Seattle, with its iconic skyline, lush greenery, and waterfront views, is an ideal destination for families seeking a mix of adventure, education, and relaxation.
This guide for exploring Seattle with kids will help you make the most of your time in the Emerald City and will help you uncover the best of Seattle’s vibrant culture. From splashing through indoor waterparks to marveling at aviation history, this family-friendly itinerary ensures a perfect balance of fun and discovery for all ages. Let the journey begin!
Seattle Children’s Museum
I had been wanting to take my boys to the Seattle Children’s Museum as I had heard such positive things about it. It is located very close to the Space Needle and while we did get a tiny bit lost trying to find the Children’s Museum,a nice lady to pointed us in the right direction as it is tucked down a side street that we walked right by.
The Seattle Children’s Museum is over 18,000 sqft of play space designed for kids ages birth to 8 years old to enjoy with their families. There are a number of hands-on exhibits for kiddos to explore, and daily educational programs or activities that are FREE with the cost of admission.
Every area of the Children’s Museum was a place to explore. The boys went from area to area checking it all out and having fun seeing how it all worked. There was an interactive display right in the hallway that my youngest spent 20 minutes playing with and the Cog City exhibit captured their attention immediately.
The Dunn Lumber Construction Zone was where they got to wear hard hats and build their projects from scratch. They both love to build things at home and everything from the nuts and bolts to boards were oversized and perfect for their little hands. We were also lucky that there was no one else in the exhibit with us that morning so the boys had it all to themselves.
The Imagination Studio was where we spent the bulk of our time. The boys both fell in love with the glass that they could draw on and use a spray bottle to wipe off. This kept them occupied endlessly. They also painted and worked with clay, but it was the standing piece of glass that they were both drawn to.
I highly recommend signing up for a time at the Imagination Studio as soon as you arrive at the Children’s Museum. I didn’t expect them to spend so much time there, and luckily we had it to ourselves and were able to stay longer than we would have if there had been a waiting list.
My sons explored the Eye Clinic, the Market and loved Sound Transit. The opportunities were endless for them to be hands-on and use their imagination in every room. We took a break at lunchtime and it was really easy to head upstairs to the Marketplace to refuel.
There were many different food options and many were healthy options which is always a bonus for us. We spent six hours at the Children’s Museum and the boys were begging to stay longer.
If you decide to visit the Seattle Children’s Museum, pay for parking for longer than you anticipate! I didn’t expect to stay there all day and am happy that I found all-day parking. Go first thing in the morning as it was nearly empty when we went mid-week in March.
The Seattle Children’s Museum hours are Wednesday to Monday from 10 am until 5 pm. It is important to note that their doors close to the public at 4:30 pm. The museum is closed on Tuesdays. Pricing is as follows:
Members: Free
Children: $15 (age 1-17)
Adults: $15 (age 18-65)
Seniors: $13 (over 65)
Under 1: Free
Tickets can be purchased online making the entrance go so much smoother and the kids can get exploring quicker.
The Space Needle is nearby, so you could easily incorporate that into your day as well, but since we had a full day at the museum, we headed back to our hotel, jumped into the indoor pool and hot tub, and had some unstructured playtime before dinner. The boys were exhausted, so we had an early night to get ready for day two of our adventure.
Woodland Park Zoo
We highly recommend visiting the Woodland Park Zoo and found the parking there to be very easy. We spent roughly four hours exploring every inch of the zoo, and I have to say that I loved it just about as much as the boys did. I found that it was a perfect size, not overwhelming and we could take our time and visit each exhibit at our own pace.
Woodland Park Zoo’s 92 acres are divided into bioclimatic zones, featuring different natural habitats ranging from humid tropical rainforests and coastal deserts to temperate rainforests like those of the Pacific Northwest.
We started off with the Giraffes, which is always a crowd-pleaser. They were just taking them out to the exhibit when we arrived, so we were able to get a sneak peek of them right away.
The Tropical Asia exhibit was the favorite of the day, hands down. The Orangutans stole the show with their endless chatter amongst each other and put on a show for the crowd. They are quite loud, though, so if you have children with sensitive hearing, you may want to keep your visit short.
The jaguars in the Tropical Rainforest exhibit were a favorite, and my oldest son had fun navigating the way using the map of the zoo.
We ended our time at the zoo at the outdoor playground. No matter where in the world we are exploring, I always find time for the boys to have unstructured playtime. Even though at the Woodland Park Zoo, we roamed freely and the boys loved their time there, they will never give up a chance to climb, run, jump and just be boys.
Admission to the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle has dynamic pricing and ranges anywhere from $12.95 for kids aged 3-12 and $26.96 for adults. You will also be required to choose a time you would like to visit.
