You survived the rainiest season on record, and exhausted every trick in the indoor parenting playbook to do it. Now your fam’s itching to get outside and explore. Whether your crew wants to hike, bike, fish, boat or swim, you can make it happen at Suncadia Resort. We’ve got the scoop on making the most of these (hopefully) sunny days at this easy mountain getaway.
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Stay Well This Month
Although Suncadia is a good spot to get your fit on in any season, May is dedicated to wellness. The programming staff has upped the activity quotient to bring families seriously healthy programs that are fun to boot. Daily self-led meditations, public fitness classes on Sundays and special spa package pricing at the Glade Spring Spa are all part of the deal. Plus, there are fun extras like the upcoming Barnyard Warrior (May 27) that puts your gladiator skills to work at Nelson Farm. Or the special, complimentary fitness class taught by KaisaFit scheduled for May 21. Can’t make it in time to take advantage of these amazing activities? No problem. Suncadia’s an active family hot spot all year round. Here are some more of our favorite ways to get your wiggle worms out and about at this premier luxury resort!
Hit the Trails
The easiest way to get out at Suncadia is to descend the 1,000 steps behind the Lodge and spend time along the banks of the Cle Elum River. As you make your way down the 21-flights of stairs, there are plenty of spots to sit and take in the view with your sidekick, while reading tidbits about some of the animals you might find along the nearby trails. The steps let out at Riverfront Park, a picnic-able, kite fly-able, Frisbee-throw-able area that’s a starting point for outdoor hiking adventures. Sure, your kiddos will love throwing rocks into the river, and climbing around the gigantic tress lining the shore, but when they need to get moving again, we suggest crossing the bridge to find easy trails that wind through the lush forest. Families can also take the River-to-Lodge trail up the backside of the hill. There’s no doubt it’s a steep climb, but there are plenty of spots to stop and catch your breath, and the views at the top of the ridge are worth it!
Go for a Spin
Over 40-miles of mostly paved trails make biking another go-to family fave when you visit. You can bring your own from home, or rent anything you need (think: bikes, motorized scooters, bike trailers, jogging strollers and trail-along bike extensions) to make the most of a pedal-powered adventure around the property. With minimal traffic and wide, mostly flat trails, tooling around with the kiddos is a simple stress-free afternoon activity. If you pack a portable lunch, you can even make a pit stop at a scenic overlook or at one of the well-placed picnic tables before heading back to the Lodge.
Dive In!
Suncadia’s indoor pool that boasts two, two-story-high waterslides is where the action’s at on rainy days. But when the sun’s out, it’s hard to pass up diving into the deep end of the outdoor pool with your sidekick. Mountains looming in the background, and Suncadia’s own food truck, The Kitchen, stationed off to the side, life is simply good here. Be sure to check into the poolside activities scheduled throughout the week. Crafts like Bubble Mania and Sandy Candy will keep your cutie occupied while you soak up the rays or swim a few laps on your own. Many activities are complimentary, but some include a small fee. Fear not parents, the cool activities offered here aren’t just for kids. Moms and dads can sign up for daily water and fitness classes too. Our suggestion? Drop the kids off at CampCadia ($40/3 hrs. or $70/full day, per child) before you head over for a little “me time” at the pool!
Steer a Ship
Set sail with your crew at the Village Pavilion. They’ve got kayaks, canoes and paddle boards for rent here ($22-$27) all summer long. Once you’ve picked out your sea-worthy vessel, it’s time to take it for a spin on the alpine lake that skirts the Swim and Fitness Center. You can count on smooth sailing here, with calm waters and a just-right size, it puts parents and kiddos at ease as they make their way around the curves and bends. We especially love this spot for the tot lot and water-cautious kiddos.
Play All the Sports
Pick up a protein pack at the Coal House Caffe to fuel an afternoon spent climbing on the playground and playing every sport you can think of at Dawson Park. Quite possibly the best playground ever, it’s got everything families need to get active on a sunny day. The Recreation Cabin is where you’ll find balls, games, hoops, stick, ropes and more so you can make the most of the expansive grassy fields surrounding the play area. Psst… it’s an easy way to try out a new sport or rekindle a family fave. Pus, everything in the cabin is free to use during your stay.
Adventure On!
As you work your way through our list of faves, be sure to follow along and check off your accomplishments using the KidCadia Adventure Collection. Part inspirational guide, part merit badge tracker, this list of 15 interesting indoor and outdoor adventures helps kidlets take the lead planning their vacay must-do’s. The way it works is simple… complete an activity, earn a badge. If your Little’s gotten through all 15 by the time you head back to the city, she earns a special prize!
Fuel Up
Our favorite upside to all this activity is that you and your petite posse can enjoy some of the deliciously decadent amenities Suncadia has to offer, guilt-free! Say “yes” to sitting down for complimentary nightly s’mores around the campfire with your half-pint. From 7 p.m.-9 p.m., you’ll find all the fixings and skewers you need to roast up this summertime fave at each of the two fire pits on the property. We recommend the pit near the 1,000 steps because s’mores and sunsets go together as well as marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate do! Any other time of day, you can count on Portals Restaurant to serve up kid-friendly foods that go down easy, alongside creative, PNW-inspired dishes moms and dads will appreciate. Bon appetit!
Suncadia Resort
3600 Suncadia Trail
Cle Elum, Wa 98922
509-649-6400
Online: suncadiaresort.com
What activities do you want to try with your kids at Suncadia? Already been? Leave your family’s must-do list in the Comments below!
— Allison Sutcliffe (all photos courtesy of the writer unless otherwise noted)
This trip was paid for by Suncadia Resort, but all opinions expressed here belong to the writer.
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