If an easy weekend getaway is on your family’s summer bucket list, consider a trip to Suncadia Resort. This premier, all-season mountain resort, located just 80 miles east of Seattle, offers a posh experience yet is casual, kid-friendly and a bit adventurous. Still not convinced? We’ve put together a list of 12 reasons you and your kid crew need to pack your bags and head east to Suncadia before summer’s over.
photo: Kristina Moy
1. Hiking and biking and strolling. Oh my! More than 10 miles of paved paths and countless miles of scenic trails will keep your family moving amidst the stunning views and lush surroundings of Suncadia’s forests and hills. And with rentals available for almost anything you can think of: bikes, cruisers, youth bikes, motorized scooters, bike trailers, jogging strollers and even trail-along bike extensions, there’s no need to haul your gear. The best part? Kids will love the abundance of wide, paved, flat trails and parents will love the safety of their little ones on wheels without the presence of cars.
photo: Kristina Moy
2. Lake Activities Galore. Through Sept. 5, the Village Pavilion rents boats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boats and stand-up paddle boards seven days a week. The lake is also stocked with trout, so your little fisherman can cast his line from the shores or dock and everyone can feed the resident ducks. Rental fees range from $20 to $27, depending on equipment.
photo: Kristina Moy
3. Daily Kids’ Activities. During the summer months, Suncadia hosts a variety of daily activities to keep little visitors and their grownups happy and entertained. From tie-dying t-shirts, to fun and sustainable crafting activities, to a Coal Mine Cache and Junior Rangers program, there’s an outdoor adventure for every age and stage. Psst! Pack white t-shirts for everyone in your crew and participate in the Festival of Colors which takes place every Saturday at 2 p.m. Activity costs range from $8 to $30.
photo: Kristina Moy
4. CampCadia. Kids ages 4-12 who want to experience everything Suncadia has to offer “kids style” will love going to CampCadia. The three-hour or full day sessions, led by a highly qualified and talented group of facilitators, include special programs, crafts, field trips, games, kayaking, canoeing and bike riding in addition to a healthy snack and lunch for full day campers. Plan your kids’ camp experience around your game of golf or spa treatment and you can thank us later. Three-hour sessions take place from 9 a.m.-noon, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and 6 p.m.-9 p.m. and full day sessions take place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $40 to $70 per child.
photo: Kristina Moy
5. Free Live Music & Outdoor Summer Concerts. On Fridays and Saturdays, you and your kid crew can catch live music performances at The Lodge or at The Inn starting at 7 p.m. or take in the outdoor Summer Concert Series under the starry CleElum skies on select Fridays at Suncadia’s Amphitheater. Concerts take place through Sept. 2. View times online.
photo: Suncadia Resort
6. Kid-friendly Dining Options. Suncadia offers several dining options to fit your family’s tastes and budget. The Coal House Caffe at The Lodge offers espresso, beverages and sundries as well as those little things you might’ve forgotten to pack. (Why does someone always forget their toothbrush?) The Canary Grill (formerly the Canary Lounge), across from the Swim and Fitness Center, offers delish pub-style food at lunchtime as does Suncadia’s own food truck that is conveniently parked next to the outdoor pool at the Suncadia Club Swim & Fitness Center. Portals Restaurant is a fine dining establishment at The Lodge that will make grown-up tummies happy and welcomes kids for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their yummy kids’ menu is specifically designed for ages 12 and under and offers lots of kid faves (think chicken tenders, burgers and pasta). Psst! Be sure to save room for dessert and order the homemade cinnamon donuts served with a side of chocolate dipping sauce and whip cream.
photo: Kristina Moy
7. Suncadia Club Swim & Fitness Center. Summer weather in the Pacific Northwest can be fickle and that’s why we love Suncadia’s awesome Club Swim and Fitness Center. The fab indoor pool has two water slides (218 feet and 271 feet in length), a combination lap pool and leisure pool with basketball hoop, whirlpool spa area, saunas and steam rooms and their ginormous outdoor pool sits next to the lake and offers a tranquil setting for grownups. Plus, day use locker rooms with showers, swimsuit spinners and digital storage lockers as well as poolside meal service makes it easy for families to stay for a long stretch.
photo: Kristina Moy
8. A Golf Course That Caters to All Ages. Rope Rider Golf Park is perfect for those who just want to play casually, with a few options for shorter courses. They’ve got youth tees on every hole and shorter three and six-hole loops — how kid-friendly is that? From 7 a.m. ’til 3 p.m. daily, it operates as a free short game practice area. After 3 p.m., it’s a three-hole short course that’s free for kids ages 17 and under.
photo: Myriam Gabriel-Pollock
9. Nightly S’mores by the Campfire. Suncadia knows that summer wouldn’t be complete without roasted marshmallows over the campfire and copious amounts of chocolate and graham crackers. That’s why they offer complimentary s’mores every night at The Loge fire pit. Grab a super-sized stick and roast ooey gooey marshmallows until your heart’s content.
photo: Kristina Moy
10. Barnyard BBQ at Suncadia’s Nelson Farm. Every Saturday evening, through Sept. 3, families can enjoy an authentic barbecue dinner, including farm-fresh produce from Hay Creek Garden, at Suncadia’s Nelson Farm. Dance the night away to the sounds of live, rustic country music while the kids enjoy their own entertainment area and goodie bags with pint-sized treats! Reservations are required. Pre-reservation rates: $45/Adults, $18/Kids under 12. At the door: $55/Adults, $20/Kids under 12.
photo: Suncadia Resort
11. A World Class Spa. Enroll the kids in CampCadia and beeline it over to the Glade Springs Spa for the ultimate summer experience. This ahh-mazing spa offers four hot outdoor mineral baths of varying temperatures, meandering creeks, rustic saunas and a fireside for relaxing. Plus, the Glade Springs feature a private women’s garden, complete with a hot outdoor mineral bath and spa and stunning views of the forest and mountain can be found from the common space inside. The spa offers massages, body work, facials and couples’ spa treatments focusing on balance, relaxation and rejuvenation. Need we say more?
photo: Kristina Moy
12. KIDS RULE! Package. This summer, kids ages 12 and under rule the roost and enjoy free biking, playing and eating perks throughout Suncadia when accompanied by a paying adult. As a part of this package, kids receive free overnight accommodations in the Lodge, a free meal from the kids’ menu at Portals Restaurant with the purchase of an adult entrée, a complimentary bike rental with a paying adult rental, free admission to Campcadia (up to a 4-hour session) when an adult books an 80-minute spa service at Glade Spring Spa and a free game of golf at the golf park with a paying adult.
Suncadia Resort
3600 Suncadia Trail
Cle Elum, Wa 98922
509-649-6400
Online: suncadiaresort.com
Have you taken your family to Suncadia? Do you plan to go this summer? Share your experience with us in the Comments below.
— Kristina Moy
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