From its vibrant music and culinary scene to museums sure to satisfy every type of curious mind, there is no shortage of things to do in Seattle. But did you know it’s also a great city for kids, too? If you’re planning a family getaway, we’ve got all the best things for you and the kids to do in The Emerald City. Keep reading for the best ideas that will no doubt keep kids and parents alike entertained.
Iconic Seattle Attractions for Families
Seattle is not just a city for solo travelers. From its vast green spaces, parks, and beaches to its numerous family-friendly attractions, see what makes the Emerald City such an easy and ideal area to visit with your kids.
Space Needle
The Space Needle is more than just an observation tower—it’s a local Seattle celebrity, and the landmark that likely springs to mind when you picture the city’s skyline. Standing 605 ft., the Space Needle was once the tallest tower west of the Mississippi River, though the title of tallest in Seattle is now held by the Columbia Center.
One of its main attractions is its 360-degree observation deck, standing 520 ft. high. If your children aren’t afraid of heights, then they’ll be overcome with amazement by the views of Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Elliot Bay, and Puget Sound.
After all that excitement, stop for a bite at the TipTop Café (their pies are a must!). The Space Needle is open seven days a week and accessible by car or public transit. See you at the top!
Seattle Center Monorail
All aboard the Seattle Center Monorail, the city’s light rail transit system that’s here to take you and your family places! If you’re looking to get around town and visit the city’s top attractions, the monorail will take you there.
The monorail was built in 1962, especially for the World’s Fair. Operated by the Seattle Monorail Services, this transit system was initially constructed to connect the Space Needle to downtown Seattle, shuttling people to and from the World’s Fair grounds in roughly two minutes.
Today, it links people to numerous popular tourist destinations, including The Space Needle, the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, the Pacific Science Center, the Seattle Children’s Museum and more. With a train that departs every 10 minutes or so, this is one of the easiest ways to trek across downtown Seattle.
Best of all, you don’t have to worry about parking! If you’re planning to spend some time at the Space Needle and want a quick ride across town, this is a good option for getting around. Children under five ride free, and kids aged 6-18 pay half the ticket price.
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is a terrific place for kids and adults alike, thanks to its seemingly endless rows of vendors, quirky museums, and restaurants. Not only does it offer great food options, but the market holds a rich history that visitors will appreciate. The vibes at Pike Place Market are always upbeat and fun, making it a great spot for a day of family fun. only is this Seattle markets it’s chock-full of restaurants, street performers, you name it.
If you’re looking to make lasting family memories, we’ve got plenty of suggestions here. Make sure to check Rachel the Piggy Bank, a 500+ lb. sculpture (and actual piggy bank) that greets visitors at the entrance. Many a child has climbed up onto Rachel’s back while eager parents snap a pic.
Take your kids to a rooftop oasis overlooking gorgeous Elliot Bay. The Pike Place Urban Garden is a communal space where locals grow veggies for organizations. Another thing kids will get a kick out of is the fish-tossing tradition, a Pike Place Market classic.
Fishmongers clad in rubber orange overalls will take orders from customers and call out the orders to the staff in back. They will then yell the order in return. To cap it all off, the fishmonger tosses the fish in the back to get it wrapped before handing it to the client. Sometimes, they’ll even throw a fake fish into the crowds gathered round.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
The Chihuly Garden and Glass museum is open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, and brings together various elements of artist Dale Chiuly's daring, imaginative collection—from his vibrant and colorful glass creations to his utterly enchanting architectural works. These glass sculptures are sure to impress folks of all ages, making it a standout among Seattle art galleries.
Take the kids outside in the garden to see how these impressive pieces complement nature in all its glory.
Fun Family Activities at Seattle Center
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
The Museum of Pop Culture is an enclave of interactive exhibits about music, sci-fi, pop culture, and more. Pop culture is what defines us and shapes us, which makes learning all about it all the more exciting.
While parents are sure to enjoy the exhibits on music legends like Jimi Hendrix and local faves Nirvana, there’s plenty to keep the little ones entertained and occupied too. The Indie Game Revolution exhibit features new computer games they can try their hand at while the Fantasy: Worlds of Myth & Magic is a room filled with wands and swords (all safe, we promise), caves to explore and a mythical dragon.
