Despite not having children, I have lots of experience exploring Seattle with kids because I’m super close to my now-teenage nieces. I’m talking I used to live with the oldest for the first 8 months of her life and have consistently seen them 2-3 times a week for almost 15 years.
Over that time, I’ve had to figure out things to do with them that capture their attention. From the early years all the way to the now “always bored” phase, it’s been interesting coming up with ways to entertain them as their tastes change.
Luckily Seattle is a vibrant city with tons to do across every age range. To help, I’m sharing a guide on everything there is to do in Seattle with kids that’s fun for toddlers, teens, and adults alike.
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Seattle with Kids
I cherish living in Seattle because, no matter your age, there’s so much to do in the city. This post will explain what makes Seattle kid-friendly, what activities I recommend with kids, and where to stay if you’re traveling as a family.
Is Seattle kid friendly?
Short answer, yes! Seattle is one of the more kid-friendly big cities I’ve visited. That’s because there are over 100 museums and 400 parks in the city limits, not to mention family-friendly restaurants, arcades, and live performances.
Now, Seattle does have a reputation for its unhoused population, but after living here for almost 2 decades, I can promise it won’t detract from your experience. Unhoused people tend to congregate downtown particularly around 3rd and Pike Street, Pioneer Square near the food banks, and some areas of Ballard near the breweries.
While you should pay close attention to your kids when traveling, you should feel safe and at ease in most areas of the city. If anything, Seattle provides a teaching moment to help your kids understand that others may not be as fortunate as them.
What to do in Seattle with kids
Now onto the fun stuff: what to actually do with kids! Save this to Pinterest for later, as I’ll add more kid-friendly Seattle activities as I discover them!
Visit the zoo
website | get directions | neighborhood: Phinney Ridge | price: ~$27/adult, ~$16/kid | best for: animals
Fun fact: I was a photo intern at the zoo during college. Maybe that’s why I still love visiting the zoo as an adult. Besides a diverse set of exhibits, the Woodland Park Zoo has a ton of kid-friendly activities. For example, there are zookeeper talks, animal feedings, and story time. There’s even a carousel and Zoomazium, a nature-inspired indoor play ground for kids eight and younger.
In addition to the day-to-day activities available at the zoo, there are also fun events throughout the year. For example, you can watch animals eat gourds during the fall Pumpkin Bash, see light exhibits scattered around the zoo during WildLanterns come winter, or picnic while enjoying a concert during summer’s ZooTunes.
Experience the Seattle aquarium
website | 1483 Alaskan Way (get directions) | neighborhood: Downtown | price: ~$44/adult, ~$26/kid | best for: aquarium
One of my favorite rainy day activities in Seattle is visiting the aquarium, and I loved it even more when I had my toddler to kid aged nieces in tow. They used to love watching the shark feedings, getting handsy in the touch tank, and learning about the weird things that exist under the water’s surface.
Explore museums and interactive exhibits
Kids and adults alike enjoy museums, though I find kids generally prefer interactive and quirky ones. For example, Chihuly Garden and Glass is beloved by adults, but it depends on the kid. My 12-year-old niece has ADHD and lost interest fast, but did think the bright colors were cool at the beginning.
So if you’re looking for more sure-bet kid-friendly museums in Seattle, consider these ones instead. Or check out my guide to free museums in Seattle for more ideas.
Pacific Science Center
website | 200 2nd Ave N (get directions) | neighborhood: Queen Anne/Uptown | price: ~$26/adult, ~$20/kid | best for: laser dome
The Pacific Science Center is great for preschool kids to early teenagers who are into science and tech. There’s a planetarium, IMAX theater, and my favorite, a killer Laser Dome light show where they time music and abstract lasers to popular music. If you’re trying to connect with your sassy 14 year old, take them to the night laser shows featuring recognizable artists like SZA, Taylor Swift, and Dua Lipa to earn extra brownie points.
MoPop
website | 325 5th Ave N (get directions) | neighborhood: Queen Anne/Uptown | price: ~$32/adult, ~$22.50/kid | best for: pop culture
The Museum of Pop Culture is great for teenagers who are into new and vintage pop culture (seriously, Gen Z and Alpha love the “nostalgic” vibes…which are basically my childhood, FML). It’s a giant museum of all things movies, music, and gaming. What’s not to love?
