Back to Seattle, Washington with Kids
About Me
I'm Debbie, mother of two delicious kids,
and I write about traveling with little kids. That's
my 6-month old son in Paris on Halloween.
More About Me
Activities in Seattle
Aquarium
Address 1483 Alaskan Way # 59, Seattle, WA 98101 Map, Tel (206) 386-4320 Call, Hours 9:30am-5pm daily; last entry at 5pm; exhibits close at 6pm; open 365 days, with special hours for some holidays Website
Visit the newly updated Seattle Aquarium and see the huge "Windows on Washington" salt water tank and sea otters at play. There is also a Salmon ladder, which is interesting to watch when the Salmon are running. more
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
Boat Ride in Puget Sound
Address 1101 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101 Map, Where Pier 55, just south of the Aquarium, Cost Varies
There are several options for getting out on the water with your kids. On a nice day, this can be one of the most plesant ways to see the city, and kids love the change of pace. more
Boeing Museum of Flight
Address 9404 E Marginal Way S Seattle, WA 98108 Map, Tel (206) 764-5720? Call, Hours 10am to 5pm daily, Cost 4 & under free; 5-17 $7.50; Adults $14.00, Discounts AAA discount; First Thursday of each month is free from 5pm-9pm, Bus From downtown METRO Bus #174 will take you directly to the museum. Website
If your kids are obsessed with airplanes, the museum of flight is a wonderful place to visit. For older kids, there are lots of old airplanes to look at (and a few to climb onboard), including the original Air Force One. There is also the chance to tour the original boing "factory" and a section dedicated to space travel. For younger kids there is a smallish play area with a few planes to climb-on board and some interactive exhibits that help kids learn about flying. A mock control tower overlooks boeing field. While there isn't a ton for young kids to do, there is a lot of space, and my kids always seem to enjoy a visit, especially on a rainy day. more
Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
Address 17th Ave Ne & N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98195-0001 Map, Tel 206-543-5590 Call, Hours 10am-5pm daily; open until 8pm on the first Thursday of every month, Cost $8 general, $6.50 seniors, $5 students and youth (5 & up w/ID); Ages 4 and under are free Website
If your child likes dinosaurs, insects, bugs and geology the Burke museum is a great place to take them. They'll also learn about local culture through the museum's collection of Native American art and artifacts. more
Bus Free Ride Area
It's no secret that toddlers love to ride the bus. It's also no secret that pushing that stroller around can get tiring. From 6a.m. to 7p.m. daily in downtown seattle (including Pioneer square) the bus is free. Many routes have kneeling busses, making it easy to board with a stroller, but you'll have to collapse your stroller after you board. more
Central Library
Address 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA Map, Tel 206-386-4636 Call, Hours M-Th 10am-8pm, Fri & Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12n-6pm, Cost Free Website
If you're interested in modern architecture or green design (and even if you are not) the Seattle Central Library is one of the coolest new buildings on the west coast. It is not only visually stunning, but the designers gave a great deal of thought to how a library and a public building should function... redesigning the building from the ground up. Adults will be interested in signing up for a tour or just exploring the building with kids (check out the red meeting area on the fourth floor, the wacky art installations in the escalator and the beautiful wooden floor on the first floor) My son never tires of exploring the library. more
Earth's Minerals Scratch Patch
Address 6410 Latona Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98115 Map, Tel 206 523 6164 Call, Admission $2 per person plus the cost of a bag for your child to fill with polished rocks Website
Scratch Patches are apparently a common form of entertainment for kids in South Africa, but relatively unheard of in the states. If you have never been to one before, this is a fun and low-key outing for kids. The owners of Earth's Minerals Scratch Patch have covered the floors in two separate rooms with polished rocks. Kids are free to play in the rocks, use a mineral guide to identify different stones, and then fill up a bag to take home. more
Fremont Troll
Address Troll Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 Map, Location Under the north end of the Aurora Bridge on N. 36th Street
This whimsical sculpture of a troll eating an original Volkswagen Beetle (tucked away under the Aurora Bridge) is a fun find for kids old enough not to be scared. Visitors are encouraged to climb on the troll, and since this spot is sheltered by the bridge, it can be a nice place to let the kids run on a rainy day. more
Japanese Garden at the Seattle Arboretum
