Top 5 Kid-Friendly Lake Chelan Summer Activities
Lake. Sun. Swim. Rest. Repeat.
Summer at Lake Chelan. It doesn’t get any better – great experiences and new memories at every turn. Here are my top five picks for fun things to do with your kids or grandkids. Enjoy!
A Day at the Lake - Beach or Boat
Clearly the number one kid activity is the lake. This long 50-mile body of fresh water beacons as both playground and paradise. Consider renting a boat from Shoreline Watercraft and get ready to explore! My boating basics post will get you started. Make sure you also rent an inner tube.
If you have really young kids, a day on the shore may be a better bet. Toddlers will enjoy spending hours at the water’s edge (putting sand everywhere on their bodies!). Consider a visit to Lakeside Park, Don Morse Park, or the Lake Chelan State Park.
Slidewaters & Lakeside Surf
Slidewaters has been a family attraction for over a generation in Chelan. It caters to all ages and offers an easy way to spend the day. Pack a lunch or purchase food at the park. Bring a suit or buy one at the park. Slidewaters has all your needs covered. If your kids can walk, they will enjoy the slides.
And with the addition of the Lakeside Surf, older kids and teenagers have a challenge to keep them engaged for hours. Lakeside Surf, as the largest stationary wave in the world, attracts surfing enthusiasts from all points on the globe. But the wave is very approachable for beginners of all ages.
Downtown Chelan Greatest Hits - Ice cream, Candy, Books, & Movies
Ok grandparents, if boating and a water park sound a bit too adventurous, consider a trip with the grandkids to downtown Chelan. There you will find a quaint small-town bookstore (Riverwalk Books), a classic toy and candy store (Chelan Toys & Sweets), one of the oldest continually running movie theaters in the state (Ruby Theater), and a classic ice cream parlor, (The Landing). Quintessential Chelan with memories on every street corner.
Grass Putting Course and Go-Carts
A few blocks from downtown Chelan, the City’s Grass Putting Course offers 18 holes of putting fun. This is no putt-putt with artificial turf. This course features real grass from the rough to the green along with water features, sand traps, and views of the lake to the west.
After the gang has finished their round, head next door to the Rally Alley Go-Carts. There you can pick from cars named Manson, Merlot, Stehekin, and Slidewaters. (Despite the fancy names, I’m pretty sure they all go the same speed.)
Blueberry Hills - You-Pick Blueberries
Finally, be sure to take the kids to Blueberry Hills in Manson for some U-pick magic. Typically the season starts around July 1, but be sure to check the BH website. At the farm, you will be given buckets and pointed towards the ripe varieties. Any seasoned parent will know that U-pick with younger kids pretty much means U-eat. A few berries may go in the bucket, but most tend to migrate straight to the mouth.
If the kiddos are still hungry after their berry picking, don’t miss Blueberry Hills famous farmhouse style restaurant. Get ready for sumptuous waffles and cheese blintzes for breakfast and certified Angus beef burgers for lunch or dinner.