Seattle Children’s Museum
website | 305 Harrison St (get directions) | neighborhood: Queen Anne/Uptown | price: ~$15/adult, ~$15/kid | best for: kids ~8 and under
This goes without saying, but the Seattle Children’s Museum is great for kids of all ages, but especially younger ones. There’s a reading room, toy kitchens, and mock mountain exhibits for safe and boundless exploration.
Pinball Museum
website | 508 Maynard Ave S (get directions) | neighborhood: Chinatown-International District | price: ~$23/adult, ~$20/kid | best for: pinball
Learn about pinball and play your heart out at the Seattle Pinball Museum. Once you pay admission, you can play unlimited games as you learn about the history of pinball.
Selfie Museum
website | 92 Union St (get directions) | neighborhood: Downtown | price: ~$29/ticket | best for: quirky photos
I imagine a couple of teenagers could easily spend hours at the Selfie Museum. It’s a massive interactive space designed to capture only the most Insta-worthy photos.
Want more photo opportunities in Seattle? Check out these pop-up exhibits that have a similar vibe to the Selfie Museum.
- Bubble Planet – Immersive bubble experience in Bellevue
- Museum of Illusions – Mind-bending illusions and creative photo ops
Museum of Flight
website | get directions | neighborhood: Tukwila | price: ~$29/adult, ~$21/kid | best for: flight history
If you have wannabe pilots in the family, take them to the Museum of Flight. It’s the largest independent, non-profit air and space museum in the world, with dozens of life-sized planes and thousands of artifacts. It’s also free to enter on the first Thursday of the month.
Visit the parks and beaches
When the weather is nice, nothing beats taking the family to one of Seattle’s parks and beaches. Here are some of the ones that are best for kids:
- Golden Gardens – Ballard beach with hiking trails, a playground, and beach volleyball
- Green Lake Park – Swimming, paddle boarding, and multiple playgrounds
- Ella Bailey Park – Gorgeous view and well-kept playground in the family-friendly Magnolia neighborhood
- Ravenna Park – Ball fields, wading pools, and hiking trails
If you have kids interested in gardening or farming, consider taking them to the Tilth Alliance. They offer after school programs that teach kids the ins and outs of organic farming. Or head to Beacon Food Forest to forage for your own food!
Ride the Seattle Great Wheel
website | 1301 Alaskan Wy (get directions) | neighborhood: Downtown | price: ~$23/adult, ~$18/kid | best for: ferris wheel
What kid doesn’t love a ferris wheel? The Seattle Great Wheel is the tallest ferris wheel on the west coast and overlooks the Puget Sound. At night, it comes alive with colorful lights, making for a memorable experience.
Catch city views from the Space Needle
website | 400 Broad St (get directions) | neighborhood: Queen Anne/Uptown | price: ~$35-45/adult, ~$30-40/kid | best for: stunning view
One of my favorite things to do in downtown Seattle, Washington is to take family to the top of the Space Needle. The view is unbeatable, and the revolving glass floor is an awe-inspiring experience.
After the Space Needle, take the kids to the Seattle Center next door for free cultural events. Then, let them explore the Artists at Play playground. It’s a free playground with artsy slides, a carousel, and countless kids’ activities.
The Space Needle can get pretty crowded during peak times, so if that’s not an option, take the family to Smith Tower or the Sky View Observatory for equally amazing views.
Ride the Monorail
website | 370 Thomas St (get directions) | neighborhood: Downtown | price: ~$4/ticket | best for: fun ride across town
Riding the monorail is one of those Seattle bucket list activities that kids always get a kick out of. It’s under a mile long, but provides an easy way to get from the Needle to Pike Place Market in minutes. You don’t need to book tickets in advance. Just get them from the vending machines located on the platform at Seattle Center, Westlake Center, and inside Westlake Center Mall on the 3rd floor.
Visit Pike Place Market
website | get directions | neighborhood: Downtown | price: free | best for: iconic Seattle experience
Pike Place is a can’t-miss Seattle activity for the whole family. With seemingly endless halls of food, sweets, and tchotchke shops, it’s the kind of place you can bring kids and not have to worry about keeping them entertained because it’s great for people watching. Plus there’s a gross, photo-worthy gum wall the kids will get a charge out of.
