10 Things to Do in Seattle with Kids
Seattle is an ideal destination for children because of its lively life and tourist attractions - lots of fun awaits you there!
Seattle | © Amanda Grove
Seattle seems to be designed so that the little ones can spend a unique holiday, enjoying every day a new activity where the main goal is to make them happy.
To help you a bit with your agenda, I'll tell you about some of the stops I consider a must, such as interesting museums for kids and teens. There is a lot to do and see in Seattle as a family, so a good time is guaranteed.
1. See nature at the Woodland Zoo
Booking tickets to Woodland Park Zoo allows for a wonderful experience and allows children to get up close and personal with the animals. In addition, the zookeepers give short informative talks and answer questions about the animals and their characteristics.
For children, a visit to the zoo is always an activity with a special charm. In the case of Woodland Park they have the opportunity to feed the animals and, in some cases, even give them a cuddle and receive an amusing gesture in return. But they will also learn about plants and butterflies, thanks to a specially dedicated area.
There are many activities on offer on this visit, and you just have to pay attention at the entrance to find out the itinerary. Most of them are free of charge, except for those indicated in the list displayed there.
Useful information
- Location: West entrance 5500 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103, USA. South entrance 750 N. 50th Street, Seattle, WA 98103.
- Hours: May through September 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. September through April 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed only on December 25th.
- Entry fee: around 25 euros.
- Length of tour: just over 4 hours.
- Recommendation: it is especially advisable to visit it when visiting Seattle in summer due to the good weather.
2. Let them explore their sweet tooth at Theo Chocolate Factory.
Chocolate is one of children's (and adults') favourite treats and discovering where it comes from and how the magic happens to get it into our hands is an adventure. At the Theo Chocolate Factory you can learn all about the exquisite chocolate.
You will learn about the elaboration of the sweet and finally you can take a walk through the facilities during production. Before closing there is a delicious tasting to round off a complete visit. For the little ones, the activity is accompanied by stories that include fun, chocolatey adventures.
You can also sign up for a class to make your own chocolate bonbons. And if you visit the factory if you're in Seattle in October, it will have an extra special touch for Halloween. You can also book a chocolate tour of Seattle if you want more.
Useful information
- Location: 3400 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103, USA.
- How to get there: Several bus and public transportation lines run near the factory.
- Hours: 10:30 am to 6:00 pm.
- Cost of the tour: around 15 euros.
- Travel time: the tour lasts one hour.
3. Visit the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass
Without a doubt, these are two of the places that children will enjoy the most during a trip to Seattle. On the one hand, the Space Needle is a symbol of the region, being a 184-metre-high structure with an observation deck from which you have the best 360º panoramic view of the city. In addition, its futuristic design will impress children
Chihuly Garden and Glass is a space created by artist Dale Chihuly just below the Space Needle. It has a total of 8 galleries, but the part that will appeal most to the little ones is its large garden and glass greenhouse. All in all, it's a space that can be enjoyed by young and old alike.
If you want to include these two sites in your Seattle itinerary, I recommend booking a combined ticket to the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass to get a better price.
4. Treasure hunt in Seattle
Walking around the city and wandering the streets is one of our favourite things to do as adults when we go sightseeing in any city. However, kids are not big fans and get bored quickly.
But in Seattle there is an option to keep everyone happy: download the self-guided treasure tour. All you need is a smartphone and a group of 2-5 family members or friends to enjoy it.
The tour consists of different challenges to overcome as you explore the city of Seattle and get to know its highlights. And if you're a large group of more than 5 people, you can split up and compete to see who gets the best score. I'm sure the little ones will have a blast.
5. Don't miss the Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium is one of the most enchanting places in the city, ideal for children and adults alike. They can discover curiosities and facts about life at the bottom of the sea in an active and fun way.
In addition to exhibits of the various marine animals, including fish, invertebrates, mammals and birds that live in this habitat, the aquarium has touch pools where you can experience and touch stars, anemones and other species - you can even see how some animals feed!
You also can't miss the virtual swimming experience with humpback whales in the Family Activity Centre, adjacent to the underwater dome habitat. This activity usually runs from 10:00 - 11:45 am and 1:00 - 5:15 pm daily.
Information of interest
- Location: 1483 Alaskan Way Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.
- Hours: 9:30 am - 6:00 pm daily. Last visitor group access at 5:00 p.m.
- Entrance fee: between 20 and 30 euros. The ticket will show an entry time that must be respected punctually, and once inside, you can stay as long as you like.
- Duration of tour: about 1:30 to 2 hours.
- Recommendation: the museum has different climates according to the different areas, so it is recommended to dress in layers to better adapt to each one. It is also a good idea to purchase tickets in advance.
Seattle Aquarium ticket tip
You can use a CityPass to get a better price. This is a special pass created by a US company that puts together city packages that include admission to major attractions for a lower cost.
6. Visit the Museum of Flight
Kids will love the experience of climbing aboard a Boeing 737 and being able to touch with their own hands the real instruments and accessories once used by pilots throughout the history of aviation. At the Museum of Flight the details are carefully thought out so that the whole family will have a great time.
