38 unmissable things to do in Seattle with kids

Last updated on January 11, 2024

Things to do in Seattle with kids - Space Needle

Surrounded by forests, lakes, islands and mountain peaks, nature is king in Seattle. But it’s also a place that has spawned some of the world’s most successful companies, like Amazon, Microsoft and Starbucks. The city of contrasts makes for an excellent city break. And with world-class museums and things to do, it’s also a fantastic place for kids.

Is Seattle good for kids?

Yes, Seattle is family friendly and pretty easy place to visit with kids. Lots of the main attractions are within walking distance. And it has a fantastic mix of family-friendly museums and awesome outdoor activities. Add to that boat rides, inventive playgrounds, and sweet treats, and you have all the ingredients for a perfect family trip.

Also see our guide the coolest kid-friendly Seattle hotels.

The best things to do in Seattle with kids

Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Seattle. We went there with our two boys, and Otis is still raving about it (he’s obsessed by the space needle!).

Seattle Center

Bridges and Balloons Seattle favourites

  • Capitol Hill is a cool neighbourhood that’s good for seeing a more local, creative side of Seattle. Don’t miss General Porpoise doughnuts and the Elliot Bay Book Company.
  • You can easily spend a whole day at the Seattle Center. It might be touristy, but it’s filled with some of the best Seattle attractions for kids. We were really impressed by MoPop and the Artists at Play playground. It’s a must for family fun in Seattle.
  • Get a Seattle CityPASS, which gives you access to five of Seattle’s top attractions over nine days, saving you at least 44%. It includes entry to the Space Needle, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Aquarium, MoPop and Chihuly Gardens and Glass.
  • I also recommend getting a copy of Wheedle on the Needle, either while you’re there or before you go. It’s a fun way to get kids excited about the city.

38 best things to do in Seattle with kids

Space Needle

View from the Space Needle

Built for the 1962 World Fair, the Space Needle dominates the Seattle Skyline and is a must-do on any trip to Seattle. Our eldest son is still raving about it now. The observation tower has a revolving restaurant at the top, as well as an impressive outdoor observation deck with tilted glass benches for taking in the 360-degree city views.

And don’t miss the Loupe, a rotating glass floor where you can stare down at the city below. It’s one of the most impressive observation decks I’ve ever seen, and is also a great way to get your bearings in the city. The Space Needle is open all day, so you could even visit more than once to get the day and night-time views.

Buy tickets for the Space Needle here.

Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market is another of the top things to do in Seattle with kids (or indeed without). The historic market is famous for its “flying fish” – every time someone buys a fish, the market stall holders throw them to each other across the market, which is a fun sight to behold. But there’s plenty more to entertain with stalls and shops selling everything from flowers to gifts to food.

It’s also home to the first ever Starbucks. And don’t miss Daily Dozen Donuts. Golden Age Collectibles is another good spot for kids with comic books and memorabilia.

You could also do a guided food tour of Pike Place.

Artists at Play Playground

Artists at Play Playground

This seriously impressive playground in the Seattle Center is the perfect place to stop for a run around between attractions. The Artists at Play Playground was designed by artists and includes a huge 30-ft climbing tower in the center (aimed at kids over 5 and not for the faint of heart!). There are also musical instrument, listening stations, sound swings, an ADA approved carousel and adaptive swing, and more. It’s right next to MoPop and the Space Needle. It’s a Seattle kids’ favourite.

Elliot Bay Book Company

Elliot Bay Book Company

You know we love an indy bookshop and Seattle has one that was love at first sight. The Elliot Bay Book Company in Capitol Hill is a charming haven of books. And there’s an excellent kids section, including a castle-shaped reading nook. Be sure to check out their events programme, which has lots of author events and storytime for kids. Be sure to look for a copy of Wheedle on the Needle, a brilliant children’s book based in Seattle.

MoPop

MoPop Seattle

The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop) is a fantastic museum in the Seattle Center, dedicated to everything “pop” from music to film to computer games. Check out the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame, which has lots of props and costumes from popular films. And kids will also likely love the gaming exhibit, which includes lots of video games to explore. It’s a brilliant family activity in Seattle.