Address 1075 Lake Washington Blvd. E, Seattle WA Map, Tel (206) 684-4725 Call, Extras Koi food: $1 at the gatehouse Website
Local children flock to the Japanese garden on sunny mornings (especially during the spring and fall when the garden is especially beautiful). Why? They enjoy the garden paths, waterfall, koi and turtles in this 3 1/2 acre park. Even better, they can pick up fish food at the entrance gate and feed the Koi from a platform built over the water. The Japanese garden is mostly stroller friendly. more
Monorail (Downtown to Seattle Center)
Address 400 Pine St,Seattle, WA 98101 Map, Tel 206-905-2620 Call, Hours daily 9am-11pm (departures every 10 min), Cost 4 and under is free. Youth 75 cents. Adults $2 each way Website
The Seattle Monorail connects downtown with Seattle Center (see below). Toddlers and young children love the ride itself, and for grownups it is easier than moving the car and usually cheaper than paying for parking twice. Strollers are allowed on the trains, making it a really easy way to get around. Bring your kids right up to the front of the train where they can watch through big picture windows and sit near the conductor. more
Olympic Sculpture Park
Address 2901 Western Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121 Map, Hours May 1–Sept 30: 6 a.m.–9 p.m. daily; Oct 1–Apr 30: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. daily, Cost Free Website
Pick up a picnic at Pikes Market and head down to the Olympic Sculpture Park (a little less than one mile north of the market) The park, which opened in 2007 has plenty of space to run, wonderful views, and great outdoor sculpture. more
Pacific Science Center
Address 200 Second Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109 Map, Tel 206.443.2001 Call, Hours Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat-Sun 10am-6pm, Cost Adults $11; Ages 6-12 $8.00; Ages 3-5 $6; Under 3 Free Website
The Pacific Science center has lots of fun hands on exhibits, as well as interesting seasonal exhibits for kids. Our family's favorite exhibit is the year-round tropical butterfly house, and while much of the museum is best for older kids, the butterfly house is a delight from about 9 months and up. There's also a planetarium, laser show, and an IMAX theatre. more
Pike Place Market
Address 1501 Pike Pl # 510, Seattle, WA Map, Hours Vary, most vendors open by 8am Website
Pike Place is a destination on any tourist map. Luckily, kids love it too. When it's sunny, I bring my toddler almost every week. It's fun to choose fruit from the colorful displays, there are a few bakeries and restaurants to pick up a snack or lunch and lots of music and activity. On summer weekends there is almost always something special going on. Best of all, it's open early, giving you an activity when the kids wake up at the crack of dawn (and a way to beat the crowds). more
Seattle Art Museum
Address 1300 First Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101-2003 Map, Tel 206.654.3100 Call, Hours Tu-Su: 10am–5pm; Th & Fri 10am–9pm; closed Mon, Cost Some areas free. Children 12 & under free. Adults $13
The newly reopened Seattle Art Museum has some free areas that are great for kids! The "art ladder" (the grand staircase to the right of the main entrance) has a craft area for kid and art installations specifically designed to be visually engaging and interesting for all ages. more
Seattle Center
Address 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA Map, Cost Free Website
Hop on the monorail and head over to Seattle Center. Seattle center is the home to the space needle (kids will love the LONG elevator ride), a variety of kid friendly museums, and daily cultural activities and festivals. more
Seattle Children's Museum
Address 305 Harrison Street, Seattle Map, Hours Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 10am-6pm, Cost $7.50 adults and children 1 and up Website
The Seattle children's museum is a good place for kids to play freely on a rainy day. There are lots of different hands on activities, including a large enclosed area for babies and toddlers, a stage with costumes, a "global village" with homes and shops from different countries, a craft area, and more. more
Seattle Glassblowing Studio
Address 2227 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 Map, Tel (206) 448-2181 Call, Website
This glassblowing studio and shop will be tough for some kids to visit and a wonderland for others. Brightly colored glass objects, blown by local artists are displayed without the benefit of protective glass cases, making them easy for kids to see well (but also easy for them to touch). Kids and adults can watch professional glassblowers and students work in the hotshop at the back of the studio. A small cafe next door serves pastries and crepes, making this a nice place to stop for a snack and a "taste" of the local glass-art scene. more
Space Needle
