I’m really bummed that I won’t be in town when my friend comes to visit Seattle with her family. Even though I won’t be there, her visit prompted me to think about what families with young children can do in and around Seattle. Seattle is a beautiful family-friendly city surrounded by water, mountains and lots of beautiful evergreen trees. Here’s how to spend a long weekend vacation in Seattle with kids.
Seattle Aquarium – This is enjoyable for both kids and adults. The Aquarium is modest in scale but ambitiously fun, with lots of creatures at arm’s length that are extremely kid-friendly, including touching pools and special docent-led activities such as shaking hands with an octopus. Hours are 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily, with last entry at 5 p.m. and exhibits close at 6 p.m.
Seattle Center: Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Artists Playground, Seattle Center International Fountain, MoPOP, Pacific Science Center and the Children’s Museum.
- Pro tip: Hop on the monorail from Westlake Center to the Space Needle (the Needle is on the grounds of Seattle Center. Hold on to the ticket, it’s round trip).
- Pro-tip: If you really must go up the space needle, I highly recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time, 1 or 2 days ahead. You have the ability to control what time you think would work best for your group. As you can imagine the middle of the day is extremely busy.
- To take a picture of the full needle – in selfie mode, lower the phone toward your hip, facing the Needle, you’ll get a great angle.
Sky View Observatory: Also know as the Columbia Tower, I recommend this Observatory as an alternative to the Space Needle. Located on the 73rd floor of Columbia Center and standing over 900 feet tall, the Sky View Observatory offers an enclosed, 360-degree panoramic view of Downtown Seattle and its surrounding areas. The Columbia Center tower is currently the tallest observatory in the Pacific Northwest. The recently renovated observation tower now serves snack and beverages. It’s less crowded and fully enclosed. Stunning views include: Mt. Baker, Bellevue, the Cascade Mountains, Mt. Rainier, Elliot Bay, the Olympic Mountains, the Space Needle and the City of Seattle.
Bainbridge Island Ferry Ride: The kids will love the ferry ride and the views of Seattle from the ferry are spectacular. Be sure to check the ferry schedule ahead. When you get there, follow the crowd to Winslow Way W, browse boutique storefronts and enjoy brunch. I recommend taking a stroller if the kids are not used to long walks.
- J’aime Les Crepes www.jaimelescrepes.com
- Doc Marina Grill (Please make reservations and request seating outside)
- Before you head back to Seattle, step into Mora Iced Creamery for a tasty frozen treat.
Woodland Park Zoo: The Zoo is often overlooked but it’s really a great place to visit with kids. Wander the zoo paths and learn fun and interesting facts about the residents of the Woodland Park Zoo. The zoo has several scheduled feeding times and lectures throughout the day that teach kids even more about the animals they are visiting.
Snoqualmie
Falls: (Car-to-Go, ReachNow
Drive or GetAround) is needed to get there)
This gorgeous 270-foot waterfall is a must for any Seattle bucket list with a
park and an easily accessible viewing area for those who don’t want to hike.
Visitors can easily make this a half-day trip, as the falls are only a
30-minute drive from downtown without traffic. Look up the Salish Lodge &
Spa, perched at the head of the falls, if you want to enjoy lunch. Snoqualmie, 6501 Railroad Ave. SE (closest
address).
Ferris Wheel – especially at sunset. It will take your breath away!! Look at the photo below. Need I say more?
Seattle Farmers Markets: Seattle Farmers Markets are hosted by the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (SNFM) or by the Seattle Farmers Market Association (SFMA) throughout Seattle, striving to support small farm businesses and foster healthy eating habits throughout Seattle’s neighborhoods. The organizations operate several farmers markets throughout the city’s neighborhoods, including year-round Saturday markets within the city’s University District and year-round Sunday markets within the city’s Capitol Hill and West Seattle neighborhoods. Farmers markets also operate weekly in Ballard, Columbia City, Lake City, Phinney, Magnolia, Madrona, and Wallingford. All markets provide a chance to shop for fresh produce, meats, dairy, and artisanal foods, with market bites and wines and beers sold for visitor dining.
Seattle Parks: Discovery Park, Kerry Park, Gas Works Park, Alki Beach, Green Lake. Many parks have kids playgrounds or sand-pits. Pack a picnic basket and a blanket and you’re all set for an easy afternoon at one of any of these beautiful city or county parks.
**You may be surprised that Pike Place Market is not on this list. And here’s why- It’s very busy, children can easily separate from parents/guardian. Because of the narrow aisles and the cobble-stone streets, it’s not good for strollers.**
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