Take part in the museum’s Family Program, an agenda filled with art activations, sing-alongs, and arts-and-crafts workshops. Museum of Pop Culutre has always something everyone in the family can appreciate.
Elevate your Seattle Stay!
Ready for a whimsical twist to your Seattle visit? Make the most of your day with high-flying Cirque du Soleil acts and vibrant shows!
Pacific Science Center
Lovers of learning, rejoice: Pacific Science Center is wall-to-wall interactive science exhibits. This renowned institution first opened its doors in 1962 for the World’s Fair. Since then, it’s been a premier science and tech center since its inception, welcoming curious minds of all ages through its doors.
Children will want to visit galaxies far, far away in the Planetarium, head to the Tropical Butterfly House to learn about thousands of butterfly and plant species, or travel back in time to learn about the dinosaurs.
Let’s not forget about the IMAX theatre, screening immersive and gripping documentary films. The best part about coming here is the kids will be having so much fun they won’t realize how well they’re learning, too.
Artists at Play Playground
The Artists at Play Playground is a must-visit destination for families and large groups. This interactive playground can be found between the MoPOP in the vibrant heart of Seattle Center. Surrounded by more than 30 cultural, educational, sports, and entertainment attractions, this interactive playground and jungle gym offers a perfect mix of outdoor fun and creativity.
Kids aged five and up will love the 30-foot climbing tower, while musical instruments, sound swings, and listening stations offer unique sensory experiences. Make this a stop on your Seattle visit—you (and the kids) will be glad you did.
Marine Life and Nature Experiences
Next on our list of family-friendly activities: nature and wildlife. It’s high time you discovered the best of Seattle’s natural wonders, from underwater creatures, critters at the zoo, and scenic ferry rides that bring you closer to the majestic natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium, located along Elliot Bay, tends to be a popular destination for little ones. It’s open daily from 9:30 AM to 6 PM—all habitats close promptly at six.
If you really want to see your kiddos' eyes light up, bring them to the underwater dome at Pier 60. This unique structure is located inside the waters of Puget Sound, giving you a close-up look at the marine life that calls this part of the world home.
You and your little ones will be surrounded by the marine life native to the Pacific Northwest, including immense schools of fish, seals, and more.
Woodland Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo is sure to be a hit among animal lovers great and small. Families will love learning about how wildlife from around the world live. Walk through exhibits like the African Savanna and witness majestic creatures like giraffes, zebras, and lions.
With interactive experiences and kid-friendly activities, this park promises an unforgettable day surrounded by nature and wildlife.
Washington State Ferries
Take a boat ride onboard the Washington State Ferries! Your little ones will love breathing in the fresh air and feeling the wind in their air as you glide across the estuary.
Ideal for a family sightseeing adventure, these scenic routes offer breathtaking views of the water and nearby islands—you’ll see Seattle like never before.
Outdoor Spots for Family Adventures
One of our favorite ways to experience this city is by heading outside. Here are a few spots we know you and the kids will adore.
Kerry Park
Kerry Park is a small, public park overlooking downtown Seattle. From the park’s viewpoint, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the skyline—including the Space Needle piercing the sky, and snow-peaked Mount Rainier off in the distance.
It’s a great spot to take family photos—the kind you'll treasure forever. After you’ve snapped a few, set up for a picnic on the lawn while the kids scale the playground.
Discovery Park
At 534 acres—that's about the size of 379 football fields—Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest outdoor space. Located in the northern region of Seattle, the park is brimming with fun family-friendly activities: from hiking trails for young adventurers to beaches for kids who love the water—there's no shortage of things to do here among Seattle parks.
The park is free to enter, and is open daily until 11:30 p.m. (and that includes the two on-site tennis courts).
Ballard Locks and Fish Ladder
The Ballard Locks and Fish Ladder (or, as it’s officially known, Hiram M. Chittenden Locks) is a top five tourist attraction in Seattle, and the busiest locking system in the United States.
Built in 1917, these locks link together Lake Union and Lake Washington with Puget Sound—mixing fresh and saltwater. Large boats and kayak-sized watercraft can travel between the locks.
