Make their day: 12 things to do in Seattle with kids

Dig a little deeper beyond Seattle's famous nightlife and trendy young-adult scene and discover that Seattle is secretly a kid's paradise. Thanks to the city’s interactive museums, sprawling parks, and lots of kid-friendly attractions, Seattle is a great destination for families with kids of all ages. From the worlds of Harry Potter and Star Wars at the Museum of Pop Culture to colorful butterfly exhibits at the Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle has everything from immersive cultural experiences to fun-filled outdoor escapes. Here are the top 12 things to do in Seattle with kids for your next family adventure.

The best things to do with kids in Seattle at a glance

The best thing to do with young kids in Seattle: The Seattle Aquarium and the Seattle Great Wheel.

The best activity for teens in Seattle: The Museum of Pop Culture and experiencing the thrills at the Pacific Science Center.

The best free family-friendly experiences in Seattle: Strolling through Pike Place Market, playing at Gas Works Park, and exploring the Olympic Sculpture Park.

1. Be inspired by the Space Needle

Any family trip to Seattle should include visiting its most famous landmark, the Space Needle. The 360-degree views of the city, Olympic and Cascade mountains, and Mount Rainier is a sight that awe and inspire anyone, even little ones. The glass floor on the lower observation deck is sure to excite the kids, too. And this is also a great activity for when it rains in Seattle.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages, but kids above 5 may be able to enjoy it more. Kids under 5 get in for free.

Address and opening hours:

400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109. Open Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM-10:00 PM, and Friday-Sunday, 8:00 AM-12:00 AM.

2. Look over the city at Sky View Observatory

Want an even higher view than the Space Needle? Head over to the Sky View Observatory at the Columbia Center, the tallest public viewing area in the Pacific Northwest. From 73 floors and 275 meters up, the bird's-eye view of everything Seattle has to offer will impress both young kids and older teens who enjoy taking photos.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages, but older kids may enjoy it more. Kids 4 and under get in free.

Address and opening hours:

700 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104. Open Sunday-Thursday, 12:00 PM-7:00 PM, and Friday-Saturday, 12:00 PM-8:00 PM.

3. Pose with the Fremont Troll

In the artsy Fremont neighborhood sits the cool Fremont Troll, one of the neighborhood’s many public art installations that kids will love. This friendly monster lurking under the Aurora Bridge clutches an actual Volkswagen Beetle in his hand. It’s a fun, free, and unique photo opportunity. If you’re going to see the troll, other nearby spots that’ll be a hit with kids include the Fremont Dinosaurs and the Center of the Universe.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages, but you may want to bring a stroller for toddlers if you plan on exploring for a while.

Address and opening hours:

North 36th Street, Troll Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103. Open 24/7.

4. Marvel at Chihuly Garden and Glass

Chihuly Garden and Glass will dazzle the whole family with a vivid visual experience. The garden installations, Glasshouse, and interior exhibits will captivate the whole family, all showcasing the colorful and intricate works of glass artist Dale Chihuly.

Who is it recommended for?

Most suitable for kids aged 7 and above, but kids 4 and under get in free.

Address and opening hours:

305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109. Opening hours vary, with hours posted on Chihuly’s website approximately one month in advance.

5. Dive into the contemporary at the Museum of Pop Culture

Music, film, and television fans will find much to love at the Museum of Pop Culture, one of Seattle's best art museums. Kids can rock out on instruments in the Sound Lab or explore exhibits dedicated to popular films, music icons, and video games. Whether your kids like Harry Potter, Nirvana, or horror, they'll find it at MoPOP.

Who is it recommended for?

Ages 8 and above. Some spaces, like the one dedicated to horror cinema, may be unsuitable for younger kids. Certain stroller sizes are restricted inside.

Address and opening hours:

325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109. Open Thursday-Tuesday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

6. Savor the city’s flavor on a food tour

A food tour gives you the best of both worlds: tasty tastings of Seattle's best eats and a deep dive into the local food culture. You can satisfy your kids’ sweet tooth on a chocolate-themed tour or taste your way through Seattle’s best markets, all while learning about the city.

Who is it recommended for?

Kids aged 8 and above. If traveling with toddlers, you may need to bring a stroller, as many tasting tours are done on foot.

7. Have a wild day at the Woodland Park Zoo

Animal-loving kids will adore a trip to Woodland Park Zoo. From tigers and giraffes to penguins and bears, there's so much to see. Kids of all ages can easily spend a whole day here and never get bored. Don't miss the Tropical Rain Forest exhibit and the interactive Zoomazium play space for active little ones.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages. Kids 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Address and opening hours:

5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle, WA, 98103. Open May 1-September 2, 9:30 AM-6:00 PM, and September 3-April 30, 9:30 AM-4:00 PM every day (except Christmas).

