Seattle, the Emerald City, offers a captivating blend of iconic urban landmarks and stunning natural beauty, making it an incredible destination for families. From the sparkling Puget Sound to its lush green parks, this vibrant city promises adventure and discovery for all ages. Our master guide will lead you through Seattle’s must-see attractions and uncover some cherished local secrets, ensuring your family trip is unforgettable. For a comprehensive overview of planning your trip to the Emerald City, be sure to check our detailed guide on Seattle with Kids.
Must-See Landmarks & Attractions
Space Needle
Standing tall as Seattle’s most recognizable icon, the Space Needle offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, Mount Rainier, and Puget Sound. Kids will love the thrilling glass floors on the Loupe Lounge, making them feel like they’re floating above the city, offering a truly unique perspective of the city below. It’s an iconic experience that truly captures the spirit of Seattle and is one of the top things to do in Seattle with kids.
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Regarding admission, prices for the Space Needle vary depending on the age of the visitor and the specific time slot chosen. It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance, as this often secures the best rates and allows you to choose your preferred entry time, saving you hassle on the day.
The Space Needle is fully accessible, featuring spacious elevators that make it incredibly easy to navigate with strollers of all sizes, ensuring a comfortable visit for families with young children.
Plan for approximately 1-2 hours to fully enjoy the observation decks and the unique Loupe Lounge experience, taking in all the incredible vistas at a comfortable pace.
Pro-Tip: Maximize your visit by combining your trip to the Space Needle with a visit to Chihuly Garden and Glass or MoPOP, as all three attractions are conveniently located within Seattle Center. For parents, considering a compact, airline-friendly stroller can make navigating through crowded areas and city streets much easier.
Pike Place Market
Immerse your family in the lively and bustling atmosphere of Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continuously operated public markets in the U.S. Here, you can watch the famous fishmongers toss salmon with dramatic flair, explore vibrant stalls bursting with fresh produce, exquisite flowers, and unique artisan crafts. Kids will be absolutely fascinated by the eclectic street performers and might even want to glimpse the famous Gum Wall, though perhaps from a respectful distance!
Good to Know:
Entry to Pike Place Market is free, allowing your family to wander and soak in the atmosphere without an admission fee. Any costs will simply depend on your purchases, whether you’re buying fresh produce, unique souvenirs, or delicious snacks.
While generally accessible, the market can become extremely crowded, especially on weekends and during peak hours, which can make stroller navigation quite challenging. Be aware that some areas also feature steep inclines or stairs, so plan your route accordingly.
Allocate 2-3 hours to thoroughly explore the various levels, watch the captivating street performers, and browse the diverse offerings from local vendors and artisans.
Pro-Tip: To avoid the largest crowds and have a more relaxed experience, aim to visit Pike Place Market earlier in the morning on weekdays. Don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes for the whole family, as you’ll be on your feet exploring this expansive and exciting market.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Located right next to the iconic Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass is an enchanting museum dedicated to showcasing the dazzling glass artwork of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly. Children will be absolutely captivated by the vibrant colors, fantastical shapes, and massive, gravity-defying installations. The stunning Glasshouse, with its breathtaking 100-foot-long suspended sculpture, is a particular highlight. Walking through this exhibit truly feels like stepping into a whimsical wonderland, making it a memorable experience when considering things to do in Seattle with kids.
Good to Know:
Admission prices for Chihuly Garden and Glass vary by age. You can often find combo tickets that include entry to both this museum and the Space Needle, which can offer better value and a more streamlined experience for families.
The museum offers fully accessible paths throughout both its indoor galleries and beautiful outdoor gardens, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit for families with strollers.
Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to leisurely explore all the exhibits and soak in the artistic beauty and intricate details of the glass creations.
Pro-Tip: To make the visit even more engaging for little ones, encourage kids to play an interactive scavenger hunt by looking for specific colors, shapes, or hidden creatures within the intricate glass artwork. This helps them engage with the art on their own level.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Ignite your kids’ imaginations and dive into the world of contemporary pop culture at MoPOP, a dynamic and interactive museum. From engaging music exhibits where children can try their hand at playing instruments to fascinating displays on sci-fi, fantasy films, and video games, there’s truly something to excite every child. It’s an engaging, often loud, and highly stimulating experience that actively encourages creativity and self-expression, making it a fantastic choice for things to do in Seattle with kids of all ages.
Good to Know:
Admission varies by age; purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended for MoPOP. This secures your entry time and can potentially save you money, as online prices are often more favorable than purchasing at the door.
