I'm going to let you in on a little secret.  I'm a young professional on a tight budget.  And by that I mean I know what it's like to be scraping by.  And if you're wondering, yes, I do eat top ramen.  Not because it's cheap . . . but because I like the delicious chicken flavor!  But don't feel sorry for me.  I'm actually enjoying it.  Why, you ask?  Because it forces me to branch out and be creative when it comes to fun and entertainment.  And I like that.  I also count myself blessed to live in Spokane where all it takes is a look around to find activities to keep my bottom line down.

Lower bottom line?  What?  I've got your attention now!  Lucky for you I'm a nice guy.  And with a little research and a good amount of first hand experience I've compiled my "Spokane Top 10 under $10 list."  Think David Letterman's Top 10 List but with more practical application for all ages.  In no particular order . . .

1. Spokane Falls Skyride:  Soak up spectacular views of the Spokane River as you drop over Spokane Falls and under the historic Monroe Street Bridge on this 15-minute ride.  Adults ($7.25) Children ($4) www.spokaneriverfrontpark.com
2. Arbor Crest Summer Concert Series:  Picnic on the beautiful grounds of Arbor Crest Wine Cellars while listening to some of the Spokane Region's finest musicians.  ($5)  *Breathtaking view of the Spokane Valley included in cost.  Must be 21 to attend. www.arborcrest.com
3. Cat Tales Zoological Park:  Tour one of the best zoological training centers in the U.S., which is home to more than 40 big cats, tigers and bears Oh My!  Even hand feed a lion or tiger.  Adults ($8) Children ($5) www.cattales.org
4. Spokane Indians Baseball:  Grab a seat at historic Avista Stadium to watch the Spokane Indians, perennial powers of the Northwest League, take the field.  Adults ($6) Children ($5) www.spokaneindiansbaseball.com
5. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture:  Tour the five rotating galleries, education center and community room of this Smithsonian-affiliated museum nestled in the heart of historic Browne's Addition.  Adults ($7)  Children ($5) www.northwestmuseum.org
6. The Blue Door Theatre:  Laugh your butt off at all-improvised, sketch comedy that is energetic, funny and endlessly entertaining at the Inland Northwest's premier improve house.  Adults ($9)  Children ($7) www.bluedoortheatre.com
7. Looff Carrousel:  Reach for the brass ring as you take a ride on the 1909 Looff Carrousel.  And yes, your math is correct; the carrousel is celebrating its 100^th Anniversary this year.  Adults ($1.50)  Children ($0.75) www.spokaneriverfrontpark.com
8. Laser Quest:  Get the adrenaline pumping with an intense game of laser tag! General admission ($8)
9. Mobius kids, a children's museum:  Bring your kids and prepare to learn something new at Mobius, a hands-on interactive museum for children and their families.  General admission ($5.75) www.mobiusspokane.org
10. Spokane Shock:  Catch arena football at its finest, as the two-time league champion Spokane Shock put the smack down on their opponents.  ($8) www.spokaneshock.com

Who said you can't have fun on a budget?  And just think; this is only a taste of what you can do.  And these are only my suggestions.  What do you have to add to the list?