21 Best Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Seattle

As you fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, it is unmissable why Seattle is nicknamed “The Emerald City”. The lush greenery landscape is evident even from thousands of feet in the air. Located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, the city of Seattle is arguably the most beautiful metropolis in the USA. Where else can you find a backdrop of mountains, lakes, and skyscrapers all in one photo? While considered an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, there a ton of things to do in Seattle for the entire family.

1. Space Needle

Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle is an iconic landmark of the city of Seattle. A one-of-a-kind all-glass elevator will take you up 520 feet to a double-decker observation deck. Surely not for the faint of heart! Renovated in 2017, the deck offers floor-to-ceiling windows where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the cityscape. On a clear day, you might even be able to catch a glimpse of Mt. Rainier! The Space Needle is centrally located in the Seattle Center, and accessible by all forms of transportation. Tickets to the observation deck are timed entry, so be sure to plan ahead if this is a must-do for you and your family (which I highly encourage!).

2.Chihuly Garden and Glass museum

Located next to the Space Needle is the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. Named after his namesake, this art museum is dedicated to the beautiful glass artwork of Tacoma, Washington native, Dale Chihuly. As you walk through the outdoor garden and around the interior galleries you will be met with vibrant colors and awe-inspiring designs. There are also daily gallery talks and demonstrations where you can learn about the intricacies of the glassblowing process. If you are feeling famished, there is a cafe on site with various food and drink options. A visit to the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum is a unique experience you do not want to miss!

Time Spent: Plan to spend around 1-2 hours, with a little more if you join a gallery talk or two.

3. Pacific Science center

Also a product of the 1962 World’s Fair, and located right next to the Space Needle, is the Pacific Science Center. Proudly known as the nation’s first science and technology center, PacSci offers a plethora of hands-on activities and learning opportunities for the whole family. From space exploration, an innovation lab, to exhibits about how the human body works, and an immersive butterfly house (my personal favorite!), there is no shortage of things to do. Be sure to save time for an IMAX documentary, a laser experience in the Laser Dome, or a Planetarium show (or do all 3!).

Time Spent: If my boys had it their way, we would spend all day at the Pacific Science Center. I would save a good 3 hours to at least see all the exhibits, but more if you plan to catch any of the shows.

4. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

Just a hop-skip away from the Space Needle is the Museum of Pop Culture, aptly nicknamed MoPop. No description of Seattle’s history is complete without including the influence music has had on the city. As the home of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Jimi Hendrix, Seattle rightly boasts itself as the “City of Grunge”. MoPop will take you through that history, while also displaying other pop culture influences such as an interactive gaming experience, a science fiction exhibit, and a ton of musical artifacts. If you have music lovers in your family, MoPop is worth the visit!

Time Spent: depending on your family’s interest level, expect a visit to MoPop to take around 2-3 hours.

5. Pike Place Market

While the Space Needle is the most iconic landmark of Seattle, Pike Place Market is arguably the most iconic place to visit in the city. And likely one of the most popular things to do. Perched at the top of a hill overlooking the Puget Sound, this year-round market exudes everything Seattle has to offer. At Pike Place, you will find seafood galore, including the ever popular “flying fish”, beautiful bouquets of flowers, merchants selling PNW swag, tons of restaurants, and of course the very first Starbucks storefront! The most unique of all is the weirdly awe-inspiring (and yes, mostly disgusting) gum wall. Be sure to stay several feet away when taking your photos! And don’t forget to walk through the indoor section of the market where you can find some unique souvenirs to take home.

6. SEattle Aquarium

Do you have any marine animal lovers in your family? Plan a visit to Seattle Aquarium where you will see many sea creatures local to the Pacific Northwest area. Including the Giant Pacific Octopus, Sea Otters, and A LOT of fish! There are also touch pools for the inquisitive ones in your group, an interactive play space, and a ton of educational opportunities. Our boys particularly loved the 120,000-gallon Window on Washington Waters exhibit, as well as the one-of-a-kind underwater dome. Newly opened in 2024 is the Ocean Pavilion, where you can experience the largest tropical reef ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest. We look forward to visiting here the next time we are in Seattle!

Time Spent: The Seattle Aquarium is not a particularly large aquarium and thus you can likely see most everything in under 2 hours. However, we have not visited since the new Ocean Pavilion opened. I would anticipate an additional 30 minutes to an hour for this portion of the aquarium.

