Parents are always looking for fun and engaging ways to spend time as a family, and luckily for everyone, Seattle is full of family-friendly things to do. We’ve crafted this ultimate guide with ideas to help you plan a great time of learning, bonding, and just plain having fun around the city. Check it out!
Argosy Cruises
Looking for things to do in Seattle with your family? Plan a Seattle boat adventure for any age out on the water! For over 75 years, Argosy Cruises has been an essential way of seeing Seattle and feeling like a local. You’ll get to choose between Seattle’s Original Harbor Cruise™, which travels along the city skyline, or the Locks Cruise, which takes you through three of Seattle’s neighborhoods, and the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. Either way, you’ll be able to learn about Seattle’s history while also exploring the city on a comfortable, live-narrated tour boat. Their Harbor Cruise departs right from the waterfront (and has been for years!) on Pier 55, and the Locks Cruise is a one-way trip departing close by on Pier 54 or AGC Marina on Lake Union. Visit ArgosyCruises.com for the sailing schedule and tickets!
Boeing Future of Flight
Boeing Future of Flight offers an extraordinary experience for visitors, starting with the renowned Boeing Everett Factory Tour. Learn about the birthplace of the iconic Boeing 747, tour the world’s largest building by volume, and see the cutting-edge assembly process of 777/777X airplanes. This behind-the-scenes journey showcases the intricate craftsmanship involved in creating these incredible flying machines. Explore the Boeing Gallery to enjoy exhibits on flight history and current Boeing products, including a full-scale model of the U.S. Lab section of the International Space Station for space enthusiasts. For breathtaking views, visit the rooftop Sky Deck, which offers a vantage point to observe airplanes taking off and landing, as well as the Everett Factory and the stunning North Cascades. Whether you’re an aviation buff, a curious mind, or a family seeking a fun and educational outing, your visit to Boeing Future of Flight in Mukilteo, just north of Seattle, is sure to be unforgettable. Plan your visit and purchase tickets online today for an adventure like no other.
Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture is a unique place showcasing one-of-a-kind scientific artifacts and cultural items. On any given day, you can watch researchers and scientists prepare fossils and specimens and repair and restore cultural items. Have fun in our interactive play space and go home with a craft. While wandering the galleries, have fun with our scavenger hunt (Where is Harry the Husky hiding?!).
With three floors of galleries full of dinosaurs, fossils, Northwest Native art, plant and animal collections, and cultural pieces, the Burke Museum makes for a perfect outing for the whole family. The Burke is located on the University of Washington campus in the University District. Pre-purchased tickets are recommended and can be purchased online at burkemuseum.org.
Museum of Flight
The Museum of Flight is a stunning aviation-themed air and space museum that’s the perfect place to spend a few hours with young and old alike if you’ve ever dreamed of flying, becoming a pilot, or are curious about the science and history of flight. This museum boasts an incredible collection of aircraft, including galleries of hanging and floor-parked WWI and WWII aircraft. There’s a spaceflight collection that is not to be missed that displays an Apollo Command Module, a Saturn V Moon rocket engine, Sputnik I Soviet engineering model, a full-scale Boeing Lunar Rover Vehicle engineering test mockup, and a full-scale Space Shuttle Trainer. Outside, under the covered Aviation Pavilion, you’ll find rare and unique commercial and military aircraft from the 1930s to the present. You’ll see the first Boeing 747, a Boeing 787, and the West Coast’s only Concorde! Also, the first jet mode Air Force One, the first 727 and 737, and an air cargo exhibit. Don’t miss the interactive kids’ play area, the Flight Zone, and further spark their imagination for all things flight. The Museum of Flight is conveniently located just south of Seattle in Tukwila, WA. Plan your visit today and book a tour for a custom experience.
Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI)
With a visit to the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI,) you’ll uncover the past and present and see how that spirit shaped the city. MOHAI’s inspiring exhibits let you explore the Pacific Northwest’s fascinating story with a deep dive into maritime history, groundbreaking inventions, and social movements. See how it transformed from a land rich in Native cultures to the thriving business and tourist hub it is today. Don’t miss the Kid-Struction Zone exhibit that lets young visitors learn through hands-on fun. Check out MOHAI’s calendar for special events like workshops and other activities that help to bring Seattle’s history to life beyond the exhibit itself. Find tickets online and visit today.
