What Are the Top Family-Friendly Activities in Seattle?
Seattle is a great place for families with kids, no matter their ages as kids will find many fun things to do in Seattle along with their parents. Seattle living is unique, whether people are interested in art, steam, nature, or simply tourist attractions, Seattle has it all. If you are preparing for a family vacation, here are the best things you can do with your children in Seattle with the help of our short list of the city’s ten exciting attractions.
1. Pacific Science Center
Pacific Science Center will always be popular among the children who are so inquisitive. This mammoth scientific organization includes several buildings and literally tons of display with headings ranging from dinosaurs to space. Make sure to go see a movie in the IMAX Theater or watch a laser light show; see also the Tropical Butterfly House and town where flying butterflies are let loose. Science as an activity can literally be done here and there with live demonstrations and special corners teaching through hands-on activities your children may never even want to leave!
2. Seattle Aquarium
Get a glimpse of fishes in the Puget Sound and other wonderful creations of Mother Nature at the Seattle Aquarium, located in the downtown waterfront. This is in addition to the Window on Washington Waters tank that holds 120,000 gallons of water, the Pacific Coral Reef exhibit, two seals and sea otters. Actually feel some of the live sea stars and anemones in the Life on the Edge tide pools. The Scrimshaw Children’s Interactive Programs available at the aquarium are entertaining and informative at every age.
3. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Young people especially those who are old enough will enjoy the Museum of Pop Culture, also known as MoPOP. Built by architect Frank Gehri, this is a popular culture museum with displays on music, sci-fi, video games and related genres: objects change with seasons. The campus facilities include the Sound Lab where aspiring musicians can practice with musical instruments. Another amusing sector is the On Stage, where you can learn how it feels to be a DJ. And do not forget the exciting exhibit titled as ‘Infinite Worlds of Science Fiction,’ with exhibit pieces from science fiction movies and television shows.
4. Woodland Park Zoo
To the lovers of Wildlife, the Woodland Park Zoo will be the best place that any family with children should visit in Seattle. The park that 92 acres of land houses more than 1000 animals belonging to at least 300 species like the Asian elephants, snow leopards, and Humboldt penguins. It makes you able to observe the animals at first-hand in their natural environment which is in the exhibits. Inquire about the daily timetable for feeding, keeper’s interactions and any other special activities available for visitors. If you are coming home tired from a day trip visit to the Seattle zoo, allow Seattle Green Cleaning Fairy take care of the cleaning services for your home.
5. Seattle Center
Seattle Center is indeed the cultural center with numerous fun spots that are family oriented located within this area. Visit the city’s landmark, the Space Needle, and take an elevator ride to the summit where you can see the city from above. Kids can headbang at the Museum of Pop Culture. Visit the Seattle Children’s Theater and get to watch a show that you will enjoy. Take your child to play at the Seattle Children’s Museum and the Pacific Science Center. There are also fun playgrounds such as the Artists at Play playground equipped with a 35-foot high climbing tower and the musical play area.
6. Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is one of the landmarks of the city, and its visit will be interesting for people of all age. The historic public market is quite the sensory experience with fishermen tossing the freshest catch of the day, musicians serenading everyone at first sight, and vibrant stalls spilling over with the juiciest fruits and vegetables one can ever lay their eyes on. Buy a snack of your choice in one of the stalls as you continue with your shopping. Teenagers will find the Gum Wall hilarious; it literally is a brick wall coated in gum. It is a sight that cannot be described but needs to be witnessed.
7. Seattle Great Wheel
If you would like to have a great view of the Seattle waterfront and city skyline, you should try the Seattle Great Wheel. The Giant Wheel stands at 175 feet and has enclosed and airconditioned gondolas that can accommodate a maximum of eight persons. It is a unique, entertaining way of going through Seattle and it is very simple. It is better to go at night because the big wheel is more beautiful with colorful LED lights at night. Each ride takes around 12 minutes to complete.
8. Olympic Sculpture Park
Let your kids play at Olympic Sculpture Park, an outdoor sculpture garden and beach sporting nine acres on the Seattle shoreline. The park is in Z-shape and it contains monumental art pieces by today’s sculptures such as Alexander Calder, Richard Serra and Claes Oldenburg. Pack some snacks to have them on the grassy lawn within the park as you watch the surrounding beautiful scenery of Puget Sound and even the Olympic Mountains. On the bright side, the sculpture park is open to the public without any entrance fee.
9. Ballard Locks and Fish Ladder
The Ballard Locks, officially known as the Hiram M Chittenden Locks, is an interesting place where water levels differ between Lake Washington and Puget Sound to allow passage of boats. During the summer, people can witness massive Alaskan cruise ships maneuvering through the locks. Yet the most exciting feature for family’s is the fish ladder through which the salmon is able to swim upstream to lay eggs. Visitors can observe the salmon movement through the underwater viewing windows.
10. Alki Beach
Should the weather allows it, visit Alki beach, which is a West Seattle beachstretching for about two miles of sand. It is an ideal environment for cycling, kite flying, Frisbee throwing and that’s not overlooking the scenic views of Puget Sound and even the Olympic Mountains. Typically there are fire areas where you can roast marshmallows at the beach. Go to any of the fast food outlets across the road and buy a fish and chips or ice cream.
With so many fun things to do, your family will never be bored in Seattle. Whether your kids are into science, music, animals, or the great outdoors, there are plenty of engaging activities to keep them entertained. Use this list as a starting point to plan your family's Seattle adventure!