7. Seattle Great Wheel

When visiting Seattle’s waterfront, it is hard to miss the giant ferris wheel at the end of Miner’s Landing on Pier 57. A 10-20 minute ride aboard one of the Seattle Great Wheel’s gondola will provide you with breathtaking views of Elliott Bay, the Puget Sound, and the city skyline. Upgrade to a VIP gondola where you can also enjoy the views in luxury bucket seats and peering through the glass bottom floor! Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the onsite ticket booth, and rides are on a first-come-first-serve basis. For reference: If the line has reached the front entrance to the Great Wheel, the wait will likely be around 15 minutes.

8. Miners Landing

Located next to the Seattle Great Wheel on Pier 57 is Miners Landing, an indoor space full of dining and attractions. Here you will find the popular “The Crab Pot” restaurant, serving their famous SEAFEAST crab boils. Grab a loaf of sourdough bread to munch on from the Alaskan Sourdough Bakery. They sure give San Francisco’s well-known Boudin Bakery a run for their money! Also inside is the Klondike Arcade for the kiddos, and the Pirate’s Plunder where you will find unique swashbuckling souvenirs to take home. Looking for thrilling adventures? Consider these unique experiences:

• Wings Over Washington takes you on a flight across Washington State where you will view some of the state’s most beautiful sites, such as Snoqualmie Falls and the Olympic National Forest. There is a height restriction of 42″ and above. (Just a note: this ride is very similar to the Soarin’ ride at the Disney parks, just on a smaller scale)
• The Carousel in the center of Miners Landing is the perfect way for the little ones to take a break from the hustle and bustle of sightseeing.
• A ride aboard the Salish Sea Boat Tours will take you to see the sights around Elliott Bay. The 1-hour excursion will provide you with a narrative about the city of Seattle, while also learning about the diverse ecosystem of the Salish Seas. A full service bar and snacks are available for purchase onboard the catamaran.
• Sasquatch Mountain is a full body, immersive virtual reality ride that takes you on extreme adventures through the mountains and forest of the Pacific Northwest. There is a height restriction of 42″ and above.

9. Take a ride on A Washington State Ferry

Another iconic sight in Seattle are the Washington State Ferry boats transporting both people and cars to the various islands around the Puget Sound. Whether you are taking a day trip or going away for the weekend, a ride on the ferry is a must do in Seattle. If time allows head north to Anacortes and take the ferry boat to explore the San Juan Islands, one of the most popular destinations in the Pacific Northwest! During the summer months and holidays ferries can fill up very quickly. Check online to see what space is available for upcoming sailings. Reservations may also be available for the more popular routes.

10. Indulge in PNW Cuisine

Seattle is considered a foodie-city and offers a wide-variety in dining experiences. Of course, no trip to this coastal city is complete without eating a seafood meal. Whether you are in the mood for fish and chips, clam chowder, or a full-on crab boil, there is something for the whole family. Most of the mouthwatering seafood can be found in Pike Place Market and the surrounding waterfront. In the mood for something more adventurous? Umi Sake House has a plethora of fresh sushi rolls, Duke’s on Lake Union has a variety of PNW cuisine with views of seaplanes coming and going (perfect to keep the kiddos entertained), and the Grill from Ipanema offers a unique Brazilian steakhouse experience. Don’t forget to cap off the evening with a sweet treat from Molly Moon’s Ice Cream.

11. International Fountain at Seattle Center

Another product of the 1962 World’s Fair is the International Fountain, centrally located at the Seattle Center. This fountain has become a favorite hangout spot for visitors and locals alike. It is the perfect place to unwind in the middle of a busy sightseeing day. Be sure to hang out long enough to catch one of the scheduled shows where you will be entertained with water jets dancing in coordination with music. At night, the fountain is illuminated by colorful LED lights, making it a majestic experience for the whole family. During the warm summer months, the fountain turns into a splash pad for both the kiddos and adults!

12. Seattle Children’s Museum

Rounding out the list of activities at the Seattle Center is the Seattle Children’s Museum. You can find this interactive museum in the bottom level of the Seattle Center Armory. The exhibits are geared towards imaginative play, making it a great stop for families with little ones. From the train table to a workshop for the budding artists, and “The Neighborhood” where the kiddos can spend “a day in the life of…”, the Seattle Children’s Museum is definitely a must-do. There are also a plethora of free activities and events offered throughout the year. Be sure to check out the museum’s calendar of events ahead of time to see if there are any happenings during your visit!

