Home Family Restaurants Head East! Your Guide to an Easy Lake Chelan Weekend Getaway by Kristina MoyJune 1, 2017 Search more like this bowlingstate parkbadmintonbasketballkid friendlylabor daymemorial dayoutdoor activitiestenniswineaquatic adventuresarts and craftsberry farmcream cheese Advertisement Trending Now Entertainment & Movies Netflix Finally Releases Trailer for Netflix Addams Family Spinoff ‘Wednesday’ News News Anchor Parents ‘Report’ on Their Baby’s Day in Viral TikTok Viral & Trending Texas School District Removes Anne Frank Adaptation from Shelves Recalls 2 Million MamaRoo & RockaRoo Baby Swings Recalled after Infant Death Viral & Trending Scotland Becomes the 1st Country to Make Period Products Free Advertisement Located approximately 3.5 hours from Seattle, Lake Chelan is the perfect driving distance for an extended weekend getaway. With a proclivity for 300 days of sun, an array of outdoor activities and over 30 wineries hugging the shores of the beautiful blue-green water, this family destination offers a little something for everyone. If you’re ready to escape the city and head east for the weekend, we’ve got the deets on where to stay, play and eat in Lake Chelan. photo: Lake Chelan Chamber of CommerceWhere to StayLake Chelan, and next door Manson, have a variety of rental properties, campsites, hotels and lodges to set up your relaxation headquarters. Here are a few of our favorite spots:Wapato Point Located in Mason, just a short drive from downtown Lake Chelan, Wapato Point sits on 116 acres and 1.5 miles of waterfront. Large sandy beaches coupled with outdoor activities galore (think: biking, swimming, boating, fishing, putt putt golf, tennis, walking trails) and accommodations that range from studios and one bedrooms to two and three bedroom condominiums, make this resort the perfect place for families.photo: Kristina MoyThe property boasts eight outdoor pools for seasonal use and one indoor Olympic pool facility, complete with a workout area, a hot tub and a shallow wading pool, so your little water bugs can get their aquatic fix on no matter what the weather. Each week, the Point offers a host of family activities that range from free to a couple of bucks. Purchase a weekly family pass for $95 (good for 6 people) and enjoy daily DIY arts and crafts, games, s’mores by the campfire and more from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. If you don’t feel like schlepping your bikes and sports equipment, the Kiosk (open daily starting at 10 a.m.) offers bike, tennis, pickleball, basketball, volleyball and horeseshoe rentals along with a range of non-motorized water craft rentals including kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and pedal boats; jet skis can be rented from Shoreline Rentals, conveniently located on the property. Wapato Point 1 Wapato Point Way Manson, Wa 98831 Reservations: 888-768-9511 Online: wapatopoint.comMountain View Lodge Also centrally located in the heart of Manson, Mountain View Lodge is as the name indicates. The boutique-style lodge comes complete with a glorious view of the mountains and a peek-a-boo view of the lake and is within walking distance to a multitude of wineries, restaurants and shops and offers plenty of kid-friendly amenities.photo: Jenifer CastilloOn top of having an outdoor pool and year-round hot tub, Mountain View Lodge has an outdoor kitchen and grilling area with fire pit (save room for evening s’mores fests), a grassy area for outdoor games (badminton net included) and movie nights in the lobby. Pets are always welcome and you will likely be greeted by Buddy, the Lodge’s resident four-legged ambassador upon check-in.Mountain View Lodge 25 Wapato Point Pkwy. Manson, Wa 98831 509-687-9505 Online: mvlresort.com Darnell’s Lake Resort This waterfront location features plenty of beach front fun for the whole family. Relax on the shores of Lake Chelan as your tots immerse themselves in aquatic adventure and comb the sand for the perfect castle locale. Once you arrive, you may easily forget that there is more of Chelan to explore! Complete with outdoor barbecues, a kid’s play area, ping-pong, horseshoes, outdoor heated pool and even a 9-hole putting course. this is a great place to kick off your shoes and get busy relaxing.photo: Libby K. via YelpDarnell’s Lake Resort 901 Spader Bay Rd. Chelan, Wa 98816 509-682-2015 Online: darnellsresort.comLake Chelan State Park If pitching