As one of the largest and most populous cities in the USA with many places to stay, Seattle is a great place to visit. Whether it is just for a short weekend getaway or for a longer family vacation, there will be something for you to do in Seattle. No need to worry about accommodation because excellent properties such as hotels with free parking are available. Visiting the iconic Seattle landmarks, such as Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, are must-dos. But if you’re traveling with your family, sometimes the kids just may not be that interested in the same activities as the adults. Regardless of whether you are there for vacation or live there permanently, read about these best things to do with kids in Seattle.
1. Step into a world of creativity and imagination at the Museum of Pop Culture
Embark on a journey of boundless creativity and imagination as you and your children delve into the diverse exhibits housed within the museum. Experience the ultimate musical adventure with your little ones as they explore various musical instruments and cutting-edge technology in the Sound Lab. Encourage your kids to unleash their inner rockstar and discover their musical talents through this exciting and interactive activity.
MoPOP provides an array of workshops, classes, and summer camps tailored to the needs of kids to attend. Explore the captivating realm of science fiction and fantasy through a series of exhibits that will delight the entire family. Immerse yourself in the displays of fun movies and be transported to otherworldly dimensions. In addition, visitors can purchase merchandise from the gift shop as a souvenir of their experience.
Museum of Pop Culture
Address: 325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
Website: Museum of Pop Culture
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 25.98 USD
2. Admire the artistry as you explore Olympic Sculpture Park
Indulge in a serene journey through this park, where art takes center stage and sculptures serve as a stunning backdrop for creativity. This immersive experience will ignite kids’ imaginations, inspiring them to explore their artistic potential. Prepare a delicious picnic and scout for a picturesque location to relish a delightful family feast, subject to the authorization of the establishment.
Enjoy a relaxing walk along the serene walking trails of the park and immerse yourself in the vibrant green surroundings and beautiful plants. It is recommended to stay informed about any family-friendly events, such as public tours, that may be taking place at the park.
Olympic Sculpture Park
Address: 2901 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, United States
Website: Olympic Sculpture Park
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
Price: Free admission
3. Indulge in delicious chocolate on a Seattle Chocolate Tour (from USD 68.0)
Who doesn’t love chocolate! Let your kids find out how they favorite food is produced in this experience.
Home to some of the best chocolates in the nation, Seattle is the perfect place to join a chocolate tour. This family-friendly activity allows children and adults alike to indulge in delicious, rich local chocolate.
Learn about Seattle’s chocolate history through the Chocolate Indulgence Walking Tour of Seattle. With a 2-hour tour, you will learn more about why the city is famous for chocolate, where it comes from, and how it is made. The tour also includes over 15 tastings at well-known dessert stores, including Cupcake Royale, Dahlia Bakery, Fran’s Chocolates, and many more.
Voted the best chocolatier in 2015 Best of Seattle rankings, Theo Chocolate is also a great option for those interested in chocolate. For a low price of 10 USD, the factory tour includes explanations, a walking tour, and chocolate sampling. However, do note that it is only available to children over 6 years old.
Theo Chocolate Factory Tour
Address: 3400 Phinney Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98103
Opening Hours: 10 am - 6 pm (store) *Tour times vary; see website for more details
Duration: 1 hour
Price: 10 USD
Contact: +1-206-632-5100
Chocolate Indulgence Walking Tour of Seattle
Duration: 2 hours
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4. Allow your kids’ imagination to run wild at Seattle Children’s Museum at Seattle Center
Located in Seattle Center, Seattle Children’s Museum is suitable for kids aged 10 months to 10 years. Featuring a large play space and 11 exhibits, the museum provides kids with a hands-on experience to explore. Some exhibits include Imagination Studio, Global Village, and Eye Clinic.
Its daily educational programs also help to foster an environment for kids to have fun and learn at the same time. Other attractions at the center that your kids may be interested in include Pacific Science Center and Experience Music Project. Depending on what your kid is interested in, be it innovation, science, or music, Seattle Center has something to offer.
Seattle Children’s Museum
Address: 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109
Opening Hours: 10 am - 5 pm (Monday to Friday), 10 am - 6 pm (Saturday to Sunday)
Duration: At least 1 hour
Price: 9.25 USD (adults & kids)
Contact: +1-206-441-1768
Website: Seattle Children’s Museum
5. Take a ride on the tallest Ferris wheel on the West Coast, Seattle Great Wheel
Right by the Downtown Seattle Waterfront is the Seattle Great Wheel. At 175 feet (53.3 meters) tall, it is one of the largest Ferris wheels in the US. Overlooking the calm waters of Elliott Bay, this distinct landmark of Seattle’s skyline is one you wouldn’t want to miss.
