There’s a little secret that locals might not want you to know. Seattle in summer is basically sunshine central. Yes, it’s true. It’s like the city finally throws off its raincoat and heads out to have some fun. Of course, Seattle’s great year-round, but summertime is the way to go if you want the full experience. Here’s an epic list of things to do in Seattle in the summer.
Wild Waves Theme & Water Park
Looking for the ultimate in family fun this summer? 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.
Cool down in the water park and make a splash on one of the thrilling water rides like Riptide or Zooma Falls, hang out in the Wave Pool, or relax in the ever-popular Konga Lazy River. Kids will love Hook’s Lagoon, where they can climb the 3-story treehouse, shoot the water cannons, and ride down the pint-sized slides.
Next, enjoy classic amusement park fun, including thrill rides like the iconic Timberhawk, the largest wooden roller coaster in Washington State, The Wild Thing, or Timber Axe. Enjoy classic family rides like the Ferris Wheel, Antique Carousel, and Bumper Cars, plus kids’ rides like the Enchanted Railway, Frog Hopper, and Red Baron, where kids control the flight!
When hunger strikes, Wild Waves has you covered with a variety of food and beverage choices to keep everyone fueled throughout the day. The park is open for the season from mid-May to early September and weekends in October for Fright Fest. For more information on tickets and to view operating days and hours, visit wildwaves.com.
Argosy Cruises
When thinking about things to do in Seattle in the summer, we think about getting out on the water and enjoying the views. For over 75 years, Argosy Cruises has been an essential way of seeing Seattle and feeling like a local. Whether you choose 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, 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 for tickets!
T-Mobile Park
Summer means baseball and T-Mobile Park, the home of the Seattle Mariners, a Major League Baseball team. The park is also a venue for concerts, special events, and ballpark tours. On a stadium tour, you’ll get the MLB experience and, depending on when you visit, have the opportunity to visit areas not normally open to the public. Tour options include a non-gameday, gameday, or pre-game visit.
With over 70 home games a season, there’s no excuse to miss cheering on the Mariners, grabbing some delicious food from local vendors (above and beyond traditional ballpark fare), and taking in the stunning views of Puget Sound and the distant Olympic Mountains. Find the event calendar online and get your tickets now!
Seattle Aquarium
With its prime location along Seattle’s central waterfront, the Seattle Aquarium is the perfect place to start a day—or several days—of fun exploring what lies just beneath the surface of the Puget Sound. From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that caring for and conserving local marine life and habitat is core to the Aquarium’s mission.
On Pier 59, discover the Life on the Edge touch habitat and get a snapshot of life on a Pacific Coral Reef. When you reach Pier 60, you’ll experience the Underwater Dome and see awe-inspiring marine mammals and coastal birds. Be sure to check out the schedule of daily activities like feedings and expert presentations for additional opportunities to dive in and learn about Washington’s waters from the Aquarium.
Tours Northwest
Make the most of your summertime visit to Seattle with a sightseeing bus tour from Tours Northwest! On the Premier Seattle City Tour, relax and travel in climate-controlled comfort while getting to know the city and heading to must-see landmarks and neighborhoods. During this popular 3-hour tour, an expert local guide gives an insider’s perspective into the city’s rich history. You’ll also explore outside the city center, into the eccentric Fremont neighborhood (Hello Fremont Troll!), and north to the unique Ballard area, which has its boat locks and salmon ladder.
If you want to venture beyond Seattle, Tours Northwest provides day trips to the iconic Mount Rainier and a 2-day trip to Olympic National Park. These excursions allow you to experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest without the hassle of planning transportation and logistics. For more information and a live schedule, visit Tours Northwest online and book your tour today.
SAM / Seattle Art Museum
The Seattle Art Museum, or SAM, as locals call it, showcases a well-curated permanent collection and various touring installations and exhibits. Located downtown in an area popular with visitors, SAM is perfect for browsing global art collections that bridge cultures and centuries, including galleries of American, Chinese, Japanese, Native, Modern, and Contemporary art, to name a few. SAM truly personifies culture through art. Be sure to check out SAM’s hours before heading out or reserve tickets online.
Olympic Sculpture Park
The Olympic Sculpture Park, one of Seattle Art Museum’s (SAM) three iconic locations, is an award-winning nine-acre park on Seattle’s waterfront, offering monumental contemporary sculptures and walkways with breathtaking views of the Space Needle, Olympic Mountains, and Puget Sound. The park is Seattle’s largest downtown green space and is free and open to the public 365 days per year.
MoPOP
The Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPop for short, is a hard-to-miss building in Seattle Center, whose colorful and wavy design conveys all the energy and fluidity of music. Inside, the good vibes continue with immersive collections of artifacts and hands-on experiences celebrating popular culture, ranging from Seattle’s ties to Grunge and Hip-Hop music to science fiction, horror, fantasy, film, gaming, and more. The MoPop’s mission is to make creative expression a life-changing force by offering experiences that inspire and connect our communities, and they invite you to visit. There’s something for everyone at MoPop.
