Seattle Center provides unique experiences for both children and adults, like the Artists at Play playground: a free sound- and motion-filled play area between the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) and the Seattle Center Armory. Designed by Northwest visual and landscape artists, the playground features a 30-foot climbing tower, human-powered carousel, sound swings, child-inspired musical instruments, listening stations, and more. The swings and carousel are both ADA Accessible.
Contact Information:
Seattle Center
305 Harrison St.
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 684-7200
With its stunning outdoor scenery, Seattle attracts travelers eager to get out on the water. Founded in 1976, the Center for Wooden Boats promotes the Northwest’s small-craft heritage through boating lessons, outings, rentals, and educational programs for all ages.
Contact Information:
Center for Wooden Boats
1010 Valley St.
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 382-2628
Nestled beneath the Aurora Bridge in Seattle’s vibrant Fremont neighborhood, the Fremont Troll is a looming 18-foot-tall stone structure that embodies the area’s quirky, artistic spirit. Visitors of all ages can climb on the Troll and explore nearby Troll’s Knoll Park, home to the charming Moss Turtle sculpture. Gasworks Park is a short walk away, where families can enjoy views of Lake Union and explore distinctive public art installations.
Location:
Fremont Troll
North 36th Street, Troll Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
Seattle’s downtown murals offer families a creative way to explore the city with scenic walks. Featuring more than 30 murals by local artists, the murals span from SODO to Belltown and showcase the city’s creativity and culture. Unveiled in August 2024, the artworks are part of the Office of Arts & Culture’s Hope Corps Downtown Seattle Mural Project, a key initiative of Mayor Bruce Harrell’s Downtown Activation Plan. This collaborative effort is between Visit Seattle, Downtown Seattle Association (DSA), Belltown United, CID Business Relief Team, SODO Business Improvement Area (SODO BIA), and the Wing Luke Museum.
For more information and a map of the murals, visit visitseattle.org/hopecorpsmurals.
The Seattle Children’s Museum offers an interactive learning environment for families, with a mission to encourage lifelong learning for kids and adults. Highlights include exhibits such as Amazing Airways, Orca Cove, Raindrop Reading Room, Tribal Tales, and Twists & Turns.
Seattle Children’s Museum
305 Harrison St
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 441-1768
From the Wright brothers to outer space, the wonder of flight comes alive at one of the largest air and space museums in the world. The Museum of Flight features more than 175 historic air and spacecraft, tens of thousands of artifacts, and interactive exhibits and activities for the whole family. The Museum of Flight offers an exciting experience for aviation enthusiasts and general visitors alike. Family–friendly exhibits include a retired British Airways Concorde jetliner, Air Force One, NASA Space Shuttle Trainer and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The Museum of Flight’s Aviation Pavilion, an open-air structure that extends the length of two football fields, displays more than 20 commercial and military airplanes that museum visitors can explore.
Contact Information:
Museum of Flight
9404 East Marginal Way S.
Seattle, WA 98108-4097
(206) 764-5700
Located on the shores of Lake Union, the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) showcases the rich history and culture of the Puget Sound region. As Seattle’s premier history museum, it features state-of-the-art exhibits, hands-on activities like the “Kid-Struction Zone”, and a collection of more than four million artifacts. MOHAI also offers award-winning programs for all ages and collaborates with the community to bring local history to life through special events. The museum also offers downloadable scavenger hunts for children to use as they explore exhibits.
Contact Information:
Museum of History & Industry
325 5th Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 770-2700
The brainchild of Microsoft co-founder, Paul G. Allen, MoPOP is dedicated to exploring creativity and innovation in American popular music, from rock ‘n’ roll to jazz, soul, gospel, country, blues, hip-hop, punk, and other genres, as well as pop culture. Visitors to the Frank O. Gehry-designed 140,000-square-foot museum can view rare artifacts and memorabilia and experience the creative process by listening to musicians, filmmakers, game developers and authors tell their own stories. MoPOP’s Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame recognizes luminaries of the genre including Isaac Asimov, Ursula Le Guin, H.G. Wells, George Lucas, Gene Rodenberry, James Cameron and Steven Spielberg.
Museum of Pop Culture
325 5th Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 770-2700
Embark on a family-friendly adventure by searching for the NWTrolls: Way of the Bird King, a public art project featuring six giant troll sculptures, hand-built with recycled materials by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Hidden across the Pacific Northwest, each whimsical troll tells a unique environmental story, making it a fun and educational experience for all ages. With free admission and two trolls in Seattle, it’s the perfect outing to spark curiosity and imagination.
