things to do in seattle with kids
Seattle is a fantastic city to visit with kids, offering a wide range of fun and educational activities. Here are some things to do in Seattle with kids:
- Seattle Aquarium: Home to over 50,000 marine animals, including sea otters, octopuses, and fish of all kinds.
- Pike Place Market: Explore the historic market, watch fishmongers in action, and sample local foods like fresh seafood and chocolates.
- Seattle Children’s Museum: A interactive museum with play areas, art projects, and hands-on activities for kids of all ages.
- Space Needle: Take a ride to the top of the iconic Space Needle for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
- Seattle Center: A complex of museums, gardens, and performance venues, including the Museum of Pop Culture and the Seattle Repertory Theatre.
- Woodland Park Zoo: A 92-acre zoo with a variety of animals, including giant pandas, giraffes, and elephants.
- Discovery Park: A 740-acre park with hiking trails, beaches, and stunning views of the Olympic Mountains.
- Seattle Great Wheel: Take a ride on the city’s famous Ferris wheel, which offers breathtaking views of the waterfront.
- Museum of Pop Culture: Explore exhibits on music, science fiction, and pop culture, including a collection of Jimi Hendrix’s guitars.
- Seattle Waterfront: Stroll along the newly renovated waterfront, visit the Seattle Aquarium, and enjoy the street performers and food vendors.
Outdoor Activities:
- Kayaking or paddleboarding: Rent equipment and explore Lake Union, Lake Washington, or Puget Sound.
- Hiking: Seattle has many nearby hiking trails, including the Rattlesnake Ridge Trail and the Discovery Park Loop Trail.
- Visit the Washington Park Arboretum: A beautiful 230-acre park with gardens, walking trails, and a variety of plant species.
- Take a ferry ride: Catch a ferry to Bainbridge Island, Vashon Island, or Bremerton, and enjoy the views of the Olympic Mountains.
Indoor Activities:
- Seattle Pinball Museum: A unique museum featuring over 50 pinball machines and other arcade games.
- Seattle Children’s Theatre: A professional theater company that produces shows for kids of all ages.
- Seattle Public Library: A beautiful library with a children’s section featuring interactive exhibits and activities.
- Indoor play centers: Seattle has several indoor play centers, including Playdate and Seattle Playdate.
Seasonal Events:
- Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival: Celebrate the blooming of the cherry blossoms with parades, food, and activities.
- Seattle Summer Solstice Parade: Watch the colorful parade and enjoy live music and food.
- Seattle Christmas Tree Lighting: Celebrate the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony and festive activities.
- Seattle Halloween Parade: Join the spooky fun with a costume parade and trick-or-treating.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Seattle with kids. Be sure to check the attractions’ websites for hours, prices, and age restrictions before planning your trip.