2017 Golden Teddy Awards — Out + About

Winner: Pacific Science Center 

With blockbuster exhibit Terracotta Warriors in the house, it’s no wonder Pacific Science Center takes this prize again. Readers with kids of any age can find something to do and learn about: dinos, the butterfly house, hands-on fun at the Tinker Tank, the outdoor water wheel, crazy-real IMAX movies and much more. 

Finalists

Sitting cozily in Everett, where the parking is easy, Imagine Children’s Museum is a hidden gem that is beloved by readers who know about it. Beyond its fun interactive exhibits, there’s a large rooftop outdoor space, an art studio and programs ranging from robotics to Cartoon Corner. Tip: Admission is free on the third Friday night of the month. 

Another beloved Seattle Center destination is Seattle Children’s Museum, where kids can build forts, explore the physics of balls, play in a global village and do much more. Readers also love that when hunger hits, you can head upstairs to the Armory for a bite at one of the best food courts around. 

This year, KidsQuest Children’s Museum reinvented itself by moving into a brand-new building in the heart of downtown Bellevue. Highlights include an exciting climbing sculpture in the entry space, a new outdoor space, hands-on studios for building and making art and new STEM programs. 

Located in Olympia’s East Bay, Hands On Children's Museum claims the title as Puget Sound’s largest children’s museum, with more than 100 activities and exhibits for a range of ages and a state-of-the-art Outdoor Discovery Center, where kids can build driftwood forts and play hide and seek in an interactive stickworks sculpture. Tip: First Friday evenings of the month are free admission.