Seattle Children’s Museum
Beat boredom (and the heat) with THE perfect place for young kids this summer…Seattle Children’s Museum! This must-visit, hidden gem in Seattle Center’s Armory Building’s lower level sparks kids’ creativity and curiosity through pretend play and hands-on exhibits. Kids will enjoy touching, building, creating, and exploring everything in between as they embark on an adventure of play. Pop in when you’re looking for things to do in Seattle, and let the fun begin today! Be sure to check out the epic neighboring playground, Artists at Play Playground, for even more Seattle Center family fun!
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 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 and an aerospace collection in the Space Gallery that is not to be missed with an Apollo Command Module 007A, Sputnik I engineering model, Mercury Capsule mockup, plus a Lunar Rover Vehicle mockup.
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. 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.
Pacific Science Center
Rediscover the wonder of science at Pacific Science Center (PacSci). This historic science and technology center has been educating and entertaining the community for over 60 years since it 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 own solar system. Or visit the Laser Dome for a laser show custom-programmed to accompany popular musical artists, new and old. From IMAX documentaries and films to the Tropical Butterfly House, there is something for everyone at PacSci!
USS Turner Joy
Immerse yourself in maritime history with a USS Turner Joy U.S. Naval Destroyer Museum tour. The Turner Joy was built in Seattle, and its distinctive service included a role as a flagship for Destroyer Squadron 13 and Destroyer Division 131, with several tours in the Pacific. It is perhaps most remembered for her participation in the Gulf of Tonkin incident, which escalated the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War. She also served as a bookend to that conflict by firing the last naval round of the War. To get there, depart from Colman Dock, the ferry terminal on the Seattle Waterfront, and enjoy a short ride on one of Seattle’s iconic ferry boats to Bremerton, Washington. Once there, it’s an easy walk to the USS Turner Joy.
San Juan Safaris
Some of the Pacific Northwest’s most popular residents are the wild Orcas that call the surrounding waters home! This summer, join San Juan Safaris for a boat tour of the San Juan Islands and spend time on the water 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!
Gates Foundation Discovery Center
The Gates Foundation Discovery Center, located across the street from Seattle Center, features interactive exhibitions designed to spark curiosity and inspire visitors to take action in their communities on causes they care about. You’ll see real-life innovations used to treat or prevent diseases like polio, malaria, and more. The Gates Foundation Discovery Center sheds light on the progress its partners are making addressing global challenges and showcases the power of innovation and collaboration.
It’s a perfect place to learn and discover how even small actions can contribute to a better future for all. The Gates Foundation Discovery Center is great for all ages. It is free to all and open Wednesday – Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, with drop-in public tours at 2 and 3:30 pm.
Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture is a unique place showcasing one-of-a-kind artifacts in collections of art, culture, biology, archeology, and paleontology. When you visit, you’ll see working research labs and exhibits focusing on dinosaurs, fossils, Northwest Native art, plant and animal collections, and cultural pieces from across the globe with the goal that all people can learn, be inspired, generate knowledge, feel joy, and heal. The Burke Museum is located on the University of Washington campus as part of the UW College of Arts & Sciences and is a Smithsonian affiliate. Pre-purchased tickets are recommended, so book your tickets online before your visit.
Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI)
Seattle is well known for its innovative spirit. 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. Explore permanent, rotating exhibits detailing maritime history, tech advancements, and important social movements. Get a deeper look at the region’s transformation from its early days of native cultures into the global business hub and tourist destination it is today. There’s something to interest everyone and spark curiosity when you visit. Check out MOHAI’s calendar for special events like workshops and hands-on activities that help to bring Seattle’s history to life beyond the exhibit itself. Find tickets online and visit today.
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. Since its grand opening in 1962 as a cultural centerpiece for the World’s Fair, the Space Needle continues to represent Seattle’s innovative and forward-thinking spirit. It’s always one of the top things to do in Seattle in summer.
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 yet another unforgettable view, head down a level and experience the world’s first and only revolving glass floor. Plan your visit and purchase your timed entry tickets online.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Seattle summers are even more stunning on a stroll through Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle Center. The renowned artist Dale Chihuly is a pioneer who pushed the boundaries of what glass could be, transforming a molten, delicate material into awe-inspiring, vibrant sculptures that will leave you wondering how they were created. The amazing glass art installations fill indoor galleries and a beautiful outdoor garden. One highlight is the massive sculpture that changes throughout the day with the sunlight inside a unique 40-foot-tall glasshouse. Plan your visit today and walk away with a renewed appreciation of creativity and artistic ability.
National Nordic Museum
Explore the history of Nordic peoples and learn their stories with a visit to the National Nordic Museum. Tour galleries with artifacts from all five Nordic nations, from Viking treasures to modern design. Nordic Journeys, a permanent exhibit, details the Nordic immigration story, including its evolution over the last 12,000 years. To further immerse yourself in Nordic culture, check out Freya in the museum for Nordic-inspired food and drinks.
