Leavenworth, WA with kids
- Caitlin
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
You start to wonder if it is worth it to travel with two kids. Does the "fun" outweigh the amount of stress and hardship?
This Leavenworth trip was reallll close to that BUT it was most of our own problems, and not Leavenworth it's self š
We went the 3rd week in June and the weather was perfect - upper 70s and lots of sun!
BE AWARE OF OUR MISTAKES:
Don't drive a little electric car 5 hours when it can only go 130 miles at a time š¬ because then you'll have to stop 4x to charge, and let it cool down after over-heating which then takes you about 11 hours to get there
Check the condo listing prior to booking to see if it has a bottom fridge where your toddler can open the door, get out a yogurt, open the yogurt and pour it on the condo's carpet š
Just be aware that your 2.5 year old toddler may out grow his pack and play ON THIS TRIP and climb right out of it and you'll have to bed share for the first time since he was a baby and you won't get good sleep since you'll be kicked all night.
THE FUN!
There was fun on the trip, thank goodness or this would have been a total bust. Reminder, at the time of travel I have a 2.5 year old HIGH ENERGY boy and 6 year old girl. Many of the things listed you can do with a little one.
Drive north through Olympia and stop at this great playground - Penny Playground about 1.5 hours from Portland. Most epic playground we've been to.
Stay at this little resort, Icicle Village that is a 3 minute drive to the main downtown. We stayed at this condo on VRBO and it was about 10 steps to two small pools, and mini golf. They also have a restaurant and game room on site within the hotel part of the property.
What to do
Pro tip -- I linked Google maps locations. Click the link on your phone to open in Google Maps and hit SAVE to save it to a WANT TO GO TO list. That way you don't have to remember these places.
Walk around the city center - Of course you're there for the alpine town feel and mountain views. It is quite picturesque and fun. Lots of cute shops and plenty of places to eat.
Greater Leavenworth Museum - A small but cute and informative museum about the history of the city. It is great because they have toddler toys (trains) and a big kid scavenger hunt. I was able to read everything!
Adventure Park - For big kids, 3 years old and older. There is an alpine coaster (super cool) and a rock climbing wall. For toddlers you can "mine for rocks" at the sifter.
Mini Hike - Our kids aren't accustomed to hikes unfortunately, but this one we managed to do with the big kid walking and the toddler on my back in the carrier. We walked .7 miles to the Old Pipeline Beach and back. The bridge has a beautiful view of the rushing river and mountains.
Waterfront Park - there is a path from town down to the river. You'll find a playground and also a river front beach. The water is COLD but kids don't care.
Mini golf, game room, pool at Icicle Village resort - we spent half days at our condo that was so helpful, especially if a little one has to sleep, at least one of you could enjoy the pool...
Smallwood's Harvest - Petting zoo with fresh berries and a kids play ground (old, but there's enough to see on the property to make it entertaining). The animals were so worth it! We went the end of June so perfect for cherries and apricots!
Where to eat
Blewett Brewery had great pizza and good for the kids
Muchen Haus is known for the beer fest and sausages. We had to get in our German meal. It has a very limited menu so don't go here if you are a vegan :)
South Leavenworth - Mexican food, actually very good
Whistlepunk Ice Cream - we came back here two nights in a row. Super yummy
Otherwise, we went to the little market in town, Dan's Market, and cooked most of our meals.
These trips make memories, right? Despite the hardships, we did have a good time. I know Leavenworth is known for winter / Christmas time but I really recommend coming here when it is spring / summer!
As moms say to one another when going on a trip - GOOD LUCK!
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