For more information: visit nwtrolls.org.
Location Information:
West Seattle Troll
Lincoln Park
8011 Fauntleroy Way SW
Seattle, WA 98136
Ballard Troll
National Nordic Museum
2655 NW Market St.
Seattle, WA 98107
Bainbridge Island Troll
Sakai Park
1560 Madison Ave. N.
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Vashon Island Troll
Point Robinson Park
Vashon Troll
3705 SW Point Robinson Road
Vashon, WA 98070
The nine-acre park connecting Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood and the waterfront features a 2,500-foot, zigzagging pedestrian path that descends to a beach. Along the path, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, as well as sculptures by renowned artists such as Richard Serra, Alexander Calder, and Mark di Suvero. The park is open daily, 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Contact Information:
Olympic Sculpture Park
2901 Western Ave.
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 654-3100
The Pacific Science Center was founded during the 1962 World’s Fair in Seattle, serving as a science and technology center for more than 60 years. Permanent displays include an interactive dinosaur display, Tropical Butterfly House, the Puget Sound Model, and the Saltwater Tide Pool, along with exhibits on animals and technology. Two IMAX theaters show the latest in big-screen and 3D films. The Boeing IMAX Theatre features a six-story-tall, 80-foot-wide screen.
Pacific Science Center
200 Second Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 443-2001
Pike Place Market is an iconic, family-friendly Seattle destination where local history and eccentric fun come together for an unforgettable experience. Families can watch fishmongers toss salmon, explore quirky spots like the Gum Wall, and discover unique shops like Daily Dozen Doughnuts, Robot vs. Sloth and Catshy Crafts. With farm-fresh produce, colorful bouquets, street performers and vendor stalls to explore, the Market offers something for visitors of all ages.
Contact Information:
Pike Place Market
85 Pike St., Ste 500
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 682-7453
Seattle’s flagship REI store, a consumer co-op for outdoor equipment founded in 1938, offers a unique and interactive experience for families that goes beyond traditional retail shopping. Located in the heart of the city, the store features hands-on displays, outdoor gear to try and test, and a climbing wall where kids and adults can tackle new heights. REI captures the spirit of Seattle and is an ideal starting point for embarking on family-friendly outdoor adventures; plus, visitors can pick up any last-minute gear or clothing needed to kickstart their stay!
Contact Information:
REI Flagship Store
222 Yale Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 223-1944
The Seattle Great Wheel is a 175-foot Ferris wheel located at the end of Pier 57 on the Seattle waterfront. The 42 Euro-designed gondolas are equipped with heating, air conditioning, and stunning views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and the Seattle city skyline. Each 15-minute ride includes three full revolutions of the wheel, with gondolas accommodating up to eight riders. For a VIP experience, Cabin 42 features leather bucket seats, a stereo system, a glass bottom floor, and seating up to four adults. The gondolas are also wheelchair accessible.
Seattle Great Wheel
Pier 57 – Miner’s Landing
1301 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 623-8607
Located on Pier 59 along Elliott Bay, the Seattle Aquarium offers an engaging way to explore the region’s marine life. The aquarium connects the marine ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest to the vibrant Coral Triangle in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting the shared, interconnected ocean.
The Seattle Aquarium’s groundbreaking Ocean Pavilion, which opened Aug. 29, 2024, showcases tropical species from the Coral Triangle. Part of Seattle’s major waterfront redevelopment project, it connects Pike Place Market to the waterfront promenade with observation decks, stairways and an oculus window offering views of sea life to passersby below. Featuring sustainable, next-generation design, the pavilion sets a national standard for regenerative construction in climate impact, energy, and water use.
Contact Information:
Seattle Aquarium
Pier 59
1483 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 386-4300
Built as the centerpiece of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, the 605-foot Space Needle remains a futuristic, iconic symbol and the centerpiece of Seattle. The Space Needle observation deck, located 520 feet above ground, offers indoor and outdoor 360-degree views of the Seattle skyline, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier and the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. The SpaceBase gift shop is on the ground level in the Space Needle lobby. The Space Needle’s top level, The Loupe, is the world’s first and only revolving glass floor.
