Seattle's Ballard Locks and Lunch With Kids, Seattle, Washington
If your kids have never seen boat locks in action, it is worth a trip out to kid-friendly Ballard to watch the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in action. While you're there, eat a great meal and find some cute clothes for the kids (or you)
Ballard Locks / Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Address 3105 Northwest 54th Street, Seattle, WA 98107 Map, Tel (206) 783-7059 Call, Hours 7am-9pm year round
Children will enjoy watching boats pass through the locks and during salmon season you can watch fish swim upstream on a gradual incline using the fish ladder first built by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1917. There is also a small, dark, museum with exhibits that help viewers understand how the locks work. For detailed information, check the Ballard Locks Website more
La Carta de Oaxaca
Address 5431 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle Map, Tel 206.782.8722 Call, Lunch Tu-Sat 11:30am-3pm, Dinner Mon-Thurs 5pm-11pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-midnight Website
The food at this excellent Mexican restaurant is not the heavy, cheese laden entrees that we've become accustomed to. Dishes are light and flavorful, and perfectly sized for sharing. For picky kids, there's always rice and beans & an accommodating staff. This restaurant is casual and noisy, perfect for kids, but be aware that it is popular for dinner and there is often a line. more
Cupcake Royale - Ballard
Address 2052 NW Market St, Seattle Map, Tel 206.782.9557 Call, Hours M-Th 6:30am-10pm; Fri-Sat 6:30am-11pm; Sun 7:30am-10pm Website
The best thing about Cupcake Royale (besides the fact that they have delicious cupcakes and delicious coffee) is that they have bite sized cupcakes perfect for giving my kids a treat without putting them into sugar overload. more