Seattle, Washington, known for its stunning waterfront, innovative tech scene, and rich cultural heritage, is also a fantastic destination for families. Whether you’re a local or visiting the Emerald City for the first time, there are countless activities that kids and parents alike will enjoy. From interactive museums to outdoor adventures, Seattle offers an abundance of opportunities for family-friendly fun. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the best things to do in Seattle with kids and families, brought to you by The Kids Point.
Visit the Space Needle and Seattle Center
No trip to Seattle would be complete without visiting its iconic landmark, the Space Needle. Originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair, this 605-foot-tall observation tower provides breathtaking views of the city, the Puget Sound, and the surrounding mountains. The observation deck is accessible via high-speed elevators, and on a clear day, you can see as far as Mount Rainier. There’s even a glass floor in the observation area for a thrilling view straight down!
Just below the Space Needle, the Seattle Center offers a range of other attractions for families. You can explore the Chihuly Garden and Glass, a stunning exhibit of colorful glass art created by artist Dale Chihuly, or visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), where kids can learn about the history of music, movies, and video games through engaging exhibits and interactive displays.
Tip: If you’re visiting with younger children, the Artists at Play Playground near the Space Needle is an excellent spot for them to burn off some energy. The playground features a massive 35-foot climbing structure, swings, and other fun play equipment.
Explore the Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium, located along the waterfront, is another great destination for families. With its focus on the marine life of the Pacific Northwest, the aquarium showcases a variety of animals including sea otters, harbor seals, and numerous fish species. The main attraction is the 120,000-gallon aquarium with a stunning 40-foot-wide viewing window, where kids can see salmon, rockfish, and vibrant sea anemones up close.
The aquarium also offers interactive experiences, such as the chance to touch sea stars and sea cucumbers in the tide pools, or watch divers interact with marine animals during live presentations. Kids will love the Underwater Dome, which allows them to walk through a tunnel surrounded by fish and other sea creatures.
Tip: Check out the aquarium’s daily talks and feeding schedules to make sure you don’t miss out on any exciting animal encounters!
Discover Woodland Park Zoo
For families who love animals, the Woodland Park Zoo is an absolute must. Located in the heart of Seattle, this award-winning zoo is home to over 1,000 animals from around the world. The zoo’s exhibits are designed to be both educational and immersive, with natural habitats recreated to closely mimic the animals’ native environments.
One of the zoo’s highlights is the Living Northwest Trail, which showcases animals native to the Pacific Northwest, such as black bears, gray wolves, and bald eagles. The Wildlife Safari section features animals from Africa, while the Tropical Rain Forest is home to exotic species like orangutans and jaguars.
For younger children, the Zoomazium is a fantastic indoor play area where kids can engage with wildlife through interactive exhibits. There’s also a petting zoo where little ones can get up close and personal with farm animals.
Tip: The zoo offers several educational programs, camps, and special events throughout the year, so check the schedule before your visit to see if any special activities are available.
Enjoy the Pacific Science Center
The Pacific Science Center is one of Seattle’s most beloved family attractions, offering hands-on exhibits that teach kids about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in a fun and interactive way. The museum has five buildings filled with exhibits on everything from space exploration to the human body. The Tropical Butterfly House is particularly popular, where kids can walk through a lush, tropical environment full of colorful butterflies.
The museum also features two IMAX® theaters, one of which shows movies in 3D, as well as a planetarium where families can learn about the stars and planets. For those who love lasers, the Science Center hosts laser light shows set to music, a fun experience for older kids and teens.
The Pacific Science Center was originally part of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair and features beautiful architecture, including gothic arches and reflecting pools, making it not only a place for education but also an architectural landmark.
Tip: The Science On a Sphere exhibit is a fascinating experience where you can watch Earth’s atmosphere, ocean currents, and other scientific phenomena projected onto a large sphere.
Ride the Seattle Great Wheel
For an unforgettable experience on the waterfront, take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel, one of the largest Ferris wheels on the West Coast. Located on Pier 57, the wheel offers fantastic views of Elliott Bay, the Seattle skyline, and the Olympic Mountains. The enclosed gondolas are climate-controlled, making it a comfortable ride year-round.