MoPOP is fully accessible, featuring elevators and ramps throughout the museum to easily accommodate strollers and wheelchairs, ensuring a comfortable experience for all family members.
Allow a good 2-3 hours to explore the many interactive exhibits and fully immerse yourselves in the diverse world of pop culture, as there’s plenty to see and do.
Pro-Tip: Before your visit, be sure to check MoPOP’s schedule for any special family-friendly events or workshops. These can often provide an enhanced and unique layer to your visit, offering even more hands-on fun and memorable experiences.
Seattle Great Wheel
Experience Seattle from a truly unique perspective aboard the Seattle Great Wheel, one of the tallest Ferris wheels on the West Coast. Its enclosed gondolas offer a safe and comfortable ride for families, providing spectacular, unobstructed views of Elliott Bay, the stunning city skyline, and the majestic Olympic Mountains in the distance. It’s a fun, relaxing, and memorable way to see many of Seattle’s iconic landmarks without the effort of walking.
Good to Know:
Admission prices vary by age for a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel. Discounts are sometimes available for booking your tickets online in advance, which can be a smart way to save a little on your family adventure.
The enclosed gondolas are designed to accommodate strollers, ensuring convenience for families with young children. However, if you have a particularly large stroller, it may need to be folded to fit comfortably within the cabin.
The ride itself lasts approximately 15-20 minutes, giving you several rotations to enjoy the views from different angles. Allow extra time for ticketing and any potential waiting in line, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Pro-Tip: For a truly magical experience, consider riding the Seattle Great Wheel just before sunset to witness the golden hour light transforming the city, creating stunning photo opportunities. Alternatively, ride it at night to see the city lights twinkle beneath you, a beautiful spectacle for all ages.
Woodland Park Zoo
Spend a delightful day among fascinating wildlife at the Woodland Park Zoo, which is renowned for its naturalistic habitats and strong commitment to conservation efforts. Kids will absolutely love the opportunity to see magnificent animals like gorillas, elephants, and elusive snow leopards up close in environments designed to mimic their natural homes. With multiple playgrounds, engaging educational programs, and plenty of open green space, it’s a fantastic outdoor adventure that consistently ranks high among the best things to do in Seattle with kids.
Good to Know:
Admission prices for the Woodland Park Zoo vary by season and age, with rates sometimes adjusting throughout the year. If your family plans to visit frequently, a zoo membership can offer excellent value and often includes additional perks.
The zoo features mostly paved, wide paths, making it easy to navigate with strollers, though there are some inclines in certain areas. For added convenience, stroller rentals are also conveniently available on-site.
Plan for a substantial visit of 3-4 hours or even more, as there’s plenty to see and do, from animal exhibits and playgrounds to educational talks and interactive displays.
Pro-Tip: To ensure a comfortable day of exploration for your family, pack a kids’ backpack filled with essential snacks, drinks, and a small first-aid kit for any minor bumps or scrapes along the way. This preparation can make a big difference for a long day out.
Seattle Aquarium
Dive into the captivating underwater world of Puget Sound and beyond at the Seattle Aquarium, a truly immersive experience for families. Kids will marvel at the vibrant array of fish, the playful antics of sea otters, and the curious intelligence of octopuses. The aquarium offers a variety of interactive exhibits, popular touch pools where children can feel marine life, and an impressive underwater dome that provides a unique perspective on aquatic creatures. These engaging learning experiences about marine life and critical conservation efforts make it a captivating visit for all ages and a must-see for families exploring things to do in Seattle with kids.
Good to Know:
Admission prices for the Seattle Aquarium vary by age. It is also included as part of the Seattle CityPASS, which can offer significant savings if you plan to visit multiple attractions during your trip.
The aquarium is fully accessible throughout, with wide pathways and elevators to ensure easy navigation for strollers, making it a comfortable experience for families with very young children.
Plan for a visit of 2-3 hours to fully explore all the exhibits and participate in any scheduled presentations or feeding demonstrations, ensuring you have enough time without feeling rushed.
Pro-Tip: Before your visit, check the aquarium’s feeding schedule for popular animals like otters and seals. Planning your visit around these exciting times can enhance the experience and provide memorable moments. It’s always a good idea to carry an essential travel first-aid kit for any minor bumps or scrapes that might occur during your adventures.
Hands-on Activities & Local Favorites
Pacific Science Center
Spark curiosity and ignite a sense of wonder at the Pacific Science Center, an interactive wonderland that is perfect for kids of all ages. This engaging institution features five distinct buildings filled with hands-on exhibits, offering a wide array of learning opportunities. Children can explore a fascinating dinosaur exhibit, discover an intricate insect village, and marvel at the beauty within the fantastic butterfly house. They’ll also love the immersive IMAX films and captivating planetarium shows, all designed to make science truly come alive in an exciting and accessible way.
