Visiting big cities can be hard with kids in tow. Navigating busy streets, lots of walking for little legs, and not a lot of space for them to run around and get their energy out.
However, visiting big cities, like Seattle, can also be such a cool experience for kids. It’s a chance to expose them to new cultures and see their eyes light up as they take in all the sights and sounds.
Keep reading to discover 10 of the best things to do in Seattle with kids!
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10 Fun Things to Do in Seattle with Kids
Table of Contents
- 1. Explore Pike Place Market
- 2. Enjoy the Entertainment at Waterfront Park
- 3. Spot the Freemont Bridge Troll
- 4. Take in the View at Kerry Park
- 5. Play at the Gas Works Park
- 6. Go to the Top of the Seattle Space Needle
- 7. Visit the Museum of Flight
- 8. Watch the Boats at Ballard Locks
- 9. Explore South Lake Union
- 10. Spend the Afternoon at Discovery Park
1. Explore Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is a vibrant 9-acre multi-level historic market and an iconic Seattle landmark.
It is one of the largest public markets in the country and is also the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the US.
Pike Place Market has a rich history dating back to its opening in 1907.
It first began as a small farmers market with just a handful of local farmers selling produce directly to consumers in order to cut out the cost of the middleman.
Within a few months, the market was already expanding and by 1922 it included 11 buildings spread across 9 acres.
Over the years, it grew rapidly and expanded to include fishmongers, butchers, and other vendors.
In the 1970s, there was a threat of demolition. Thankfully, it was saved and underwent significant restoration efforts. In 1971, it was even added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, Pike Place Market has over 500 shops, vendors, restaurants, and bars. It also has 4 ghosts, 2 pigs, and countless hidden treasures!
Pike Place Market has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city attracting 10 million visitors per year.
Stroll through the stalls of fresh flowers, purchase unique handcrafted gifts, sample fresh fruit, and pick up some local farm produce.
There are plenty of unique and quirky things to do and see at Pike Place Market, it’s one of the best things to do in Seattle with kids.
Be sure to stop by Pike Place Fish Market to pick up some fresh seafood and watch the fishmongers throwing and catching fish across the counter.
There are always entertaining street buskers performing, and kids will enjoy visiting the stuffed animal zoo at Merry Tails.
Be sure to pick up some mini donuts at The Daily Dozen Doughnut company. They have several different flavors to choose from, try the Maple Bacon.
You can watch as the donuts roll along the conveyor belt and are freshly cooked right before your eyes.
If you have some extra change, stop by and feed it to “Rachel”, the famous 550 lb piggy bank who has lovingly become the Pike Place mascot.
Your contribution will help out local social service agencies and you may just score a little bit of good luck.
Check out vintage movie memorabilia at Golden Age Collectibles, and see some card tricks and demonstrations at the Market Magic Shop.
Pay a quarter and see the world’s largest shoe belonging to the man with the world’s largest feet at the Giant Shoe Museum.
There are also plenty of great food vendors and cafes to choose from.
You have to stop by Beechers Handmade Cheese Cafe where they claim to have the world’s best mac & cheese. It is so creamy and delicious!
Beecher’s cheese is made from fresh locally produced milk and only uses real ingredients without any artificial flavoring.
It is handcrafted using traditional methods that have been used by cheesemakers for centuries.
Their fresh cheese curds are also delicious, and their grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup hits the spot on a rainy day.
Informational signs are posted in the cafe so that you can learn about the cheese-making process.
There is also a large window that overlooks the machines so that you can eat lunch as you watch the cheesemakers in action.
If you’re a foodie, you may enjoy taking a Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market.
The first Starbucks is also located at Pike Place Market. It opened in 1971 and you can find it at 1912 Pike Place. It even has the original hand-lettered sign.
Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt at Pike Place is a family-owned shop that serves the best Greek yogurt you’ll ever have.
