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We live in a beautiful place and are surrounded by world-class attractions that draw families from around the globe. Even if you’ve lived here for ages, it is fun to play tourist in your own town and introduce your kids to the attractions you loved growing up (some of them, anyway). No matter what the season or the age of your kids, you can count on keeping them entertained at these standout spots around the Puget Sound region.
Best bets for babies and toddlers
Bellevue Botanical Garden
This free garden is a breath of fresh air for all ages. It is very walkable, even for toddlers, but the paths are also stroller-friendly. There is much to see in the various sections of the garden, all of which feature Pacific Northwest plants and trees. Walk across a 150-foot suspension bridge, check out interactive sculptures, and watch the ducks.
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (locally known as the Ballard Locks) is a must-see for families. Not only is it free, but there is something for everyone. Watch boats enter the locks (20 feet above sea level) and see the water rise or fall to the same level as the section of canal that the vessels are entering; then watch as the lock gates open and the boats continue on their cruise. Take a free guided tour, then peer through windows in the Salmon Viewing Center to spot salmon swimming up the fish ladder. Top off your visit by having a picnic or getting the wiggles out in the 7 acres of botanical gardens.
Lake Wilderness Arboretum
This natural space in Maple Valley is located just off the Cedar River Trail and near Lake Wilderness. There is plenty to explore, so bring your walking shoes. Check out the Tribal Life Trail, with its examples of plants used by Native tribes as medicine and clothing; find the two Little Free Libraries; stroll through the Legacy Garden; and keep a sharp eye out for painted rocks — this is a hot spot for finding rocks. The StoryWalk is another fun trail, as you walk and read a children’s book, its pages posted along the way. A large grass area offers space to picnic or turn a cartwheel. Check the website for fun games to play as you explore. If your family enjoys disc golf, Gaffney’s Grove Disc Golf course is right next to the arboretum. It’s free to play, but bring your own discs.
Gas Works Park
This unique park is built on the site of an old gasification plant. Kids love the big hill (colloquially known as “Kite Hill”) with its giant sundial and ever-present breeze for kite flying. Parents will love the views of Lake Union and the Seattle skyline, as well as the relaxed vibe. The parts of the old plant that are still standing give the park an industrial, steampunk feel. There always seems to be a yoga class or other gathering in progress, along with people jogging and picnicking. A circus group called Levity Arts holds a free “acro jam” once a month in the summer, when you can see some amazing circus acts accompanied by a DJ. Remember that swimming and wading is prohibited because of contaminants in the water. And don’t forget your kite!
Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park
The area that inspired the book “Dune” is a waterfront park with lots to offer. There are stairs and slides (known as the chutes and ladders) that go from the Wilson Bay Bridge to the ferry landing, and lots of paved paths and open areas for play and picnics. Enjoy water views and the nods to “Dune,” such as metal sculptures of “sandtrouts” emerging from the soil, just like the book’s fictional beasts, and quotes from the book along the paths. Younger kids will especially love the Chutes and Ladders–like slides.
Bainbridge Island ferry ride
My family loves a good ferry ride. There is something relaxing about being out on the water and feeling the salt spray on my face. One time, we even saw a seal swimming alongside us! You can walk onto the Seattle-to-Bainbridge Island ferry and take a beautiful 30-minute ride. When you get to Bainbridge Island, you can stroll around the town of Winslow (walking distance from the ferry dock) or turn around and take the ferry back. Kids younger than 18 are free, and the current adult walk-on ticket price is $10.25. Be sure to visit the concessions for a snack and look in the water as you ride. Some lucky people have even seen orcas.
Picks for preschoolers and grade-school-age kids
Cougar Mountain Zoo
This small zoo in Issaquah focuses on animal conservation and education. Not only does it have lemurs and wallabies, but its smaller footprint makes it perfect for little legs and shorter attention spans. Animal talks are offered frequently throughout the day from Wednesday through Sunday, and reviewers say plenty of staff and docents are available to answer questions. Kids will enjoy feeding some of the animals with purchased animal snacks, and adults will enjoy the views from the zoo and the relaxed atmosphere. You can also book “close encounter” experiences with some of the animals.
Pacific Science Center
The Pacific Science Center is chock-full of hands-on activities to entice kids of any age. For toddlers, there is an enclosed play area just for them, plus a fun touch tank for checking out marine life. Older kids will love the animatronic dinosaurs and bug exhibits, and you might even talk a teen into a planetarium show or a movie at the IMAX Theater. For my family, the Tropical Butterfly House is always the showstopper! Wander in a warm, humid room full of tropical plants and watch the butterflies flutter and feed on fruit up close. Exhibits change over time, but the newest is the “Brainy Bodies” exhibit, presented in both English and Spanish.
Snoqualmie Falls
This 270-foot waterfall attracts 1.5 million visitors a year, and for good reason; it is a breathtaking sight. When you hear the roar of the falls and feel the rising mist on your face, you can understand why the Snoqualmie Tribe considers these falls sacred. The upper observation deck (best for photo ops) is only 200 feet from the parking lot, paved and ADA accessible, making this a great waterfall to see if you don’t want to hike. If you are able, taking the path to the bottom of the falls is highly recommended; it is worth seeing the falls from both vantage points. Check out the gift shop and bring a picnic to eat at one of the tables in the 2-acre park. Observation decks are free and open year-round.
