Our Perfect Family Day at Bear Lake
Image courtesy of Pickleville Playhouse
Bear Lake is an obvious day trip from Cache Valley and one of the places our family returns to every summer.
We do not need an elaborate itinerary.
Our perfect day follows a familiar formula: something delicious from LaBeau’s, hours at the beach, and a performance at Pickleville Playhouse.
Burgers and Raspberry Shakes at LaBeau’s
There are plenty of newer places to eat around Bear Lake, but we remain loyal to the original. Tradition means a lot to me, and LaBeau’s is simply part of Bear Lake for our family.
A burger and raspberry shake taste better after a drive through Logan Canyon and before —or after — a day in the sun.
On busy summer weekends, the line may be long, but that is part of the experience.
We order, find a place to sit, and settle into the slower pace of a Bear Lake day.
You Do Not Need a Boat to Enjoy Bear Lake
A boat is wonderful, but it is not required for a memorable day at the lake.
Our children are happy playing in the sand, swimming, floating, and paddleboarding near the shoreline.
Pack shade, towels, life jackets, sunscreen, water, and plenty of snacks and you’ll have plenty of fun.
The lake can look deceptively calm, so younger or less-confident swimmers should wear properly fitted life jackets, even when they are staying relatively close to shore.
End the Day at Pickleville Playhouse
We never consider our Bear Lake day complete without a show at Pickleville Playhouse.
Pickleville is family-owned, has strong Cache Valley connections, and has become part of the summer tradition for generations of families.
It offers the rare kind of theatre that keeps children engaged without making adults feel as though they are simply enduring a children’s production.
The original melodramas always make us laugh, but this summer’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers completely stole my heart.
It is my favorite musical, and Pickleville’s production delivered everything I hoped for: lively dancing, wonderful music, humor and plenty of heart.
The story felt perfectly at home in the rustic Bear Lake setting.
The 2026 season also includes The Ballad of Butch and Sundance, an original melodrama written by Derek Davis.
The show combines over-the-top musical numbers, audience interaction and live improvisation.
Because portions of the performance change each night, the cast, and the audience, never know exactly what will happen.
Build the Day Around Your Show Time
Choose your performance first and plan the beach and meals around it.
A matinee leaves time for a relaxed dinner and evening at the lake.
An evening show allows for a full day of swimming before everyone cleans up and heads to the theatre.
Allow extra time for traffic, restaurant lines and any ongoing construction in Logan Canyon, especially on summer weekends.
BEFORE YOU GO:
Best for ages: The whole family enjoys a day at Bear Lake.
Time to allow: An hour drive from Cache Valley, so you can make it back and forth in one day or stay the weekend.
What to bring: Casual is fine, even at the theatre; bring towels and swimsuits. Don’t forget sunscreen!
Reservations: Get Pickleville tickets at https://www.picklevilleplayhouse.com.