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This Bavarian-inspired village packs loads of summer fun for families. Photo: iStock
For many families, summer vacations often mean ambitious road trips. But with gas prices so high, it’s worth considering a closer option. Leavenworth, Washington, is just 120 miles from Seattle, but it is a world away. And getting there is half the fun. Rather than take I-90, try a more scenic route along Highway 2. Road trip through charming small towns, the stunning scenery of the Cascade foothills, and bucolic farms and orchards.
Once you arrive, this Bavarian-inspired village packs loads of outdoor summer fun for all ages. There is even a spa or two for Mom to rejuvenate.
Family-friendly accommodations
Once the site of a youth summer camp, Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort and Spa makes a perfect base for your Leavenworth vacation. There are a variety of rooms and cabins perfect for families of any size. Think of rustic luxury, where you’ll find plush robes alongside bunk beds for the kids. The property is gorgeous, with accommodations spread across 67 acres of lush natural landscape and beautiful gardens. There are no televisions or an indoor fitness facility; the goal is to get you outside and explore nature.
- Hidden art installations: Explore the property to find art installations throughout, including an upside-down Dale Chihuly chandelier that was too big for its interior destination and is now a beautiful outdoor display.
- Outdoor pool and hot tub: The lovely pool deck has stunning mountain views with plenty of comfy lounge chairs.
- Aspen Leaf Day Spa: I highly recommend the Signature Jade Stone Sole 2 Soul Foot Treatment, a decadent experience for tired legs.
Things to do with kids in Leavenworth
Seek thrills at Leavenworth Adventure Park
Adrenaline seekers will love Leavenworth Adventure Park. The Tumwater Twister, Washington’s first alpine coaster, is a thrilling, scenic open-air ride. The park can get busy during the summer, so purchase tickets in advance. This is a small park with no admission; you just pay as you go for the three attractions. In addition to the alpine coaster, there is rock climbing and a mining sluice. It’s a cute property just outside of Leavenworth and offers a variety of refreshments and treats from multiple vendors.
Visit the reindeer at Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
Get the Christmas spirit this summer when you visit the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, located just one mile from town. Hand feeding a reindeer is a highlight of a Leavenworth vacation. By reservation only, tours include an educational presentation followed by time in the reindeer enclosure for interaction with the herd. Great photo ops for your Christmas card. A visit to the world’s largest reindeer-themed gift shop is a must. The on-site Blitzen Brew offers handcrafted espresso beverages, seasonal drinks and Norwegian lefse.
Insider tip: If you visit in July, book the Christmas in July tour to meet Santa and baby reindeer.
Take a horseback ride with Icicle Outfitters and Guides
From the Sleeping Lady, visitors will note the cutest horses across the street. Feel free to visit with your children; the guides are friendly and love answering questions, and the horses are very sweet. Icicle Outfitters and Guides offers 2-mile and 4-mile horseback rides on horses so gentle that kids as young as 6 can ride them. Younger children can ride with parents. Reservations are encouraged, but walk-ups are often available.
Tour the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery
The Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery might be a surprise as a vacation destination, but there is so much to do here. Start at the visitor center to see the floor-to-ceiling mural depicting the salmon’s life cycle. Pick up a brochure for a self-guided tour of the grounds. Adult salmon begin migrating up Icicle Creek in May and arrive at the hatchery via a fish ladder. Spawning takes place in August. Icicle Creek Nature Trail is a 1.36-mile loop trail along the water on an easy gravel trail, perfect for young children. The hatchery also hosts events and activities throughout the year.
Explore downtown Leavenworth
Downtown Leavenworth feels like you’ve been transported to an alpine village in Germany. Surprisingly, it feels authentic, not kitschy, with modern buildings that look hundreds of years old. Pedestrian-only streets make it perfect for strolls with small children. There are plenty of dining options, from sit-down restaurants to sidewalk cafes and bratwurst stands selling traditional German sausages. Here are some kid-friendly activities not to miss.
- Willkommen Center: Stop by the visitor center for maps and a fun scavenger hunt for children.
- Nutcracker Museum: Guests can enjoy one of the largest nutcracker collections in the world at the Nutcracker Museum. The nutcracker scavenger hunt is a fun one with tough options for older children.
- Leavenworth Museum: Learn about the history of the area at the Leavenworth Museum and take a guided historic tour.
- The Wood Shop: Children love the whimsical Wood Shop, a stop for families since 1974. Make sure to check out the local, handmade wooden puzzles.
No matter what activities you choose to do with the kids in Leavenworth, you can enjoy the slower pace and make lasting memories.
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Editor’s note: This trip was hosted by Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort and Spa, but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.
