Things To Do In Seattle With Kids: Your Ultimate Guide
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Hey there, fellow travelers! If you’re planning a trip to Seattle with the kids, you’re in for a real treat. As someone who’s spent quite a bit of time exploring the Emerald City, I can tell you that Seattle is a fantastic place for families. From its iconic landmarks to hidden gems that the little ones will adore, there’s no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained. So, grab your walking shoes, pack those snacks, and let’s dive into some of the best things to do in Seattle with kids!
Introduction
Seattle is more than just coffee and rain—it’s a vibrant city filled with fun, educational, and interactive experiences that your whole family will love. Whether you’re a local looking for new adventures or a visitor planning your itinerary, this guide will walk you through the top things to do in Seattle with kids. From must-visit museums and parks to kid-approved eateries and scenic spots, you’ll find plenty of ideas to make your family trip to Seattle unforgettable. Let’s get started!
Things to Do in Seattle with Kids
When traveling with kids, you want activities that are both fun and enriching. Seattle offers a wide range of family-friendly attractions, from interactive museums to outdoor adventures. Here’s a deeper dive into some of the best things to do in Seattle with kids, including specific details to help you plan your visit.
1. Seattle Aquarium
Located on Pier 59 along the waterfront, the Seattle Aquarium is a fantastic place to start your family adventure. The aquarium is home to over 800,000 gallons of underwater exhibits, featuring creatures from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Highlights include the 120,000-gallon Window on Washington Waters exhibit, where you can see divers feed the fish daily, and the Underwater Dome, offering 360-degree views of marine life. Your kids will especially love the hands-on tide pool exhibit, where they can touch starfish, sea urchins, and anemones.
Pricing: General admission for adults is $37.95, and for children (ages 4-12), it’s $27.95. Kids 3 and under are free.
Crowd: Families, tourists, and school groups, especially during weekends and holidays.
Vibe: Educational and interactive.
Location: 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101
Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and consider purchasing tickets online in advance to skip the line.
2. Pacific Science Center
The Pacific Science Center is located at the Seattle Center and offers a world of exploration for curious kids. The center features a variety of exhibits, from the Tropical Butterfly House, where hundreds of butterflies fly freely, to the Tinker Tank, a space where kids can build and create their own projects. The Science on a Sphere exhibit, a six-foot globe that shows real-time environmental data, is another highlight. Don’t miss the planetarium shows, which are both educational and mesmerizing for kids of all ages.
Pricing: Admission for adults is $23.95, and for children (ages 6-15), it’s $17.95. Kids under 5 are free. IMAX and planetarium shows are extra.
Crowd: Families, science enthusiasts, and tourists.
Vibe: Engaging, educational, and hands-on.
Location: 200 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109.
Pro Tip: Allow for at least 3-4 hours here, especially if your kids love hands-on science activities.
3. Seattle Great Wheel
For a fun and scenic experience, hop aboard the Seattle Great Wheel. This 175-foot-tall Ferris wheel offers stunning views of the Seattle skyline, Elliott Bay, and the surrounding mountains. The ride takes about 12 minutes, and the enclosed gondolas make it a comfortable and safe experience for kids. At night, the wheel lights up with a dazzling LED display, making it a great evening activity as well.
Pricing: Adults (12+) are $17.50, children (ages 3-11) are $12.50, and kids under 3 ride free. VIP gondolas are available for an additional cost.
Crowd: Tourists, families, and couples.
Vibe: Scenic and fun.
Location: 1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101.
Pro Tip: Visit during sunset for the most breathtaking views, and if you’re prone to motion sickness, take a motion sickness tablet beforehand
4. Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is a bustling hub of activity and a must-visit for families. While the market is famous for its fresh seafood and produce, it also offers plenty of kid-friendly activities. Watch the fishmongers toss fish at the Pike Place Fish Market, browse through the quirky stalls filled with handmade crafts and souvenirs, and stop by the MarketSpice shop for some unique flavors. If your kids love animals, make sure to visit the Rachel the Piggy Bank statue and say hello to the market’s unofficial mascot, Rachel the pig.
Pricing: Free to explore; just bring spending money for food and souvenirs.
Crowd: Tourists, locals, and market vendors.
Vibe: Bustling and lively.
Location: 85 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101.
Pro Tip: Visit early in the day to avoid the crowds, and make sure to grab some fresh snacks from the market vendors.
5. Discovery Park
If your family loves the outdoors, Discovery Park is the place to be. This 534-acre park offers miles of trails, stunning views of Puget Sound, and access to the beach. The park’s Loop Trail is a 2.8-mile loop that’s easy enough for kids to hike, and it takes you through forests, meadows, and along the cliffs overlooking the water. The West Point Lighthouse is a fun spot to visit, and the beach areas are great for picnics and exploring tide pools.
Pricing: Free.
Crowd: Families, hikers, and nature enthusiasts.
Vibe: Peaceful and scenic.
Location: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199.
Pro Tip: Bring a picnic and make a day of it. The park is large, so make sure to grab a map at the visitor center.
6. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
For a unique and fun experience, take your kids to the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). The museum has exhibits dedicated to music, movies, video games, and more. Kids will love exploring the Sound Lab, where they can play instruments and create their own music. The Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame is another highlight, featuring iconic props and costumes from popular movies and TV shows. There’s also a dedicated exhibit for video games, where kids can play classic games and learn about the history of gaming.
Pricing: Adults are $33, children (ages 5-17) are $24, and kids under 5 are free.
Crowd: Music and movie fans, families, and tourists.
Vibe: Interactive and imaginative.
Location: 325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109.
Pro Tip: Check out their rotating exhibits—there’s always something new and exciting on display.
7. Seattle Space Needle & Monorail
The Space Needle is an iconic Seattle landmark, and it’s a must-visit for families. Start by riding the Seattle Center Monorail, which takes you from downtown Seattle to the Seattle Center in just 2 minutes. Once you arrive, head to the top of the Space Needle for 360-degree views of the city. The observation deck has telescopes and interactive displays that kids will enjoy, and the rotating glass floor adds an extra thrill.
Pricing: General admission to the Space Needle is $38 for adults and $30 for kids (ages 5-12). The monorail costs $3 for adults and $1.50 for children (ages 5-12).
Crowd: Tourists, families, and photographers.
Vibe: Scenic and thrilling.
Location: 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109.
Pro Tip: Combine your visit with a trip to MoPOP or the Chihuly Garden and Glass for a full day of fun.
8. Seattle Children’s Museum
Located at the Seattle Center, the Seattle Children’s Museum is perfect for younger kids (ages 10 and under). The museum offers over 22,000 square feet of interactive exhibits that encourage creativity and imagination. Kids can explore a mini grocery store, build their own creations in the Construction Zone, and even perform on stage in the Imagination Theater. It’s a great place to let your kids play and learn in a safe, engaging environment.
Pricing: Admission is $15 for adults and children (ages 1-10).
Crowd: Families with young children.
Vibe: Playful and educational.
Location: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109.
Pro Tip: Bring a change of clothes for your little ones—some of the exhibits, like the water play area, can get messy.
Conclusion
Seattle is a city that’s packed with family-friendly activities, ensuring that your kids will have just as much fun as you do. Whether you’re exploring the wonders of the aquarium, taking in the sights from the Space Needle, or getting hands-on at one of the many museums, there’s something for every family in Seattle. With this guide in hand, you’ll be well-prepared to create unforgettable memories with your little ones. Enjoy your trip, and happy exploring!