Pacific Science Center (PacSci)
Rediscover the wonder of science with your family at Pacific Science Center (PacSci). This historic science and technology center has been educating and entertaining the community for over 60 years, since it first opened as part of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. With its commitment to educating generations of visitors about the scientific process, PacSci offers hands-on exhibits that spark curiosity and open minds to further investigation.
During your visit, be sure to include a stop in the Planetarium for a live, immersive presentation that will blast you to the outer reaches of the universe or explore the planets in our solar system. You can also visit the Laser Dome for a live laser show custom-programmed to accompany popular musical artists, new and classic. From IMAX documentaries and films to the Tropical Butterfly House, there is something for everyone at PacSci!
San Juan Safaris
Some of the Pacific Northwest’s most famous residents are the wild Orcas that call the surrounding waters home! What better way to spend time as a family than joining San Juan Safaris on a kid-friendly boat tour of the San Juan Islands in search of whales and other wildlife? You’ll enjoy the stunning scenery and learn about the unique surrounding ecosystem from the experienced captain and marine naturalists on board as you cruise in search of orcas, sea lions, seals, native birds, and more. Choose from several boat tour options or even book a kayaking tour with San Juan Safaris. Get more info about the excursions, read helpful FAQs, and build your tour today!
Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium is the perfect place to start a day of animal and aquatic-themed fun. From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that caring for and conserving the Puget Sound marine life and habitat is core to the Aquarium’s mission. On Pier 59, discover the Life on the Edge touch habitats, where you can get up close and personal with the many fascinating creatures that dwell in the tide pools of Washington state’s outer coast and inland sea. You can also get a snapshot of what lies beneath the surface of the Puget Sound in front of the 120-thousand gallon Windows on Washington Waters habitat.
When you reach Pier 60, you’ll experience the Underwater Dome, a one-of-a-kind undersea dome with a 360 degree view into a 400-thousand gallon habitat filled with hundreds of Puget Sound fish! Walk outside and you’ll see mesmerizing marine mammals like sea otters and harbor seals, as well as coastal birds. Be sure to check out the schedule of daily activities like feedings and expert presentations for additional opportunities to learn more and explore!
The Seattle Aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion expansion opens on August 29, 2024! Discover the wonders of a reef ecosystem in the Coral Triangle – a region in the Indo-Pacific so rich in biodiversity that it’s been called “the Amazon of the ocean!” You can be among the first to experience this one-of-a-kind, world-class, immersive experience with the largest tropical reef habitat in the Pacific Northwest. Get your tickets and plan your visit today.
Seattle Center Monorail
Don’t get stressed trying to navigate from Seattle Center to downtown (or back); just hop on the Seattle Center Monorail! Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Monorail is a beloved family-friendly landmark and a fun way to connect with the city’s past; plus, no stress trying to find parking. Tap and pay to ride with your Orca Card (Seattle’s transit card) or use the ticket kiosks at both Westlake Center and Seattle Center stations. Affordable one-way fares are $3.50 or less, and kids under 5 ride free!
Seattle Children’s Museum
Beat boredom with THE perfect place for young kids and their families… Seattle Children’s Museum! This must-visit, hidden gem inside the lower level of Seattle Center’s Armory Building sparks kids’ creativity and curiosity through pretend play and hands-on exhibits. Kids will enjoy touching, designing, building, acting, dressing up, imagining, and exploring all Seattle offers, from mountain to sound, in this authentic PNW-inspired playscape. Pop in when you’re looking for rainy-day activities in Seattle or when you need to beat the heat on a summer day, and let the fun begin! Your admission is valid for re-entry so check out the epic neighboring Artists at Play Playground or the International Fountain for a full family-friendly itinerary. Go fishing besides orcas in Orca Cove, ascend through a rainforest on our Mountain, run errands in our quaint Seattle Neighborhood, and test the mechanics of Physics through Seattle’s windy streets in Twists and Turns.
Space Needle
The Space Needle is the most iconic building on the Seattle skyline, but nothing compares to the view you get from a visit to the top. When you visit Seattle, it’s always one of the best places to take everyone in your family. Since its grand opening in 1962 as a centerpiece for the World’s Fair, the Space Needle continues to represent Seattle’s innovative and forward-thinking spirit.