a tent is more your style, check out Lake Chelan State Park. Set up camp here and enjoy the pristine waters and fresh Chelan air. With 6,000 feet of shoreline, your beachcombers will have lots of room to explore and play. And with a boat ramp and dock you can bring your watercraft and have easy access to on-the-water fun. Forget something? This campground also has a concession stand that offers groceries as well as candy, snacks and prepared food. However, keep in mind that with only 109 tent spaces this campground fills up quickly, so make sure to reserve your spot well in advance.Lake Chelan State Park 7544 Lakeshoe Rd. Chelan, Wa 98816 1-888-226-7688 Online: parks.state.wa.us/531/Lake-Chelan photo: Jeff F. via YelpOther properties we highly recommend include Campbell’s Resort in the heart of Lake Chelan and Lake Chelan Shores on the North Shore of the lake. Got a big group? Grab a few other families and rent a lakefront house.Where to PlaySlidewaters Located on the Chelan butte overlooking the lake, Slidewaters is one of the Northwest’s largest (and most popular) water slide parks. And with attractions for every age and stage, we guarantee everyone in your family will find something to enjoy. Kids and parents will love the 500-foot Lazy River, the Bug-a-Boo (a beginner slide for all ages), the Tube Blaster (for single or double tube riders at least 48 inches tall) and the Purple Haze (a dark covered tube for thrill seekers).photo: Kenna KonoskeFor a little friendly competition, head over to the Downhill Racer where you will find three lanes of racing fun. This trio-of-slides will allow you to throw down the water gauntlet and challenge your friends and family as you race, head first, on this mat slide. Slide your way into victory for bragging rights. For a more tame adventure, take the lil’ ones to the Aqua Zoo, where they will love splashing around in the fountains and climbing on the water toys. Or head over to the 60 person flower shaped hot tub for some R&R. Psst… save money on admission by visiting the park after 4 p.m. Slidewaters 102 Waterslide Dr. Lake Chelan, Wa 98816 509-682-5751 Online: slidewaterswaterpark.comHours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Memorial Day through Labor Day) Cost: $18 to $23 (under 3 Free); PM Plunge $13 to $18 (under 3 Free). Don’t forget the swim diaper!Lady of the Lake If you want to explore all of Lake Chelan, hop aboard the Lady of the Lake for a day trip (or overnight adventure) where you can take in spectacular mountain and lake views and enjoy unplugged serenity. This 55-mile journey brings you to the head of Lake Chelan, known as Stehekin Valley; which is only reachable by boat, seaplane or a 50-mile hike. The Lady of the Lake offers two boats: The Lady of the Lake II (a 4 hour, one way trip) or The Lady Express (a 2 hour one way trip); keep this in mind when booking so you can plan accordingly.With only 95 full-time residents, Stehekin is praised for its blue-green, glacier fed waters and nearly untouched natural surroundings. One of the biggest draws of this locale is the 312-foot waterfall known as Rainbow Falls. Hop aboard the Rainbow Falls Bus Tour where a heritage style red bus will take you to the falls and narrate historical points along the way. The tour includes a stop at the one-room schoolhouse (a historical landmark) and the Stehekin Pastry Co. where you can indulge in one of their famous cinnamon rolls.photo: Jenifer Castillo Good to Know: There is a snack bar on board the boat, but you can also bring food with you. Before you board, hit up the Lake Chelan Artisan Bakery and snag a couple of lunch sacks to help ease grumbling tummies on the trip. If you have tots in tow, there’s not a lot to do on the boat, so make sure to pack plenty of activities to keep them occupied; puzzles, coloring books and a laptop with movies are always good for the trip.Lady of the Lake 1418 W. Woodin Ave. Lake Chelan, Wa 98816 509-682-2399 Online: ladyofthelake.comHours: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. (summer); 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (late fall and winter) Cost: $40.50-$61 per person; ages 2-11 are half fare; under 2 FreeRainbow Falls Bus Tour Online: lodgeatstehekin.com/plan_your_trip/stehekin-activities/ride-the-red-busCost: $10/Adults; $5/Kids; Under 5 FreeLake Chelan Artisan Bakery 246 W. Manson Hwy. Chelan, Wa 98816 509-682-2253 Online: lakechelanbakery.com Hours: Mon.