We end up in Bellevue at least a few times a year and every single time we have a blast. Recently, Bellevue has welcomed quite a few new stores, restaurants, and family-friendly features that we were dying to check out, so we made a weekend of it and headed out for a Bellevue staycation to celebrate the start of the holiday season. There’s a reason why Bellevue is one of our top family getaways. It’s beautiful and fun in every season, but holidays in Bellevue are extra magical. With holiday cheer each night and tons of events throughout the winter season, there’s a reason why Bellevue is beloved for the holidays. We’re talking nightly “snow”, parades, holiday lights, ice skating, and so much more. And, this is in addition to all the good old fashioned everyday fun that we love year-round.
Here are some ideas for the perfect Bellevue family getaway for the holidays
#1. KidsQuest Children’s Museum – 1116 108th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
On January 31, 2017, the brand new KidsQuest Children’s Museum opened and we’ve had it on our list to check it out ever since. My kids love a good children’s museum, and this one was one of the best we’ve ever seen. KidsQuest encourages learning through play with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). Exhibits and programs are geared towards children 0-10, but even though we were pushing the higher age range with our oldest, she still had plenty to do and still talks about everything she loved about the museum. Oh, and us parents had a blast as well. KidsQuest offers over 650 programs throughout the year including summer camps, drop-off and whole-family science workshops, free art programs and they have holiday programs as well that make the holidays extra special. If you have kids under the age of 10, this is where they want to be in Bellevue. It can entertain kids for hours, provide learning opportunities, get out lots of energy, and still leave kids feeling inspired when they leave. Facebook: @KidsQuestChildrensMuseum Twitter: @KidsQuestCM Instagram: @kidsquestmuseum
#2 Sugar Factory at The Bravern – 11111 NE 8th St. Suite 120, Bellevue, WA 98004
Have you heard of Sugar Factory yet? The much-anticipated flagship restaurant and retail destination is now open at The Shops at The Bravern in Bellevue, Washington and fans are going crazy. It may seem slight from the outside, but inside boasts a bar, restaurant, and gourmet candy shop in one. This is one stop in Bellevue that your kiddos will be talking about for weeks, if not months. Everything on the menu is designed to surprise and delight kids as well as adults, from traditional burgers and fries to exotic dishes. But, the specialty drinks and elaborate desserts is where Sugar Factory gets its iconic reputation. The sharable decadence may be pricey, but the joy they bring makes them more than worth it. Facebook: @sugarfactorybellevue Twitter: @SugarFactory Instagram: @thesugarfactory
#3. Hotel 116 – 625 116th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
After a day of museums, shopping, and great food, you need a comfortable place to recharge and relax. Hotel 116, formerly the Coast Bellevue Hotel, is just that place. Hotel 116 is newly remodeled with mid century modern flair and is located off the freeway near the Meydenbauer Center. Since there aren’t good walkways available from Old Bellevue to the hotel, I was happy to find that they offer a shuttle service to any location within 5 miles of the property, which can get you to just about all of the Bellevue attractions. Hotel amenities include a fitness center, business center, seasonal outdoor pool and complimentary hot buffet breakfast. We had such a great stay at Hotel 116 and I was really impressed with the amount of charm in the main parts of the hotel as well as the nicely furnished and comfortable rooms. We didn’t get a chance to try out the pool because of the freezing temps, but the fitness center looked great and the breakfast was amazing and well stocked. I’ve had a lot of complimentary hotel breakfasts in my day, so I was expecting the usual cheap pastry spread with cereal options, but I was so thrilled when Hotel 116 offered real breakfast – with protein, an assortment of hot dishes, and bakery options as well as continental fare. Facebook: @CoastOneOneSix Twitter: @HotelOneOneSix
#4. Snowflake Lane – between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from NE 4th to NE 8th Streets
Enjoy a festive and fun drummer-filled parade with “snowfall” every night at 7 pm, Nov. 24 – Dec. 24 on the streets of downtown Bellevue. Snowflake Lane takes place in the middle of The Bellevue Collection so it’s super easy to pause your holiday shopping to take in the magic of Snowflake Lane. Snowflake Lane features more than 200 live toy soldier drummers, costumed characters, lively music, falling snow and glittering lights. Plus, don’t miss the holiday performance by the Jingle Belles. The best place to view the parade is on both sides of Bellevue Way, south of Macy’s Fountain Court and Bellevue Arts Museum.
