Your Family-Friendly Guide to Suncadia Resort

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Your Family-Friendly Guide to Suncadia Resort

Welcome to our family travel series dedicated to Pacific Northwest adventures! Join us as we explore top destinations, featuring must-see attractions, delightful dining spots, and activities tailored to the whole family. Writer Kate Neidigh launched this series in 2018 as a new mom, determined to get out and explore with her little one. Fast forward to 2024, and she’s now a seasoned mom of two, excited to share her travel experiences and insights learned along the way. So, pack your bags, gather the fam, and let’s discover the wonders of the PNW and beyond.

Welcome to Suncadia Resort!

Located in the scenic Cascade Mountains, just 80 miles and about a 90-minute drive from Seattle, Suncadia Resort is a year-round playground for families. With more than 6,400 acres of forest, meadows, and rivers, it’s the ultimate destination for relaxation, outdoor adventure and quality family time. Whether you’re escaping to the mountains for summer hiking or winter snow tubing, Suncadia offers activities that cater to every member of the family.

Recently, we visited Suncadia with another family, making it a total of four adults and five kids, ranging in age from 2 to 10. Traveling with such a large group can be a challenge, but Suncadia made it incredibly easy and enjoyable. With multiple lodging options and a wide variety of activities that appeal to all ages, Suncadia is an ideal destination for group travel, whether it’s a multi-family getaway or even a family reunion.

Comfortable Lodging for Every Family

Suncadia’s lodging options make it easy to find the perfect home base for your family adventure. Whether you prefer the cozy comfort of The Lodge at Suncadia or a more private stay in one of the vacation homes or condos, there’s something to suit every need. The Lodge provides easy access to amenities like the pool and spa, while The Inn at Suncadia offers a quieter atmosphere with golf course views.

The main lodge looks so good following a recent refresh, and the lobby is so much more open and welcoming. We stayed in a three-bedroom townhome near the pool and fitness center, which was ideal for our family of four. It was also just a 10-minute walk from the main lodge, making it super convenient.

Outdoor Adventure for All Ages

Families who love the outdoors will find plenty to explore at Suncadia. Miles of trails wind through the resort, perfect for hiking, biking, or a leisurely stroll along the Cle Elum River. The scenic Suncadia River Trail is a favorite, offering beautiful views of the river and surrounding landscape. If your kids love history, don’t miss Nelson Farm. This historic site has seasonal events like the Harvest Festival and Winterfest, plus a brand-new BMX course and playground that will keep the little ones entertained for hours. See a full recap of upcoming events here. We are already planning a trip back next year for the Harvest Festival, it was so much fun! The kids got to partake in pony rides, arts and crafts, dancing, age-appropriate axe throwing and archery and more.

In the winter, the Rope Rider Golf Course transforms into a tubing hill, providing snowy fun for the whole family. In warmer months, it’s an ideal spot for beginners, with a three-hole short course that kids will love. For seasoned golfers, the Prospector Golf Course offers a challenging 18-hole experience with breathtaking mountain views.

If you don’t feel like driving, you can call or text Suncadia’s shuttle service, which is available throughout your stay and typically arrives in 15-20 minutes—making it easy to explore the resort without a car.

Family-Friendly On-Resort Activities

Suncadia is packed with activities to keep kids of all ages entertained. The resort has over 40 miles of paved and unpaved trails for biking and hiking, with rentals available on-site. For younger children, Campcadia is the ultimate fun zone, offering arts, crafts, and outdoor adventures.

The Suncadia Pool is also a big hit, featuring an indoor and outdoor pool and waterslide. There’s even an outdoor hot tub where parents can unwind while the kids swim. The pool was a highlight of our trip! The kids can’t wait to go back.

Dining Options for Every Taste

Suncadia offers a variety of family-friendly dining options that cater to every palate. The Source, located in the main lodge, serves up a diverse menu that appeals to both kids and adults, all with breathtaking mountain views. A special highlight is the fun s’mores experience right at the table, which is sure to be a win with the little ones.

For dinner, The Stovehouse at The Inn at Suncadia is a must-try. As the resort’s newest all-day culinary offering, The Stovehouse serves up delicious, home-cooked meals in a relaxed atmosphere. Set against one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful golf courses, this indoor-outdoor restaurant boasts panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of adventure. The restaurant draws inspiration from Cle Elum’s historical roots, creating a space that encourages great conversation and hearty meals shared with family and friends.

For more casual dining, 50 Swift Water Pub & Pizzeria delivers crowd-pleasing wood-fired pizzas, and Coal House Caffe is the perfect stop for coffee, pastries, and sandwiches before heading out to explore the resort. In the summer, don’t miss Nelson Farm Poolside Café for burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream after a day by the pool.

Exploring Cle Elum & Roslyn

If you feel like venturing off-resort, the nearby towns of Cle Elum and Roslyn offer even more dining options and a charming small-town vibe. Swiftfired Pizza Co. and El Caporal Mexican Restaurant are local favorites, while Dru Bru Taproom serves craft brews with a food truck from Swiftfired Pizza right outside. For something a little fancier, check out Orchard Restaurant in Cle Elum or grab some tapas at Cle Elum Taps & Tapas. You can also pick up supplies for a family meal at the Roslyn Grocery or Safeway in Cle Elum.

READ MORE |Discover the charm of historic Roslyn, Washington

Cle Elum is also home to some delightful bakeries like Cle Elum Bakery and 509 Bakehouse, where you can indulge in fresh pastries and desserts. Stella’s Café offers hearty sandwiches and comfort food—perfect for a cozy lunch in town.

A Year-Round Destination

Suncadia Resort truly shines as a year-round family destination. Whether you’re hiking in the summer, tubing in the winter, or simply kicking back by the pool, there’s something here for everyone. The combination of natural beauty, endless activities, and family-friendly dining and lodging makes Suncadia a place where every family member can create lasting memories.

Where should we go next? Email hello@SeattleRefined.com to share your ideas.

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Kate Neidigh is a writer for Seattle Refined, covering lifestyle, fashion, beauty, travel, real estate, gift guides and feature stories. See more of her work on Instagram here.

While the products, services and/or accommodations in this story were provided without charge, the opinions within are those of the author and the Seattle Refined editorial board.


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