Greater Seattle’s Most Anticipated Family-Friendly Activities for 2026

The new year is here, bringing an all-new lineup of exciting happenings and activities that Seattle-area families can look forward to in the year ahead. From the world’s biggest soccer event to major travel developments and plenty of new spots to eat, play and explore, we have the scoop on all the family fun coming to our neck of the woods in 2026. 

FIFA World Cup 2026 matches at Lumen Field, Seattle

Local soccer fans have long been counting down the days to the excitement, and this year finally brings it here: The FIFA World Cup, soccer’s biggest international event, has picked our very own Seattle as one of the host cities to hold six of its matches for 2026! The matches will take place in June and July at Lumen Field, newly renovated in preparation for the event.

Cirque du Soleil ‘Echo’ at Marymoor Park, Redmond

Cirque du Soleil’s amazing acrobatics, vibrant visuals and unique stagecraft come together for the 20th season in “Echo,” at Under the Big Top in Marymoor Park. Running from Jan. 30 to March 22, 2026, this year’s show is inspired by the optimism and creativity of youth, exploring the connection between people, animals and the world around us through colorful storylines. For a limited time, kids’ tickets are only $15 for those 16 and younger with the purchase of one adult ticket. Seats sell out early, so act fast! 

New family-friendly shows at local theaters, Seattle

Our local theaters are bringing in an all-new lineup of shows for the whole family in the 2026 season.

Head to The Paramount Theatre for fabulous Broadway musicals including Tony Award-winner “The Wiz” (a spin on “The Wizard of Oz”) and “Les Misérables,” plus dynamic dance, humor and music-filled performances by Blue Man Group.

Seattle Theatre Group also presents “Brains On!” at The Neptune Theatre on Feb. 22, 2026, with a science-themed show for all ages.

For the younger audiences, Seattle Children’s Theater will kick off the year with the curious kids’ beloved character, “Ada Twist, Scientist and Friends”; followed by the inspiring world premiere of “Young Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story”; and the classic stories of “Robin Hood” and “Billy Goats Gruff and Other Tales” in the spring. 

The return of Barnes & Noble, Seattle

We are always happy to see more brick-and-mortar bookstores open their doors, and Barnes & Noble has been leading the way with new storefronts popping up around the area. The next location will be making a grand return to downtown Seattle for the first time since 2020, opening in April at the corner of Pike Street and Sixth Avenue. Bookworms of all ages can expect to find over 17,000 square feet stocked with books, magazines, toys, games, gifts and more, with plenty of spots to explore and cozy up with a new read. 

Light Rail East Link extension, South Bellevue to Seattle

Sound Transit’s East Link 2 Line brought a newly accessible, carless travel option to Redmond and Bellevue in 2024. Slotted for next spring is the line’s final expansion stage, planned to connect the Eastside to Seattle — a thrilling prospect for suburban dwellers eager to visit the city without navigating the parking situation. The line will run from its Redmond Technology station to Seattle’s International District via Mercer Island. We can’t wait to hop on for a ride.

New offerings at Colman Dock Ferry Terminal, Seattle

Planning to catch a ferry to Bremerton or Bainbridge Island for a day trip? Leaving from Seattle’s Colman Dock is getting a whole lot yummier! A brand new food and beverage concept is coming to the recently renovated terminal space in spring 2026, so you can grab a snack and a much-needed caffeine fix before boarding. Currently in the works are a coffee kiosk, pretzel and smoothie shops, and a dumpling café, plus a convenience store that will use Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology for handy (and hands-free) checkout. Even more vendors are on the way — follow the Washington State Ferries Instagram for updates.  

Woodland Park Zoo’s Forest Trailhead exhibit, Seattle 

Seattle’s beloved Woodland Park Zoo is heading into the woods for 2026, with a brand-new exhibit opening in the summer. Part of the zoo’s seven-year Forests for All campaign, the Forest Trailhead will guide families through the wonders of forest life with a wooded landscape, treetop path, viewing areas for tree kangaroos and red pandas, and a pavilion where visitors can learn about forest conservation and the zoo’s hope for the future. 

Urban Family Brewing opening on the waterfront, Seattle

We love family-friendly breweries for a laid-back outing with the kids. One of our favorite local spots, Urban Family Brewing in Ballard, is headed for a second location at the shiny new Seattle Waterfront in 2026. Right in the middle of the action across from Ivar’s Fish Bar, the kid- and dog-friendly location will have indoor and outdoor seating, and serve local beer and wine, craft cocktails, coffee and a house-made food menu, making it a great pit stop on a waterfront stroll.

Northwest Native Canoe Center, Seattle

South Lake Union’s existing educational experiences — the Center for Wooden Boats and MOHAI — will be joined by a new addition in late 2026. A new Carving House built by the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation will give families a window into the Pacific Northwest canoe culture, providing a rare chance to see the work of Native carvers up close and learn about thousands-year-old carving traditions. The space will also act as storage for traditional canoes and offer educational programming as it supports local carvers. 

New Sky Zone and Urban Air locations, Seattle and Southcenter

Get ready to jump for joy! Seattle families will no longer need to make the trek out to Tukwila or Mountlake Terrace to bounce at the trampoline courts and scale the ninja warrior courts of Sky Zone. The popular trampoline park is coming to Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood soon, with its unique attractions like zip lines, parkour and dodgeball.

Meanwhile, another awesome indoor adventure park, Urban Air, will open in Southcenter, joining existing locations in Everett and Tacoma, with thrilling play options including a hair-raising slide park, go-kart racing, indoor skydiving, virtual reality scapes and plenty more!    

New Alaska cruise options, Seattle

Anchors aweigh! Seattle is fortunate to have the port for one of the world’s most sought-after cruising destinations right in our backyard — and in 2026, even more options are coming for sailing away on that perfect family cruise.

The Port of Seattle is welcoming several new ship debuts for Alaska sailings, including a new, largest-ever Princess ship; the budget-friendly international line MSC Cruises; and (for parents lucky enough to have someone to watch the kids) an adults-only sailing with a first-ever Alaska itinerary from Virgin Voyages. 

New direct flights and an airport upgrade, SeaTac

Big updates are also on the horizon for families looking to do some air travel this year. For those considering a European getaway, several airlines are introducing new direct flights from Seattle to Rome, London, Reykjavik and Barcelona.

The departure experience at SEA airport is also getting an upgrade, with a major expansion of the C Concourse and more dining, shops and amenity options for travelers.