Stuck on where to start? Download my free self-guided food tour of Pike Place Market. I include 10 of the market’s iconic eateries, plus tips on how to avoid the masses.
Go on a food crawl
If you have curious eaters in the family, take everyone on one of my self-guided food tours. Each one includes a regularly-updated list of my favorite restaurants across multiple foodie neighborhoods, plus tips on what to order, when to visit, and alternates so you can customize your day.
One of my favorite neighborhoods for food is Georgetown, especially their dessert spots like Matcha Man and Lowrider Cookies. Or, take advantage of the food tours offered through Wing Luke Museum and use it as an excuse to explore Seattle’s Chinatown-International District.
If you’re kids are as obsessed with boba like my nieces, the U-District is the self-proclaimed “bubble tea capital of the northwest,” and there are over a dozen bubble tea shops in the neighborhood, some of which make an appearance at the UW Farmer’s Market every Saturday.
Go on a guided tour
I always suggest families go on guided tours of the city because they’re fun and they give the parents a break from having to be “on” all the time. Here are some city-focused tours loved by kids:
- Seattle Underground Tour
- Seattle Terrors Ghost Tour
- E-Bike Tour of Seattle
- Seattle Harbor Cruise Tour
If you’re curious about what food Seattle is known for, here are some fun guided food tours sampling some of the most kid-friendly bites in the city:
If you’re up for a mini adventure, take the kids on a guided mushroom hunt with Forage Seattle, drive up to Anacortes for whale watching, or take a guided bike ride through a tunnel!
Catch a sports game
Sports-loving kids will be pleased to know that Seattle always has a game in season. There’s the Mariners (pro baseball), Seahawks (pro football), Sounders (men’s pro soccer), Reign FC (women’s pro soccer), and Jet City Roller Derby. If they’re into hockey but the Kraken aren’t playing, sign them up for youth lessons or enjoy free skate at the Kraken Community Iceplex.
Visit iconic Seattle libraries
Most kids love to read, but heading to a library that looks like the one in your neighborhood may feel like a snooze. Luckily, there are some breathtaking libraries in Seattle that will take your breath away while the kids read books.
Harry Potter fans will love UW’s Suzzallo and Allen Libraries. Those that prefer modern architecture will marvel at the Seattle Central Library and it’s all-glass prism shape. Bonus, it has kids’ reading programs!
If you’d rather purchase books, Elliott Bay Book Company is a Seattle staple and Third Place Books hosts a variety of kid-friendly events.
Watch the salmon run at the Locks
website | 3015 NW 54th St (get directions) | neighborhood: Ballard | price: free | best for: salmon run
If you’re in Seattle from May through September, take the family to the Ballard Locks to watch the salmon run. It’s one of my favorite things to do in Ballard, especially since they offer free tours starting on Wednesdays at 2 PM. You’ll learn all about the importance of salmon to the environment and Indigenous traditions and, if you’re lucky, get to watch them swim upstream while learning about their mating rituals and growth lifecycle.
Splash around in the water
What kid doesn’t love to romp around a lake? Rent kayaks or stand-up paddle boards from NWOC to take out on Lake Union or enjoy the calmer waters at Green Lake. Kids will also get a charge out of renting a hot tub boat.
If your little ones prefer to go swimming, head to one of the swimming beaches, public pools, or wading pools.
Take part in some recreational games & adventure sports
Kids love games, so if they’re old enough to not get frustrated by losing, take them mini golfing at Flatstick Pub (21+ after 7 PM), or try glow-in-the-dark mini golf at Bellevue’s Monster Golf. If your kid is more into adrenaline, let them bounce around Sky Zone Trampoline Park or try indoor sky diving with iFly.
Larger groups can compete with a few rounds of laser tag at LazerX Arena or Arena Sports in Mill Creek. The benefit of Arena Sports is that it also has arcades, mini golf, bowling, ropes courses, and more to entertain kids of various ages.
Want a game they probably haven’t played before? Take them bouldering at Edgeworks or teach them how to play bocce ball on Woodland Park’s open nights.
Play in arcades or escape rooms
If you’re after a classic arcade experience, take the family to Gameworks and let them run wild. Or play pinball at the Ice Box Arcade (21+ after 8 PM). Another option is West Seattle Arcade, which is super kid-friendly and great for hosting birthday parties.
