9 Terrific Things to do in Seattle with Kids
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Looking for family-friendly activities in Seattle? Do not miss these amazing things to do in Seattle with kids!
I recently spent a weekend in Seattle in the springtime, solo with my two kids, and I’m excited to share our experiences in this blog post. If you’re wondering whether Seattle is a good fit for your next family vacation, or if your kids will enjoy the city as much as you do, you’re in the right place!
Seattle is bursting with culture, creativity, and fun, but as a parent, I know how important it is to keep the little ones engaged and happy. Before our trip, I had some of the same questions you might have: Are there enough family-friendly places in Seattle? Will my kids stay entertained? Or will they get bored in a big city that’s new to them?
During our visit, we discovered some fantastic activities and spots perfect for families. In this post, I’ll share what we did, what worked well for us, and tips to help you plan your own Seattle family adventure. Get ready for some great ideas on what to do in Seattle with kids!
Things to do in Seattle with kids
Note: If you have a Seattle CityPASS, you can save money on several popular attractions that are perfect for families. During our trip, we used the CityPASS to visit spots like the Seattle Aquarium, Pacific Science Center, Museum of Pop Culture, and Woodland Park Zoo. Having the CityPASS made it easy to explore multiple places while getting great value, so I definitely recommend considering it for your Seattle family adventure!
1. The Seattle Great Wheel
Our first stop in Seattle was the Giant Wheel on Pier 57, and I can honestly say it was the perfect way to kick off our adventure! The Giant Wheel is an iconic Seattle landmark, offering breathtaking views of the entire city. My kids were absolutely thrilled with the ride, and I felt completely at ease knowing all the sections are enclosed with giant glass walls, so safety is never a concern. It’s a must for families!
After we finished the ride, we headed straight to the Wings of Washington, a unique flying theater right next door. This attraction takes you on an immersive flight over some of America’s most stunning landscapes, and the experience reminded me so much of the Disney rides my kids love!
Both the Giant Wheel and Wings of Washington kept my children captivated and excited.
Pier 57 is packed with family-friendly entertainment, including a waterfront carousel that my kids couldn’t resist. The fun here is non-stop, and there’s something for everyone, whether you’re traveling with little ones or older kids. If you’re visiting Seattle with your family, make sure Pier 57 is at the top of your list!
2. Seattle Children’s Museum
One of the absolute highlights of our Seattle trip was visiting the Seattle Children’s Museum. The museum’s motto, “where imagination comes alive,” couldn’t be more fitting. My kids, especially my youngest, were completely absorbed by the colorful exhibits and hands-on activities.
The museum is designed for children under 10, and there’s even a special play area just for toddlers. What I loved most was seeing how the different sections encouraged creativity and learning through play.
My children spent hours exploring, building, pretending, and making new friends. There’s such a wide variety of activities that it’s easy to spend an entire day here without anyone getting bored.
When hunger strikes, the museum has a convenient food court with plenty of kid-friendly options, so you don’t have to worry about leaving to find something to eat.
If you’re planning a family trip to Seattle, I highly recommend starting your adventure at the Seattle Children’s Museum. It’s the perfect spot for kids to play, learn, and let their imaginations run wild!
3. Pacific Science Centre
Another spot my kids and I absolutely loved in Seattle was the Pacific Science Center. If you have young kids or teenagers who are fascinated by science, this place is a must-visit.
From the moment we walked in, my kids were captivated by all the interactive exhibits, hands-on apparatus, and live shows. There’s something magical about the way the center brings science to life, sparking curiosity and imagination in kids of all ages.
Some of our favorite highlights included the Butterfly House, where we were surrounded by beautiful butterflies, and the virtual reality experiences that made us feel like we were stepping into another world.
The planetarium shows and the Laser Dome were huge hits with my older child, who couldn’t stop talking about them afterward. Each section of the center is designed to engage kids at different age levels, from preschoolers to teens, so there’s always something to interest everyone in the family.
One tip: the last entry is at 4 p.m., and the center closes at 5 p.m., so be sure to plan your visit accordingly. I also recommend checking the show schedules online ahead of time so you don’t miss out on any of the special presentations.
If you’re looking for a fun, educational outing in Seattle, the Pacific Science Center should definitely be on your list. It made our trip extra memorable, and I’m sure your kids will love it too!
4. Woodland Park Zoo
After exploring the wonders of the sea, we decided to dive into the world of forest animals at the Woodland Park Zoo. This was hands-down one of the most memorable stops on our Seattle trip, especially for my kids, who are huge fans of stories like The Jungle Book.
The zoo is packed with opportunities for children to get up close to animals that could easily be friends of Mowgli and Tarzan.
What immediately caught our attention were the incredible animal models at the entrance, especially the rhinoceros and tiger sculptures nestled among the greenery.
My kids were so excited to see these life-sized models before we even started exploring the zoo itself!
