Seattle is a great place to visit with kids, even little kids! On our most recent trip, Charlotte celebrated her second birthday. While we were there, we met up with some friends who brought along their four-year-old daughter. We all had a fantastic trip!
One thing that I love about Seattle is that so many attractions are within walking distance of downtown. On our recent trip, we stayed in the Belltown neighborhood on the north end of downtown. From there, we could easily walk to see all kinds of things, and still head back to our hotel for naps. We barely used our car at all!
Another great thing about Seattle is that the city has so many attractions that are specifically designed with kids in mind. The Seattle Children’s Museum, Pacific Science Center, Seattle Aquarium, and “Artists at Play” Playground are just a few spots where your little humans can have big adventures. Below is a list of some of our favorite kid-friendly activities in Seattle.
What to See
In the shadow of the Space Needle in the Seattle Center’s “campus,” Seattle Children’s Museum is aimed at kids “ages birth to age 8” and has plenty to keep your tykes entertained for hours. Charlotte was obsessed with the “Market,” where kids can pretend to be shoppers and workers at a grocery store. Our 4-year-old friend got busy at Bijou Theater, where kids can dress up and put on a live show. The museum also features a designated discovery play area for children under three.
Pacific Science Center is located next door to Seattle Children’s Museum, and like the Children’s museum, it is full of hands-on activities that kids will love. It’s aimed at an older audience than the Children’s Museum, but still has plenty to offer children of all ages, from toddlers to grown-ups.
Also at the Seattle Center, you’ll find two great outdoor play areas, the Artists at Play Playground and the International Fountain splash area. The playground is large and features fun and unique equipment, but it does get quite busy during tourist season. The International Fountain is a neat site to visit year-round, but it’s especially exciting on hot days when you’re looking for a chance to cool off.
While you’re in the area, check out Seattle Children’s Theater. This professional company offers presents kid-friendly performances throughout the year. They also offer special performances for audiences with special needs, including ASL interpreted performances for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, audio described performances for those with visual impairments, and sensory-friendly performances for those with sensory needs!
South of the Seattle Center, but still within walking distance, you’ll find more of Seattle’s most iconic sites, including Pike Place Market and the Seattle Great Wheel. Pike Place can be very busy during peak tourist season, and when it is packed with people, it isn’t very stroller friendly. However, it’s still a great place to explore with kids. There are neat stores and tasty treats to be found throughout the Market’s multiple levels, and it feels like there are treasures around every corner. Plus, visiting the Market is free!
The Seattle Aquarium sits between Pike Place Market and the Seattle Great Wheel. Seasoned aquarium-goers might find it on the smaller side, but the exhibits are well-maintained and nicely organized. Our kids were especially fond of the indoor tidepools, where they could put their hands in the water and touch various sea creatures.
Finally, no trip to Seattle with kids would be complete without a visit to Woodland Park Zoo. Located only a short drive north of downtown Seattle, this spacious zoo is home to more than 1,100 animals. On top of the regular exhibits, the zoo hosts a number of cool special events, so make sure you check out their calendar of events before you plan your visit.
Have you visited Seattle with your kids? Tell us your favorite places to go!
