Whether you are just visiting or a Seattle local, there are tons of kid-friendly activities all over town. We've gathered up a few of our favorites and we know your kids will love what we've picked!
LessFrom the moment you walk into this waterfront hot spot, you'll be captivated by Puget Sound and its inhabitants. Live dive sessions at the Window on Washington Waters and the Underwater Dome are major highlights for kids and families.
See all the animals at this outdoor destination that features family-friendly concerts in the summer and a light display in the winter. Wander the paths to visit the African Savana, Assam Rhino Reserve, Living Northwest Trail, Temperate Forest and more when you visit. Keeper talks educate visitors about the zoo's animals and conservations efforts around the world.
Take flight at this museum located on Boeing Field that features exhibits on everything from the early years of flight through humans landing on the moon (and beyond). Kids love to explore play planes and space shuttles in the Kid Zone.
Head to the heart of the city to find fantastic activities for families. Kids can cool off at the International Fountain, climb to new heights at the Artists at Play playground and fill their tummies at the Armory food hall before calling it a day. Summertime brings outdoor music festivals and movie nights to the lawn, and it's where you'll find the city's coolest pop-up ice skating rink come winter.
Explore the history and industry of Seattle at this museum that sits on the shores of Lake Union. The Kid-Struction Zone is a favorite spot for families, as is touring historic boats on the wharf just outside.
Take a walk through history at this museum on the UW campus. It's a place where kids can see fossils, examine the evolution of life on earth, even explore Native American art. Visit in the spring to see the fantastic cherry blossoms on the quad at the campus nearby.
Kids of all ages love attending performances at the Seattle Children's Theatre because it's all about them. Each year the creative team brings exciting family-friendly productions to life on the stage. Beyond enjoying their top-notch plays, kids love taking their drama camps and classes, too.
A hot spot for families along Seattle's waterfront, Miners Landing is where families come to ride the Great Wheel, experience the state's amazing sights at Wings Over Washington and take a Native-led tour of Elliott Bay with Salish Sea Tours. Include a stop at the iconic Ivar's Acres of Clams when you're there.
Oversized outdoor art and some of the best views in the city are why families head to the Olympic Sculpture Park. It's a great spot to picnic or stroll along the waterfront and the free family workshops, hosted on the weekends, help connect kids to art.
One of Seattle Center's most popular attractions, this museum highlights popular culture in all its shapes, forms and sounds. From legendary rock stars to SciFi and gamer exhibits, there are lots to take in. Kids love making music in the Sound Lab and checking out the cool new traveling exhibits too.
You'll find everything science at this museum that's part of City Center. The butterfly house, toddler play area, and planetarium shows are part of the fun inside. Take it outside to see how water works before catching a movie at the on-site IMAX theater.
Part of the Locks to Lakes Corridor, the Burke Gilman trail is a mecca for families who love biking. It stretches over 20 miles, from the shores of Golden Gardens Park to the city of Bothell, where it connects with the Sammamish River Trail. Whether you walk, ride or run it, you'll spy some of the area's coolest spots like the Ballard Locks, the Fremont Troll, Lake Union, the Montlake Cut, Husky Stadium, Gasworks Park, Lake Washington and more along the way.
A garden for any season, families love strolling or biking the grounds of this 230-acre botanic garden. The rhododendron are especially colorful in the summer and it's one of the best places to see vibrant reds, oranges and yellow in the fall. Add in a trip to the Seattle Japanese Garden when you visit and you won't be disappointed.
This hidden garden in the Rainier Beach neighborhood has a little something for everyone. Spots to picnic, scenic bridges and a secret waterfall with an easy hike to the top keep families coming back each season.
There isn't a better spot to spend a sunny day than Alki Beach in West Seattle. Between the tidepools, ice cream shops, lighthouse tours and nearby Whale Tail playground, families can spend an entire day here and still want to come back for more. With over 5 miles of paved paths that stretch all the way to Lincoln Park it's a great spot to bring your scooters, balance bikes or jog strollers, or rent a surrey in the summertime from Wheel Fun Rentals.
This nature refuge in the city is where families go to hike, beach comb and play all year long. It's also the home of the Discovery Park Environmental Learning Center and the Daybreak Star Cultural Center, where families can enjoy the permanent collection of Native artwork on display, among other things.
Seattle families come here to get fresh produce, see flsh fly and score the best deals on flower bouquets. The downstairs market shops are always worth a look and eateries like Piroshky Piroshky, Le Panier and Beechers are hard to beat. If you visit in August, don't miss the OMG peaches at Sosio's.
Although the Locks are open all year, the best time to visit is in the summer and fall when many of the salmon are running. Kids find the salmon ladders just as mesmerizing as watching boats of all sizes pass through the Locks. You'll find the best fish and chips around at the Lockspot Cafe just around the corner.
The most iconic spot of all, a trip to the top is a must whether you live here or are just visiting. See the sights of the city like never before from the Loupe, the Needle's rotating glass floor and snap a selfie on the skyrisers to remember your time in the clouds.
The wading pool and playground at this lake in the middle of the city are a big draw in the summer. But people flock to Green Lake's shores to run, bike and roll all year long.