See historical images and learn all about the Space Needle as you journey to the elevators. Then, on the renovated observation deck (520 feet up!), you’ll stand in awe of the spectacular 360° view of the surrounding landscape, day or night. Floor-to-forever glass and Skyriser benches offer unobstructed sightlines and give you a unique opportunity to see why the Space Needle is “Seattle’s Point of View Since 1962.” For another unforgettable view, head down and experience the Loupe, the world’s first and only revolving glass floor. Plan your visit and purchase your timed entry tickets online.
Tours of Climate Pledge Arena
You can explore Seattle’s eco-friendly Climate Pledge Arena and feel like a VIP on a 75-minute arena tour. This behind-the-scenes journey includes the arena’s recent transformation story and sustainability commitment, like how the arena cuts waste, saves energy, and even uses rainwater for the plants and ice for Kraken games! Plus, peek into hidden areas like team locker rooms (not on game days) and concert dressing rooms. This tour is perfect for anyone curious about what goes on behind the scenes at this historic arena and those interested in modern sustainable practices.
Climate Pledge Arena is one of Seattle’s top sports and entertainment locations. It’s also home to the Seattle Kraken, the NHL’s newest hockey team, and the Seattle Storm, the local WNBA team. The arena also hosts world-class musicians and performers in epic concerts throughout the year. Recently remodeled and now named Climate Pledge Arena (formerly Key Arena), this building is the first arena in the world to achieve net-zero carbon certification. Come take a look and feel like an insider. Remember to book your tour in advance since reservations are required.
Washington State Fair Events Center
The Washington State Fair Events Center is the largest event center in the state. The event center produces events perfect for the whole family, including the end-of-summer 20-day Washington State Fair, one of the largest in the country. The 8-day Spring Fair occurs each April as a celebration of the season. In addition to the fairs, the event center produces The Taste Northwest, a food and drink-filled extravaganza in July, Oktoberfest Northwest, a local take on the iconic Munich-inspired celebration in October, and Holiday Magic, a festive winter experience in December.
The event center also hosts more than 140 other events during a typical year, including private events, corporate picnics, car shows, swap meets, competitive sports tournaments, and more. Check out the events calendar and plan your visit!
Wild Waves Theme & Water Park
Looking for fun times for the entire family? Check out Wild Waves Theme & Water Park! It is in Federal Way, Washington, just south of Seattle, making it an easy day trip for people in the Seattle area or surrounding cities. What’s great about Wild Waves is that it’s part water park and part traditional theme park, so whatever your mood, there’s always something to do, and there are rides suitable for all ages. The park is open for the season from mid-May to early September as well as weekends in October for Fright Fest. For more information on tickets and to view operating days and hours, visit wildwaves.com.
Wing Luke Museum
A museum like no other, the Wing Luke Museum is dedicated to the experiences of over 26 ethnic communities sharing the dynamic history, cultures, and art of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) to advance racial and social equity. Wing Luke Museum offers many educational opportunities for the entire family. You’ll see exhibitions, tours, and programs developed with community members to ensure authenticity and a community-based perspective. Explore recreated spaces like a historic Chinatown store and the Yick Fung Store, which offers a glimpse into the lives of early Asian immigrants. The Wing Luke Museum is where history comes alive, sparking conversations about identity, immigration, and the ongoing contributions of AANHPIs to American society. Visit wingluke.org to make your visit even more engaging and learn about upcoming family events – like JamFest, summer camps, Hai! Japantown, – and walking tours – like their famous Food Tours.
Woodland Park Zoo
A visit to the award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is the perfect way to spend the day with your family in Seattle. When you explore the animal exhibits, you’ll notice different zones based on their habitats, from humid tropical rainforests and coastal deserts to temperate rainforests like those of the Pacific Northwest. Over 800 animals and 250 species call Woodland Park Zoo home, including some of the world’s most critically endangered. You’ll see African lions, zebras, orangutans, warty pigs, Malayan tigers, red pandas, Humboldt penguins, and so many more! Save time and money – buy your tickets early online!
In Seattle, the family-friendly possibilities are endless! So, don’t wait. Pack a few snacks and start your next family adventure today.