Take your pick from one of the 42 gondolas available, perfect f you’re looking for family activities in Seattle. With each carrying up to 8 passengers only, you and your family can share an intimate 12-minute ride with each other. It is a fun way for your kids to see Seattle and Elliott Bay from the sky while getting to ride on a Ferris wheel.
Seattle Great Wheel
Address: 1301 Alaskan Way Seattle, WA 98101
Opening Hours: 11 am - 11 pm (Monday to Thursday), 11 am - 12 midnight (Friday), 10 am - 12 midnight (Saturday), 10 am - 11 pm (Sunday)
Duration: Around 15 minutes
Price: 13 USD (adults), 8.50 USD (kids)
Contact: +1-206-623-8607
Website: Seattle Great Wheel
6. Watch a kid-friendly play at Seattle Children’s Theater
If your child has a passion for theater, Seattle Children’s Theater is the place for them. As one of the largest theaters for children in America, it develops and produces its own shows for your viewing. It provides kids with access to theater works and theater education, perfect for indoor activities for kids in Seattle.
Be sure to check the website for details on the current shows. Because each play typically lasts around 1 - 2 months, the shows are constantly changing. Drama classes are also available for kids with a passion for acting. Each camp session usually only runs daily for 1 week. Without any specific commitment time, anyone is free to participate even if you may just be a tourist in Seattle for a week.
Seattle Children's Theater
Address: 201 Thomas Street, Seattle, WA 98109
Opening Hours: Show times vary; see website for more details
Duration: Around 2 hours
Price: From 10 USD
Contact: +1-206-441-3322
Website: Seattle Children’s Theater
7. Awe at the process of making cheese at Beecher’s Handmade Cheese in Pike Place Market
A melting pot of local farmers and merchants, Pike Place Market was one of the first farmers’ markets to come into existence in the US. With over 10 million visitors each year, it is easily Seattle’s most popular tourist destination.
Among Pike Place Market’s many attractions, such as the original Starbucks, Beecher’s Handmade Cheese is a must-visit. This famous store offers a range of delicious cheese snacks, but the one thing you have to try is its specialty mac-n-cheese. It may quite possibly be the best mac-n-cheese you will ever taste!
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese is also known for its demonstration of cheese-making. Both you and your kids will, no doubt, be mesmerized by the tub of liquid cheese as it is churned into a curd-like texture.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
Address: 1600 Pike Place, Seattle, WA 98101
Opening Hours: 9 am - 7 pm
Contact: +1-206-956-1964
Website: Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
8. Ride on Washington State Ferries and have a picnic at Bainbridge Island
As the largest ferry system in the USA and one of the largest in the world as well, Washington State Ferries has become an attraction in its own right. Enjoy amazing views of the Seattle skyline no matter what route you decide to take.
If you would like to go on an adventure, why not take the ferry out to Bainbridge Island? Bainbridge Island is a popular day-trip destination with lots to offer that your kids will enjoy, making it one of the fun things to do in Seattle. From walking along the waterfront trail, to admiring art at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art and kayaking, your family is guaranteed a whole day of fun.
Washington State Ferries
Duration: Around 35 minutes from Seattle to Bainbridge Island
Price: 8.20 USD (adults), 4.10 USD (kids and senior citizens) *Price listed above only applies for rides between Seattle and Bainbridge Island; cost varies depending on destination
Bainbridge Island
Duration: At least half a day
Contact: +1-206-842-3700
9. Hike around the trail at Seward Park to admire stunning views of Seattle
Looking for something more outdoorsy and active for your children? Take a hike around Seward Park for a comfortable yet challenging activity. With paved roads, this 3-mile (4.8-kilometer) round trip hike is only moderately difficult, making it suitable for even young children.
Expect great views of the nearby Mount Rainier, Mercer Island, and downtown Seattle from the park’s trail. Conveniently located right in the city, Seward Park makes for the perfect getaway from city life. Nothing beats the relaxing sensation of being surrounded by trees and water on the peninsula’s shoreline. On a hot day, feel free to jump into the water; the beaches in the park are extremely popular for swimming.