-Sat., 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 7 a.m.-3 p.m.Chelan Lanes With 300 days of sunshine, you are bound to encounter hot days while visiting Lake Chelan. If you need to cool off, head indoors for some air-conditioned fun at Chelan Lanes. Show off your 10-pin skills, or use the kid-friendly bumpers for maximum family fun. If you want to break out your best dance moves as well, visit Friday and Saturday nights from 7 p.m.-11 p.m. to enjoy Thunder Alley Cosmic Bowling. Complete with wall to wall surround sound and dancing lights, cosmic bowling increases the enjoyment level and the ambiance will ensure that all levels of bowlers (and dancers) have a great time.photo: Jenifer CastilloChelan Lanes 518 W. Manson Rd. Chelan, Wa 98816 509-682-2251 Online: chelanlanes.comHours: Open Bowling Mon.-Wed., 1 p.m.-6 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; Thurs., 1 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Cosmic Bowling Fri.-Sat., 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Cost: $3/shoe rental (remember your socks!); regular bowling $4/game per person; Thunder Alley Cosmic Bowling, $5/game per person or $75 per lane for two hours Rally Alley Go-Karts Ready, set, go! If you’ve got a future race car driver, be sure to check out this fun activity in downtown Lake Chelan. The kidney-shaped race track of Rally Alley allows your mini-Andretti to race in single or double seated cars while onlookers cheer him on.photo: Kristina MoyRally Alley Go-Karts Located next to the Putting Course at Don Morse Park 135 E. Johnson Lake Chelan, Wa 98816 Online: rallyalleychelan.comHours: Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Cost: Single Kart $7 (must be 52” tall to drive); Double Kart $8 (must be 16 yr. old to drive)Blueberry Hills A trip to Lake Chelan wouldn’t be complete without visiting Blueberry Hills—a small, family owned and operated U-pick berry farm and restaurant. For a U-pick adventure, head out to the blueberry field and pick berries until they turn your fingertips purple. At $2.50 a pound, you should be able to gather enough blueberries to snack on and even more to bring home; post vacation. In addition to blueberries (available July through mid-August), you can pick strawberries and raspberries June through late fall and blackberries August though October. Psst… If you don’t have the time (or the energy) to hit the fields, Blueberry Hills does sell pre-picked berries by the pound at their fruit stand. photo: Jenifer CastilloOnce you’ve had your fill of the fields, head inside to the restaurant for a good old-fashioned home cooked meal. Here you will find eclectic decor to feast your eyes and food to feast your belly. Enjoy a hearty breakfast such as the Pepe’ Scramble, Cowboy Breakfast or a smiley face waffle for your mini foodie. Enjoy homemade soups, sandwiches, burger, pies, muffins and even ice cream. The restaurant is extremely popular (especially on weekends), so if you want to avoid a line out the door, head here early. However, if there is a line, rest easy; the line moves fast and there is plenty of seating; including an outdoor covered deck overlooking the blueberry fields. Psst… while you are waiting, let your kids explore the hidden play space under the stairs; it’s packed with toys, books and plenty of fun.Good to know: Blueberry Hills is known for their Breakfast Blintz (pictured below); a sweet crepe filled with a blend of ricotta and cream cheese and topped with warm blueberry or peach (or both) pie filling and whipped cream. Although it is large enough to share, you likely will want to keep this tasty treat all to yourself.photo: Jenifer Castillo Blueberry Hills 1315 Washington St. Manson, Wa 98831 509-687-2379 Online: wildaboutberries.comHours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. during the summer; check online for off season hours Cost: $2.50-$4/pound for berries, $7.95-$14.95 for restaurant menu itemsWhere to EatWapato Point Cellars Lake Chelan prides itself in being home to some of the regions best wineries. In an effort to combine the family atmosphere of the region and to showcase the bountiful local vineyards; many of the wineries have made a conscious effort to be family friendly. One of the best examples of this is Wapato Point Cellars. Settle outside on an Adirondack deck chair that overlooks an acre of luscious green grass complete with a