Good to Know:
Admission prices for the Pacific Science Center vary by age. Please note that tickets for IMAX films and planetarium shows are typically purchased separately from general admission, so factor this into your budgeting.
The Pacific Science Center is fully accessible, with ramps and elevators connecting all buildings and exhibits, making it very stroller-friendly and easy to navigate for families.
Plan for a substantial visit of 3-4 hours to allow ample time for kids to explore the interactive exhibits, participate in hands-on activities, and perhaps catch an IMAX show.
Pro-Tip: Consider planning to see an IMAX show during your visit. It offers a great opportunity for everyone to rest tired legs while still being entertained and educated by an immersive cinematic experience, providing a nice break from walking.
Seattle Children’s Museum
Designed specifically with younger children in mind, the Seattle Children’s Museum offers a delightful array of imaginative play zones that actively encourage learning through hands-on exploration. From a bustling “Global Village” where kids can experience different cultures to a pretend “Mountain Forest” for nature-inspired play, children can role-play, build, and discover new concepts in a safe and engaging environment. This museum is absolutely perfect for toddlers and elementary-aged kids, providing a dedicated space for creative development and fun among the many things to do in Seattle with kids.
Good to Know:
There is an admission fee per person for the Seattle Children’s Museum, though infants under 1 year old are typically admitted for free, which is helpful for families with very young ones.
The Seattle Children’s Museum is fully accessible and designed to be very stroller-friendly, with wide pathways and open play areas that allow easy navigation for parents.
A visit of 2-3 hours is usually sufficient for younger children to fully enjoy and explore the various exhibits and engaging play zones without becoming overstimulated or tired.
Pro-Tip: Since there are no full-service restaurants inside the museum, it’s a smart idea to pack a lunch or some snacks for your family. You can enjoy these in their designated eating areas, making your visit more convenient and cost-effective.
Gas Works Park
More than just a park, Gas Works Park offers a fascinating blend of unique industrial relics, expansive green lawns perfect for play, and boasts one of the absolute best skyline views of Seattle. Kids will love the freedom to run up Kite Hill, explore the repurposed structures of the old gas plant (from a safe distance, of course), and enjoy the large, engaging playground. It’s a fantastic spot for a relaxed family picnic and offers ample space for active outdoor play, making it a wonderful, free addition to your list of things to do in Seattle with kids.
Good to Know:
Gas Works Park is completely free to enter and enjoy, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for families looking for outdoor activities without an admission cost.
The park features paved paths that are stroller-friendly, offering smooth surfaces for walking. However, some areas consist of grassy lawns where a stroller might be a bit more challenging to push, especially after rain.
Plan for 1-2 hours to explore the park, play on the playground, and enjoy the impressive views of Lake Union and the city skyline. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon.
Pro-Tip: Be sure to bring a kite to fly on Kite Hill! It’s widely considered one of the best spots in the entire city for kite flying due to its open space and consistent breezes. For families who plan to explore the grassy or potentially damp areas, consider wearing kids’ waterproof trail shoes to keep little feet dry and comfortable.
Ballard Locks (Hiram M. Chittenden Locks)
Witness the fascinating engineering marvel of the Ballard Locks, also known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, which serve as a critical connection between Puget Sound and Seattle’s freshwater lakes, Lake Union and Lake Washington. Kids will be absolutely enthralled watching various boats, from small pleasure crafts to large fishing vessels, move through the locks as the water levels change. Don’t miss the unique fish ladder, where you can observe salmon migrating upstream through special underwater viewing windows. This is a seasonal spectacle, best viewed in late summer and early fall, offering an educational and exciting experience for families.
Good to Know:
Entry and access to the Ballard Locks and its visitor center are completely free, making it an educational and budget-friendly stop for families.
The area features mostly flat, paved surfaces, making it easy to navigate with strollers. The visitor center and all main viewing areas are fully accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.
A visit of 1-1.5 hours is usually sufficient to see boats passing through, explore the beautiful botanical gardens, and check out the fish ladder, especially if salmon are running.
Pro-Tip: Before heading out, check the fish ladder webcam online to see if salmon are actively running. This is especially helpful if you’re visiting outside of the peak late summer/early fall season, ensuring you catch the best viewing opportunities for the migration.