Time Spent: While not a huge children’s museum, there are a lot of engaging activities. How long you stay will be determined on your little one’s interest level. Our boys would usually enjoy this museum for about 2-3 hours.

13. Alki Beach

I know what you are thinking – a beach in Seattle? While not lined with palm trees and powder-white sand, this Pacific Northwest beach is worth a visit. There are many outdoor activities to partake in, a variety of marine wildlife to observe, as well as some of the best restaurants in town. Salty’s on Alki Beach is our favorite and also has the best view! During days where there is a break in the typical Seattle weather, the shoreline will be filled with beachgoers playing a game of beach volleyball, kayakers and paddleboarders, and bicyclists and runners along the 2.5-mile paved path. If you can time out your visit during low tide you may be able to explore tidepools. This is a staple at Washington State beaches, and the perfect way for the kiddos to learn about the sea life of the Puget Sound!

14. Woodland Park Zoo

Just north of Downtown Seattle is the Woodland Park Zoo, a 92-acre wildlife conservation site in the middle of a bustling city. As the largest zoo in Washington State, you will find over 205 different species of animals who call this place home. Some of our favorite things to do here is to walk through the Trail of Vines to watch the Orangutan’s swinging through the trees, sit and relax while observing the giraffes and zebras in the African Savannah, and marvel at the too-cute-for-words Red Pandas in the Temperate Forest. There are also a ton of opportunities to learn about the conservation work that is done by the dedicated staff. The Woodland Park Zoo is the perfect thing to do in Seattle for the animal-lover in your family!

Time Spent: If taking your time and seeing everything the zoo has to offer, expect to spend around 4 hours here.

15. Vertical World Climbing Gym

Seattle locals would argue the mountains and forests of Washington State are their playground. Rock climbing and mountaineering has become a staple activity for many Seattleites, so it’s no wonder a favorite indoor activity is to visit their local climbing gym. Vertical World proudly boasts themselves as “America’s First Climbing Gym”, dating all the way back to 1987. They are also home to one of the best teams in USA Climbing. A visit to this gym will give you a sense of the climbing community that Seattle is so proud of. The kiddos will have fun monkey-around the climbing holds, and the adults will test their nerves trying to reach the top of the 50-foot walls! As a previous member of this gym when we lived in Washington, a visit to Vertical World is always a must for our family!

16. Watch a Seattle Sport Game

Another staple of the city is Seattle sports! Seattleites are hardcore fans that root for their teams even if they aren’t at the top of the rankings. There is a reason why the Super Bowl winning Seahawks have coined the term “12th-man”, in honor of their fans. If you are a budding sports fan visiting Seattle during a home game for the Mariners, Sounders, Kraken, and of course, the Seahawks, consider attending one of their games. It will be something to experience for the whole family, and one you will never forget!

17. Burke Museum

Located on the University of Washington campus is a natural history museum that is often times overlooked. The Burke is full of unique Northwest Native artifacts, plant and animal collections, and most exciting for the kiddos, dinosaur fossils! Here you will find one of the best well-preserved T. Rex skulls in the world! Another unique aspect of the museum is the working labs where you can see actual Paleontologists and Archaeologists at work. We were mesmerized seeing them in action. There is also a Pacific Northwest inspired play area for the little ones to enjoy. Needing a bite to eat? Stop by the Off the Rez cafe located in the museum. The menu is full of indigenous cuisine and a must try. Their Frybread is mouthwatering delicious!

Time Spent: Plan around 2-3 hours for your visit.

18. Washington Park Arboretum

Just south of the University of Washington campus is a beautiful 230-acre park located along Union Bay. This is truly a hidden gem and a must do for the nature enthusiasts in your family. Along the paved 2-mile loop trail are native plants and trees, waterways, and even a Japanese Garden. Stop by the Graham Visitors Center to find an information desk, public restrooms, and a gift shop. The Arboretum is free of charge, except for the Japanese Garden, which is a small fee to enter. Also note, public parking can be limited, especially on a nice weather day.

19. Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI)

MOHAI is a fun and educational museum that focuses on history, culture, and innovation. Seattle is home to some of the most well-known inventions such as Microsoft, Boeing, and Amazon. At MOHAI, you will learn about the history of the city and how it came to be a major hub for forward thinkers. For the littles, the Kid-Struction Zone is sure to unleash their curiosity and creativity. There is building galore and hours of fun! The Gourmondo cafe offers views of Lake Union while enjoying a cup of coffee or a bite to eat from their full-service menu.

Time Spent: Plan around 2-3 hours to see everything MOHAI has to offer.

20. Museum of Flight

Just 20 minutes south of Seattle city center is Boeing airfield, which is home to the Museum of Flight. This is an expansive museum with a variety of aircrafts dating all the way back to the early 1900’s. The kiddos will have fun pretending to fly in actual fighter jets, exploring the interior of the first Air Force One jet plane, and playing the role of an air traffic controller as real-life airplanes land on the runway. There is also an interactive Kids Flight Zone for the littles to play in. Also on exhibit is an impressive display of the history of fighter aviation in WWI and WWII, as well as a gallery of over 39 historic aircrafts. Our boys can spend all day here if they could!

Time Spent: For the avid aviator, expect at least 3 hours to explore.

21. Take a Day Trip

Because of Seattle’s central proximity along the coast of Washington State, there are many places nearby that would make for an awesome day trip. These are some of our favorites we recommend:

• The Eastside – located east across Lake Washington is what locals call the “Eastside”, encompassing the cities of Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and Issaquah. Once considered the suburbs of Seattle, the Eastside has grown to become a destination of its own. There are tons of shops, restaurants, and activities to do. Be sure to visit the waterfront in downtown Kirkland as well as the KidQuest Children’s Museum in Bellevue!
• Snoqualmie – just about 20 minutes further east from the Eastside is the small town of Snoqualmie. Once a bustling railway town in the 1950’s, Snoqualmie is now most known for the filming site of the cult classic show Twin Peaks. The Northwest Railway Museum is centrally located and offers a lot of history into the town. During the summer months you may even have a sighting of Thomas the Train! Snoqualmie Ice Cream is a great place to stop for a sweet treat. And no visit to Snoqualmie is complete without seeing the popular 270-foot-tall Snoqualmie Falls.

• Bainbridge Island – about a 30-minute boat ride across the Puget Sound is Bainbridge Island. What we love about visiting this place is you technically do not need a car to enjoy it! It is easily accessible by simply walking onto the Washington State Ferry. The downtown is a short jaunt once you arrive on the island. It is a cute town with a beautiful waterfront park, shopping, and the Coquette Bakeshop which has some of the most mouthwatering pastries!
• Downtown Tacoma – Tacoma is a city about 1 hour south of Seattle and is known for being a big port town. However, there are tons of things for visitors to do that will sure fill up your day in no time. Some of the city’s highlight’s are the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, the Museum of Glass, and LeMay – America’s Car Museum.
• Mount Rainier and/or Mount St. Helens – Washington State is well known for its two active volcanos, Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens. Both are accessible via car and offer a variety of activities from camping, interpretive centers, and hiking. There are 2 onsite lodges at Mount Rainier, if you want to make a mini vacation out of your visit. The views from both mountains are unique in their own self, but both are equally breathtaking. Consider a visit to either of these volcanos during the summer or fall time. Winter snow fall can make them difficult and dangerous to access during the winter and spring.

• Hiking – as I’ve mentioned, the forests and mountains are considered the playground for locals, and no trip to Seattle is complete without experiencing the vast nature around the city. There are hundreds of hiking trails within driving distance, all offering an intimate view of the Pacific Northwest. Our favorite places are either the North Bend/Snoqualmie Pass area or the North Cascades National Park. Before heading out on the trails, check out the Washington Trails Association website. It is a great resource to research and learn about your hike beforehand. I also suggest reading the most recent trail reports for current trail conditions. Happy trekking!

Seattle is truly the gem of the Pacific Northwest and the perfect combination of city and nature. With the variety of activities to do, your whole family is sure to have an awesome time. And likely wanting to plan the next trip to Seattle before leaving the city!

Have you recently visited Seattle, Washington? Did you or your kiddos have a must-do activity? Feel free to comment below to share your experience in the Emerald City!