#5. Bellevue shopping – Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from NE 4th to NE 8th Streets
Truly, Bellevue shopping is pretty much epic. Whether you go for shopping local at Old Bellevue or you love The Bellevue Collection, you really can’t go wrong with Bellevue. Whenever we are holiday shopping you can bet we will stop into Bellevue at least a few times and visit all the different areas. The kids love the LEGO store, Hanna Andersson, Disney Store, Macy’s, and Gymboree, and hubby and I love Fireworks {seriously the best store!}, and all the fun and quirky downtown shops as well as Nordstrom, Eddie Bauer {pictured above in their cold room}, LUSH, The Container Store, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, William Sonoma, and so much more.
#6. Downtown Bellevue Park – 10201 NE 4th St., Bellevue, WA 98004
Bellevue Downtown Park is a 21-acre oasis of green in the heart of Bellevue, just a few steps from Bellevue Square and Lincoln Center. A one-half mile promenade, bordered by a double row of shade trees, and a stepped canal, and a 240-foot wide waterfall that cascades into a reflecting pond makes for some beautiful picnic backdrops and picture opportunities. The park also has a play area dedicated to fun, imagination and learning for the little ones. The new Inspiration Playground offers interactive features that engage the senses and can accommodate children of all abilities as well as their caregivers.
#7. Lincoln Square Cinemas – 700 Bellevue Way Northeast #310, Lincoln Square North Tower, Bellevue, WA 98004
Take in a new movie with the family and enjoy a state-of-the-art theater complex with multiple screens, all-stadium seating & self-service ticketing kiosks. We love to walk around and get all of our energy out shopping and then relax and watch an evening show with the kids at Lincoln Square Cinemas. With so many great holiday releases, there’s something for everyone!
#8. Garden d’Lights – 12001 Main Street Bellevue, WA 98005
Gardens are typically kind of boring during the winter months, but not at the Bellevue Botanical Garden. With brilliantly colored lights the Garden d’Lights at the Bellevue Botanical Garden features over a half million lights that transform the flowers, trees, and bushes into a winter wonderland. This is the 23rd Annual Garden d’Lights and it’s definitely worth checking out and letting your little one run around and burn off some energy. You can see it nightly 4:30 – 9pm from November 25 through December 31, 2017, including holidays.
#9. Lucky Strike Bowl – 700 Bellevue Way NE, #250, Bellevue, WA 98004
Fun fact: I once went bowling with the band Kings Of Leon at Lucky Strike Bowl in Bellevue. True story. Every time we visit isn’t quite *that* epic, but it is still a great time every visit with video games, bowling, and good times. Lucky Strike is open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., but they have a +21 bowling lane policy after 8:00 p.m, so make sure you wrap up your family bowling before that. When planning your visit, know that advance reservations are not available before 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays and one lane costs $60 per hour.
#10. Living Computers Pop-up at Xfinity Store – Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Remember how I told you about the new Xfinity store outside of Bellevue Square? Well, I’ve got yet another reason to put it on your list this holiday season. Come in and check out the Living Computers Pop-up that is happening at the Bellevue Xfinity Store all through the holidays. Experience tech in action and shop for the holidays in one place, and you can even pay your bill, come in for a repair, or anything else that has been sitting on your to-do list.
Bonus ideas for family fun:
Kelsey Creek Farm Park – 410 130th Pl SE, Bellevue, WA 98005.
Animal viewing hours are available from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free.
Mercer Slough Nature Park – 1625 118th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98005.
Open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Free.
Looks like you had a blast, and that food looks amazing!
I want those chicken and waffles sooooo bad
So fun!
I haven’t. The PNW is a place in general l I want to visit. The Sugar Factory looks fun! Also, how cute is that picture in front of the princess-y mirror.
What a great place to visit and the food looks delish!
My goodness! This makes me really want to visit! Our family would have a lot of fun and enjoy a lot of delicious food that we don’t get here.