Museum of Flight
For aspiring pilots, space explorers, and anyone fascinated by aviation, the Museum of Flight is an absolute dream come true. Home to an incredible collection of over 175 aircraft and spacecraft, including the legendary Concorde and the original Boeing 747, the museum offers unparalleled insights into aviation history and the future of flight. Kids can enjoy hands-on experiences like trying out flight simulators and exploring the cockpits of various aircraft, making for a truly interactive and inspiring visit. It’s truly one of the top educational things to do in Seattle with kids.
Good to Know:
Admission prices for the Museum of Flight vary by age. Booking your tickets online is often cheaper than purchasing at the door and can also help you save time upon arrival.
The Museum of Flight is fully accessible throughout, with elevators and ramps making it easy to navigate with strollers, ensuring a comfortable visit for families with young children.
Allocate a generous 3-4 hours to properly explore the vast indoor exhibits, engage with the interactive displays, and visit the impressive outdoor Airpark.
Pro-Tip: Make sure to allocate enough time to visit the outdoor Airpark. Here, you can see some of the larger, iconic planes up close, and even walk through the legendary Concorde, offering a unique close-up perspective and fantastic photo opportunities.
Fremont Troll
Embark on a quirky and quick adventure to find the Fremont Troll, a massive, whimsical sculpture lurking under the Aurora Bridge in Seattle’s vibrant Fremont neighborhood. This iconic local art installation is a fantastic photo opportunity that kids absolutely love to discover and climb on (within safe limits). It brings a delightful touch of whimsy and showcases the unique local character of Seattle, making it a fun and memorable, albeit brief, stop on your itinerary of things to do in Seattle with kids.
Good to Know:
Visiting the Fremont Troll is completely free, making it a great budget-friendly option for a unique photo op and a dose of local charm.
The troll is located under a bridge, and while accessible, the path involves walking on a sidewalk and potentially uneven ground in the immediate area around the sculpture. Be mindful of footing.
This is a quick stop; plan for only 15-30 minutes to take photos, admire the sculpture, and let the kids have a little fun climbing (safely).
Pro-Tip: Combine your visit to the Fremont Troll with exploring the unique shops, vibrant street art, and quirky eateries found throughout the eccentric Fremont neighborhood for a more complete and culturally rich experience.
Take a Seattle Ferry Ride
Experience Seattle like a true local by taking a scenic ferry ride across the shimmering Puget Sound. A popular and highly recommended choice for families is the ferry to Bainbridge Island, which offers truly stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, the majestic Olympic Mountains, and the chance to potentially spot marine wildlife like seals or even whales. It’s an affordable, relaxing, and incredibly memorable way to enjoy the water, and kids absolutely love the excitement of being on a big boat. For more ideas on how to travel effectively with your family, you can find more family travel guides for similar experiences.
Good to Know:
Walk-on fares for passengers are very affordable, especially compared to other city tours, making it a budget-friendly way to get out on the water. Vehicle fares are considerably higher if you choose to bring your car onboard.
Ferries are fully accessible, with ample space for strollers on board and accessible boarding ramps, ensuring a smooth and easy experience for families.
The ride to Bainbridge Island itself takes about 35 minutes each way. Allow a total of 2-3 hours for the round trip, including some time to explore the charming town on Bainbridge Island before heading back.
Pro-Tip: For the most spectacular views and to truly feel the sea breeze, head to the outdoor decks of the ferry. However, be prepared for potentially strong winds and cooler temperatures, even on sunny days, so bring extra layers for everyone.
Ride the Seattle Monorail
Take a fun, retro ride on the Seattle Monorail, a convenient and exciting way to connect Seattle Center (home to the Space Needle and many museums) to the heart of downtown at Westlake Center. This quick, elevated journey offers unique city views from above and feels like a mini-adventure for kids of all ages. It’s not just a novelty; it’s a practical and efficient way to travel between these two key tourist areas, making it a highly recommended part of your family’s exploration of things to do in Seattle with kids.
Good to Know:
There is a small fare per person for the monorail, making it an affordable mode of transport and a fun experience in itself. Children under 5 years old typically ride for free.
Both the Seattle Center and Westlake Center monorail stations are fully accessible, with elevators and ramps to accommodate strollers, ensuring ease of use for families.
The monorail ride itself is very quick, lasting only about 2 minutes each way, making it a fast and efficient way to cover the distance between these two hubs.
Pro-Tip: To simplify your return journey and avoid re-queuing, consider purchasing round-trip tickets when you first board the monorail. This saves time and makes planning your day a little smoother.
