7 Great Children’s Museums for Northwest Families

Good news! Finally, after a very long pandemic closure, the Seattle Children’s Museum has reopened. This kid-favorite spot is located in the lower level of the Seattle Center Armory building (fka the Center House to old-timers). Long-time museum lovers will notice a couple of new exhibits in the space, including Neighborhood Paws, a veterinary office; Tribal Tales, dedicated to the Coast Salish tribes; and a post office where kids can weigh packages and slide behind the driver's seat to make pretend deliveries. 

Several exhibits are still under construction. Check out this full review of the new exhibits and museum experience for more info. 

Fees and discounts: Admission is $10–$12; babies under age 1 enter free. Memberships start at $110 for up to four people. Reservations are required. 

Nearby fun: Seattle Center has something for all ages! Make your second stop — after the museum — the phenomenal Artists at Play playground. Bigger kids love MoPop; Seattle Children’s Theatre is back on stage, and the Laser Dome at the Pacific Science Center has reopened, with more experiences (including the tropical butterfly house) scheduled to open in July 2022. (Tip: If you can’t afford pricey Kraken tickets, you can sometimes get a peek at the fancy new insides of Climate Pledge Arena through the north windows.)

Info: Go to the Seattle Children’s Museum’s website for hours and more details; find the museum at 305 Harrison St. in Seattle.