I’ve been in Spokane for 10 years and there are parts of downtown that are super sketchy. You just need to be bear aware. It isn’t as bad as Seattle or Portland. There’s a ton to do with kids and lots of great businesses to support. There’s also loads of outdoor activities. I’m originally from MT and will be returning for a slower life, but Spokane has its highlights.
I am a Science teacher and Möbius Science Center is awesome for kids. The mall downtown has a great movie theater, and there are loads of great restaurants. Mac Daddy’s is a little kids dream, as a Mac and cheese centered restaurant. Riverfront Park is awesome, and they work hard to keep the homeless out. Flat stick Pub has mini-hold indoors and a solid menu. Wonderland is a little up north and has go karts and mini-gold and such. You can rent paddle boards on the river, and there are lots of great hikes around.
Southhill is where I live and is pretty quiet. The bluff has great hiking and Manitou Park has an awesome Japanese garden. The Rocket Market is on top of it and has great snacks for adults and kids alike. There’s even a place for Laser Tag and another for indoor rock climbing class. Biking of all sorts and trails for every level are boundless. From a paved river trail to founder black diamond mountain bike trails in town.
I could go on.