Seward Park
Address: 5900 Lake Washington Blvd South, Seattle, WA
Opening Hours: 6 am - 10 pm
Duration: At least 2 hours
Contact: +1-206-684-4396
Website: Seward Park
10. Test out a range of arcade games at Gameworks
Offering over 180 interactive games for kids, Gameworks has a wide variety of arcade games that your kids are guaranteed to enjoy. From driving games to fighting games and carnival games, you will be able to find just about any game here. Whether your kids are after classic or modern games, they will most likely be available here at Gameworks.
With classic American food on-site, you could grab a bite here without having to leave the complex. Whatever comfort food you’re seeking, from burgers and pizzas to salads, Gameworks caters for you. So go ahead, join in the fun, and taste delicious food too!
Gameworks
Address: 1511 7th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101
Opening Hours: 11 am - 12 midnight (Monday to Wednesday), 11 am - 1 am (Thursday to Friday), 10 am - 1 am (Saturday), 10 am - 12 midnight (Sunday)
Duration: At least 1 hour
Contact: +1-206-521-0952
Website: Gameworks
11. Zoom around a race track at Traxx Indoor Kart Racing
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Get out of the rain tonight and join us for our June Member Special! Traxx Members get 3 races for $30 on Thursdays all...
Posted by Traxx Indoor Raceway on Thursday, June 6, 2019
Suitable for both adults and kids as young as 3 years old, Traxx Indoor Kart Racing will ensure that your entire family has a blast. No driving license is required to participate in kart racing, so anyone is welcome to join! But do note that that wearing closed-toe shoes is mandatory.
Whizz around the track at 35 miles / hour (56 kilometers / hour). Before you worry about the safety of your kids, don’t worry, kid karts only go up to 10 miles / hour (16 kilometers / hour) on a separate children’s race track, ensuring that the course remains safe for all visitors. This fun activity gives you some time to spend with your kids, and will undoubtedly fill your veins with a rush of adrenaline.
Traxx Indoor Kart Racing
Address: 4329 Chennault Beach Road, Mukilteo, WA 98275
Opening Hours: 11 am - 12 midnight (Sunday to Thursday), 10 am - 1 am (Friday to Saturday)
Duration: At least 30 minutes
Price: 21 USD (adults), 9 USD (children aged 6 - 10), 7 USD ( children aged 3 - 5)
Contact: +1-425-493-8729
Website: Traxx Indoor Kart Racing
12. Experience the thrill of skydiving at iFly Indoor Skydiving Seattle
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Another exhilarating activity to let your kids enjoy is iFly Indoor Skydiving Seattle. Simulating the environment of sky diving, iFly Seattle gives you a chance to experience the excitement of it all without having to free fall in the sky. As long as your child is above 3 years old and is healthy, nothing is stopping them from enjoying this thrill.
Feel the wind against your face as you hover in the air. Although the flying packages may be expensive, the adrenaline rush you get will make it worth every penny. And if this was enjoyable for you or your kids, perhaps you can consider trying the real deal in the future!
iFly Indoor Skydiving Seattle
Opening Hours: 9 am - 10 pm (Monday to Thursday), 9 am - 11 pm (Friday), 8 am - 11 pm (Saturday), 9 am - 10 pm (Sunday)
Duration: At least 1 hour
Price: From 69.95 USD
Contact: +1-206-244-4359
Website: iFly Indoor Skydiving Seattle
13. Kayak or paddleboard out on Lake Union
Located in Seattle, Lake Union is the ideal spot to visit for a quick getaway. With its diverse fish species, including sea bass and yellow perch, it is sometimes used for fishing. Chances are your kids wouldn’t want to fish, but between paddleboarding and kayaking, there are lots of other exciting activities they can enjoy here too.
Sitting in the middle of this vast lake on a kayak or paddleboard is not only fun, but can also ease your mind. For safety reasons, kids under 16 are required to be in a double or triple kayak, or on a board with an adult. This is a great way to spend the evening and everyone is sure to appreciate it.
Lake Union: Northwest Outdoor Center Seattle
Address: 2100 Westlake Ave N Ste 1, Seattle, WA 98109
Opening Hours: 10 am - 8 pm (Monday to Friday), 9 am - 6 pm (Saturday to Sunday) *Only open from April to September each year
Duration: At least 1 hour
Price: 18 USD per hour (paddleboards); from 16 USD per hour (kayaks)
Contact: +1-206-281-9694
Website: Northwest Outdoor Center Seattle
14. Discover more about Seattle’s history at Bill Spiedel’s Underground Tour
Home to one of the world’s most famous interconnecting tunnels, Seattle Underground, Seattle is a place you should explore both underground and above ground. One of the best ways to do this is through Bill Spiedel’s Underground Tour. This 75-minute tour takes you through the city’s dark underground storefronts and sidewalks.