Address 219 Fourth Ave N Seattle, WA 98109 Map, Tel 206.905.2100 Call, Cost Adult: $16; Youth (ages 4-13) $8; Child (age 3 & under) are free, Tickets Skip the line by ordering tickets online, Notes After dinner, on a slow night, you may be able to enjoy dessert only at the Space Needle Restaurant Website
Space Needle elevators travel at 10 mph, 14 feet per second, 800 feet per minute, or as fast as a parachutist or a raindrop falls to earth. Toddlers and older kids will enjoy the elevator ride and the view down on the city. For a special treat, have a bite to eat (or just dessert) at the revolving restaurant (reservations recommended) The food is just ok, but the view is fantastic and kids will love watching the city go by more
Theo Chocolate Factory Tour
Address 3400 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle Map, Tel 206-632-5100 Call, Hours Daily 10am-6pm, Reservations Recommended Website
What child wouldn't love a tour of a chocolate factory? What adult wouldn't love to taste some of the best chocolate in Seattle? Theo's is the only roaster of organic cacao beans in the United States, and unlike most chocolate makers, handles every step in the chocolate making process, from roasting the beans to forming and wrapping candy bars. more
Underground Tour
Address 608 First Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104 Map, Tel 206.682.4646 Call, Notes There are no reservations, so arrive in advance to buy your tickets Website
Older kids will enjoy roaming the subterranean passages that once were the main roadways and first-floor storefronts of old downtown Seattle. Tour guides keep this tour fun with jokes and humorous stories about this historic area. more
World Spice
Address 1509 Western Ave, Seattle WA Map, Tel (206) 682-7274 Call, Hours Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 12n-5pm, Cost Free
After visiting Pike's Market, swing into World Spice. If you enjoy cooking, you will love the wide variety of high quality spices and tea. Because you buy in bulk, prices are often cheaper than the grocery store. Let your kids explore, smelling each spice, and try buying a few favorites and seasoning your picky toddler's food with them (it worked for me!) more
Reader Favorites
Alki beach
Address Alki Avenue S.W. Seattle, WA 98116 Map,
Volleyball tournaments, sandy beach areas for the kids to play along the shoreline.
Watch kyakers, ferry boats, big ships coming in and out of port.
There is a great promenade for walking, picnicking and even bbq grills.
Many great restaurants and businesses along the way.
If the wind is right grab your kite!
Even in the winter months Alki beach is amazing! more
Greenlake
Address 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N Seattle, WA 98103 Map, Tel (206) 684-4075 Call, Website
The lake itself has a 3 mile paved path around that is always a hit for a stroller or bike/wagon walk. There is a fabulous playground on site for kids of all ages. In the summer there is a boat house open that rents pontoon boats and other small water craft to rent by the half hour out on the lake. If you are brave (it's cold) you can even swim in the summer. There are also many coffee shops and restaurants around the lake that are kid friendly. more
Light Rail Line
Address 4th Ave & Pine St, Seattle Map, Tel (888) 889-6368 Call, Website
It is a fun inexpensive way to see the area and what kid doesn't like a train? Start at the Southern most part of the line, on a clear day you can see Mount Rainier. Stay on the train and take it to Downtown Seattle and walk to Pike Place Market or other fun stops in Downtown (waterfront, aquarium, shopping, etc). It is also stroller friendly-- roll right on and right of. more
New Born You Massage
Address No on-site location, client's homes or hotels only Map, Tel 206-661-4071 Call, Website
We provide in-home massage with child care and often travel to hotels as well. The child care providers are CPR-trained and bring educational toys for the little ones to play while the therapist provides moms with a moment of relaxation. more
See Wild Orca Whales - One of Washington's Icons
Address 2 spring street landing, friday harbor Wa 98250360.378.1323 Map, Tel 360.378.1323 Call, Website
This tour encompasses the entire eco system of the Puget Sound area. The Southern Resident Killer Whales are the focus, but all marine mammals, birds and plants are searched out and discussed along with what all of us can do in our daily life to keep the home of Orca Whales, the ocean, habitable. more
Skijoring and Sledding
Address Crystal Springs sno park, Exit 62 off I-90, east of Seattle Map, Website
We take the pulk, our girl, the dogs, the cross-country skis, and lots of hot cocoa up to Crystal Springs. Our girl loves to ride in the pulk and roll in the snow if she wants. The dogs, in harness, love to pull mom and dad. Mom, Dad, and the dogs get lots of exercise. The dogs' excitement makes our girl laugh. Sometimes, we also do a bit of sledding, if we aren't too tired. And all for the price of a snowpark pass and some gas. What a deal!!! more
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