The multi-coloured building was designed by Fank-Gehry and is worth a visit alone just to see from the outside. It’s right next to the space needle and Artists at Play Playground.

Woodland Park Zoo

Woodland Park Zoo

Woodland Park Zoo is one of the best zoos we’ve ever been to. Set in gorgeous woodland grounds, it’s a beautiful place to walk around, and also houses an impressive array of animals. Highlights include grizzly bears, tigers and rhinos. I’d recommend spending at least half a day here. It was one of out favourite things to do with kids in Seattle.

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Seattle Center Monorail

Seattle Monorail

If you’re heading to the Seattle Center (where you’ll find the likes of the Space Needle, MoPop, Science Center and more), make your visit even more exciting by getting there on the Seattle Center Monorail. Our kids loved it! It shuttles between just two stops – the Seattle Center and the Westlake Center in downtown.

We stayed in a hotel just round the corner from the Westlake Center so it was ideal for us. If you don’t need to go downtown, you could just ride the monorail on a round-trip. It’s free for under 5s.

Choose your favourite ice cream

Molly Moons Ice cream

Seattle has some great ice cream vendors. We loved Molly Moons and the all-vegan Frankie & Jo’s, which both have a few locations across the city. We also hear great things about Shug’s Soda Fountain, which is an all-American experience. And Full Tilt sounds brilliant, combining ice cream with video games under one roof.

Pacific Science Center

The Pacific Science Center is a top family attraction in Seattle with plenty of interactive exhibitions to engage kids in the world of science. It also includes a planetarium, butterfly house, two IMAX screens, laser dome and VR exhibits. Like MoPop, the building itself is worth seeing, especially the huge arches around a courtyard fountain.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Chihuly Garden and Glass

One of the most unique things to do in Seattle is to visit Chihuly Garden and Glass, showcasing the works of Dale Chihuly as well as his own personal collections.

Explore the collection of indoor and outdoor galleries, filled with impressive multicoloured glass sculptures. It’s perfect for letting kids’ imaginations run wild, and few will fail to be impressed by the unique and fantastical art. It’s definitely one of the most unique things to do in Seattle. Buy tickets for the gardens here.

Seattle Aquarium

The Seattle Aquarium is all about conservation, and has a huge expansion planned (the Ocean Pavillion)  that will further extend their education and environmental work.  It specialises in sea creatures form the Pacific Northwest, including seal, octopuses, otters and more.

It’s right on the waterfront and has a cool viewing area under the pier. There are also hand-on exhibits where you get to touch creatures such as sea cucumbers! An easy family-friendly  pick for what to do in Seattle with kids.

International Fountain

International Fountain
Seattle Center International Fountain. Photo by Alabastro Photography. Credit: Alabastro Photograpy

The International Fountain in the Seattle Center is a fun free thing to do in Seattle, especially on a hot, sunny day when kids can play in the water. It also does a cool, synchronised show to music around every 10 minutes.

Gum Wall

Seattle Gum Wall

It’s kind of gross, but also fascinating – Seattle’s Gum Wall is a mural made entirely of used chewing gum that people have been sticking to the walls of Post Alley since the nineties. As I said, it’s gross and maybe not the best place to visit with a toddler with curious hands, but older kids will likely be interested and perhaps keen to add their mark! It’s just under Pike Place Market.

Seattle Children’s Museum

We love America’s culture of children’s museums and Seattle has an excellent one (we also recommend those in Savannah, Charleston and San Francisco). It’s at the center of Armory Court in the Seattle Center and has loads of fun hand-on exhibits, from dressing up to building. It’ suitable for kids aged 6 months – 8 years. It’s a must among Seattle kids attractions.

Museum of History and Industry

MOHAI
MOHAI exhibit. Photo by Alabastro Photography. Credit: Alabastro Photograpy

The Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) is all about the history and culture of Washington state, showing how Seattle evolved from wilderness to city. There are lots of interactive exhibits and family activities, including a scavenger hunt.

Center for Wooden Boats

Center for Wooden Boats by Alabastro Photograpy

If you have children interested in boats, don’t miss the Center for Wooden Boats. This living museum on the waterfront is a place to learn all about boats, including seeing them being built, viewing special exhibitions and exploring the center’s collection on the water.