Contact Information:
Space Needle
400 Broad St.
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 905-2100
Home of the Seattle Mariners, T-Mobile Park offers sweeping views of Seattle’s downtown skyline and game action from every angle. Tours of the stadium take visitors behind the scenes to areas not usually open to the public. Highlights may include stops at the Press Box, Owners Suite, Warning Track, Rooftop Boardwalk and Mariners Hall of Fame. T-Mobile Park is a short walk away from Lumen Field Stadium, making it easy for sports fanatics to visit both in one day.
T-Mobile Park
Tickets can be purchased at http://mariners.com/tours
1250 First Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98134
(206) 346-4000
Visit the home of the Seattle Seahawks NFL team and Sounders FC soccer team. On this 90-minute tour, visit the Helmet Wall, Home Interview Room, locker room, 12 flag pole, Verizon Lounge, suite and press boxes, the Wall of Legends and the Super Bowl XLVIII numbers.
Contact Information:
Lumen Field
Tickets can be purchased at https://www.lumenfield.com/plan-your-visit/tours
800 Occidental Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98134
As the first self-contained theatre complex in the nation built specifically for young audiences, this state-of-the-art facility has become a model for other theatres. The plays, many of which are world premieres, are written for children of all ages and their families. Theater-goers can also enjoy major accessibility renovations including a new row with space for wheelchairs and companions, handrails along the aisles, and additional family restrooms.
Contact Information:
Seattle Children’s Theatre
201 Thomas St.
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 441-3322
The Seattle Pinball Museum offers families a hands-on experience to play and explore over 50 vintage pinball machines spanning decades of history. Visitors can travel through American pop culture while learning about the evolution of pinball and enjoying unlimited free play with admission. With vintage sodas for the kids and local craft brews for adults, the Seattle Pinball Museum is a fun outing for children aged seven and older.
Contact Information:
Seattle Pinball Museum
508 Maynard Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 623-0759
The Seattle Waterfront offers a variety of ways for families to enjoy Elliott Bay, from the Seattle Aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion to iconic attractions like the Seattle Great Wheel and Wings Over Washington. Harbor cruises, waterfront dining and improved pedestrian spaces make it easy to explore and take in the sweeping views. The waterfront’s ongoing renovation is enhancing attractions, accessibility and transportation. Highlights include a new pedestrian bridge at Colman Dock, the Ocean Pavilion at the Seattle Aquarium, and the Overlook Walk that connects Pike Place Market to Pier 62.
Contact Information:
Seattle Waterfront
(206) 499-8040
The Waterfront is located along Alaskan Way, from Olympic Sculpture Park to T-Mobile Park
Olympic Sculpture Park
2901 Western Ave
Seattle, WA 98121
T-Mobile Park
1250 First Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98134
The Wing Luke Museum, located in the heart of the Chinatown-International District (CID), showcases the culture, art and history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in the Pacific Northwest through community-driven exhibits and programs. It is the only museum outside Hong Kong to feature an exhibition on Hong Kong-American martial artist and actor, Bruce Lee. The exhibition highlights his time in Seattle where he attended the University of Washington and opened his first martial arts studio.
Contact Information:
Wing Luke Museum
719 S. King Street
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 623-5124
This multi-sensory “flying theater” is located at Pier 57 on Seattle’s waterfront and transports guests through a simulated aerial adventure high over Washington state. The 20-minute film features views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic National Forest and San Juan Islands, the Cascade Mountains, Snoqualmie Falls, the Tieton River and the wonders of the Walla Walla Valley Balloon Stampede.
Contact Information:
Wings Over Washington
Pier 57 – Miner’s Landing
1301 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 623-8607
Often ranked among the top zoos in the country, Woodland Park is famed for pioneering immersive, naturalistic exhibits. The Banyan Wilds is a state-of-the-art exhibit for Malayan tigers, sloth bears, Asian small-clawed otters and tropical birds. Award-winning exhibits include Humboldt penguins, Jaguar Cove, Northern Trail, Tropical Rain Forest, Trail of Vines and African Savanna. Premium Animal Tours with experienced animal staff are available for a behind-the-scenes looks at various animal species at the zoo.
Contact Information:
Woodland Park Zoo
(206) 548-2500
West Entrance:
5500 Phinney Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98103
South Entrance:
750 N. 50th St.
Seattle, WA 98103
Seattle CityPASS offers discounted admission to the city’s top attractions, a perfect option for families to experience the best and brightest of Seattle. The pass includes tickets to the Space Needle and Seattle Aquarium, plus the choice of three additional attractions: Argosy Cruises’ Harbor Tour, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Pacific Science Center, or Woodland Park Zoo.