Family Fun Center in Tukwila
After leaving the zoo we stopped for lunch and then made our way to the Family Fun Center in Tukwila just south of Seattle. I kept this adventure for last since it was a treat for the boys and a fun way to end our trip. The options at the Family Fun Center are endless. We were there in mid-March so their outdoor options were limited but we had no shortage of fun inside.
The Family Fun Center has an endless list of attractions, and we only scratched the surface of the indoor options. They also have a Virtual Reality room, Lazer Extreme, XD Theatre is a motion simulated ride and a Drop & Twist tower.
For their outdoor activities, they feature The Screamin’ Swing adrenaline ride, Go-Karts, Bumper Cars, Mini Golf, Batting Cages, Bumper Boats, Sling Shot and Traffic School in mini kid cars! You could spend all day there and still not have time to explore everything they offer.
The boys headed straight for Kidopolis Playland which is a massive four-level indoor soft playground.
Two hours were spent on the slides, climbing up to the top of the structure and playing hide and seek with each other. We have a similar indoor soft playground in our city but it was a tenth of the size of this one. Even when there was quite a lot of children playing they all had their own space to move about freely.
We moved on to the glow in the dark bowling alley which had a full food menu served right to your table and alcoholic drinks for adults which was a lovely feature after being the solo parent on this trip!
After a few games my oldest son wanted to go on the Frog Hopper ride he spotted just outside the Kidopolis Playground. My youngest son was a little too scared of going without me so we watched from below as his big brother giggled away the entire ride and enjoyed his two minutes of “freedom” riding it on his own.
Four hours later and a stop for a quick pizza dinner in their food court, I let the boys loose in the arcade. We have a strict policy of no video games in our home so it becomes quite a treat for them when we go to places like this.
We found the best ticket option was to purchase unlimited access wristbands. For kids 44 inches-40 inches it costs $45.99 and for kids 44 inches and taller it costs $60.99.
Pike Place Market
A trip to Seattle with kids isn’t complete without exploring the legendary Pike Place Market. The Pike Place Market is not just a public market, but rather the heart of downtown Seattle. Spanning nine acres, the market is a sensory delight, brimming with sights, sounds, and flavors that promise an unforgettable family adventure.
When visiting Pike Place Market with kids, start at the iconic Rachel the Piggy Bank, a 550-pound bronze statue situated under the neon Public Market Center sign. Children can climb atop Rachel for a memorable photo, and dropping a coin into the piggy bank supports the Pike Place Market Foundation, aiding various social services within the market.
Just steps away, the renowned Pike Place Fish Market awaits. Here, fishmongers engage in the lively tradition of tossing fish orders through the air, much to the delight of onlookers. Children are often mesmerized by this display, and on occasion, may even have the chance to catch a fish themselves for a truly interactive experience.
Venture to the lower levels of the market to discover the quirky Giant Shoe Museum. This unique exhibit showcases an array of giant shoes, sparking curiosity and wonder in young minds. It’s an unexpected treasure that adds a touch of whimsy to your visit.
For budding magicians, the Market Magic Shop is a must-visit. Established in 1974, it’s one of the oldest operating magic shops in the U.S., offering a variety of tricks and paraphernalia. Professional magicians on staff are often available to demonstrate illusions, enchanting visitors of all ages.
No visit to Pike Place Market is complete without sampling its delectable offerings. Treat the family to mini doughnuts from the Daily Dozen Doughnut Company, where confections are made fresh and served warm. Alternatively, savor a scoop of gelato from local creameries, delighting in flavors that cater to both traditional and adventurous palates.
Conclude your visit with a stop at the famous Gum Wall in Post Alley. While it may seem unconventional, adding a piece of gum to this ever-evolving art installation has become a beloved tradition, allowing children to leave their mark on the market in a colorful way.
The Museum of Flight
Visiting the Museum of Flight in Seattle with kids is an awe-inspiring adventure that brings aviation history to life while offering countless interactive and educational experiences for young explorers. Spanning over 23 acres, this world-class museum is packed with attractions designed to captivate and engage children of all ages.
Travel through time and space from historic aircraft to space shuttle wings and explore an incredible collection that embodies our past, present future.
Begin your visit at the museum’s Aviation Pavilion, a must-visit for families. Kids will love exploring the interior of a Concorde, climbing aboard the first-ever Air Force One, and stepping inside massive cargo planes. The hands-on exhibits encourage young imaginations to soar as they envision themselves piloting these legendary aircraft.
The Flight Zone, a dedicated area for kids, features interactive exhibits where they can learn the basics of flight through engaging simulations. Budding pilots can practice their takeoff and landing skills in the museum’s flight simulators, offering an exhilarating opportunity to take control of the skies.
