Your Age-by-Age Summer Bucket List
For elementary-age kids
- Celebrate Seattle Center: The Space Needle’s renovation is currently underway, but never fear — you can still check out the Observation Tower. Exhibits at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop) are always a treat for the kids, or, if live music is more your scene, take a free tour of the very cool KEXP radio headquarters (be sure to pick up a coffee or hot cocoa at La Marzocco while you’re there). When you’re all cultured out, you’ll love the new — and much improved — food offerings at the Armory (MOD Pizza, anyone?). If it’s hot outside, let the kids splash around for a while in the International Fountain.
- Take a spin: On a clear day, the Great Wheel, located on Seattle’s bustling waterfront, offers unparalleled views of the city as well as surrounding islands, mountains and water. School-age children are at the perfect stage to be impressed (but not too scared) by the super-smooth ride. If you don’t feel like heading home afterward, consider a visit to the Seattle Aquarium or the newly renovated Pike Place Market.
- Take a train to Tacoma: Got a rail buff in the family? Catch the Sounder train from downtown Seattle to the Tacoma station for a trip without the traffic. Once down south, call a Lyft or take public transit to explore fun destinations like the Point Defiance Zoo or the Museum of Glass (complete with awesome hot shop demos).