But what makes the Ballard Locks so special is that it’s a prime spot to watch salmon pass through its locks and travel upriver to spawn. During summer, bring the kids here for a chance to watch this rare event.
- From mid-June to July, you’ll get to see Sockeye salmon—though numbers have dwindled in recent decades, it’s estimated that roughly 25,000 salmons swim here.
- In August, catch around 15,000 Chinook salmons passing through.
- And in September, almost 25,000 Coho salmons swim on by.
Keep in mind, the fish ladder system closes for a few weeks in May to undergo maintenance.
If you ever thought fish couldn’t climb a ladder, Ballard Locks will surprise you.
Unique Museums and Interactive Experiences
Get inspired, get educated. Spend some time in these fun Seattle museums so you and your kids can get your learn on.
Seattle Art Museum (SAM) and Olympic Sculpture Park
The Seattle Art Museum is the largest fine arts museum in Seattle, and a pillar of Seattle's art community. In addition to showcasing inspiring and thought-provoking contemporary artworks, it also offers afamily programyou and the little ones, featuring events and workshops catered to young, aspiring artists aged 2 to 12.
In addition to these fun activities, the museum holds Family Saturdays every week, inspiring young ones to get creative with the kids at the museum’s various art-making stations. The SAM! Camp is another fun way for kids to tap into their creative muscle. Offered every summer for kids in grades 1 to 6, the summer camp lets kids find inspiration in some of the works on display to create masterpieces of their own.
Meanwhile, the Olympic Sculpture Park sits just a mile north of the museum. It features public art displays and monumental sculptures along the Seattle waterfront—adding to the majesty of the Seattle skyline. This family-friendly destination is a great way to explore art, nature, and public creativity together.
The Museum of Flight
The Museum of Flight is a must-see museum for kids and adults, especially those curious and fascinated by the science of aviation. This immense space houses more than 175 aircraft and spacecraft, in addition to artifacts, photographs, and a world-class library. Highlights include a chance to marvel at the lunar rover and step aboard historic aircraft like the 70 year-old Air Force One presidential jet plane.
Seattle Pinball Museum
The Seattle Pinball Museum promises fun for the whole family! Here, you can step back in time and get a feel for what gaming was like in decades past. This museum houses more than 50 pinball machines from various eras. It’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane that will no doubt be enjoyable to the young and young at heart. You don’t need to be a pro to play along, either. Just have fun with it at this interactive museum.
Hidden Gems and Neighborhood Exploration
Fremont Troll
The Fremont Troll is one of Seattle’s strangest—yet delightful—public art structures. Underneath a bridge in the Fremont neighborhood, you’ll find a giant statue of a troll with a car in its grasp.
The work was designed by a team of artists, Steve Badanes, Will Martin, Donna Walter, and Ross Whitehead. They drew inspiration from Scandinavian folklore. Imaginative kids will love seeing this larger-than-life creature from up close and personal.
Heads up—if your little ones are easily frightened, you might want to skip this site until they’re a little older.
Kubota Garden
Retreat to the calm of the Kubota Garden is also known as the hidden jewel of the Rainier Beach neighborhood. This scenic Japanese garden features winding pathways and vibrant greenery. It’s a destination that invites visitors to relax and reconnect with nature—a peaceful escape during action-packed days.
Capitol Hill
Charming Capitol Hill is a Seattle neighborhood filled with local culture and tons of spots worth checking out. You and the family can enjoy browsing its many bookstores, grab lunch at one of its inviting cafés, or just sit back and unwind in its lush parks. They don't call it the city's "coolest" neighborhood for nothing.
Rainy Day Activities in Seattle for Families
Rain, rain, go away as the song says. In case it doesn’t, you may want to pay these spots in Seattle a visit.
Seattle Central Library
The Seattle Central Library is every bookworm’s dream come true. At first glance, you might not think this futuristic building is a library. But as the saying goes, don’t judge a book by its cover—inside, you’ll find rows and rows of books just waiting to be enjoyed by readers from all walks of life.
