Blake Walsh

15 Free Things to Do in Kennewick, WA

  • Published 2023/01/19

Located near the legendary Columbia River, Kennewick in Benton County is an exciting and fun place to explore.

This quaint city in the state of Washington has a ton to offer locals and tourists.

From visiting historical landmarks to strolling in one of their 27 parks, you can easily spend a day in Kennewick and not spend a dime.

If you’re planning your trip to this beautiful city, make sure to include in your list these free things to do in Kennewick, Washington:

Enjoy the Riverside Views of Columbia Park

Bench overlooking the river at Columbia Park

J.D.S / Shutterstock.com

Located along the Columbia River, the 400-acre Columbia Park features beautiful scenery from every corner, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic with friends and family.

The park is covered in shades of thick trees and green grass, creating a peaceful and calming atmosphere.

Columbia Park has no shortage of riverside activities like boating trips or fishing.

It also features several sports facilities, including a soccer field, basketball, and volleyball court.

Paddle-boarding at Columbia Park

J.D.S / Shutterstock.com

You can also walk or bike along the paved trails through several key park areas.

If you just want to bask in nature’s grandeur within the park, you can sit on one of the benches or have a picnic in shaded areas.

The best part about Columbia Park is it’s open to the public.

If you want a good glimpse of Kennewick’s natural beauty, head to Columbia Park on Highway 240 for the full experience.

Browse Different Antique Items at Bergan’s Timeless Treasures

If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience or want to go window shopping, check out Bergan’s Timeless Treasures.

This antique store in downtown Kennewick is filled to the brim with unique items that are perfect for collectors or anyone who just wants something different for their home.

If you’re not keen on spending, you can simply look around and appreciate the different items without buying anything.

Bergan’s Timeless Treasures is in the Tri-Cities area.

Volunteer to Look After the Alpacas at Sandollar Farms and Alpacas

If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to spend your day, check out the Sandollar Farms and Alpacas.

This farm is located in the heart of Kennewick and is home to dozens of friendly alpacas.

However, their priority is the endangered Suri alpacas, which must be looked after.

You can volunteer to help with the day-to-day tasks of looking after these alpacas.

It’s a free activity, and you can witness the farm’s daily operations.

The best part about the Sandollar Farms and Alpacas is that anyone can come and volunteer to take care of the animals.

You can also pay for tours and other activities.

If you want to experience what it’s like to take care of alpacas, visit Sandollar Farm and Alpacas on Washington Street.

Honor the Local Servicemen at the Regional Veterans Memorial

Welcome sign of Regional Veterans Memorial

J.D.S / Shutterstock.com

The Regional Veterans Memorial is a tribute to all of the brave local servicemen and women who have fought for our country.

The monument is located in the heart of Kennewick, a beautiful and solemn place to visit.

The Regional Veterans Memorial features a beautiful monument surrounded by roses and other flowers.

The grounds of Regional Veterans Memorial

J.D.S / Shutterstock.com

It’s the perfect place to show respect for those who have sacrificed their lives for our country.

It’s also a powerful reminder of these men and women’s sacrifices for our country, and it’s a must-see for anyone who visits Kennewick.

It has several seating areas and a fountain, so it’s the perfect spot to reflect.

Memorial at Regional Veterans Memorial

J.D.S / Shutterstock.com

Visit John Day Park

John Day Park is an expansive neighborhood park area in central Kennewick.

John Day Park is like your typical outdoor recreation center—it has plenty of outdoor activities and amenities that everyone can enjoy.

You can stroll along the walking path, have a picnic in one of the many picnic areas, and let the kids play in the playground.

The park also has multipurpose fields where the kids can run around and play field sports like frisbee or football.

John Day Park is free to use, so you can make the most of your time here without worrying about any expenses.

Learn How to Do Gardening at the WSU Master Gardener Demonstration Garden

The WSU Master Gardener Demonstration Garden is great for learning about gardening.

This community garden on Union Street is home to various plants, flowers, and trees.

The garden is also home to several demonstration beds, which explain how to care for different types of plants.

If you’re new to gardening or just want to learn more about it, the WSU Master Gardener Demonstration Garden is a great place to visit.

The garden is open from April to October, and admission is free.

However, if you plan to visit, take note that the WSU Master Gardener Demonstration Garden is open only on Tuesdays.

Get Active at Lawrence Scott Park

Welcome sign of Lawrence Scott Park

Kirk Bagley, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Lawrence Scott Park is a beautiful place perfect for a day outdoors.

This park offers something for everyone, with playground equipment, several sports courts, and paved walking trails.

Lawrence Scott Park is one of three sports complexes in the city that’s conveniently located within minutes of restaurants and shopping centers, so if you ever want to switch from an outdoor to an indoor setting, you can do so immediately.

Some notable amenities that Lawrence Scott Park offers include a playground for kids, picnic areas with grilling stations, concession stands, basketball courts, baseball fields, multipurpose fields, a soccer field, tennis courts, well-maintained restrooms, and more.

The best part about Lawrence Scott Park is it’s free to use, so you can enjoy its amenities without spending any money.

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend the day, drop by Lawrence Scott Park in Quinault and enjoy some outdoor action.

See Different Attractions at Southridge Sports and Events Complex

The Southridge Sports and Events Complex is a great place to take the family for a day out.

This sports complex features a variety of attractions that are perfect for people of all ages.

