Two years ago, we hit the road with our four kids, ages six to 14, in search of FAMILYFUN's "Ten Family-Friendly Cities." The result was a list of urban gems--too many, in fact, to fit in a single article. While that story focused on giants like Chicago, Washington and San Francisco, we now present the rest of the story. Although the major cities get all the ink, the smaller cities stole our hearts with their delightful mix of small-town ease and big-city personality. One of the small cities you might like to explore on your next family getaway is fun-filled Spokane, Washington. Go there, and you'll come to know what the locals know: Good things don't always come in the biggest, fanciest packages.

TIGERS, WATERFALLS AND CAROUSELS

"Mom, look! That tiger is drinking from a baby bottle!" The kids, spellbound, were just a few feet away from 275-pound Atlas, a tiger cub, at Cat Tales Zoological Park. Later, the big kids and parents in our bunch had the chance to hand-feed chicken necks to a very large African lion. "Be sure to tuck in your thumb," the trainer cautioned. Oh, yeah.

Cat Tales is just one of the delights awaiting families in Spokane. One of the largest urban waterfalls in the United States rolls right through downtown, and flanking the falls is 100-acre Riverfront Park, a favorite hangout for families and site of the 1974 World's Fair. An IMAX theater, a tour train, a carousel, outdoor art and even carnival rides are tucked around the park's green spaces. Like to bike and in-line skate? The famous Centennial Trail runs 66 miles along the river from Spokane to scenic Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Sorry, no cars allowed.

WHO KNEW? Spokane resident Sonora Smart Dodd invented Father's Day.

DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT... a camera. Our crew came home with dozens of (water-spotted) shots of the waterfall, little brown bumps on the hillside (marmots) and local oddities like the trash-eating goat (a sculpture, but it really works) in Riverfront Park. Even the eating places are photo-worthy, like Mary Lou's Milk Bottlea bottle-shaped, vintage 1933 dairy bar, call 509-325-1772.

DON'T LEAVE TOWN WITHOUT... taking a whirl on the classic 1909 Looff carousel at Riverfront Park, where you'll spot a tiger and a giraffe among the painted ponies. Open daily May through August, weekends only in September and October, weather permitting; $2 for adults, $1 for kids ages 12 and under; call 509-456-4FUN or click here.

CLEAN-PLATE CLUB It's a power plant! No, it's a restaurant! This twin-chimney building once supplied heat to downtown Spokane; now it's home to the Steam Plant Grill. Poke around the nooks and crannies while you're waiting for your chicken fingers and salmon, call 509-777-3900.

LOCAL DIGS Staying at Red Lion Hotel at the Park is practically like living in Riverfront Park: the park and its many attractions are right outside the door. The Children's Museum of Spokane, as well as several restaurants, are a quick stroll away. Rates for a double room average $149 per night; call 509-326-8000 or click here.

HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN Feeling adventurous? Then take a gondola ride over the lower falls of the Spokane River. Open seasonally; $3.75 per person.

BEST LOCAL COLOR The striped tigers, spotted leopards, inky panthers and other exotic cats at Cat Tales Zoological Park. At this small preserve, the cats live in big wooden enclosures, not tiny cages. Open year-round; $6 for adults, $4 for kids under age 12; call 509-238-4126.

BEST SOUVENIR Honey, I shrank the kids--or so it will appear when you line 'em up next to the Childhood Express, Spokane's giant red wagon. Snap that photo (it'll be a great keepsake), then watch the fun as your kids scoot down the wagon's handle; it's a slide. This interactive sculpture is located in Riverfront Park.

F.Y.I. Call 888-SPOKANE or click here.

Travel writers Diane Bair and Pamela Wright are regular contributors to FAMILYFUN and the authors of 18 guidebooks and numerous magazine articles.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.