This iconic landmark doesn’t just feature books on books. There’s even a dedicated children’s center for young explorers to learn and let their imaginations run wild. Not only does this section feature books as far as the eye can see, but it’s filled with plenty of toys to inspire and foster learning.
Parents will love the comfortable seating in this fun section. On a rainy day, come here to explore its numerous interactive activities or just take in the building’s breathtaking design.
Oh, and about its architecture, this Seattle destination has been coined the most Instagrammable library in the world, so be sure to have your phone handy when you visit.
Seattle Children's Museum
The Seattle Children’s Museum answers the question of “what should we do on a rainy day?” With the mission of inspiring children and their caregivers through hands-on exploration and discovery, the Seattle hands on Children’s Museum will keep your little ones engaged and entertained for hours.
Inside its walls, the museum features tons of hands-on exhibits and workshops especially catered to young learners. For infants and toddlers, Orca Cove inspires children to engage their senses through auditory, tactile, and visual stimulation.
The corner workshop lets children create works of their own, whether that’s through painting, sculpting, or other arts and crafts, led by one of the museum’s art educators. Other rooms cater to different tastes.
The Mountain section reimagines the Pacific Northwest weather indoors, while the Raindrop Reading Room invites children to relax, read, or take part in storytime.
Need to keep the kids occupied with indoor activities? It’s the ultimate rainy-day destination, promising hours of learning and fun.
Locurio Escape Rooms
Locurio Escape Rooms puts your family’s definition of teamwork to the test. This challenging experience is designed for anyone aged 12 and up. Here, you’ll find immersive experiences like “The Vanishing Act” or “The Storykeeper.”
Your kids will love stepping away from their screens and into the real world to solve challenges while strengthening family ties and creating lifelong memories.
Planning Tips for a Family Trip to Seattle
Need help planning your trip to Seattle with the kids? Allow us. Seattle has plenty of family-friendly activities, dining options, and transportation choices to make your trip enjoyable for families of any size. Here are our tips to get ready for the perfect family getaway.
Best Times of the year to Visit for Families
The first step to a great vacation is choosing the best time for you and your family to visit. Spring and early summer are usually mild. Come fall, you can enjoy the same warmth and clear skies—but with fewer of the summer crowds.
Winter lovers: Don’t expect to see too many feet of snow: though it tends to get rainy during the winter months, you’ll also find the city brimming with bright and merry festive events. A word of advice? Seattle's weather can be unpredictable—layered clothing is your best friend!
Getting Around Seattle with Kids
Exploring Seattle is easy breezy. The city offers many family-friendly options for commuting. Hop on the iconic Seattle Monorail for a quick and easy ride between downtown and Seattle Center or board its public buses and light rail.
Budget-Friendly Family Activities
Good news: You don’t need to break the bank to have fun in Seattle. So many sites and attractions are easy on the wallet. Start with a visit to Pike Place Market, where kids can watch the famous fish-throwing vendors and sample local treats.
The Olympic Sculpture Park and Discovery Park offer wide-open spaces for young ones to explore—parents will love that it’s free of charge. When it’s rainy, activities like the Seattle Public Library are worth a visit too.
P.S., if you plan to visit several attractions during your stay, you might want to consider the Seattle City Pass for discounted entry to family favorites like the Seattle Aquarium or the Space Needle.
Family-Friendly Dining Options
Like everything else in the Emerald City, dining with kids in Seattle is easy. Check out local favorites like The Pink Door, where there’s good vibes and a menu filled with dishes for even the pickiest eaters.
If you’re craving casual bites, head to kid-friendly cafés Tilikum Place Café or pizza from Pagliacci’s. If your little ones are adventurous eaters, try out the diverse food options at Pike Place Market, International District, or the Fremont district’s trendiest spots.
There’s plenty of family fun to be had in Seattle!
There’s no shortage of fun to be had in Seattle, the kind of city that offers something suited for everyone in the family. After you’ve wrapped up your family adventures exploring the city’s countless (and we mean countless) iconic landmarks and hidden gems, let us take over.
End your day by visiting us at one of our shows in Seattle when we are in town—a memorable experience of another kind. Our breathtaking, gravity-defying acrobatics will leave you and your little ones spellbound, a majestic addition to your jam-packed Seattle itinerary.