Visit quirky cafes
When mom needs a coffee, you don’t have to break out the iPad to keep the little ones entertained. For example, Mox Boarding House is a game shop where you’re encouraged to open up new board games, play them while sipping on coffee or lemonade, then decide if you like them enough to take them home.
The Seattle Meowtropolitan is a cat cafe where you can drink fancy coffees and teas as you listen to the gentle purring of a dozen adoptable kitties. If you’re local, the kids can even volunteer.
Play bingo or trivia
When I visit Bend, OR in winter with my nieces, I always look for a brewery with game nights. This way, they’re entertained, and the adults are getting a little beer time. Seattle has dozens of craft breweries and beer bars, most of which are family-friendly. Stop by Stoup Brewing for their trivia or board game nights. Or visit Reuben’s Brews for music bingo.
Go biking
Seattle has miles of bike-friendly trails that are perfect for keeping kids safe and catching impressive views. You can rent e-bikes at Amped Adventure to take along the Burke-Gilman Trail. Or check out the Elliott Trail along the waterfront, which brings you to the Olympic Sculpture Park.
Try crafts
Craft activities are great for capturing kids’ attention while allowing them to create their own keepsake to take home. Here are some of my favorite craft options when exploring Seattle with kids and adults alike.
The Works
website | 3516 Fremont Pl N (get directions) | neighborhood: Fremont | price: varies | best for: range of classes
The Works is an all-in-one venue with a range of classes. Kids can learn how to watercolor, figure doodling, or cookie decorating under one roof. They also offer kids summer camps and DIY take-home kits.
Paint the Town
website | 4611 NE 46th St (get directions) | neighborhood: U-District | price: varies | best for: pottery painting
Let kids paint their own pottery, be it cups, bowls, or ceramic animals. They fire them for you, so all you have to do is have fun, then come back in a couple of days to pick up your pieces.
Monster
website | 1716 NW Market St (get directions) | neighborhood: Ballard | price: varies | best for: hands-on classes
The Monster Shop is one of Seattle’s best gift shops that also happens to offer classes ranging from sewing 101 to painting, drawing, and stained glass. They also sell DIY kits so you and your kiddos can learn a new craft from the comfort of home.
See a show
One of my favorite activities to do with my nieces is to take them to the theater. When they were younger, they enjoyed the Seattle Children’s Theatre the most. Now that they’re teens they prefer musicals at 5th Avenue and the Paramount, especially when off-Broadway performances or Disney recreations are in town.
If you’re traveling between January and March, I highly recommend Cirque du Soleil. They set up in a big nostalgic circus tent and wow the crowd with death-defying acrobatics.
Have a spa day
Younger kids love feeling like adults, and for some reason, my nieces always thought the most adult thing to do was to get mani-pedis at fancy salons. We still do this tradition today, and our go-to spots are Apollo Nails in Queen Anne and Pink Polish in Ballard. They especially love the massage chairs at both places!
Now that they’re teens obsessed with Sephora, they both crave facials. This is what got me hunting for teen-friendly spas.
If your teens want a “spa” ambiance, Elaia Spa and the Fairmont Olympic Hotel Spa are the only ones I’ve found that also have pools and hot tubs kids can go into since they’re attached to family-friendly hotels. Both places require you to be in the room at the same time, but only the Fairmont can accommodate both of you getting facials. Unfortunately Elaia Spa only has one facial set up and so you need to sit in the room while your teen gets their service.
Note, going after that spa-like vibe will cost a pretty penny. If your teen is ok with a more boutique, skincare-focused spa, I suggest Luscious Skin Spa and Skin & Sage. Both can accommodate teens and don’t require you to be in the exact room as the teen, so you can both get treatments at the same time.
If you just want to treat your teen to a glam treatment, Swink Style Bar is best for a full hair blowout and makeup! Sephora also offers beauty lessons if you think your teen could benefit from some makeup help. I did this with my older niece and even I walked away with tips!
Go shopping
Seattle has amazing shopping neighborhoods for every taste. If your teenager prefers high-end street brands (think Nike, Sephora, etc.), take them to the U-Village. My nieces are big into Seattle vintage shops, so I find Capitol Hill and the U-District are our best bets.
