seattle vacation with kids
We all have to take a vacation at some point. Whether you’re an introvert who needs time away from it all, or an extrovert who thrives off new experiences and people, there’s nothing quite like taking a vacation. For me, however, the most important part of any vacation is my family and spending quality time with them. As a dad of two young kids (and one on the way), I’ve learned how to make sure that we spend quality time together while still having fun as a family unit!
In this post I’ll be sharing some tips for how to enjoy your next Seattle trip with kids: from where to stay and what activities will keep everyone engaged; to what restaurants are great for families; plus more! We hope this helps you plan your next getaway in beautiful Seattle!
The Pike Place Market.
The Pike Place Market is the oldest continuously operating farmer’s market in the US and is so much more than a place to buy produce or flowers. The market has over 150 shops and restaurants, many with stalls selling handmade goods. With such an extensive offering, you’re sure to find something that suits your tastes or interests.
The market is open year-round, making it a great option for those visiting during winter months when other tourist attractions may be closed. It’s also conveniently located within walking distance of many downtown hotels so if your family prefers not to rent a car for their stay in Seattle then this should be on their list of things to do!
visit the Seattle Aquarium.
The Seattle Aquarium is a great place to visit with kids, teens and adults. It’s located on Pier 59 in downtown Seattle, which makes it easy to get to from anywhere in town. Hours are from 10am-5pm daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day (closed). Admission is $20 for adults and $16 for kids 3-12 years old.
Seattle Aquarium has lots of fun things going on all day long! During the summer months there are live animal shows throughout the day at 11am & 3pm, as well as sea lion feeding at 2pm. In addition to this there is an outdoor area called Pier 59 where you can see seals trained by trainers from around the world doing tricks! There’s also an exhibit inside called Underwater Dome where they have sharks, rays and other ocean creatures swimming above you while you walk through a tunnel underneath their tank!
explore the Olympic Sculpture Park.
The Olympic Sculpture Park is a must-see for any visitor to Seattle. The park is located on the shores of Puget Sound and features over 150 sculptures, including permanent works by Mark di Suvero, Jaume Plensa and George Rickey. There are also rotating exhibits from other artists that are worth looking out for throughout the year.
The park is open daily from 10am – dusk year round (except during special event closures). It’s a great place to spend an afternoon with your kids as there are lots of sculptures to enjoy as well as plenty of space for running around! It’s also a great spot for family photos–the Olympic Mountains in the distance make for some fantastic backdrops!
see the giant neon sign at Ye Olde Curiosity Shop.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Seattle is the giant neon sign at Ye Olde Curiosity Shop. The shop has been around since 1908, and the famous sign that you can see from across Pike Place Market was built in 1960. If you’re looking to take a photo with your family, this popular attraction is one place you won’t regret putting on your itinerary!
The shop sells souvenirs like t-shirts, magnets, postcards and shot glasses as well as books about its history or its many curiosities. You may want to make sure that your kids don’t spend too much time browsing here—there’s so much stuff inside that it’s easy for them to get distracted!
check out the Seattle Great Wheel.
- The Seattle Great Wheel is a giant Ferris wheel that offers great views of Seattle.
- The Seattle Great Wheel is a great way to see the city from a new perspective.
- It’s fun and inexpensive.
- It’s open year-round, so you can ride it any time you’re in town!
take a ferry ride.
There are several ferry rides to choose from, including:
- The [Golden Gate Ferry](https://goldengateferry.org/), which provides service between downtown Seattle and the San Francisco Bay area.
- The [Seattle Water Taxi](https://www.watertaxi.com/), which offers transportation between various downtown locations and various islands in Puget Sound, including Alki Beach and Vashon Island.
visit the Seattle Art Museum and the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit.
Seattle Art Museum
The Seattle Art Museum, located on the waterfront in the heart of downtown Seattle, is one of the city’s most famous attractions. It features more than 130,000 artworks including everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary American paintings. There are several galleries on display that cover both visual art forms and performing arts; there’s also an interactive glass studio where children (and adults) can make their own glass art piece!
Chihuly Garden and Glass
If you’re interested in seeing some amazing glass sculptures by artist Dale Chihuly at his very own garden/exhibit, then this is your spot! The Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit is located about 10 minutes away from downtown Seattle in a beautiful park with gardens filled with colorful plants and trees. Admission includes access inside three buildings full of incredible sculptures made from blown glass – kids will love them! There are also many other museums nearby like Woodland Park Zoo or if you want something different try taking a ferry ride around Elliott Bay which leads into Puget Sound where there are tons more things to see like Mount Rainier National Park just north west – we’ll talk about these things later on too 😉
take a walking tour through Pioneer Square.
To start your day, walk through Seattle’s oldest neighborhood. You can learn about the city’s history and visit a few of the many museums located in Pioneer Square.
You will also have time to stop for a bite to eat before heading over to Pike Place Market for some shopping and entertainment. If you kids like animals, don’t miss the famous pig sculpture outside of Nordstrom’s as well as all of the koi fish swimming around under water.
Take some time to explore this area before heading back toward home where you can relax together while enjoying one last cup of coffee (or tea) before getting ready for bedtime!
spend an afternoon at the Woodland Park Zoo.
Spend an afternoon at the Woodland Park Zoo.
The zoo is a family-friendly attraction with something for everyone, from carousel rides to the petting zoo to a playground. There is also a children’s zoo and picnic area for those who want to bring their own food. A cafe inside offers both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can bring your lunch (or stop by before heading out on other adventures).
treat your kids to a tour of PACCAR IMAX Theater at Pacific Science Center.
The PACCAR IMAX Theater is the largest movie theater in Washington State, with a giant screen that allows you to see more of your favorite movies than you’d ever be able to at another theater. The theater is also home to special shows and exhibits that change out seasonally. If your kids love movies, or if they’re interested in science or nature, this is one of the best places for them in Seattle.
For example, during Halloween there are animated screenings of “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown” (a classic!) as well as “Hocus Pocus” (another cult classic). In December there are holiday-themed specials such as “Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel,” “The Grinch” and “Zootopia.” Throughout other times of year there are documentaries about endangered animals like whales and tigers; programs about space travel; family-friendly films like “Wreck It Ralph”; and many educational programs produced specifically for children—all screened on their giant IMAX screens!
The top things to do in Seattle with family are fun for everyone! Make a family memory in this vibrant city on Puget Sound!
Seattle is a vibrant city on Puget Sound, with so much to offer families. Whether you want to make family memories, have fun, explore the history or art of this place, Seattle has it all. There are plenty of activities that will help your family create lasting memories while also having fun!
Here are some things you should do in Seattle with your kids:
- Visit Pike Place Market. The Pike Place Market is home to over 150 merchants selling fresh produce and seafood as well as many other products including flowers and coffee beans. Kids will love seeing how salmon gets filleted at the fish market while parents enjoy shopping for fresh local produce at one of the many farmer’s markets stalls throughout this indoor marketplace full of smells and sounds from around the world!
- Take a ferry ride from downtown Seattle out onto Puget Sound where there are plenty more amazing things waiting for you!
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy our Top 10 Things to Do in Seattle with Kids. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly attractions or just want some fun things to do in the city, we have you covered. We know that your family will have a great time exploring this vibrant city on Puget Sound! If there is anything else we can help with, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]