Inside, there’s a whole world to discover. We wandered through the African Savanna, met ambassador animals, and checked out the Assam Rhino Reserve.
Every section was thoughtfully designed, from the Australasia and Molbak’s Butterfly Garden to the Humboldt Penguin Exhibit, Living Northwest Trail, Temperate Forest, Tropical Asia, and Tropical Rain Forest. Each area felt like stepping into a different ecosystem, and my kids were fascinated by the variety of animals and habitats.
5. Museum of Flight
If you have an older child who’s fascinated by airplanes or dreams of becoming an engineer or pilot, I highly recommend a visit to the Museum of Flight in Seattle. This was a huge hit with my family, especially with my oldest, who is obsessed with everything that flies.
The museum is truly massive, featuring not just model airplanes but also real, historic Boeing planes that you can see up close. Walking into the enormous hangar filled with colorful and gigantic aircraft was an unforgettable moment for us all!
One of the best things about the Museum of Flight is how interactive and engaging it is for kids. My children loved exploring the cockpits, checking out the exhibits, and learning about the history of aviation in a way that felt both educational and fun.
There’s so much space to roam and discover that my kids were entertained for hours.
The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but it’s a popular attraction, so I definitely recommend booking your tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.
6. Seattle Aquarium
If your family is as fascinated by the underwater world as mine is, you absolutely have to visit the Seattle Aquarium. This was one of our favorite stops in Seattle, and my kids were completely mesmerized from the moment we walked inside. The unique round-bowl-shaped structure of the building itself adds to the excitement; it really feels like you’re diving deep into the ocean, surrounded by incredible marine life.
Throughout our visit, we encountered a huge variety of fish, playful sea otters, and even some rare sea creatures that we’d only ever read about before. Each section of the aquarium is designed to let you get up close and personal with the animals, making the whole experience really interactive and engaging for kids.
We loved learning about the different habitats, asking questions, and watching the animals in action. It’s the perfect spot for letting kids’ curiosity run wild while also having a memorable, fun-filled day together.
7. Museum of Pop Culture
Right next to the iconic Seattle Space Needle, we discovered the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), and it turned out to be a favorite for all of us, not just the older kids! While you might expect a place like this to appeal mostly to teenagers and adults, my younger kid found plenty to love here, too.
The museum is filled with animated shows, video game exhibits, and hands-on play areas where kids can actually try out musical instruments. My kids were amazed by the giant guitars and loved experimenting with all the interactive displays.
One of the things that makes MoPOP so much fun is how often the exhibits change, so there’s always something new to explore. We spent hours checking out the different sections, and my children were engaged the entire time.
Afterwards, we headed right outside to the Artists at Play playground. This outdoor play area is absolutely fantastic, with creative structures, slides, and climbing equipment that kept my kids entertained for ages. If you’re visiting Seattle with your family, definitely put the Museum of Pop Culture and the nearby playground on your must-do list!
8. Golden Age Collectibles
One of the most delightful surprises during our Seattle adventure was stumbling upon Golden Age Collectables at Pike Place Market. For me, it was pure nostalgia, taking me back to the days when comic books were my window into worlds of superpowers and endless imagination. For my kids, it was like stepping into a universe filled with heroes, multiverses, and endless possibilities.
Golden Age Collectables isn’t just any comic shop, it’s a treasure trove for fans of all ages. There’s a dedicated section for every kind of comic and edition you can imagine, organized by release date or by author. My kids loved exploring the shelves, discovering classics and new favorites.
The shop, which has been around since 1961, is packed with more than just comics. We found autographs, film scripts, Japanese and vintage toys, and a fantastic collection of manga as well. It really is a haven for collectors and anyone who loves pop culture.
If you’re visiting Pike Place Market, make sure to carve out some time for Golden Age Collectables. We had so much fun browsing the aisles, and my kids left with big smiles and a few new comics to add to their collection!
9. Seattle Art Museum
As someone who believes that art is essential to a child’s healthy development, I couldn’t pass up a visit to the Seattle Art Museum with my kids. It turned out to be an inspiring experience for all of us! The museum is a wonderful place to introduce children to the beauty and diversity of cultures from around the world.
My kids were fascinated by the different sections, each one highlighting a unique culture, its history, and origin stories through stunning displays.
We were lucky enough to catch one of the museum’s regular exhibitions, and the guided tours made the experience even more engaging for my children. There’s also a family fun workshop you can join, which is a great hands-on way to make art together and spark creativity.
After exploring inside, we took a stroll through Olympic Sculpture Park, one of the best parks in Seattle and part of the museum. The outdoor sculptures are incredible, and my kids loved wandering among the artworks while enjoying the fresh air.
If you want to blend learning, creativity, and outdoor fun on your Seattle trip, I highly recommend spending time at the Seattle Art Museum and its sculpture park. Which of these family-friendly activities in Seattle would your kids enjoy the most? Let me know in the comments below!