Photo: Oliver Deppe
Photo: Nagaraj Tanguturu
Photo: MDH
Boehm's Candies
★4.7(1,238 reviews)$Activity
🕑 45 minutes to 1.5 hours👶 Best for ages 3 and up. Preschoolers love the fairy-tale atmosphere and colorful displays, while elementary-aged kids are fascinated by watching chocolate-making in action. Even teens appreciate the artisan candy and Instagram-worthy setting.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
Boehm's Candies is a delightful chocolate factory experience that combines sweet treats with whimsical Swiss-Alpine charm. Kids can watch chocolatiers at work during factory tours, explore enchanting seasonal displays throughout the beautifully themed grounds, and of course, sample delicious hand-dipped chocolates that have been made here since 1942.
Highlights
- ✓Watching chocolatiers hand-dip truffles and create confections through factory windows
- ✓Exploring the charming Swiss-Alpine village setting with a tiny chapel and seasonal decorations
- ✓Sampling fresh chocolate treats and browsing the extensive candy shop selection
- ✓Taking photos in the storybook-like outdoor setting with bridges, gardens, and decorative displays
- ✓Special holiday displays, especially the elaborate Christmas decorations
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on weekdays for the best chance to see chocolatiers actively working in the factory during tour hours
- 2.The outdoor grounds are free to explore, making this a budget-friendly stop if you just want to enjoy the scenery and chapel without purchasing treats
- 3.Bring a camera,the Swiss chalet-style buildings and seasonal decorations (especially during holidays) make for adorable family photos
- 4.Let kids pick out a small treat at the beginning to enjoy while exploring the grounds rather than rushing through
- 5.Tour times can vary, so call ahead to confirm factory tour availability if that's your main reason for visiting
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (9:00-11:00 AM) offer the best chance to see chocolate production in action and avoid weekend crowds. December is magical with holiday decorations, while spring and summer showcase the gardens beautifully.
What to Know
Entry to the grounds and shop is free; you only pay for treats you purchase. Ample free parking is available on-site, and strollers can navigate most outdoor areas easily, though the factory tour may have some tight spaces.
Seasonal Notes
The grounds are especially magical during the Christmas season (November-December) with elaborate holiday decorations. Spring brings blooming gardens, while summer offers the nicest weather for exploring outdoors. Tours may be limited during major holidays.
Nearby Eats
XXX Rootbeer Drive-In (classic burgers and floats, very kid-friendly) is about 2 miles away, or head to downtown Issaquah (1 mile) for family options like Pogacha or Issaquah Brewhouse which has a kids' menu.
More Activities Near Issaquah
Shopping
Gilman Village
★4.5Free❤️67
Gilman Village offers a delightful step back in time with over 40 charming shops housed in relocated historic buildings from the 1880s-1930s. This pedestrian-friendly village is perfect for families who want to combine browsing unique toy stores and boutiques with enjoying ice cream and casual dining, all while kids explore the quaint pathways and vintage architecture that feels like a storybook setting.
Theater
Village Theatre
★4.8$$❤️177
Village Theatre in Issaquah brings Broadway magic to the Pacific Northwest with professional productions that captivate audiences of all ages. Their special youth-focused performances and family-friendly musicals offer an exceptional introduction to live theater, complete with stunning sets, talented performers, and shows specifically selected to engage young audiences.
Park
Lake Sammamish State Park
★4.7Free❤️51
Lake Sammamish State Park is a Pacific Northwest gem offering 512 acres of family fun along the lake's sunny east shore. With two swimming beaches, excellent playgrounds, sprawling picnic areas, and calm waters perfect for young swimmers, it's an ideal spot for families seeking outdoor adventures with breathtaking Cascade Mountain views as your backdrop.
Adventure
Poo Poo Point Trailhead
★4.7Free❤️49
Poo Poo Point Trailhead offers an adventurous family hike through lush Pacific Northwest forest with an exciting payoff at the summit,panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and the thrilling spectacle of colorful paragliders launching into the sky. The quirky name alone gets kids excited, and the well-maintained trail provides a satisfying challenge that's manageable for active families willing to tackle some elevation gain.