Things To Do in Seattle With Kids

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We spent a quick weekend getaway in Seattle and had the best time exploring the city with our entire family in tow. This city has something for everybody, including kids. I’ve made this list of the best things to do in Seattle with kids.

P.S. Can anyone guess what year we visited Seattle? Oh the fun facemask era… After our time in Seattle, we drove to Spokane to visit family. It was a beautiful drive, and we had so much fun in Spokane. Check out these fun things to do with kids in Spokane if you plan to visit there are well.

Where to Stay in Seattle With Kids

There are several family-friendly hotels in Seattle. Check out my post about the coolest hotels in Seattle (they’re family-friendly, too!) But these are some of the best hotels in Seattle for families:

• The Edgewater Hotel
  • What I Love: This hotel offers stunning views of Elliott Bay, spacious family suites, and fun, rustic lodge-style décor. Kids love the cozy atmosphere, and the hotel provides easy access to the waterfront and nearby attractions like the Seattle Aquarium and Pike Place Market.
• Hyatt Place Seattle/Downtown
  • What I Love: Spacious rooms featuring pull-out sofas, an indoor pool, and complimentary breakfast. It’s within walking distance to the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture, and Pacific Science Center.
• Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
  • What I Love: This luxury hotel offers a heated outdoor pool with views of the waterfront, complimentary amenities for kids like toys and games, and even child-sized robes. Its central location makes it easy to walk to key attractions.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square
  • What I Love: You’ll find two-room suites, free breakfast, and an indoor pool. Its location near the Pioneer Square district makes it easy to access ferries, sports stadiums, and public transit options.
• Hotel Monaco Seattle – A Kimpton Hotel
  • What I Love: Known for its playful and vibrant atmosphere, Hotel Monaco offers fun perks like a pet goldfish in your room upon request, and family-friendly amenities such as complimentary bikes. Plus, there’s a nightly hosted wine reception where kids are welcome with their own beverages.
• The Westin Seattle
  • What I Love: Spacious rooms and stunning city views. Plus, the Westin offers an indoor pool and is conveniently located near some of the most popular things to do in Seattle with kids, such as Pike Place Market and the Space Needle.

Best Things to Do in Seattle With Kids

If you feel overwhelmed planning your activities in Seattle, consider doing a 3- or 4-hour tour of Seattle, which includes stops at many of these top attractions.

1. Seattle Center and the Space Needle – One of the top things to do in Seattle with kids (or without!)

• Space Needle: Take an elevator ride up to the observation deck of Seattle’s iconic Space Needle for stunning views of the city, mountains, and Puget Sound.
• Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): Explore interactive exhibits dedicated to music, sci-fi, video games, and pop culture. Kids will especially enjoy the hands-on activities and cool displays.
• International Fountain: Let the kids run around and splash in this giant, music-synchronized fountain, especially fun on a sunny day.

2. Seattle Aquarium

• The Seattle aquarium offers hands-on exhibits, a large underwater dome, and opportunities to learn about marine life from the Pacific Northwest, including otters, seals, and touch pools for the kids. It’s located right on the waterfront, and makes for a fun outing for the family.

3. Woodland Park Zoo

• This expansive zoo in Phinney Ridge is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world. Plus, this zoo offers interactive exhibits, a petting zoo, and beautiful grounds perfect for picnicking.

4. Museum of Flight

• Explore one of the largest air and space museums in the world. Kids can check out historic aircraft, flight simulators, and interactive exhibits, as well as get up close to a retired Air Force One.

5. Pacific Science Center

• Located near the Space Needle, this hands-on science museum has tons to entertain the family. Kids will love the interactive exhibits, a planetarium, IMAX theater, butterfly house, and various science shows that cater to curious minds of all ages.

6. Pike Place Market

• A lively market that’s fun to explore with kids. Watch the famous fish-throwing, sample local treats, and explore the quirky shops. You can do a taste of Pike Place Market tour as well. Don’t miss the Gum Wall for a fun photo op!

7. The Seattle Great Wheel – My kids’ top pick for things to do with kids in Seattle

• Take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel located on Pier 57. The enclosed gondolas offer a smooth and safe experience with incredible views of the city and waterfront.

8. Seattle Children’s Museum

• Tailored specifically for younger children, this museum offers interactive exhibits designed for hands-on learning and imaginative play.

9. Ferry Ride to Bainbridge Island

• Take a scenic ferry ride from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island. Once there, you can explore the charming town, visit parks, or simply enjoy the views from the ferry.

10. Discovery Park

• Seattle’s largest green space offers hiking trails, beaches, and a lighthouse. It’s a great spot for kids to run around, explore nature, and enjoy a picnic.

11. Visit the Original Starbucks – One of my fave things to do in Seattle with kids

• I couldn’t go to Seattle and not visit the original Starbucks. Even though the kids didn’t care too much about it being the first Starbucks, they did enjoy picking a tasty treat and helping me to choose a fun mug to bring home with us. It makes for a fun photo op at least.

12. Ballard Locks and Fish Ladder

• Watch boats navigate through the locks and see salmon make their way up the fish ladder. There’s also a lovely botanical garden to explore nearby.

13. Catch a Seahawks Game

• We weren’t able to catch a game when we visited, but because we are huge football fans, we definitely wanted to check out the stadium. Next time we visit, we will plan it when the Packers are in town!

Looking for more resources for your family vacations? I have ideas for things to do with kids in other big cities as well, including Things to do With Kids in Chicago, Family Activities in Austin, Things to do in New Orleans With Kids, and Things the Family Will Love in San Francisco.

You can also check out this weekend trip packing list to make the packing task easier on you.

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