Last year out family visited Lake Chelan, Washington for Winterfest. We loved every minute of it. This year, We’re looking forward to checking out Lake Chelan in a different season. Lake Chelan will host its 2nd Annual Breakin’ at The Lake festival over a 2-week period, April 4–17, with a variety of activities for the entire family. Daily youth sports, scavenger hunts, fashion shows, baking and cookie decorating classes, wine tasting, arts and crafts, hiking and more. The best part for families? Most events are free.
Here are 7 reasons why you should go Breakin’ at The Lake.
Stehekin School House. Photo Courtesy of Icicle TV.
1. Pick Wildflowers & Explore Rainbow Falls at Stehekin
Take the family up-lake to the beautiful spring scenery at Stehekin. Enjoy the Rainbow Falls tour by jumping on the Red Bus once you arrive at the North Cascades Lodge. This 50-minute tour is narrated by a park ranger of the lower Stehekin Valley, to a spectacular 312-foot Rainbow Falls, located 3.5 miles from Stehekin Landing. This year Lake Chelan has added a bonus of an additional stop to the tour to show the kids a one-room school house, the Old Stehekin School House. The tour normally opens in May but is open early for this exclusive Breakin’ at the Lake event. Pre-order your box lunch and it will be ready for you on the boat.
Where: North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin, Stehekin, WA 98852
When: Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Apr. 4–17), 10 am–4 pm
Price: Varies
2. Play Daily Youth Sports & Activities
Throughout the two weeks of Breakin’ at The Lake, children are invited to participate in daily youth sports and activities. Every day kids (2nd grade–high school) will be introduced to fundamentals and skills in morning and afternoon sessions, including basketball, indo board, pickelball, volleyball, smoothie making, mini golf, dance, yoga, and more. A positive, challenging, and fun experience, complete with a participant t-shirt!
Where: Lake Chelan Community Gym, E. Johnson Ave., Chelan, WA 98816
When: April 9, 10, 16
Tickets: $15 per session, $75/week of sessions
3. Take a Cookie Class at Lake Chelan Artisan Bakery
Have an afternoon of fun at the Lake Chelan Artisan Bakery! Families will be making everyone’s favorite, chocolate chip cookies, plus baking and decorating some amazing sugar cookies! Open to parents and kids ages 5 and up, families will leave with fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies and great recipes.
Where: Lake Chelan Artisan Bakery, 246 Manson Hwy Suite 2, Chelan, Wa, 98816
When: Tuesday, April 5, 2–3:30 pm
Price: $10/parent and one child, $5/extra child
4. Go on a Selfie Scavenger Hunt
Throughout the two-week period, participate in a family Selfie Scavenger Hunt around downtown Chelan’s Historic Business district. Follow the prompts for a morning or afternoon of selfie fun.
Where: Throughout downtown Lake Chelan
When: Various dates, Apr. 5–17, 10 am–4 pm
Price: Free
Photo courtesy of Icicle TV.
5. Beach Comb Along The Banks of Lake Chelan
The beaches of Lake Chelan have lots of pretty rocks and minerals, if you take the time to look carefully. During springtime, the water level of the lake drops over 10 feet, allowing beach combers and those with metal detectors a great opportunity to locate lost “treasures.” Don Morse Park, Lakeside Park, Beebe Bridge Park, Chelan Falls Park, and Willow Point Park are great locations.
Where: Various beaches
When: Various dates, Apr. 5–17
Tickets: Free
6. Find Your Green Thumb at The Earth Day Fair
Celebrate Earth Day with a fantastic family outing! The Lake Chelan Earth Day Fair will feature an interactive Garden Center, Garden demos, flea market, children’s activities, DIY exhibitors, live music and entertainment, food, and more.
Where: Riverwalk Park Shelter Area, 102 E. Johnson Ave., Chelan, Wa. 98816
When: Saturday, April 16, 9 am–4 pm
Tickets: Free
7. Build a Bird Feeder at The Lookout
The Lookout is proud to partner with the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce to offer a free Kid’s Arts and Crafts Event. One of the most popular springtime activities in Lake Chelan is to watch the birds darting in and out of the landscape and washing their feathers in our poolside stream. This fun bird feeder craft takes only minutes but combines everything children love—getting their hands dirty, having a little snack, making something fun, and connecting with nature.
Where: The Lookout Clubhouse, 101 Jackrabbit Lane, Chelan, WA 98816
When: Thursdays, Apr. 7 & 14, 11 am–12 pm
Price: Free
Photo courtesy of Icicle TV.
Looking for activities for mom and dad in Lake Chelan for Breakin’ at the Lake? There are plenty of those, too!
About Lake Chelan
Located in the heart of Washington’s Cascade Mountains, Lake Chelan is a spectacular Pacific Northwest waterfront destination three hours east of Seattle. Lake Chelan is characterized by its crystal clear, blue water; sunny, semi-desert valley climate; and sprinkled horizon of orchards and vineyards. Described as one of the most beautiful lake settings in the world, generations of families have been making the journey to Lake Chelan to enjoy year-around recreational opportunities in a world class setting. Visitors experience a combination of breathtaking scenery along with a long list of activities including boating, water sports, golf, hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. A thriving community of boutique wineries operate as members of the Lake Chelan Wine Valley that are attracting attention from winemakers, grape growers and wine enthusiasts. Downtown Chelan is home to a classic American Main Street with galleries, retail shops, a variety of dining options and the crown jewel, Ruby Theatre offering visitors a look back into the history of small town America. The Lake Chelan Valley also encompasses the quaint Village on the Bay in Manson and a variety of premier dining options. For more information about the schedule of events or lodging options visit www.lakechelan.com.
- Different Reasons to Consider Using a Therapist in New York - March 12, 2025
- Is a Micro Wedding the Dream You Didn’t Know You Had? - February 14, 2025
- DIY Valentine’s Day Cards Inspired by Monster High - February 13, 2025
Wow so many things to do! The cookie class sounds so fun and delicious!
This looks like such a gorgeous place to visit! I really want to go now.
I’m so glad you included Stehekin in your list. We’ve visited Chelan a number of times and there are more than enough things to do to keep you busy. Finally a couple of years ago we made the boat trip up the lake to see Stehekin and it literally blew us away. Great tips on how to have fun in this beautiful area. Nice photos too!
The Lake Chelan area is gorgeous and has tons to do. Nice article showing that it isn’t just a summer getaway! Chelan is one small town that really offers a lot.