They also offer sailing lessons, boat hire and a programme of events year-round. It’s at South Lake Union where you’ll also find lots of restaurants and bars.

Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture

Seattle’s natural history museum – the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture – isn’t a huge one, but it does have cool viewing windows where you can peer into the working labs and see the scientists at work.

The museum focuses on dinosaurs, fossils, Northwest Native art and cultural pieces from across the world. They have lots of kids activitirs and events throughout the year too.

Museum of Flight

Museum of Flight

We didn’t get to visit this one, but I’ve earmarked it for the future as I know the kids will love it. The Museum of Flight is the world’s largest air and space museum. It houses all sorts of things from an Air Force One to Concorde to spacecrafts. And there are lots of fun experiences including a 3D movie theatre and flight simulators.

There’s also a dedicated kids area with mini aircraft and a mini airport where kids can play at being the airport and airplane staff. It’s a really unique thing to do in Seattle with kids.

Boeing Factory Tour

Carrying on the flight theme, another fun thing to do in Seattle with kids is to tour the working Boeing factory where you get to see 747s, 777s and Dreamliners being made. You can also learn more about the flight industry at the Future of Flight Aviation Center.

See a baseball game at T-Mobile Park or Lumen Field

A quintessential American experience is going to a baseball or American football game and in Seattle you can choose between T-Mobile Park (home of the Seattle Mariners) or Lumen Field  (home of Sounders FC). You can do behind-the-scenes tours at both stadiums during the off season. Be aware that a baseball game is really long, so young kids ight only last for part of it.

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Seattle Children’s Theater

Be sure to check out the current programme of events at the Seattle Children’s Theater in the Seattle Center, which features shows specially aimed at children. They also offer lots of fun classes, and Seattle kids activities.

Go whale watching

If you’re there at the right time (May-October), you can be lucky enough to see whales in Seattle. There are a few different boat tours you can do from Seattle or the San Juan Islands, or you can even sometimes spot them from the shores of Alki Beach. See this guide to Seattle whale watching 101 for more options. It’s one of the best Seattle outdoor kids activities. And here’s a couple of tours you could try: a half day whale watching tour (4 hours), and a grey whale watching tour (3 hours).

Go on a boat ride

Seattle is surrounded by water and islands, so the perfect place for taking a boat ride. There are lots of options like the whale watching tours above. Or you could hop on a Washington State Ferry to cruise to Bainbridge Island. If you get a CityPASS, an Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour is included.

Do a family-friendly tour

Seattle has some great tours on offer, many of which you can find on Get Your Guide. Some of the best are centred around food. We’ve selected a few of our favourites below.

Seattle Art Museum

In downtown Seattle, the Seattle Art Museum is a great option for kids. They have a fun storybook adventure that pairs children’s books with works of art. Plus there’s lots to keep the adults entertained too with collections from around the world.

Seattle Great Wheel

The Seattle Great Wheel is a fun way to see the city from up high and it’s perfect for all weathers in the fully enclosed gondolas. It’s particularly fun at night when the whole thing is illuminated with colourful lights. The ferris wheel is on Pier 57, which is another popular tourist spot in Seattle.

Olympic Sculpture Park

Olympic Sculpture Park

A fun Seattle outdoor kids activity is the Olympic Sculpture Park on the waterfront, which is ideal for kids who need to let off some steam. The nine-acre park has lots of giant sculptures and is a good place for a picnic. With no entry fee, it’s also one of the best free things to do in Seattle with kids.

Giant Shoe Museum

The Giant Shoe Museum in Pike Place is a teeny tiny museum featuring the collection of Danny Eskenazi, a man who became obsessed by giant shoes. He never did find the one he wanted most (that of the tallest man in the world), but he did amass a collection that is now housed in this unusual exhibit. You pay a quarter to peer into the stereoscopes and see the giant shoes. It’s definitely one of the most unusual things to do in Seattle with kids!

Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and Botanical Garden

Ballard Locks
Hiram M Chittenden Locks. Photo by Alabastro Photography. Credit: Alabastro Photograpy

The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, more commonly known as the Ballard Locks, offer a fun family day out in Seattle. Kids will enjoy watching the locks in action (they link Puget Sound to Lake Washington).

