7 Great Children’s Museums for Northwest Families

Why go: Imagine Children’s Museum’s recent 33,000-square-foot expansion more than doubled the museum’s previous play space and it shows. At over 60,000 square feet, its current area dwarfs the size of other local children’s museums (which average around 10,000–20,000 square feet). Visitors can spend hours in the museum and still only scratch the surface.

With so much to explore, this is a good spot to bring a backup pair of hands or set some parameters around meet-up spots if you have more than one child to keep track of.

Fees and discounts: Admission costs $22 per person. Babies younger than 12 months enter free. Show your EBT card and photo ID to receive admission for up to 4 family members for $3 per person.

Good to know: Imagine runs lots of fun programs and workshops, such as Preschool Explorers and Science Sleuths. Check the website or sign up for the email newsletter for details. A monthly sensory play time is offered for free; register online. 

The museum is geared towards kids ages 1–12, with a maximum allowed ratio of six kids to one adult caregiver. Strollers are not allowed on the exhibit floors and need to be left in the car, but a few carriers are available to borrow from the front desk.

Nearby fun: Pick up a coffee at Loft Coffee Bar, a huge pastry at Choux Choux Bakery or some snacks at Sno-Isle Food Co-Op. If you visit on a Sunday from May through October, don’t miss the Everett Farmers Market right up the street. Watch glass artists for free at the Schack Art Center or pop into the Funko headquarters just down the block. If you need more play time in Everett, check out the newly opened and colorful Emma Yule Park playground or the wonderfully inclusive playground at Forest Park.

Info: Visit Imagine Children’s Museum’s website for hours and details; find it at 1502 Wall St. in Everett.

Next stop: play as you wish