Ah, spring break.
If you’re like most people, you might think spring break is for college students looking for a warm place to blow off steam after a semester at school. But we are firm believers that spring break can be – and should be – for everyone.
Have you been considering treating the kiddos to an exciting escape for their break? A spring trip to Lake Chelan can be fun for the whole family, from toddlers to grandparents and everyone in between.
Here are our tips for a family-friendly spring break in the beautiful Lake Chelan Valley!
Adventure Outside
There’s plenty of places to explore outdoors throughout the valley.
It may still be chilly but a trip to the hills or shores of Lake Chelan can still be an option!
A loop around the Riverwalk is right
outside your door at the Grandview or you can adventure further away to parks like Don Morse or Lakeside to walk along the shore.
This time of year, the lake’s water level is lower. This means you’ll have long stretches of sand to spread out on. If the crew is feeling extra adventurous, gear up for a hike. Some local favorites include the Reach 1 trail (an extension of the Riverwalk loop), up the butte to Elephant’s Head, or the various trails of Echo Ridge.
Day Trip to Stehekin
If you’re around all week, we recommend carving out some time to make a day trip to Stehekin.
The ferry ride up on the Lady of the Lake will be a hit with everyone as you take in the scenery of Lake Chelan from places that roads can’t take you.
Enjoy a morning aboard the Lady of the Lake with a good book, a game of cards, or just the company of your favorite bunch.
In the off-season, the layover in Stehekin is just an hour, but you can still make it worth your time as you explore off the grid!
Photo | Lady of the Lake
Or if you have the time, spend a night at a cabin before returning downlake on the next day’s return trip, leaving you plenty of time to hike, eat (at the delicious Stehekin Pastry Company), and explore the beauty that uplake has to offer.
Bowling and Dinner
Planning a fun and exciting vacation can be exhausting.If you need an activity that everyone is sure to love, you can’t go wrong with bowling and pizza. Hit Chelan Lanes for a few hours of good old-fashioned family fun.
For the ultimate experience, visit on a Friday or Saturday night after 5 for Cosmic Bowling!
Bowl to your heart’s content and refuel with food from Mr. J’s located conveniently inside the bowling
Photo | Chelan Lanes
alley, or head next door to Company Creek Pizza where you can grab dinner and play arcade games.
Family-Friendly Wineries
We know wineries aren’t the first place you think of taking your kids, but hear us out!
Several of the wineries throughout the valley welcome all ages. Bring the whole clan and enjoy a game of cornhole or live music while the adults sip on a newly released white wine. You can even bring or order food to some wineries so you can keep the fun going.
Everyone wins. Find family-friendly wineries here!
Photo | Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce
Shop Local
Just across the bridge from the Grandview, you’ll find the heart of downtown Chelan.
Take a stroll through town and visit the local stores that give Chelan its charming character. Stop in at Riverwalk Books where everyone will find something they love. And don’t forget to head upstairs where you’ll find a kid’s wonderland.Visit SwimWorld to find neat gadgets, gizmos, and
souvenirs. Get lost in Kelly’s Ace Hardware, even if you don’t need anything. Grab a coffee or hot chocolate at The Vogue where locals convene! Every door you walk through, you’ll find a unique and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great way to pass an afternoon in the valley!
Now that we’ve laid the groundwork for a spring getaway that the whole family will love, planning one doesn’t seem so hard, right? We can’t wait to see you and the clan here at Grandview on the Lake!