And it’s also really close to the Botanical Garden, which is a lush place to wander. You might also be interested in the fish ladder where you can see salmon moving upstream.

Seattle Pinball Museum

A nice dose of nostalgia for the grown-ups and plenty of fun for everyone, the Seattle Pinball Museum has over 50 games, including one going back to 1934!. Plus they have vintage sodas, local craft beers and snacks on sale too. Kids must be aged over seven to play.  It’s also one of the best things to do in Seattle with teens.

Alki Beach Park

Alki Beach Park

For the closest you can get to a sandy beach experience in Seattle, head to Alki Beach Park on the other side of Elliott Bay. The long sand and pebble beach is a popular summer spot for locals with lots of family restaurants and a great playground at White Tail Park.

Parking can be difficult in the summer months, but you can also get the King County water taxi, which is a more fun option anyway.

View from Kerry Park

For an amazing view of the city, head up to Kerry Park in Queen Anne where you’ll have an epic oversight of the city skyline and bay, and even Mount Rainier on clear days.

Hang out at one of Seattle’s beautiful parks

Cal Anderson Park Seattle

One of my best memories of Seattle is from spending a warm, sunny evening in Cal Anderson Park. We ate ice cream from the nearby Molly Moon’s and then just strolled, sat and soaked up the vibes. Teams were playing sports, musicians strumming and friends gathering. It was a lush way to experience a local side of Seattle away from the main downtown.

This is one of Seattle’s smaller, local parks. Bigger and more popular options include:

  • Volunteer Park – home of the Seattle Asian Art Museum, wading pool and the Water Tower, which you can climb for great views of the city.
  • Lincoln Park – a massive space including a great playground, hiking trails and a saltwater pool on the beach
  • Green Lake – another huge option with seasonal lifeguarded beaches, a hiking path around the lake and a historic carousel.

Watch the sea planes

Sea planes in Seattle
Lake Union view from kayak. Kenmore Air seaplane. Photo by Alabastro Photography. Credit: Alabastro Photograpy

Kids and adults alike will be entertained by the sea planes taking off and landing at Lake Union. And to take it up a notch, you could even go on one by doing a seaplane tour!

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Hop-on-hop-off bus tour

Our kids love a bus so hop-on-hop-off buses are always a big hit in cities. An they’re a handy way to get around the main sights. See the route here.

Go to Stone Gardens or the Seattle Bouldering Project

Seattle is a paradise for outdoor lovers, so it’s a great place to go rock climbing. Start by doing a session at one of the indoor centers such as the Seattle Bouldering Project or Stone Gardens.

Visit the Funko Headquarters

Around 30 minutes from Seattle in Everett is the Funko Headquarters, home of the toy manufacturer who make those cartoon-style bobble heads that you’ll inevitably recognise. The HQ is little like a Funko amusement park with giant Funko replicas and themed areas for Star Wars, Disney, DC Comics and Harry Potter, including a Disney Castle area and Batmobile.

You can also do a fun build-your-own Funko Pop experience.

Wild Waves

Thirty minutes south of Seattle near Tacoma is the Wild Waves theme park with a he waterpark as well as amusement park rides. There are rides to suit all ages, including thrilling water slides and roller coasters, plus slower options like the classic lazy river ride.

Where to eat in Seattle with kids

General Porpoise Doughnuts Seattle

A few places we recommend to eat in Seattle with kids include:

