Best Things to Do With Kids on the Seattle Waterfront

Find it: 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59

The aquarium is so much friendlier to toddlers than a zoo because you can see all the exhibits up close. Seattle Aquarium, the nation’s ninth largest, includes marine mammals, an underwater dome and a 120,000-gallon Windows on Washington exhibit. The giant Pacific octopus and the sea lions are our favorites. Fun fact: The water in Pacific Northwest exhibits is pumped in straight from Elliott Bay, right under your feet.

Visitors can check out the new Caring Cove play area and meet the octopus named Pickles. During late spring and summer, spot aquarium critters in the wild during free, low-tide beach walks at many Puget Sound beaches and parks.

Next stop: The Seattle Great Wheel