Contact Information:
Seattle CityPASS
(206) 787-4300
Alki Beach, located along Elliott Bay, is perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, beach volleyball and swimming, offering stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. Families can explore the nearby 1913 lighthouse and the Log House Museum to learn about West Seattle’s history. Seacrest Park and Lincoln Park provide additional outdoor activities, with water taxi access, playgrounds and scenic beachside paths. Alki is ideal for cookouts, scenic strolls and enjoying fresh seafood favorites such as ahi tacos, clam pasta and fish and chips at local eateries.
Contact Information:
Alki Beach Park
2665 Alki Ave. SW
Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 684-4075
Discovery Park is located in Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood overlooking Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountain ranges. Occupying most of what was formerly the U.S. Army’s Fort Lawton, Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest park at 534 square acres. The park includes a children’s play area, tennis courts, picnic tables, wooded trails, and a visitor center. Daybreak Star Cultural Center is located within the park and allows visitors to view Native American arts and crafts.
Contact Information:
Discovery Park
3801 Discovery Park Blvd.
Seattle, WA 98199
(206) 684-4075
Gas Works Park, once an old gasification plant that powered most of Seattle in the early 1900s before the import of natural gas, sits on the north tip of Lake Union with picturesque views of downtown Seattle. Portions of the original “Gas Works” remain, including the boiler room which was converted to a picnic shelter with tables, fire grills and an open area. The former exhauster-compressor building is now a large play barn with brightly colored machinery.
Contact Information:
Gas Works Park
2101 N. Northlake Way
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 684-4075
Golden Gardens is a family-friendly shoreline park with tide pools, wooded trails, and benches for spotting wildlife such as sea lions, harbor seals, and colorful birds. The boardwalk trail and shaded grove of trees provide a peaceful setting for relaxing strolls and hammock lounging. With stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and opportunities for sunset cookouts, bike rides, and kayak rentals from Ballard Kayak, Golden Gardens allows families to enjoy both adventure and relaxation.
Contact Information:
Golden Gardens Park
8498 Seaview Pl. NW
Seattle, WA 98117
(206) 684-4075
One of Seattle’s most popular parks, Green Lake Park features a 2.8-mile paved pathway that surrounds a freshwater lake favored for walking, running, rollerblading, and bike riding. The park also has a full basketball court, a seasonal guarded beach area, a hand-carry boat launch and boating area, fishing, an indoor pool, outdoor tennis courts, soccer and baseball fields, and golf. The park also boasts Seattle’s largest wading pool, perfect for young children to cool off on hot summer days.
Contact Information:
Green Lake Park
7201 E. Green Lake Dr. N.
Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 684-4075
Conveniently located in Seattle Center, The Bar at Chihuly Garden and Glass welcomes all ages to its distinctive dining experience. The Bar features over 25 pieces of work from the personal art collection of the renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly.
Contact Information:
The Bar at Chihuly Garden and Glass
Seattle Center
305 Harrison St.
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 753-4940
Fresh seafood and award-winning chowder have made Ivar’s a beloved Seattle tradition. Its casual, family-friendly atmosphere and variety of grab-and-go options make it a convenient option for families hoping to enjoy a meal by the water. Indoor seating is also available, providing a welcoming spot for visitors of all ages to savor Seattle’s seafood offerings.
Contact Information:
Ivar’s
Pier 54 Location
1001 Alaskan Way,
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 624-6852
Located at Miner’s Landing on Seattle’s waterfront, The Crab Pot serves fresh Northwest seafood with a unique twist: “Seafeasts“ are served directly on the table, creating a fun and interactive dining experience for all ages.
The Crab Pot
Pier 57
1301 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 624-1890
A local favorite, Rachel’s Ginger Beer is hand crafted with fresh lemons, pure cane sugar, and ginger, offers a refreshing, family-friendly alternative to traditional sodas. With locations throughout Seattle, it’s the perfect stop for families to enjoy a tasty, handcrafted beverage, or a ginger beer ice cream float.
Contact Information:
Pike Place Market Location
1530 Post Alley
Seattle, WA 98101
12th Avenue Location
1610 12th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98122
University Village Location
4626 26th Ave. NE
Seattle, WA 98105
Amazon Spheres Location
2112 Seventh Ave.
Seattle, WA 98121
Shug’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream is a family-friendly spot that blends nostalgia and modern charm. Opened by Seattle locals Collen Wilkie and Paul Dormann, Shug’s serves house-made syrups, sundaes, floats, and ice cream in a welcoming space for families.