As one of Seattle’s most unique attractions, Bill Spiedel’s Underground Tour is one you wouldn’t want to miss. With this tour, both adults and kids can learn more about the city and its extensive history. Discovering what lies beneath one of America’s largest cities will be unlike any other activity you can find here.
Bill Spiedel’s Underground Tour
Address: 614 1st Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
Opening Hours: Daily tours start every hour from 9 am - 7 pm (April to September), 10 am - 6 pm (October to March)
Duration: 75 minutes
Price: 17.44 USD (adult), 7.84 USD (kids) *Online prices listed above; tickets bought at booth may cost more
Contact: +1-206-682-4646
Website: Bill Spiedel’s Underground Tour
15. Let your kids roam free at PlayDate SEA
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Featuring high levels of fun and excitement, PlayDate SEA is an indoor play area made just for kids. With dance floors and obstacle sets, your kids will find themselves climbing and crawling throughout the playscape. Split into 2 sections by age, PlayDate SEA ensures that it caters to all ages with suitable toys. The toddler area is specifically for those under 3 years old, while the main area is for those between 4 and 12 years old.
You, the parents, are even welcome to join in the fun for free! Bring out your inner-child as you play alongside your kids. There is also a cafe for you to relax in if you prefer to just let your kids run around freely. A free puppet show is also available every Friday for your enjoyment.
PlayDate SEA
Address: 1275 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
Opening Hours: 9 am - 8 pm (Sunday to Thursday), 9 am - 9 pm (Friday to Saturday)
Duration: At least 30 minutes
Price: 8 USD (toddlers), 12 USD (kids above 4 years old) on weekdays; 12 USD (toddlers), 18 USD (kids above 4 years old) on weekends *Admission for adults is always free
Contact: +1-206-623-7529
Website: PlayDate SEA
16. Zoom through the forests of Seattle with Bellevue Zip Tour
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you’re looking for a thrilling holiday experience, this is just what you need! Zip line through the trees in Bellevue, a city located just across Lake Washington from Seattle. Joining Bellevue Zip Tour will take you across 6.5 zip lines and 2 bridges. It will provide you with great views of the downtown skyline and North Cascades.
Kids who wish to ride must be at least 9 years old. Not only informative but also safe, Bellevue Zip Tour is highly recommended for first-time zip liners. There is no need to be anxious or frightened! You are guaranteed to feel the excitement of whizzing through the trees.
Bellevue Zip Tour
Address: 14509 SE Newport Way, Eastgate Park, Bellevue, WA 98006
Opening Hours: Tour start times vary; see website for more details
Duration: Around 2.5 hours
Price: 78 USD (adults), 49 USD (kids)
Contact: +1-425-452-4240
Website: Bellevua Zip Tour
17. Take the kids swimming at West Green Lake Beach
West Green Lake Beach has nice ablution facilities and you can take the kids to the play areas. Basketball courts, a diving platform, and even boat rentals are on offer in the summer months. If the kids are not keen n swimming in the actual lake, there’s a wading pool for the little ones, and a bigger pool as well.
There’s a small golf area as the park is set lakeside. People of all ages enjoy rollerblading or cycling around the paths. The best time to visit is in summer, and families like to spend a half day. If the kids get hungry, food concessions can be found at the north end of the park.
West Green Lake
Address: 7201 E Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115-5301
Website: West Green Lake Park
18. Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks) and fish ladder
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks connects Puget Sound to the fresh water of the Ship Canal. Enjoy watching the boats enter the lock and then rise up to move on. Watching the drawbridge to let the ships through is interesting. But for the kids, one of the main attractions is the fish ladder. There, they can actually see the salmon and steelhead fish as they swim upstream. If the season is wrong for the fish run, keep your eyes peeled as you may spot some seals.
On top of that, it’s surrounded by botanical gardens with green lawns. Entry is free and you can easily spend a few hours there. The facility is open from 07:00 - 21:00. If you ask for directions, locally, the locks are known as the Ballard Locks.