The Great Wheel is a family-friendly activity that’s suitable for all ages. It’s especially beautiful at sunset or in the evening when the city lights create a magical atmosphere. After your ride, explore the nearby Seattle Waterfront for shops, restaurants, and fun activities.
Tip: Combine your visit to the Seattle Great Wheel with a trip to the nearby Argosy Cruises for a family-friendly boat tour of the bay.
Experience the Museum of Flight
For kids fascinated by airplanes and space exploration, the Museum of Flight is an absolute must-see. This massive museum is home to over 175 aircraft and spacecraft, showcasing the history of aviation and space travel. Highlights include the Boeing 747, the Concorde supersonic jet, and a real Apollo Command Module.
Kids can also try their hand at flight in the Kids’ Flight Zone, where they can fly simulators and learn the basics of piloting. The museum offers a variety of family-friendly programs and workshops, and there’s even a dedicated space for younger children to engage in hands-on aviation-related activities.
Tip: The museum offers a variety of special events and temporary exhibits, so be sure to check the schedule before your visit.
Take a Trip to Discovery Park
Seattle is known for its stunning parks, and Discovery Park is one of the best for families. Located on the shores of Puget Sound, Discovery Park offers miles of hiking trails, beaches, and open fields. The park is ideal for a picnic or a nature walk with the family, and the West Point Lighthouse offers picturesque views of the sound and the Olympic Mountains.
For kids interested in nature, the park offers educational programs and opportunities to observe local wildlife, including birds, seals, and tide-pool creatures. The park’s educational center provides exhibits about the park’s ecosystem and history.
Tip: Don’t miss the Loop Trail, a 2.8-mile loop that offers stunning views and leads you through forests, meadows, and along the beach.
Explore the Seattle Children’s Museum
The Seattle Children’s Museum is a perfect spot for younger kids to engage with art, science, and culture. Located at Seattle Center, the museum offers over 18,000 square feet of interactive exhibits designed for children ages 6 months to 10 years. Kids can role-play in a market, build structures in a construction zone, or put on a performance in the museum’s theater.
The museum also regularly rotates its exhibits, so there’s always something new to see. With a focus on hands-on learning, the museum makes education fun and engaging for children.
Tip: Check out the museum’s online calendar for details about special programs and events happening during your visit.
Go Tidepooling at Golden Gardens Park
If your family loves nature, tidepooling at Golden Gardens Park is a must. Located along the shores of Puget Sound, Golden Gardens is one of the best spots in Seattle to explore the intertidal zone during low tide. Kids can discover a wide variety of marine life, including crabs, fish, sea stars, and sea anemones.
Golden Gardens also offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and is a great spot for a picnic or a relaxing afternoon by the water. The park has plenty of amenities, including restrooms, picnic tables, and a play area for younger kids.
Tip: Be sure to check the tide schedule before your visit to ensure you’re going at the best time for tidepooling.
Take a Day Trip to Bainbridge Island
Just a short ferry ride from Seattle, Bainbridge Island is a charming destination for a day trip with the family. The island offers scenic views, quaint shops, and outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and beachcombing. Families can visit the Bloedel Reserve, a beautiful 150-acre forest garden, or explore the island’s many parks and nature preserves.
Bainbridge Island is also home to a number of excellent restaurants, so you can enjoy a leisurely meal with the family after a day of exploring.
Tip: Take the Seattle to Bainbridge Island Ferry, which offers stunning views of Seattle’s skyline and Puget Sound.
Seattle is a fantastic destination for families, offering a diverse range of activities that cater to all ages and interests. Whether you’re exploring interactive museums, getting up close with animals, or enjoying the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone in the Emerald City. From the iconic Space Needle to the hands-on exhibits at the Seattle Children’s Museum, The Kids Point is excited to share these top family-friendly attractions that will ensure you and your loved ones have an unforgettable time in Seattle. Plan your visit today and start making lasting memories with your family in one of the most exciting cities in the Pacific Northwest!