10 Things to do with Kids in Seattle
Seattle is a city filled with things to do with kids! Whether you’re looking for cultural activities, outdoorsy adventures or something free to get the kids out of the house—Seattle’s got it all. Here are 10 of the best options that are just a few of the many options.
Seattle has a full lineup of museums, many of which are great for older kids. Go see the dinosaurs at the Burke Museum, explore industry and culture at MOHAI, or marvel at planes at the Museum of Flight. However, younger children might not have the patience for the full museum experience—never fear! The Seattle Children’s Museum and KidsQuest Children’s Museum in Factoria are designed for younger children to learn through play.
Like the zoo, the Seattle Aquarium is a surefire hit with kids with its variety of aquatic creatures from the Puget Sound and from around the world. Special hits include the giant octopus or the sea otters!
Most kids love water—and Seattle Parks and Recreation heads up several indoor and outdoor pools and well as wading pools for smaller children. Pools all come with different perks, from diving boards and slides, to classes for all ages, to fun extras like rope swings. Find a pool nearest to you and head on out!More »
Entertainment doesn’t all have to be screen-based for kids growing up the digital age. Seattle Children’s Theater showcases fun shows aimed at younger viewers, but is also a great place for little actors ready to learn or hone their skills. The theater offers classes, summer sessions and other programs designed to immerse kids in theater.
Seattle’s maritime culture has much to offer families looking for things to do. Visit the Ballard Locks and go below to see the fish ladder there—especially during salmon season (late summer), kids will be thrilled at the salmon struggling against the current and visible through large glass windows. Venture to the Center for Wooden Boats where many activities are geared around families, including story times and toy boat building sessions for free. Or go to Green Lake where you can rent a small boat to go out on the lake with the family at Green Lake Boat Rental, or take basic rowing, sailing, canoe or kayak lessons at the Green Lake Small Craft Center.
If going to the library is not high on your list of things to do, then it should be! Seattle Public Library has branches throughout the city that aim to be fun places for kids—join in story times, special events or play & learn sessions. The events calendar is filled with all kinds of ways to keep the kids busy, usually for free.
1. Seattle Center
Seattle Center is both a tourist hub and a really fun place to hang out, especially if you have kids to entertain. The Pacific Science Center is one of the best places in town for kids, and it’s educational too. The onsite IMAX Theater is sure to impress any and all little ones. For absolutely no admission cost, take the kids to the International Fountain and let them run around as jets of water dance to the music—the perfect warm-day activity. Seattle Center is also a festival hub, hosting frequent free festivals throughout the year, from cultural Festal festivals to Winterfest.2. Seattle Children’s Museum, KidsQuest & Other Museums
Seattle has a full lineup of museums, many of which are great for older kids. Go see the dinosaurs at the Burke Museum, explore industry and culture at MOHAI, or marvel at planes at the Museum of Flight. However, younger children might not have the patience for the full museum experience—never fear! The Seattle Children’s Museum and KidsQuest Children’s Museum in Factoria are designed for younger children to learn through play.
3. Woodland Park Zoo
Kids of all ages love a trip to the zoo and fortunately Woodland Park Zoo is a lot of fun! Animals include giraffes, big cats, elephants and gorillas. Sign the kids up for a summer camp, class or even an overnight stay to learn even more about the animals at the zoo.4. Go to a Beach
Seattle is surrounded by water and has several large lakes within its bounds—the result? Beaches! On a sunny day, take the kids down to a beach to splash in the water (it might be cold!) or build a sand castle. For swimming, your best bet is a lake where the water is warm and lifeguards are on duty. These include Madison Park Beach and Matthews Beach, both on Lake Washington. Alki Beach in West Seattle is one of the best spots for hanging out on a sandy beach, but the water is pretty chilly so swimming is not as popular.5. Visit a Farmer’s Market
Farmer’s markets might be boring for some kids, but it all depends how you guide your kids through these local treasures. Teach your children about local produce, chat with farmers and vendors, let your kids try a variety of flavors (disclaimer: doesn’t work as well with picky kids!), and explore Seattle’s food scene together. Larger farmer’s markets like the Ballard market often also include some entertainment.6. Seattle Aquarium
Like the zoo, the Seattle Aquarium is a surefire hit with kids with its variety of aquatic creatures from the Puget Sound and from around the world. Special hits include the giant octopus or the sea otters!
7. Pools
Most kids love water—and Seattle Parks and Recreation heads up several indoor and outdoor pools and well as wading pools for smaller children. Pools all come with different perks, from diving boards and slides, to classes for all ages, to fun extras like rope swings. Find a pool nearest to you and head on out!More »
8. Seattle Children’s Theatre
Entertainment doesn’t all have to be screen-based for kids growing up the digital age. Seattle Children’s Theater showcases fun shows aimed at younger viewers, but is also a great place for little actors ready to learn or hone their skills. The theater offers classes, summer sessions and other programs designed to immerse kids in theater.
9. Get to Know Seattle’s Maritime Heritage
Seattle’s maritime culture has much to offer families looking for things to do. Visit the Ballard Locks and go below to see the fish ladder there—especially during salmon season (late summer), kids will be thrilled at the salmon struggling against the current and visible through large glass windows. Venture to the Center for Wooden Boats where many activities are geared around families, including story times and toy boat building sessions for free. Or go to Green Lake where you can rent a small boat to go out on the lake with the family at Green Lake Boat Rental, or take basic rowing, sailing, canoe or kayak lessons at the Green Lake Small Craft Center.
10. Go to the Library
If going to the library is not high on your list of things to do, then it should be! Seattle Public Library has branches throughout the city that aim to be fun places for kids—join in story times, special events or play & learn sessions. The events calendar is filled with all kinds of ways to keep the kids busy, usually for free.