If you want walkable streets with niche stores, stick to Ballard and Fremont. Both have adorable shopping streets full of boutiques.
While you’re in Ballard, make sure to stop by Sweet Mickey’s for candy or stop in Fremont and look for the iconic Fremont Troll sculpture. If you visit on a Sunday, there is also the Fremont Sunday Market with great vintage finds.
Take a day trip
One of the perks of being in Seattle is its proximity to so many day trip destinations. If you only have a few hours to spare, take the kids to Tacoma for the Point Defiance Zoo or check out Snoqualmie Falls.
Here are more of my favorite spots for full day or weekend trips with the family.
The islands
You can reach most of Washington’s islands from Seattle with a quick ferry ride. I love visiting Bainbridge for the walkable downtown, or Whidbey Island for the semi-abandoned forts kids love. Or, drive to Anacortes and hop on a ferry to Orcas Island, Lopez Island, or San Juan Island. All are awesome destinations for beach combing, water sports, and whale watching.
Local farms
Seattle is deceptively close to local farms, many of which offer u-pick berries, flowers, and pumpkin patches. Remlinger Farms is the most iconic thanks to their brewery, cafe, ample kids’ activities, and outdoor summer concerts. But I have a whole article about the best farms near Seattle, so check that out for more ideas.
Mt. Rainier
Mt. Rainier National Park is one of my favorite day trips from Seattle, and I promise that even kids who think they hate the outdoors will have fun once they arrive. Check out my guide to the best Mt. Rainier hikes, plus a full one-day itinerary.
Leavenworth
If you’re visiting around the holiday season, spend a day in Leavenworth. It’s a Bavarian-themed town that goes all out for Christmas, with lights, Santa sightings, snow tubing, and other winter activities. It also has beautiful hikes, an alpine roller coast, and wineries for the adults, so it’s perfect for the summer too.
Where to stay in Seattle with kids
As you can see, there’s a ton of things to do in Seattle with kids. To make sure you’re well positioned for exploring it all, here are places to stay.
My 5-star Airbnb
link to book | neighborhood: Ballard | price: ~$350/nt | bedrooms: 3 | bathrooms: 1
Yes, that’s right! My partner and I have offered our historic mid-century modern home to families hoping to explore the trendy Ballard neighborhood like a local. With three bedrooms, a spacious backyard, and plenty of kids’ amenities, it feels safe for your family while also being close to dozens of nearby restaurants.
Palihotel Downtown
link to book | 107 Pine St (get directions) | neighborhood: Downtown | price: ~$240/nt | pet friendly
The Palihotel is one of the coolest places to stay in Seattle. Everywhere you look is curated down to the smallest detail. Staying here puts you within walking distance to the heart of downtown, and the kids can sleep in bunk beds for added vacation vibes.
MOXY
link to book | 1016 Republican St (get directions) | neighborhood: South Lake Union | price: ~$275/nt | pet friendly
MOXY is one of my favorite hotels in Seattle for its funky designs, and I imagine kids would have a blast exploring the space’s unique quirks. It’s also closer to Fremont and Queen Anne, and they offer complimentary bike rentals. So it’s a great location for exploring beyond just the downtown core.
Maxwell Hotel
link to book | 300 Roy St (get directions) | neighborhood: Queen Anne/Uptown | price: ~$230/nt | pet friendly
The Maxwell Hotel is situated in a prime location within walking distance of the Seattle Center, Space Needle, and monorail. There are also complimentary bike rentals and an indoor pool for relaxing in between family activities.
Nirvana at the Center of the Universe
link to book | neighborhood: Fremont | price: ~$642/nt | bedrooms: 3 | bathrooms: 4
This gorgeous home was designed by a local artist, as evident by the curated furniture, eclectic wallpaper, and vibrant decor. When you stay here, you’re only a 17-minute walk from the zoo and equally close to dozens of Fremont’s best restaurants.
Stunning Lake Union Home
link to book | neighborhood: Eastlake | price: ~$1,215/nt | bedrooms: 4 | bathrooms: 3
This modern home would be perfect for older kids and families that want to be closer to the water. The space is ample, and the water views unbeatable. Plus, you’re in perfect proximity to several of Seattle’s coolest neighborhoods.
More family-friendly Seattle activities
Want more ideas of things to do in Seattle with kids? Check out my other guides!