8. Cheer at a Mariners game at T-Mobile Park

Catching a Seattle Mariners baseball game at T-Mobile Park is a great way to spend an afternoon. T-Mobile Park is a state-of-the-art stadium with a retractable roof, so families can enjoy baseball no matter the weather. Kids can get their own First Mariners Game Certificate and enjoy kid-friendly spaces like the play area.

Who is it recommended for?

Kids aged 8 and above. Not recommended for toddlers.

Address and opening hours:

1250 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134. Game times and dates vary.

9. Take a spin on the Great Wheel

Enjoy a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel, located on Pier 57. The enclosed gondolas provide a safe yet thrilling way to take in panoramic views of the city, Elliott Bay, and sometimes even Mount Rainier. You can also get amazing views of the wheel from the water on a Seattle cruise.

Who is it recommended for?

Most suitable for kids aged 4 and above. Children 2 and under ride free. Not recommended for those with a fear of heights.

Address and opening hours:

1301 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101. Open Monday-Thursday, 11:00 AM-10:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-11:00 PM; and Sunday, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM.

10. Explore the world of books at the Seattle Public Library

Striking architecture and a unique interior make the Seattle Central Library everything but your typical reading nook. Inside, you'll find areas specifically designed for children and teen readers. The library also hosts numerous events and activities designed to ignite the imaginations of all ages.

Who is it recommended for?

Kids age aged 6 and above. Not recommended for toddlers due to the quiet atmosphere.

Address and opening hours:

1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104. Open Friday-Monday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, and Tuesday-Thursday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

11. Play and learn at the Seattle Children’s Museum

The Seattle Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits that spark curiosity and creativity in toddlers and young kids. From the Global Village to the Imagination Studio, children can play, learn, and create on their own terms. Along with fun family-friendly events, the museum offers classes that include sensory play, art, and science.

Who is it recommended for?

Kids aged 2 to 10.

Address and opening hours:

305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109. Open 10:00 AM-5:00 PM every day except Tuesdays.

2. Take flight at the Museum of Flight

At the Museum of Flight, families can explore over 175 aircraft, including the Concorde and Space Shuttle Trainer. Kids can sit in cockpits, experience flight simulators, and engage with interactive exhibits like the Aviation Learning Center.

Who is it recommended for?

Kids aged 5 and above. Not recommended for toddlers.

Address and opening hours:

9404 E. Marginal Way South, Seattle, WA, 98108. Open 10:00 AM-5:00 PM every day.

FAQs

What are some of the top family-friendly attractions in Seattle?

Seattle is home to many family-friendly attractions, such as the Space Needle, Woodland Park Zoo, the Seattle Aquarium, and the Museum of Pop Culture. Taking a spin on the Great Wheel or watching a baseball game at T-Mobile Park are also popular choices for families.

What are the best museums for kids in Seattle?

The Museum of Pop Culture, the Museum of Flight, and the Seattle Children's Museum all offer interactive exhibits that kids love. The Chihuly Garden and Glass is another great experience for families, showcasing intricate works of glass art. For art-loving families, the Seattle Art Museum occasionally offers kid-friendly programs and activities.

What are some fun outdoor activities for kids in Seattle?

A visit to the Woodland Park Zoo lets kids see animals from around the world, while the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park has a more uniquely Pacific Northwest feel. Top kid-friendly parks in Seattle include Volunteer Park and Discovery Park. Older kids may enjoy the funky Gasworks Park or the cool skatepark at Jefferson Park. Green Lake Park, Golden Gardens Park, and Alki Beach are great spots to dip your feet in the water in spring and summer.

What are some unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences to have in Seattle with kids?

For unique experiences, visit Fremont to see the neighborhood's collection of outdoor art installations, including the unusual Fremont Troll. The Ballard Locks and Fish Ladder provide an interesting look at how boats pass between Puget Sound and Lake Union. The mysterious setting of Seattle Underground may be particularly interesting for pre-teens and teens.

What are some fun day trips from Seattle that are suitable for families with kids?

Take a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island for a quaint small-town experience with parks and shops. The town of Leavenworth, designed like a Bavarian village, is extra special during the holidays. Mount Rainier National Park provides stunning nature trails and the chance to see wildlife. Additionally, Snoqualmie Falls is a short drive away, offering impressive waterfall views and easy hiking trails.