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Address: 3015 NW 54th St, Seattle, WA 98107-4213
Website: Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
19. Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI)
The Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) is a fascinating, kid-friendly attraction to visit during your stay in Seattle, and is often the destination of choice for elementary school field trips in local schools. It is located in the South Lake Union area of Seattle, and offers interactive learning activities for all ages. This museum houses over 4 million Seattle and Puget Sound-related artifacts. After a day at MOHAI, you’ll learn almost all there is to know about Seattle and the surrounding area. One of the most popular kid-targeted activities at the Museum of History and Industry is the Exploration and Innovation Packs.
These backpacks can be checked out from the admissions desk, and offer unique learning tasks and tools for your children to experience the museum in a new and fun way. Materials can include puzzles, books, scavenger hunt clues, dress up supplies, and interactive discussion questions. Exploration Packs are best suited for children ages 3-7, while Innovation Packs work best for kids ages 6-10. Be sure to check one out during your visit to the museum!
Museum of History and Industry
Address: 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
Opening Hours: 10am - 5pm
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Contact: +1 2063241126
Website: Museum of History and Industry
20. Seattle Aquarium
Give your kids a Finding Nemo experience at the wildly popular Seattle Aquarium. The aquarium is conveniently located on Pier 59 on the Elliot Bay Waterfront in Downtown Seattle; the perfect place to check out before or after a day exploring Pike Place Market or the Seattle Great Wheel. This aquarium offers tons of kid-friendly activities, such as the Diver Show that occurs three times a day. During this show, experienced divers swim around the Windows on Washington Waters exhibit, equipped with masks that allow them to speak with visitors and answer any questions you may have. In addition, one of the most popular exhibits in the aquarium is the Underwater Dome, which gives you a 360 degree view into a 400,000 - gallon tank. In the tank you’ll see hundreds of unique fish native to the Puget Sound. To see the most action, head to the Underwater Dome at 1:30 pm daily to witness the fish feeding.
Seattle Aquarium
Address: 1483 Alaskan Way Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101
Price: 24.95 USD Adult (ages 13 & over). 16.95 USD Youth (ages 4-12)
Opening Hours: 9:30am - 5pm
Contact: +1 2063864300
Website: Seattle Aquarium
21. Woodland Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo is the ultimate family oriented attraction in Seattle, for both children and adults. The Woodland Park Zoo is located in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle, and houses over 1,000 unique animals for you and your family to learn about. While you are more than welcome to take a stroll through the exhibits in your own time, the zoo also offers several special events such as bird walks, live feedings, ZooTunes, and Wildlights during the holiday season. General Admission tickets range from 12.95 to 20.95 USD depending on age, and children under three years of age are always free.
If you’re a Seattle-native, or frequent traveler to the city, the Woodland Park Zoo also offers affordable membership packages. The popular Family Passport membership costs just 195 USD and allows unlimited free admission for two adults, their children, and a guest, in addition to other benefits such as two free animal feeding passes and five free carousel rides (see Woodland Park Zoo website).
Woodland Park Zoo
Address: 5500 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
Price: 20.95 USD Adults 13+. 12.95 USD Children 3-12
Opening Hours: 9:30am - 6pm
Contact: +1 2065482500
Website: Woodland Park Zoo
22. Pacific Science Center
The Pacific Science Center is a must-see for new visitors to Seattle. This complex features interactive science exhibits, a laser dome, planetarium, and IMAX theaters. Each of these attractions are separate, however, if you want to see them all, combination packages are also available. One of the most popular is the science exhibits.
Spend the day exploring all the interactive science exhibits the Pacific Science Center has to offer, and learn about topics such as health and wellness, environmental and earth sciences, physical sciences and engineering, and living sciences. Each sections has tons of interactive games and lessons you and your children will love, like the Saltwater Tide Pool in Living Sciences, where you can touch live Puget Sound marine life.
Pacific Science Center
Address: 200 Second Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109
Price: from 11.75 USD
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm. Sat/Sun/Holidays 10am - 6pm
Contact: +1 2064432001
Website: Pacific Science Center
Experience Seattle through a child’s eyes
From an adult’s perspective, Seattle is filled with famous landmarks and structures that define the city. But from a child’s perspective, kids’ activities in Seattle are definitely more important. Finding the balance between sightseeing and excitement for your kids is as easy as adding a couple of activities from this list to your itinerary. Not only will your kids thank you for this, but you will also be glad you did. There is no relief like not having to deal with kids whining about all the sightseeing!
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do with kids in Seattle
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