playground for the kiddos. Sip a glass of wine and enjoy appetizers while watching the kids play badminton or take a spin on the merry-go-round. Stick around to have dinner at the Winemaker’s Grill and enjoy the house favorite Chicken Piccata or Steak Skewers with goat cheese and bacon. Plus, everyone in your crew can enjoy evening entertainment, starting nightly at 5 p.m., where local musicians fill the evening air with sounds of music.photo: Jenifer CastilloWapato Point Cellars 200 S. Quetilquasoon Rd. Manson, Wa 98831 509-687-4000 Online: wapatopointcellars.comHours: Winery open daily at noon; appetizers available in the Tasting Room from noon-5 p.m.; Winemaker’s Grill opens at 5 p.m.Lakeview Drive In In the heart of downtown Chelan you will find Lakeview Drive In, a local landmark serving mouthwatering burgers and fries to residents and tourists since 1957. Stop here to curb your appetite while you enjoy a view of Lake Chelan from its outdoor tables. Order your french fries by the bucket (seriously, they come in a bucket!). These fries are the local favorite and come with homemade Mack’s Seasoning Salt; and remember, don’t skip the fry sauce! Finish your meal with a milkshake and a stroll along the beachfront.Good to know: You can purchase Lakeview’s famous Original Mack’s Seasoning Salt (used on the fries), so you can attempt to recreate the deliciousness at home. $3.50 for 5.5oz bottle.photo: Rachel D. via YelpLakeview Drive In 323 W. Manson Hwy. Chelan, Wa 98816 Online: lakeviewdrivein.comHours: Daily, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.Marcela’s Cocina Mexicana If you and your crew are in the mood for authentic Mexican food, make your way to downtown Chelan to dine at Marcela’s Cocina Mexicana. Serving family recipes, homemade tortillas and some seriously delicious margaritas, you will find any decision you make a good one. For a little spice, try the Pineapple-Jalepeno Margarita or an Acapulco burrito with habanero sauce. If you are feeling like the meals and ambiance seem a tad familiar, it could be because Marcela’s mom owns and operates Rosita’s Mexican Grill in Green Lake. One thing is for certain, this family knows how to serve up a delicious meal on both sides of the Cascades.photo: Jenifer CastilloMarcela’s Cocina Mexicana 119 E. Woodin Ave. Chelan, Wa 98816 509-682-4754 Online: facebook.com/marcelascocinamexicanaHours: 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.FestivalsLake Chelan, and neighboring Manson, host a number of fun, family festivals throughout the year. Here are some of our favorites:photo: Kristina MoyManson Apple Blossom Festival & Parade: Second Saturday in May Spring Barrel Tasting: Third weekend in May Lake Chelan Memorial Day Parade: May 25, 2017 Cruizin Chelan Kickoff Party: June 2-3, 2017 Chelan 4th of July Fireworks Show: July 4, 2017 Manson Fireworks: July 4, 2017 Chelan Man Triathlon: July 15-16, 2017 Lake Chelan Rodeo Parade: Aug. 3, 2017 Lake Chelan Rodeo: Aug. 4-5, 2017 Slam N’ Jam Basketball Tournament: Aug. 19-20, 2017 Lake Chelan Creative Arts Festival: Aug. 19-20, 2017 Fall Car Show: Sept. 8-9, 2017 Mahogany & Merlot: Oct. 7-8, 2017 Skyfest: Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2017 Harvest Festival: Oct. 2017 (dates TBD) Fall Barrel Tasting: Nov. 24-26, 2017 Manson’s Winter Festival & Village of Lights: Nov. 24-Dec. 31, 2017 Lake Chelan Winterfest: Jan. 2018 (dates TBD) Red Wine & Chocolate: Second & Third weekends of Feb. 2018For more information about Lake Chelan, visit the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce or call 800-424-3526 or 509-682-3503.Has your family visited Lake Chelan? Planning to visit this summer? Where are your favorite places to stay, play and eat? Tell us in the Comments below!— Kristina Moy & Jenifer CastilloA portion of this trip was paid for by the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce, but all opinions expressed here belong to the writers. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Click to share on Copy (Opens in new window) Search more like this bowlingstate parkbadmintonbasketballkid friendlylabor daymemorial dayoutdoor activitiestenniswineaquatic adventuresarts and craftsberry farmcream cheese Welcome to our Tinybeans family! Be sure to check your email for new activities, recipes and parenting hacks – and to see if you’ve won! Do you have a dog or cat? 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