Note: Although the hike down and back up is paved, it is very steep, so keep that in mind if you have mobility issues or younger kids. You can park in the lower lot if getting back up the hill is a concern.
KidsQuest Children’s Museum
This gem is tucked away in downtown Bellevue and is meant for kids ages 0–10 and their caregivers. With 25 exhibits, it is jam-packed with interactive activities, from climbing and jumping to making art and tinkering. Its relatively small size (compared to Seattle Children’s Museum) makes it easier to navigate and keep an eye on siblings. KidsQuest also offers lots of classes and programs throughout the year. There is even an outside space for building and playing music.
Northwest Trek
For the price of admission, you can walk through the park to see the animals or hop aboard a tram to rest little legs while gazing at the animals — such as moose, elk, bison, mountain goats and more — in the 435-acre free-roaming area. The park is also home to bears, wolves, birds and reptiles. The Cheney Discovery Center houses the smallest resident creatures (amphibians, reptiles, gastropods!), and kids can explore and ask questions of the docents there. Top off your visit by playing on the Kids’ Trek playground. Great for any animal- or nature-loving kids.
Kandle Pool
On hot days, cool off in the pool at Kandle Park. The pool is only 5 feet deep and offers a gradual beach-like entry. However, it’s a wild and fun wave pool during most of the open hours. There is a separate tot pool and spray park area for younger kids. If you prefer to stay dry, there is also a fun playground and a skate park for older kids. Plan to bring some type of sunshade or sun tent if you plan to stay a while, because the space is open, without much shade.
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
This park offers activities both on land and water along its 57 acres of south-east Lake Washington shoreline. There is a sandy beach for swimming that is staffed seasonally with lifeguards, a playground, lots of walkways and plenty of animal sightings — from turtles to ducks, geese and eagles. Kidd Valley and Ivar’s are both great places to get lunch, and there are picnic tables and plenty of grass, so families can spread out and eat their summer feast.
Where to bring older kids and tweens
Pike Place Market
Summer is a great time to visit Pike Place Market, but it can get crowded with tourists. Going earlier in the morning or on a weekday will be quieter. Once you get a view of the iconic Market sign, pet Rachel the Pig and slip some change into her piggy bank. These donations support local causes, including Market vendors who need financial help when sick or injured. Pause by the fish stand right near the entrance and watch the fish fly. Next, shop! Wander around to see the beautiful flowers, artisan crafts and my kids’ fave — the food samples. Don’t forget to check out the downstairs for funky stores. After you’ve wandered, be sure to stop by Lower Post Alley to see the Gum Wall and add to it or take a selfie.
Seattle Center
The Artists at Play playground, located in the plaza between the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) and Seattle Center Armory, is a unique and fun playground for all ages. Once the kids work up a sweat, head over to the International Fountain to play in the biggest free spray park in town. Pick up snacks at one of the many outdoor food vendors and lounge on the lawn around the fountain while you dry off. There are almost always street musicians playing throughout the center, making for a great atmosphere. You can also go into the Armory and get a bite in the food court or catch one of the monthly Festál cultural events.
Space Needle
A clear summer day is perfect for a Space Needle visit. And if you haven’t been since 2014, you are in for a treat. Renovations have made the experience more thrilling than just a beautiful view. Kids will love the 43-second trip up the elevator to the top observation deck. Once you’ve arrived, you can go outside to see the panoramic views with tilted glass walls and glass benches called Skyrisers, which allow the brave to lean back and take in the view. (Or you can stay inside, where there’s still plenty to see.) The next level features a rotating glass floor for views from 500 feet up. Then, check out the Oculus, a 19- by 11-foot piece of glass at the base of the stairs. Be sure to scan your tickets for pictures, which you can get on the website later. The tickets are pricey, so check the website for the day’s weather forecast before booking; you won’t see much through fog.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
With its year-round 15 percent discount for Washington state residents, this museum is well worth a visit. From the iconic guitar gallery to the many changing exhibits, you can easily spend a whole day here. Tweens and teens will love the exhibits, which currently include “Scared to Death: The Thrill of Horror Films,” “Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form,” “Indie Game Revolution,” “Fantasy Worlds of Myth and Magic” and others. Kids in elementary school and higher will love recording their own music, being a DJ, sound mixing, and shredding on guitars in the soundproof rooms of the Sound Lab.
The Museum of Flight
This museum highlights all types of aircraft, from planes to spaceships, with artifacts and interactive exhibits. Observe how aircraft have evolved over time, take an immersive 3D tour of the inside of an aircraft, take a ride on a flight simulator or catch a movie. (“Space: The New Frontier,” narrated by Chris Pine, is currently showing.)
Although much of the museum appeals to older kids, younger kids can enjoy the Kids Flight Zone, where they can pretend to pilot a plane, color on coloring pages and learn how engines work. Younger kids can push plush planes on a soft floor mural. Plus, admission for kids younger than 4 is free, as is parking.
Burke Museum
The Burke Museum is a must for dino-loving kids. The Burke’s goal is to turn the museum inside out, with 60 percent of the museum open and available for the public to see. With exhibits dedicated to archeology, arts and culture, and paleontology, there is something to interest everyone. Not only can you see a T. rex skull and many other fossils, but there are 12 labs with glass windows through which visitors can watch scientists work. There are plenty of interactive activities for kids, and the Native-owned Off the Rez Café offers great food, including Indian tacos.
More family fun around Seattle: |
