Keep spring break from becoming a spring bust with these events, activities in Tri-Cities
Schools in the Tri-Cities area will soon pause for spring break, leaving many Tri-Citians in need of something to do.
Richland, Kennewick and Pasco School Districts are on spring break from April 3 to 7. The last day of winter classes at Columbia Basin College is March 23, with the spring quarter beginning April 3.
Throughout the spring break season, there will be events and activities for everyone, from preschoolers to college students to grandparents, or all of the above.
Here’s a roundup of what’s happening around town:
Family-friendly events
Live at the Columbia Basin College Arts Center on March 25 through Camerata Musica. The performers from Los Angeles will perform classic compositions including Bach, Brahms, Schubert, Chopin and more.
Free interpretive bike rides for families along the Sacajawea Heritage Trail, through collaboration between the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, Bike Tri-Cities, the Reach Museum and REI.
Families can sign up for the free, ranger-led ride online until 6 p.m. March 31; rides begin at 9 a.m. April 1. The route is eight miles round-trip, from Columbia Point Marina Park to the REACH museum. Attendees will stop twice for presentations before exploring the REACH museum, doing hands-on activities and more, according to REACH.
Tour the Manhattan Project
Register for a free public tour at the Hanford Site’s Manhattan Project National Historical Park. All ages are welcome. Attendees will spend about 45 minutes busing to the B Reactor and two hours at the site, all while learning about the history of the reactor. Registration is open now, tours will begin April 3 and continue through November.
Join a Family Fun Night every Friday in March from 4 to 7 p.m. Attendees can enjoy unlimited carousel rides and bounce house use from Knockerball Tricities. The amusement center features the historic carousel and varying other attractions. Events can be booked online.
The gallery is open to the public for a free ArtWalk on the first Thursday of each month from 3 to 8 p.m.
April’s ArtWalk will feature abstract expressionism from DS Watkins using oil and cold wax, according to the gallery, with eight guest artists. Nathan Robles has a reclaimed steel sculpture on display, Bill Hermanns has acrylic paintings featured and an abstract collage by Susan Kimmel is included. There’s also a “spirit sticks assemblage” by Karen Wieda, carved and polished stone from Todd Ralston, hand-formed clay by Barbara Carter, encaustic and acrylic paintings by Neva Scott and an abstract collage by LuAnn Ostergaard.
The iPlay Experience
This family entertainment center features a three-level playground with obstacle courses, virtual reality, interactive games and more. Whether the kids are focused on art, gaming, running around or getting their hands dirty, there’s something for them at iPlay. Booking options are available online and in-person.
For older kids
Dead Man’s Cell Phone
If your spring break needs more theatrical entertainment, the Richland Players have several performances of “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” by Sarah Ruhl. It is a dark comedy that explores how people remember the dead, after a dead man’s cell phone is found by a stranger who investigates, according to the Richland Players. The play is directed by James Callaghan and produced by Amber Mitchell. Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. on March 26 and April 2. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 on March 24, 25 and 31 and April 1, 7 and 8. Tickets range from $10-$20.
Hunting education classes
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife hosts hunting education courses across the state, as hunting education certification is required for anyone born after 1971 who wants a state hunting license. There is no minimum age for the class; hunting regulations may vary by age. Classes will be offered over spring break at Griggs Department Store through WDFW and the Richland Rod and Gun Club. Sign up for the class online.
Tri-City Raceway’s Apple Cup
Head down to the Red Mountain Event Center April 1 and 2 for the 54th Apple Cup at the Tri-City Raceway. Drivers will compete for $5,000 on Saturday and $10,000 on Sunday. Gates open at 9:15 a.m., racing starts at 1 p.m. Attendees ages 21 and up can enjoy beer gardens and 21+ sections. Ticket prices vary, order online.
All experience levels and ages are welcome at this 43-acre facility with three paintball fields and a laser tag field. You can walk in for a $17 admission fee, or schedule groups in advance.
Voted the Best Family Attraction in Tri-Cities in 2022, stop by Axe KPR to take your family to try throwing axes, hatchets and ninja stars. You can book a group online or try your luck walking in. Groups of up to 50 are allowed. Coaches are available for first-time throwers and will help facilitate competitions once everyone is comfortable.
CBC students
Andrew Sleighter at Jokers Comedy Club
In need of a laugh? Andrew Sleighter will perform at Jokers with special guest Anthony Shuman on March 24 and 25. Sleighter has worked on Comedy Central, MTV and NBC, first performing stand-up on Conan in 2022. Admission is $10. This event is for ages 18 and up.
The saloon’s grand opening is March 25 at 1319 George Washington Way, hosted by former Seattle Supersonics power forward Shawn Kemp. Doors open at 4 p.m. The cowboy-themed bar is also a restaurant and nightclub and claims to have the best broasted chicken in town. Daisy Ranch is promoting an event with Blake Lewis on March 30, Industry Night on Tuesdays, Electric Daisy Ranch on Wednesdays, live bands on Thursdays and a live DJ on Fridays and Saturdays. And no saloon would be complete without a mechanical bull.
Spring break splurge
Dinner cruise
Perhaps you have something special to celebrate this March. Dinner cruises on the Columbia River are offered March 24, 25 and 31 through Water2Wine Cruises. The two-and-a-half hour cruise includes a three course dinner and a welcome glass of wine. There is also a brunch option on March 25 and 26 that is open to children and an hour shorter. Prices vary and booking is done online.
Fashion with Compassion fashion show
Take the family to an elegant evening at a fashion show for a cause: the Fashion With Compassion fashion show through Leadership Tri-Cities Class XXVI and the Domestic Violence Services of Benton and Franklin Counties. DVSBF is in the process of opening a thrift store to provide resources to domestic violence escapees restarting their lives; Leadership Tri-Cities is hosting the fashion show to assist in these efforts. The event will start with a social hour and silent auction featuring “heavy hors d’oeuvres,” according to DVSBF, followed by a fashion show. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. April 1. Tickets are available online.
Sandollar Farms tour
Book a tour for your family at Sandollar Farms in Kennewick to visit alpacas and Great Pyrenees dogs. Tours are available on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 9:30 between April and October. Spring break dates are still available at this time. Sandollar Farms breeds and preserves suri alpaca, a reportedly rare breed. Tours can be booked online.
Get active
One of the only ultramarathons offered in the region, the Badger Mountain Challenge will be March 24 and 25 this year. It includes 15k, 55k, 50 mile and 100 mile races, with a ruck option for the 15k and 50 mile races. Noncompetitive entries are also welcome, as the challenge was created to appreciate the natural space. Proceeds from the challenge will go toward several charitable organizations, plus a scholarship for eligible students, according to the challenge website. Hands-off aid stations will offer pre-packaged food items and a post-race party will be held at the finish line.
Women’s CROP Hunger Walk and 5k Run
Just in case that’s not enough exercise, there’s also the Women’s CROP Hunger Walk and 5k Run at Howard Amon Park. The route begins at the gazebo behind the community center at 8:30 a.m. March 25. Participants are also encouraged to bring canned goods or other donations to the event. After crossing the finish line, multiple service projects will be underway for those who wish to take part.
The inaugural marathon will start at the Columbia Park in Kennewick April 8. The new road race follows the Columbia River while taking participants through Kennewick, Richland and Pasco. Walking is also allowed, as well as relay options for groups of two or four. Register online.