  • Armory Food Court – if you’re in the Seattle Center, this food court is a great option as there are lots of places to choose from including kiddie favourites like pizza.
  • Oddfellows Café and Bar – we loved this atmospheric café in Capitol Hill. It’s not aimed at children, but ours were welcomed and loved the pancakes on offer.
  • General Porpoise Doughnuts – Mmmm, some of the best sweet treats in Seattle, these fluffy, filled doughnuts are a must if you’re in Capitol Hill.
  • KEXP – the coffee shop in the KEXP radio building in the Seattle Center is a really cool place to hang out and watch the DJs at work. It has a fairly quiet atmosphere with lots of people reading, so probably a better one to go with older kids who won’t run wild!
  • Blotto Pizza(sadly closed as of January 2024) this isn’t aimed at kids and it’s a pretty intimate place, but it’s also one of the best pizzas we’ve ever had, so you really shouldn’t miss it! We went early around 5pm and the kids were welcomed. I’ve heard it’s harder to get a table later on. Another option would be to get a take away and eat at the nearby Cal Anderson Park.
  • Frankie & Jo’s – vegan ice cream in Capitol Hill and other location across the city
  • Molly Moon‘s ice cream – Otis’ favourite ice cream in the city, again at multiple locations across the city
  • Biscuit Bitch – American biscuits for breakfast at this punky eatery are an indulgent and delicious way to start the day. There are a few locations in Seattle.
  • Pike Place Market – great place to pick up a picnic to take elsewhere
  • Temple Pastries – not at all on the tourist trail, but this place serves exquisite pastries and an interesting coffee called the Disco Pony!
  • Tacos Chukis – casual, budget-friendly taco restaurant with good options for kids.

Do a food tour!

There are also some fun food tours you can do in Seattle, including donut and chocolate tours! Find out more below.

Where to stay in Seattle with kids

We’ve written a full guide to all the coolest places to stay with kids in Seattle.

Mayflower Park Hotel

Mayflower Park Hotel Seattle

We stayed at the Mayflower Park Hotel, an historic hotel in downtown Seattle, which has been running since 1927. From the grand lobby to the elegant, traditional suites, it’s a place that emphasises its history while offering modern comforts. We stayed in a one-bedroom suite with a separate lounge, which was ideal so the boys could be in different rooms (one doesn’t sleep well!).

It’s also really well located in downtown Seattle, around a five-minute walk from Pike Place Market. And just around the corner from the monorail that takes you directly to the Seattle Center.

One morning we enjoyed an indulgent breakfast in bed from the onsite Andaluca Restaurant (the pancakes are next level). And the elegant hotel bar – Oliver’s Lounge – is a fantastic place for people watching and enjoying an evening cocktail.

Check prices and book now.

What to pack for Seattle with kids

Us at the top of space needle

It’s true what they say, Seattle is wet, so be sure to pack your waterproofs. These kids’ pack-away raincoats are pretty useful. It’s also fairly unpredictable so a pack-away down coat is another good option for those fluctuating temperatures. And finally, with so much outdoor to explore, a pair of hiking boots is recommended.  We also love this kids camera so they can take their own photos too.

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New England travel guides

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6 thoughts on “38 unmissable things to do in Seattle with kids”

  1. Did you feel safe downtown with the kids? Did you walk around downtown (we are planning to walk from our hotel to both the Needle and Pike’s Market. Our hotel is located in between both)

    Reply
    • We did feel safe, but we were only walking around in the daytime when it was pretty busy. I think it would feel more dangerous at night. I’d ask at your hotel for the latest information as I think the situation is changing quite often.

      Reply
  2. You provided one of the best lists! Thank you for sharing. Our kids are going to love choosing from the activities you shared and loved the raincoat and boot links!

    Reply
  3. This is an amazing list of things to do with kids in Seattle! Great job! This weekend, there’s something special happening… kids 5 and under can eat free at the all-you-can-eat unlimited ice cream festival near the Space Needle at Seattle Center! Would you or a writer from your team – and a plus one – like to experience the event and write a story about it?

    Scooped Ice Cream Festival 2023 – July 8 & 9 – 12PM-8PM

    Indulge in the ultimate ice cream experience this summer at the Scooped Ice Cream Festival during MLB All-Star Week! With over 75 of the best local and national ice cream brands, this two-day extravaganza on July 8th and 9th, 2023, at Seattle Center, promises to satisfy your sweet tooth like never before.

    Aside from the ice cream, Scooped features live music, a diverse variety of food vendors, giant games, and more fun will provide all-day fun!

    Don’t miss your chance to experience ice cream paradise! Grab your tickets now before prices increase closer to the event. Our exclusive speed scooper pass lets you skip the line and get straight to the ice cream. Children under 2 years old or who are being carried enter for free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

    Mark your calendars and treat yourself to the sweetest event of the summer!

    More info:
    ScoopedIceCream.com

    Reply

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