The massive 52-acre convention center is one of the most popular places to visit in Kennewick.

There are three baseball fields where local tournaments are held, multipurpose fields that feature locals and visitors playing their favorite field sport, and an indoor basketball court that hosts leagues and other events.

The Southridge Sports and Events Complex also has a fun zone with a covered playground, splash pad, and picnic shelter.

It’s a great spot for the kids to have fun and interact with other children.

The most notable attraction within Southridge Sports and Events Complex is the 9-11 Memorial, a monument dedicated to those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks.

The local government is honored to have a piece of American history in Kennewick and invites locals and visitors to see it at the Southridge Sports and Events Complex on Southridge Boulevard.

Ride Your BMX at the State Patrol Trails

If you’re looking for a place to ride your BMX, the State Patrol Trails is the place for you.

This park is in Highland Kennewick and is home to various dirt jumps, berms, and trails that are perfect for BMX riders of all levels.

The park also has areas for picnics, as well as benches where you can take a break and relax in between rides.

The State Patrol Trails are free to use, so you can ride your BMX and have a fun time going through the trails without worrying about accumulating any expenses.

If you’re looking for a fun and exciting day out with your friends, the State Patrol Trails is a great place to enjoy an adrenaline rush.

Stroll around Columbia Center Mall

Far view of Columbia Center Mall

Williamborg, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Columbia Center Mall is a popular shopping destination in Kennewick that offers a variety of stores and restaurants.

This mall is the perfect place to shop for clothes, accessories, home goods, and more.

It also has several restaurants that offer a wide range of cuisines, so you can find something to satisfy your palate.

Some of the restaurants that you’ll find at the Columbia Center Mall include Applebee’s, Arby’s, Baja Fresh, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chili’s, Cracker Barrel, and more.

The Columbia Center Mall is also home to a movie theater that features all of the latest releases.

Of course, if you don’t feel like spending money, you can simply stroll around the mall and window shop.

The vibrant and lively atmosphere makes the Columbia Center Mall a great place to hang out and relax.

If you’re looking for a fun day out with family or friends, visit the Columbia Center Mall on Columbia Center Boulevard.

Enjoy the Beautiful Scenery at Badger Mountain Organic Winery

Badger Mountain Organic Winery is a great place to visit if you want to enjoy quality wine while soaking up the beautiful scenery.

This winery is located on a hill that offers stunning views of the Tri-Cities area and the Columbia River.

The vineyard also has a variety of fruit trees, so you can take a break from wine tasting and enjoy some delicious fruits.

Badger Mountain Organic Winery also has a gift shop that sells wine-related items, like glasses, corkscrews, and decanters.

If you’re looking for a place to picnic, the vineyard has plenty of space to spread out a blanket and enjoy a meal with friends.

But if you’re only there for the views and scenery, you don’t have to worry about spending money on anything.

If you’re looking for a charming place to spend an afternoon, Badger Mountain Organic Winery is worth checking out.

Check Out the Coyote Canyon Mammoth Site

The Coyote Canyon Mammoth Siteis a great place to visit if you’re interested in archaeology.

This dig site and museum is located on Clodfelter Road and is home to various ancient artifacts.

The small museum displays the artifacts so you can learn about the culture and history of the area.

This site is free to explore, so you can look at all the different artifacts without worrying about spending any money.

If you’re looking for an interesting and educational activity, check out the Coyote Canyon Dig Site.

Other Things To Do Nearby

The areas surrounding Kennewick also have some interesting spots that are free to explore and enjoy.

Here are other free things to do nearby Kennewick, Washington:

Explore the Sacagawea Heritage Trail

Sunset over Sacagawea Heritage Trail

DJ Cane, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Sacagawea Heritage Trail is a great place to visit if you want to learn about the area’s history.

This trail is located in Pasco and is a relatively flat 23-mile multipurpose recreational train in the Tri-Cities.

The Sacagawea Heritage Trail travels along the Columbia River for most of its length, creating a loop connecting Pasco, Kennewick, and Rickland.

The trail is also paved, so traveling on it will be easy, peaceful, and stress-free.

The best part about this trail is it’s free to access, so exploring it is worth considering if you’re looking for a nice and relaxing activity.

Visit the Robert & Elisabeth Moore Observatory

The Robert & Elisabeth Moore Observatory in nearby Pasco is a great place to visit if you want to learn about the night sky.

This observatory has a variety of telescopes that are perfect for viewing the stars, planets, and other objects in space.

It also has a learning center that’s filled with exhibits that teach you about astronomy and space.

If you want to learn more about the universe, the Robert & Elisabeth Moore Observatory is a great place to start.

Visit USS Triton Park

The USS Triton Park is a great place to visit if you’re interested in naval history.

This park is in Richland and is home to the historic USS Triton, a nuclear-powered submarine used during the Cold War era.

Since the USS Triton was decommissioned in 1980, the submarine has been turned into a museum and is free to explore.

The USS Triton Park is open to visitors, and you can tour the submarine without paying any admission fee.

However, you can donate if you want to support the preservation of this historic submarine.

Final Thoughts

Kennewick is brimming with free activities.

From visiting museums to exploring parks, there is something here for everyone to enjoy without spending money.

If you’re excited about all of this and want to start planning your trip right away, don’t forget to consider these free things to do in Kennewick, Washington, and nearby areas.

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