FAMILY TRAVEL: WHAT TO DO + EAT IN LEAVENWORTH, WA

I’m back and ready to spill the beans on all the best things to do in Leavenworth, WA with kids! I know this won’t be as helpful to those outside of the Pacific Northwest, but hopefully the home video and images are somewhat entertaining and make you want to plan a road trip!

WHAT TO EAT IN LEAVENWORTH – starting with the most important thing because no one can be happy and hungry at the same time. If traveling with kids and the town is busy during your visit I suggest making reservations (and/or dining early) whenever possible.

SOUTH – Cozy atmosphere, yummy tex-mex and every once in awhile, live music. Also, every time we’ve been, our food comes so quick which is always a bonus with kids! PS – the tortilla soup is my favorite. PPS – Los Comperos is another option (with a bigger dining area) if you’re craving mexican!
GUSTAV’S – my love for Gustav’s runs deep as they’ve been feeding me since I was Tilly’s age. Great place to take the fam bam or a group with lots of crowd pleasers on the menu (burgers, yummy fries, sandwiches, soups, salads, brats, etc.).
HEIDLEBURGER DRIVE IN – my other request as a kid was the drive-in. We’d stop on our way back to the cabin after skiing or on our way home.
MUNCHEN HAUS – the best place to grab a hot dog, sausage or pretzel and then sit outside (by heaters or open flame at the tables!). Plus they have the best selection of mustard and other condiments. A few pics here.
LEAVENWORTH SAUSAGE GARTEN – another great option for quick eating!
WATERSHED CAFE – Farm to table and PNW inspired, cozy atmosphere, with outdoor seating during warmer months. Just a little bit tucked away from the main street on 8th.
SULLA VITA – Medeterranian food, wood-fired pizza oven, amazing wine (and beer :) selection, and outdoor eating. So good.
BAREN HAUS – I’ve never actually eaten here, but everytime I walk by, I want to go in… Just not the biggest fan of German food and my kids don’t like sausages so always hesitate!
VISCONTI’S – everyone needs a good italian meal, plus they take reservations.
HOMEFIRES BAKERY – is it even a trip to Leavenworth without grabbing some goodies for breakfast from Homefires? When I was a kid they were located in a house along icicle road, but now you’ll find them in Dan’s Food Mart.
GINGERBREAD FACTORY – easy to miss, but a fun spot to stop for a quick sweet treat.
COFFEE – there’s a starbucks in town (yay!). It’s almost always packed during the weekends or holidays but the drive-thru is usually empty. J5 coffee is also really good, the shop is cute (the espresso maker is turquoise!), and their shelves are stocked with coffee, tea and accessories – perfect for gifts!
ICE CREAM – because you know we always need an ice cream break! If you have a craving or need a good bribe for the kids, try Whistlepunk Ice Cream Co. (they sell pints too!) or Viadolce Gelato.

WHAT TO DO IN LEAVENWORTH – a few of our favorites during the colder months below!

VISITING SHOPS – you can’t go to Leavenworth without a trip into town and a stroll along front street. A few of our faves: Kris Kringle, the Wood Shop, the Hat Shop, Der Sportsman, the Taffy Shop, Schocolat, J T Blu, and so many more. You really just have to walk up and down the streets to find all the gems… somewhere along the way there’s a cute home goods store that I can’t remember the name of, lol!
THE FESTHALLE – Between Thanksgiving and Christmas there’s craft booths, Santa and a Young Life booth with snacks and lanterns you can decorate ($10 each) for the Santa parade (a short walk from the festhalle to the gazebo in town. More details here, but it’s worth stopping by the halle to talk to someone and double check times!
FRONT STREET GAZEBO + HILL – if there’s snow, bring a sled! Great spot to grab a pizza or picnic and let the kids play during the warmer months too. It’s also where you’ll find public restrooms.
WATERFRONT PARK – Just a few blocks behind downtown and along the Wenatchee river. The perfect little activity if you need a break from the crowds but don’t want to drive anywhere.
ENCHANTMANT PARK – a great kids play area, bike track, skate park and walking tails also along the Wenatchee river and close to town.
SLEIGH RIDES – There are usually a couple sleighs in town or there are more scenic rides listed here.
SKI HILL – Also known as Leavenworth Winter Sports Club, has tubing, skiing, snowshoeing and a lodge that sells hot chocolate. We’ve gone before just to play in the snow and sip on cocoa.
ICICLE VILLAGE – Has miniature golf, a little arcade area (yay skee-ball!) and chicken strips if your kids have a craving.

Sandwiched between a brick and a pink building… gah!

The lights are the best part!

Outside of Kris Kringle where we stop almost every trip and buy an ornament. Can’t beat a shop entirely dedicated to Christmas decor! If you plan on bringing the kids in (there are lots of breakables!) I suggest ditching the stroller and heading up the stairs where they keep the more casual and less expensive ornaments and decorations :)

This time we brought home two, plus a couple more as gifts. The gumball machine made the cut along with a red phone booth to inspire more traveling in the new year and add more red to our tree!

Blurry, dark pics from inside of South.