Leavenworth is a charming Bavarian-styled village nestled in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. We visited during the New Year holidays as a family with our 3.5 year old toddler and had a wonderful time at the Leavenworth Adventure Park, home to the alpine coaster.

Alpine Coaster
The alpine coaster at Leavenworth Adventure Park is the main attraction and it did not disappoint. You ride a small cart that goes up the mountain on a rail and then you zip back down through the trees with twists and turns. You control your own speed with a brake handle, so you can go as fast or as slow as you like.

Our toddler absolutely loved it! The whole experience was exciting and fun for the whole family. There are height requirements for toddlers and children, so make sure to check the Leavenworth Adventure Park website for the latest guidelines before your visit. Our little one met the requirements and rode along with us, which made it even more memorable.

We highly recommend making reservations in advance especially during the holiday season. The park can get busy and walk-in availability is not guaranteed.
Winter in Leavenworth
Leavenworth during winter is magical. The entire Bavarian village is lit up with holiday lights and the snow covered Cascade mountains provide a stunning backdrop. Even without the adventure park, the village itself is worth the visit during winter - the shops, restaurants and the overall ambiance make it a great getaway from Seattle.

Getting There
We did this as a 2 day trip from Seattle. The drive is approximately 2 hours via US-2 over Stevens Pass. During winter the mountain pass can get tricky with snow and ice so make sure to check the Stevens Pass road conditions at WSDOT before heading out. Carry chains and drive carefully - the pass can close during heavy snowfall.

Where We Stayed
Hotels in Leavenworth during the holiday season can be very expensive. We stayed in Wenatchee, which is about 20 minutes east of Leavenworth and offers much more affordable accommodation options. The drive into Leavenworth from Wenatchee is easy and scenic along the Wenatchee River. This is a great option if you want to save some money on lodging without being too far from the action.
Happy adventuring!
Travel Tips
- Make reservations for the alpine coaster in advance, especially during holidays and weekends
- Check height requirements for toddlers and children before visiting the adventure park
- Always check Stevens Pass conditions before driving in winter - carry chains
- Consider staying in Wenatchee for more affordable hotels, its only a 20 minute drive from Leavenworth
- Leavenworth is a popular winter destination - expect crowds during holidays
- The Bavarian village has plenty of restaurants and shops to explore after the adventure park