Inside the museum you will find hundreds of curiosities related to aviation, air transport and even space. Among the 175 aircraft, there will be some combat models from the First and Second World War, a glider, the first Boeing 747 and a human-powered MacCready Gossamer Albatross II.
There will be no shortage of spacecraft either, starting with a realistic replica of the Orbiter space shuttle.... And the best thing is that there are very good audio guides that are very useful for visitors who speak languages such as German, Japanese, Russian, Spanish and French.
Useful information
- Location: 9404 East Marginal Way South, Seattle, WA, 98108-4046.
- Hours: Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
- Entry fee: approximately 25 euros.
- Tourtime: about 2 to 3 hours to fully enjoy the museum.
7. Have fun at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
The Museum of Pop Culture is a colourful place where young and old can enjoy the best examples of this modern underworld. The themes are varied to suit all tastes, being especially entertaining for older children, teenagers and adults.
Within its walls you will find travelling exhibitions, so keep an eye on the calendar. There are also permanent halls that are sure to delight everyone.
One of the most eye-catching is the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall. There you will find interactive kiosks and more than 30 items that are icons of the best films of recent times such as Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Marvel, Alien, Dungeons and Dragons and much more.
Useful information
- Location: 325 5th Avenue N in Seattle Center. Paid parking and a variety of public transportation routes, including the Seattle Center Monorail.
- Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Admission: 20 to 30 euros, depending on the exhibitions and dates selected for the museum visit.
- Tour time: just over 4 hours to visit the entire museum.
8. Let them have fun at Artist at Play Playground
Artist at Play Playground is a large playground that offers children all kinds of fun challenges, typical of the best playgrounds. It was designed by a number of artists who were inspired by the opinions of children who were interviewed about their ideas for their ideal space.
The result is this colourful plaza located between the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) and Seattle Center Armory. Admission is completely free and there are musical games, a large climbing tower, swings, a maze and a merry-go-round, among many other attractions.
It is an ideal space for the little ones to run, jump and play to their heart's content, letting off all the energy that characterises them. To avoid accidents, the floor is made of soft paving and, for greater comfort, there are also free toilets.
Useful information
- Location: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States. Seattle Center.
- How to get there: There are several bus and public transportation routes that will get you there. Parking is available nearby.
- Hours: Open from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.
9. Take them shopping at Pike Place Market
If by any chance you thought that a market isn't exactly a fun stop for kids, it's because you haven't heard of Pike Place Market. It is a space located in the heart of the city, with a varied market offering fresh produce, mini-shops with curiosities and lots of life and movement.
For the little ones, the most charming stops are The Giant Shoe Museum, Market Magic, The Wall of Chewing Gum and the Golgen Age Collectibles comic book shop, where they will also find figurines and interesting objects of their favourite superheroes.
Lunchtime is also ideal at Pike Place Market, especially if your children are fond of macaroni and cheese. Beecher's Mac'n'cheese serves the best.
Useful information
- Location: 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.
- Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, although some restaurants may open as early as 7:00 am and offer breakfast, while others stay open until midnight. Closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas only.
10. Learn about the Seattle Children's Museum
The Seattle Children's Museum opened in 1979 with just one exhibit. Today it offers more than 11 sections where children ages 6 months to 10 years can learn, explore and have fun.
Among the exhibits you'll find customised simulations of markets, mountains, clinics and many other curiosities for the little ones to interact with. One of the most interesting areas is dedicated to Native American cultures, a section where they tell stories about their beliefs and experiences.
It should be noted that the museum is designed primarily for children, but all ages are welcome to enjoy this space full of curiosities. Be sure to visit, especially if you're in Seattle at Christmas time, as the decorations here are enchanting and the atmosphere of the museum is completely transformed.
Useful information
- Location: 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109, Seattle Center, under the Space Needle.
- **Good to know: Paid parking is available nearby and in the building itself. For public transportation, take bus routes 2, 48, or 8.
- Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday.
- Entrance fee: around 10 euros.
11. Climbing at Stone Gardens
If your family loves climbing, the Stone Gardens is a must-visit place where you're guaranteed to have a great time.
The aim of this climbing wall is to get as high as you can, but don't worry, there are climbing walls designed for children and adults, with all the safety regulations.
In addition to its indoor spaces, it also has an outdoor climbing wall, as well as a guided climbing course service for all levels. And if you and your family love the mountains, remember that you can book a trip to Mount Rainier from Seattle.
Useful information
- Location: 2839 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107, USA.
- Hours: Monday to Friday from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. Saturdays from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sundays from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.
12. Discover the Pinball Museum, a very special place
The Pinball Museum is a perfect place to share with the family and enjoy a different kind of afternoon. Inside you will find more than 50 arcade games, from the most modern to the vintage ones that gave birth to this generation.
For the price of admission you can use them as many times as you want, with no time limit. It is an ideal stop for children over 7 years old and teenagers, not to mention adults who love this type of games.
Inside the museum you can also buy snacks, drinks and even craft beers for the adults. What more could you ask for a perfect getaway?
Useful information
- Location: 508 Maynard Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104, USA. The area has several car parks nearby.
- Hours: Friday to Monday, 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm.
- Entrance fee: around 15 euros.