Best Seattle-Area Outings With Preschoolers and Toddlers

My son loves watching the white wake behind a ferry, or dipping his fingertips in a lake alongside a boat. There’s something about water that seems to exert a strong pull on toddlers. (Life jackets are a must, for just that reason.)

For an easy cruise in the South Lake Union area, make a reservation for a free one-hour peapod boat rental at The Center for Wooden Boats (life jackets are provided). These little row boats are a manageable size, and you can stick to the Center’s Lagoon if Lake Union feels too choppy. After your ride, watch the sea planes take off and play on the small playground behind Daniel’s Broiler. 

If you’d prefer to let someone else take the helm, opt for a 15-minute ride across Elliott Bay on the West Seattle Water Taxi. The terminal and boat are wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, and you can pay with your ORCA Card (youth ages 18 and younger ride free). We like to schedule our trip a little before lunchtime — we play on the small beach at Seacrest Park and eat lunch on Marination Ma Kai’s patio before hopping on a return trip.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2021 and just updated for your preschool adventures in 2023.