Contact Information:
Downtown Location
1525 First Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 602-6420
West Seattle Location
3800 California Ave. SW
Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 466-5617
The Maxwell Hotel by Staypineapple is a bright, bold hotel just steps from Seattle Center – home to the Space Needle, Pacific Science Center, and Museum of Pop Culture. The Maxwell is a great homebase for all ages – with its playful decor, bike rentals, an all-ages indoor swimming pool, and pet-friendly policies. In every room, Dash the Pineapple Pup, a plush of Staypineapple’s mascot, awaits guests. The plush is adoptable, and a portion of “adoption fees” support animal rescue organizations. Many young guests fall in love with Dash and take him along on all their adventures.
Contact Information:
The Maxwell Hotel
300 Roy St.
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 286-0629
Just across the street from Pike Place Market, Palihotel is optimally located. Palihotel is a boutique, vintage-styled hotel with Family & Friends Room(s) offerings, where families can choose from a range of adjoining studios and bunk or twin rooms – allowing families to enjoy their connected but private spaces.
Contact Information:
Palihotel Seattle
107 Pine St.
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 596-0600
Hotel 1000 is a luxury hotel that offers Seattle’s only Topgolf Swing Suite – The Nineteenth is a virtual game lounge for all ages. The suite features simulator technology, two large projection TVs to watch sports, and dining options.
Contact Information:
Hotel 1000
1000 First Ave.
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 957-1000
Seattle Marriott Waterfront boasts stunning views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains, as well as an indoor/outdoor pool perfect for all ages.
Contact Information:
Seattle Marriott Waterfront
2100 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 443-5000
Kimpton Monaco prioritizes with families with amenities like family-friendly dining, a fridge program to safely store breast milk, accredited babysitting, and child equipment rentals.
Contact Information:
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle
1101 Fourth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 621-1770
Located inside Saint Edward State Park, near the shores of Lake Washington, The Lodge at St. Edwards offers a range of family-friendly activities like a gorgeous wooden playground, a plethora of walking trails, spots to swim in the lake, and dining options for all ages.
Contact Information:
The Lodge at St. Edward Park
14477 Juanita Dr. NE
Kenmore, WA 98028
(425) 470-6500
TRANSPORTATION
Sound Transit’s Link light rail line runs through downtown Seattle from the Lynnwood station to SEA Airport and further on to Angle Lake. Downtown stations are Capitol Hill, Westlake Center, Symphony, Pioneer Square, and the International District/Chinatown. The SeaTac/Airport light rail station connects to the main terminal through the airport parking garage via a lit and covered pedestrian walkway.
Link riders utilizing an ORCA Card are required to tap their card at the yellow terminals upon entering the stations. Riders are also able to purchase one-time use tickets via the Transit GO app or at the payment terminals found in Link stations.
For more information, visit https://www.soundtransit.org/.
King County Metro offers transportation throughout downtown Seattle daily.
You can pay your fare by paying in exact cash on the bus, using an ORCA Card or the Transit GO app, or by buying a paper ticket using cash or card at a pay station. For more information on payment, visit https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/getting-around/transit/streetcar/fares-and-orca-card.
For more information visit https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/metro.
The Monorail offers a transportation option between downtown Seattle and Seattle Center. Terminals are located on the upper level of Westlake Center and at Seattle Center near the Space Needle.
For more information, visit www.seattlemonorail.com.
The streetcar traverses the South Lake Union neighborhood through the Denny Triangle, ending in the downtown core area.
You can pay your fare by using an ORCA Card, the Transit GO app, or by buying a paper ticket using cash or card at a pay station. For more information on payment, visit https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/getting-around/transit/streetcar/fares-and-orca-card.
For more information, visit www.seattle.gov/transportation/getting-around/transit/streetcar/south-lake-union-line.
The First Hill Seattle streetcar connects some of Seattle’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The 10-stop, 2.5-mile route runs between historic Pioneer Square and Capitol Hill with stops in First Hill, Yesler Terrace, Central Area and the Chinatown-International District.
For more information, visit www.seattle.gov/transportation/getting-around/transit/streetcar/first-hill-line.
Media Contacts:
Kau’ilani Robinson – (206) 461-5839 | [email protected]
Cory O’Born – (206) 461-5805 | [email protected]
Jared Dionne – (206) 461-5807 | [email protected]
Sydney Martinez – (206) 461-5852 | [email protected]
Joey Thompson – (206) 903-0768 | [email protected]
(Updated 6/2025)
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