For children fascinated by space exploration, the Charles Simonyi Space Gallery showcases a full-scale NASA Space Shuttle Trainer used by astronauts. Kids can marvel at spacesuits, satellites, and artifacts that tell the story of humankind’s journey to the stars, sparking curiosity about the universe beyond Earth.
The Junior Aviators Play Zone is perfect for younger children, featuring aviation-themed play structures, climbable aircraft, and creative play spaces. It provides a safe and exciting environment for toddlers and preschoolers to enjoy their own aviation adventure.
Don’t miss The Blackbird family of aircraft that has been around since the 1950s. They cruise at speeds over Mach 3 and can fly more than 85,000 feet in altitude. Designed as a reconnaissance or spy plane.
General admission is $26 for adults and $18 for kids aged 5-17. Kids under five are free.
Snowflake Lane Parade
Just a short drive from Seattle, the Snowflake Lane Parade in Bellevue is a must-see event during the holiday season. This enchanting nightly spectacle, hosted by The Bellevue Collection, transforms the heart of downtown Bellevue into a winter wonderland. With dazzling lights, festive music, and charming performances, it’s an unforgettable experience for families seeking holiday cheer.
Every evening, the streets come alive with a parade of toy soldiers, snow princesses, drummers, and dancers who perform choreographed routines to classic holiday music. The energy and excitement of the performers keep kids entertained and mesmerized.
One of the highlights of Snowflake Lane is the “snowfall” that drifts down over the crowd, creating a magical atmosphere that feels straight out of a holiday movie. Watching my son’s face light up as he tried to catch snowflakes was a heartwarming sight.
Thousands of sparkling lights and festive decorations adorn the buildings and streets. Families can stroll along the sidewalks and take in the elaborate window displays and glowing holiday scenes.
The parade begins at 7:00 PM each night, but arriving early ensures a good viewing spot along the route, especially on weekends. The event takes place outdoors, so dress warmly to stay comfortable during the show.
The Bellevue Collection offers ample parking in its adjacent lots and garages. Parking is free for parade-goers, but spaces fill quickly, so plan accordingly. Warm up with a festive drink from one of the nearby coffee shops or bakeries before settling in for the parade.
The Snowflake Lane Parade is a cherished tradition that brings families together in celebration of the season. With its blend of music, magic, and merriment, it’s a perfect addition to your Seattle-area winter itinerary.
Day Trip to Great Wolf Lodge
If you are looking for a really fun adventure that is only a 1.5-hour drive from Seattle, considering spending a night or two at Great Wolf Lodge. If you have never been, it is pure kid heaven, and pretty fun for the adults too.
The crown jewel of Great Wolf Lodge is its expansive indoor waterpark, heated to a comfortable 84 degrees year-round. The waterpark includes features for all ages.
A multi-level treehouse-themed water playground with slides, water cannons, and the iconic tipping bucket that soaks everyone below with a massive splash. A lazy river perfect for relaxing while the kids float alongside on inflatable tubes.
For older kids and adventurous parents, slides like the Howlin’ Tornado and River Canyon Run deliver adrenaline-pumping excitement. Toddlers and younger children have their own splash zone, complete with pint-sized slides and gentle fountains.
Your kids will likely spend all day doing laps on the waterslides as mine did.
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There are many different dining options offering child-friendly foods and the resort offers endless options throughout the day to keep the kids busy if they don’t want to spend it at the waterpark. There is an outdoor climbing structure for both young kids and bigger kids.
One of the biggest draws at Great Wolf Lodge was the MagiQuest. The kids can purchase a magic wand and go on a scavenger hunt around the hotel, looking for answers to clues. The magic wands open secret chests and reveal monograms, it is such a fun adventure for kids.
A mini bowling alley designed for younger players, with smaller lanes and lighter balls, ensuring fun for the whole family. Howl at the Moon Mini Golf is a glow-in-the-dark indoor course is a hit with kids, featuring whimsical obstacles and a magical atmosphere.
Kids can also create their own Great Wolf Lodge-themed stuffed animal to take home as a keepsake.
The fun doesn’t stop when the sun sets. Great Wolf Lodge offers nightly events that bring families together. Held in the Grand Lobby, story time invites children to gather in their pajamas for bedtime stories led by resort characters like Wiley the Wolf and Violet the Wolf.
After Story Time, kids can dance the night away at the family-friendly dance party, complete with music, lights, and plenty of energy.
The drive down the Washington coast is truly spectacular, and there are many attractions along the way to stop and enjoy.
Casandra Karpiak is a travel writer and owner of Savoteur. A Toronto native with Danish roots currently residing in British Columbia, her travel writing has been seen on The Associated Press wire, MSN, FOX, CBS, NBC, Entrepreneur, 24/7 Wall St, Times Daily, and many more. When she’s not traveling, she can be found at hockey arenas all over BC cheering on her two young sons.