Toddler Trails: Leavenworth
Leavenworth, Washington, during the holidays looks like a snow globe come to life. Picture it: twinkling lights, Bavarian charm, and festive magic on every corner.
It’s the kind of place that makes you believe in Christmas again... until you realize you’re chasing a toddler down a cobblestone sidewalk while holding hot cocoa in one hand and a diaper bag in the other. Traveling to Leavenworth with small kids might not be a Hallmark movie, but with the right mindset (and snacks), it’s full of memory-making magic. Here’s how we survived–and even thrived–on our trip with toddlers in tow.
Have Your Holiday Dream Photos
Leavenworth has beautiful architecture that would be the perfect backdrop to any Christmas photo. Check out this beautiful picture of my kids in a random open field next to a dumpster. Yes, you read that right.
The town square is filled with cute shops that any toddler can tolerate if they’re bribed with the right snacks. And if you go during December, they have a Santa meet-and-greet! Let your little ones rattle off their lists to the big man while you snap those precious memories.
We had fun with our kids and my mom dancing in the cobblestone streets to a live band that was playing classic Christmas tunes. And the food is delicious!
How to Get There
I can tell you there are many ways to get to Leavenworth from the base my spouse and I were stationed at. The one way I can recommend you not going is by bus. The MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation: an amazing resource available to military members and family that enables them to have fun no matter where they’re stationed) bus seemed like a perfect idea for us. Neither of us would have to drive. The kids could have more access to toys and snacks since we’d be next to them. What could go wrong? Traffic. Traffic can go wrong. And no one lets a bus merge easily. It took us almost five hours to complete a three-hour trip.
Depending on where you’re coming from, the car is definitely the easiest way to go. However, parking on the weekend is crazy. So, either come the night before or come early. We decided when we go back we’ll be going during a weekday and spend the night so that we can maximize our time there.
But What Do We Pack?
I cannot stress enough the need for thermals. We all wore thermals and stayed nice and cozy the entire trip. Snow boots are a must so you can make snowmen and have snowball fights without getting soggy socks. Trust me you do not want that meltdown.
If possible, leave the stroller behind. The cobblestone does not make for a smooth ride and if you go on a weekend the place is so packed it’s more of a hindrance. Make those kiddos walk if possible! It’ll wear them out for the drive home.
Do pack lots of snacks and busy toys so they can entertain themselves while you wait for a table to open up at a restaurant. If you’re smarter than us you’ll make reservations. Please be smarter than us.
Toddler-Approved Fun
The lights were a big hit with my boys. They loved staring up at them and my spouse loved taking artsy photos of the lights reflecting in their eyes. Our family loved all of the 532 photos that were sent to them.
That open lot I told you about before? We had fun running around and throwing snowballs (more like snow dust) at each other. It produced amazing giggles that warmed my soul despite the weather. The boys also made snow angels and completely soaked their jeans. It was both fun and terrible. Mostly fun.
Don’t miss out on the reindeer farm! We didn’t make it in time to trek out there but the next time we go we’re planning to make the drive over there from the village. There are different experiences based on the time of year (Pricing varies depending on time of year and day). You can learn about the reindeer and even feed them! Needless to say, we will be making it a point to visit before leaving Washington.
Final Thoughts
Leavenworth is pure magic, and while traveling with toddlers isn’t exactly a relaxing getaway, it can be a meaningful memory-making experience with a few tricks up your sleeve. Never doubt the power of Goldfish and a Leapfrog cell phone.
Don’t let the idea of having a perfect holiday trip psych you out. Just focus on making memories and remember, loud toddlers are happy and safe toddlers.