The National Nordic Museum hosts many events throughout the year, including hands-on activities, film screenings, guest speakers, and cultural performances. In the summer, the museum offers summer camp programs, including one where kids can become mini-Vikings! Through hands-on activities and crafts, they’ll explore Nordic culture in a way they won’t forget. Plan your visit online and purchase your tickets today.
Wing Luke Museum
The Wing Luke Museum is dedicated to the experiences of over 26 Asian and Pacific Islander communities and is the only pan-Asian museum in the United States. Dive into the cultural heritage, struggles, and triumphs of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Explore recreated spaces like a historic Yick Fung Company Chinatown store, which offers a glimpse into the lives of early Asian immigrants. Exhibitions at Wing Luke Museum are developed with community members, ensuring authenticity and a fresh perspective.
The Wing Luke Museum is where history comes alive, sparking conversations about identity, immigration, and the ongoing contributions of AANHPI’s to American society. Keep an eye on their website for upcoming events – like JamFest and Hai! Japantown – and walking tours – like our famous Food Tours – to make your visit even more engaging.
Seattle Center Monorail
Take a ride on a piece of history when you’re running around Seattle in the summer. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Monorail is a beloved landmark and a fun way to connect with the city’s past; plus, it’s the fastest way to get from Seattle Center to Downtown. 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. Then, zoom on the Monorail for a quick and easy ride through the city to your destination.
Woodland Park Zoo
Summer at Woodland Park Zoo means ZooTunes! This ever-popular concert series is back at the meadow for the 40th year of great music and community fun. Proceeds go to support the zoo’s animal care and conservation programs, so get your tickets before they sell out.
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: African lions, zebras, orangutans, warty pigs, Malayan tigers, red pandas, Humboldt penguins, and so many more, including some of the world’s most critically endangered. Visiting this award-winning zoo is the perfect way to spend the day in Seattle. Save time and money – buy your tickets early online!
Washington State Fair Events Center – The Taste Northwest
June 28-30
The Taste NW at the Washington State Fair Events Center is more than just a celebration of food – it’s a melting pot of local and international cuisine, showcasing the best of what the South Sound has to offer. This FREE event features 150+ food and marketplace vendors, five stages with live entertainment and comedy, local chef cook-off battles, outdoor beer gardens, activities in The Square & more!
FRS Clipper Wildlife and Whale Watching Tours
For those who’ve added whale watching to their bucket list, an adventure on an FRS Clipper Wildlife and Whale Watching Tour is for you. Experience the ONLY half-day Seattle whale-watching tour that departs directly from the Seattle waterfront on Pier 69. Enjoy a 3-6 hour (depending on sighting locations) adventure to the Salish Sea aboard the San Juan Clipper fast ferry as an expert naturalist helps you spot whales and other wildlife on this unforgettable nature excursion. Plan your trip online and book early for the best availability and pricing.
FRS Clipper Day and Overnight Trips to Victoria
Enjoy a relaxing day on Vancouver Island in Victoria, BC, with the FRS Victoria Clipper Ferry! Make the most of your day trip by traveling on the ONLY fast ferry that departs directly from downtown Seattle. Victoria was founded by the British in the 1840s and remains full of Victorian-era buildings and charm. Spend the day strolling around this walkable city, visiting iconic attractions like the Butchart Gardens, or enjoying a traditional afternoon tea in one of the city’s many tea houses. Want to spend more time on your getaway? Check out the overnight packages, including 2-night hotel stay options. Book early and enjoy a special rate!
Boeing Future of Flight
Journey into the world of aviation at Boeing Future of Flight, home to the renowned Boeing Everett Factory Tour, located in Mukilteo just north of Seattle. Step inside the world’s largest building by volume and enjoy sweeping views of the 777/777X assembly line. Explore the Gallery, featuring interactive exhibits that delve into flight history and showcase future concepts. Catch amazing views of planes from the Sky Deck, and ignite a passion for flight in the Kids’ Zone filled with hands-on fun. Space enthusiasts can even explore a full-scale mockup of the U.S. Space Lab, an integral part of the International Space Station.
Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or simply looking for a fun, educational family outing, Boeing Future of Flight holds an experience like no other. Plan your visit today and start by securing your tickets online.
Tours at Climate Pledge Arena
Feel like a VIP as you explore Seattle’s eco-friendly Climate Pledge Arena on a 75-minute 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! Plus, peek into hidden areas like team locker rooms (not on game days) and star dressing rooms. This tour is perfect for anyone curious about what goes on behind the scenes at the arena and those interested in modern sustainable practices. Remember to book your tour in advance since reservations are required.
While Seattle’s great all year, and there’s always something happening, summer unlocks its full potential. Whether you crave outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, a deep dive into history, a relaxing escape, or simply time to play, Seattle in summer offers something for everyone.
