need to bring your discs. If you’re interested in learning the rules, the Disc Golf Association explains them here.
Footgolf
2701 Paul Parish Dr.
Kennewick
Columbia Park Golf Tri-Plex offers another golf variation called Footgolf. Using soccer balls, players must kick their ball into holes (big enough for a soccer ball) in the fewest number of kicks possible. Learn how to play this fun game and find course use rates here. You can bring your own ball or rent one for an additional fee.
Go Paddleboarding
The Tri-Cities has so much access to water. The rivers flowing between many of our cities provide an easy activity staple in many people’s summers. Swimming, boating, simply throwing rocks, having picnics near the water, and countless other activities are all readily available. Paddleboarding is one idea for river fun. Paddleboarding is a challenging water sport. People compete around the world as professional paddleboarders. Yet anyone can enjoy this water hobby. Although it may look simple enough, it engages balance and poise that can sometimes take a while to get the hang of. But gliding on the glossy river surface is a peaceful and exciting experience. Locally, there are several businesses in the area to rent a board and get out on the water. Northwest Paddleboarding, Seaductive Kayak Rentals, and Greenies all rent out boards for personal, day use. In addition, Northwest Paddleboarding offers lessons and several structured activities like an evening yoga class. This class is a simple flow, perfect for beginners, and taught on paddleboards in the water.
Go on a Hike
Hiking is a great way to get outside. Hiketricities.com has an up-to-date list of over 50 hikes in and around the Tri-Cities. Hikes include seven different Badger Mountain options, Bateman Island, Candy Mountain, Chamna Natural Preserve, and so many others. Each hike is mapped out, rated in difficulty, and contains other important information like length and any needed warnings.
Ride Your Bike
The Tri-Cities is as remarkable for biking as it is for hiking. Miles of bike trails are found throughout the area. Bike the Tri is a cycling advocate that promotes this healthy activity in the community. They provide biking news and events on their site and have a map of the bike paths available in the Tri-Cities. Check out Bike the Tri to find new places to ride.
Fast Track Tri-Cities
1321 N Columbia Center Blvd.
Kennewick
Fast Track Tri-Cities is an easy, fun, and fast activity to enjoy. Located on the east side of the mall, this go-kart experience is a perfect afternoon activity. The track is open daily, and there is never a need to make reservations. Anyone can show up and participate. However, riders must be 54 inches tall and eight years old to drive. Parental consent is required for all minors. Groups are always welcome but try timing your runs and track your speed progress if you’re on your own.
Whatever your summer activities, make sure to include some time outdoors, but remember your sunscreen and water. Grab your kids, a date, or your friends and enjoy the outdoors here in the Tri-Cities.