Discovery Park
Escape the urban bustle and immerse your family in nature at Discovery Park, Seattle’s largest urban park, a sprawling natural sanctuary covering over 534 acres. This magnificent park offers miles of well-maintained walking trails, inviting sandy beaches, and stunning bluff views overlooking Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Kids can delight in exploring tide pools at low tide, spotting various local wildlife, and enjoying the vast open spaces for running and playing. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and offers a dramatically different, serene side of Seattle away from the city’s main attractions. For more regional exploration with your family, be sure to check out our guide to Vancouver with Kids.
Good to Know:
Discovery Park is completely free to enter and enjoy, providing a fantastic budget-friendly outdoor option for families to connect with nature.
The main paved trails within the park are stroller-friendly, offering smooth surfaces for walking. However, be aware that the trails leading down to the beach can be quite steep and uneven, making them less suitable for most strollers.
You can easily spend anywhere from 2-4 hours exploring the park, depending on how much you wish to hike, play on the beach, and enjoy the breathtaking views from the bluffs.
Pro-Tip: The hike down to the beach and back up can be quite strenuous, especially for little legs. If available and permissible, consider driving to the beach parking lot to minimize the challenging walk (always check seasonal access and parking regulations beforehand).
Planning Smart: Logistics & Timing
Seattle’s public transportation system, which includes the Link Light Rail and an extensive network of buses, is generally efficient and can be a great way to get around the city. However, families should be aware that Seattle is famously known for its steep hills, particularly in the downtown core. While the light rail is generally very stroller-friendly, navigating buses with a large or bulky stroller on some of the hiller routes can prove to be quite challenging. For specific distances or areas with significant inclines, you might want to consider using ride-sharing services or, if possible, opt for a compact stroller that is easier to fold and maneuver.
Consider a Seattle CityPASS
If your family plans to visit multiple major attractions during your trip, such as the iconic Space Needle, the engaging Seattle Aquarium, and the dynamic Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), then purchasing a Seattle CityPASS can offer significant savings. This convenient pass bundles admission to several top sites, often allowing you to bypass long ticket lines and save money compared to buying individual tickets at each location. Before your visit, take a moment to calculate which attractions your family plans to see to determine if the CityPASS offers good value for your itinerary and budget for all the things to do in Seattle with kids.
Embrace Layers and Rain Gear
Seattle weather is notoriously unpredictable, even during the warmer summer months. It’s not uncommon to experience a mix of sunshine, clouds, and light rain all within the same day. For this reason, packing layers of clothing, including waterproof jackets for every family member, and sturdy, water-resistant shoes (especially for active kids), is absolutely essential. Being prepared for varying conditions will ensure everyone stays comfortable and can fully enjoy all the fantastic outdoor activities, regardless of what the forecast holds. To help prepare for your journey, consider our guide on most child-friendly airports worldwide for a smoother start.
Early Dining and Kid-Friendly Options
Unlike some other major cities where dinner might start later, Seattle restaurants generally open for dinner earlier, which can be a boon for families with young children. Many neighborhoods across the city boast a wide array of kid-friendly dining options that cater to diverse tastes. Neighborhoods like Fremont, Ballard, and Capitol Hill, for instance, offer a variety of cuisines in casual settings that are welcoming to families. When choosing a restaurant, look for places with outdoor seating or a relaxed atmosphere where kids can feel comfortable and enjoy their meal without too much fuss.
Parking Can Be Pricey and Scarce
Finding parking in popular tourist areas in Seattle, such as downtown, Pike Place Market, and Seattle Center, can be both expensive and quite challenging. Public garages in these areas typically charge hourly rates that can quickly add up over the course of a day. If you plan to drive extensively, it’s wise to factor in these potential parking costs when budgeting for your trip. Alternatively, considering the use of public transit or ride-sharing services to reach central attractions can save you valuable time and money, reducing the stress of finding and paying for parking.
Final Thoughts on Your Seattle Adventure
Seattle is a city that truly embraces families, offering an incredible array of activities that seamlessly blend educational experiences with pure fun. From soaring high above the cityscape in the iconic Space Needle to exploring vibrant markets and serene, sprawling parks, there’s a unique memory waiting to be made around every corner. When planning your family trip, remember to pack your sense of adventure, dress appropriately for the famously changeable weather, and get ready to fall head over heels in love with the Emerald City! Exploring all the ranked best things to do in Seattle with kids will ensure you have a truly unforgettable visit.
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Every resort we review gets one of four Family Fit ratings. The rating is based on kids programming, amenities, vibe, and who the resort actually markets to - not just whether they allow children.
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