Local Winter Adventures to Cure the Post-Holiday Blues
The tree’s down, the cookies are gone, and the kids are bouncing off the walls. It’s that weird stretch of winter where the sparkle of Christmas has faded — but spring feels light years away. If you're feeling the post-holiday slump, you're not alone. But here’s the good news: Wenatchee in winter still has so much to offer — even when it’s chilly, dark, or you’ve got toddlers in tow.
These local ideas will help you reset, connect, and rediscover what makes our valley so special — even in January.
1. Find the Magic in Snowy Walks + Simple Scenery
Even when it’s cold, fresh air can change everyone’s mood. Bundle up and take a short walk — it doesn’t have to be fancy. Some easy winter favorites:
Cherry Hill Park, East Wenatchee: Paved path + snow-dusted views of Wenatchee
Apple Capital Loop Trail: Walk a stretch, toss rocks in the river, breathe deep
Walla Walla Point Park: Great open space to let little legs roam
Bring hot cocoa in a thermos and make it a mini winter “adventure.”
2. Try a Local Coffee + Treat Crawl (Yes, with Kids)
If you’re feeling sluggish, you're not alone. This is your permission slip to grab a latte and a muffin — and take the kids along.
Some cozy, kid-friendly spots:
Cafe Columbia at Pybus
Steamer’s West
Playgrounds Cafe
Add in a stop at Golden Hour or a local thrift shop for bonus browsing.
3. Visit the Museum for Free (or Cheap)
The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center has ongoing free admission days. Keep an eye on their event calendar — they often host story times, STEM projects, and winter break activities. Also, the librareis and some local churches have regular storytimes, and the Rocky Reach Discovery Center has kid-friendly exhibits
Pro mom tip: It’s warm, educational, and doesn’t involve screens.
4. Explore Indoor Play Spaces — Without Losing Your Mind
Let the kids bounce, climb, and burn energy — while you sit with a hot drink and half a conversation.
Local options:
Capital Elite and SPORTS Gymnastics: Open gym, toddler play hours, and more!
Bonkerz: Safe play for them…coffee for you
Grace City Silo: Three levels of fun for all ages
Psst: Visit our Meet Other Moms for more ideas on where to take your kiddos.
5. Bundle Up for a Quick Hill Sled Session
You don’t need a ski pass for snow fun. Just grab a plastic sled and find a mellow hill.
Local mom-approved sled spots:
Lincoln Park
Rotary Park
Sterling Middle School
Lake Wenatchee Sno-Park
Bonus points if you finish with cookies and a warm bath.
6. Host a Cozy Winter Potluck with Other Families
The valley is full of families just like yours — tired, a little stir-crazy, and looking for community. Take the plunge and invite a few over, even if the house is messy.
Easy themes:
Soup Swap: Each mom brings a pot of soup + a pack of rolls
Pancake Pajama Brunch: Let the kids wear footies and go wild
Crockpot & Craft Night: Paper snowflakes + meatballs = a win
Don’t wait for the perfect time — just gather.
7. Get Moving at a Local Class (Even if It’s Just for One Week)
January is full of drop-in classes and intro sessions — for kids AND moms.
Try:
Mommy and Me yoga classes
Open gyms
Sweat Equity, Pulse Barre Studio, and more!
Bonus: New activities often = better naps. And better naps = better everything.
8. Take a Day Trip to Somewhere New (But Close)
You don’t have to go far to feel refreshed. Day trip ideas under 90 minutes:
Leavenworth: Snowy views + sledding hills + cozy food
Lake Chelan: Quiet in winter, perfect for a slow walk and coffee
Cashmere: Antique mall + Apple Annie’s treats + Riverside Park
Make a playlist, pack snacks, and declare it a mini adventure.
9. Make a Valley Winter Bucket List (Even If It’s Just 5 Things)
Sometimes all you need is a list on the fridge to spark some fun. Involve the kids and come up with 5–10 things you want to try this winter.
Ideas:
Try a new hot cocoa recipe
Visit 3 playgrounds in one week
Watch a sunrise from the Loop Trail
Build the tallest snowman on your block
Check off what you can — and let go of the rest.
10. Remember: Slow Is Okay
You don’t need to pack your calendar. You don’t need to do it all. But if you’re feeling foggy or cooped up — stepping outside your house (and your routine) can help.
Sometimes all it takes is:
One outing
One new tradition
One warm drink and a good laugh
You’ve got this, Valley Mom.