The handcrafted yogurt comes in a variety of unique flavors and you can add customized toppings at the yogurt bar
Three Girls Bakery at Pike Place is one of the best places to go for baked goods, sandwiches, and soups. It opened in 1912 and happens to be the first business that was licensed to women in Seattle.
You can also take in the stunning views of Elliott Bay and the Seattle waterfront from the market viewing deck.
Be sure to stop by and see the infamous Gum Wall located near Pike Place Market.
The Gum Wall is equally disgusting and fascinating, but you can’t go to Seattle and NOT stop by to see it.
It started in the early 1990s when people waiting in line to get tickets to the theater would stick their chewed gum on the wall.
Despite attempts to clean the wall, it has now become a certified tourist attraction. You can find the Gum Wall in Post Alley just below Pike Place Market.
2. Enjoy the Entertainment at Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park has undergone significant changes over the years as part of Seattle’s efforts to revitalize the downtown waterfront area.
The area once served as a working dock and cargo handling facility. In the 1970s, it was redeveloped into the park as it exists today.
In recent years, the city has been working on a broader waterfront redevelopment that aims to transform the waterfront into a more pedestrian-friendly and vibrant area with a 20-acre public park.
One of the best things to do at Waterfront Park is to take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel.
From the top of the wheel, you can take in the stunning views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and Mount Rainier.
There are also walking and biking paths along the waterfront with various bike rental vendors in the area.
You can walk or bike over to Pier 62/63 where you’ll find an extension of the park featuring open spaces, art installations, and a large stage for outdoor events and performances.
Miner’s Landing at Waterfront Park is also a popular place for families.
You’ll find an indoor arcade, a carousel, a shooting gallery, and various shops and restaurants.
The Alaskan Sourdough Bakery is located here and offers mouthwatering sourdough sandwiches.
The Crab Pot is also a popular restaurant at Miner’s Landing. It is known for its “Seafest” with giant buckets of steamed seafood dumped directly onto the table.
It also has a great outdoor patio with city and water views.
Waterfront Park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, check the website for more information.
Waterfront Park is located along the Seattle waterfront, adjacent to Alaskan Way, between Pike Street and Yesler Way.
There are several parking options nearby, including paid street parking and parking garages.
3. Spot the Freemont Bridge Troll
Seattle is just full of quirky attractions and the Freemont Bridge Troll is definitely one of them!
In 1989, the Fremont Arts Council held an art competition in an effort to clean up and rehabilitate the area under the Aurora Ave. Bridge.
The winning design of this sculpture was inspired by The Billy Goats Gruff and it has become a beloved landmark and bizarre tourist attraction.
Your kids will get a kick out of climbing on top of this giant troll.
The Freemont Bridge Troll is located at Aurora Avenue and N 36th Street under the Aurora Avenue Bridge.
4. Take in the View at Kerry Park
Kerry Park is a picturesque public park located in the Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle.
The park is known for its stunning panoramic views of the city skyline punctuated by the iconic Space Needle.
On clear days, you can get a great view of Mount Ranier and the Cascade Mountains, as well as Elliot Bay and the Olympic Mountains.
Even on a cloudy day, the moody view over the city is beautiful.
One of the most popular times to visit Kerry Park is during sunset when the city takes on an extra magical glow as the city lights come to life.
Just plan to arrive early to secure a good spot, as it can get crowded.
Street parking is available around the park, but it can be limited, especially during busy times.
During the day, Kerry Park is a popular spot for picnics. Pick up some lunch from a nearby cafe and enjoy a meal with a view.
There is a grassy area if you want to bring a blanket, or picnic tables are available. There is also a small playground for kids.
Kerry Park is situated at 211 W Highland Dr. on the south side of Queen Anne Hill. There are no public restrooms at the park, so plan accordingly before your visit.
After visiting the park, take a stroll through the charming Queen Anne neighborhood, known for its historic homes and lovely streets.
Be sure to stop by the nearby Molly Moon’s for some of the best homemade ice cream in Seattle.
They have partnered with local farmers and producers to source the ingredients including dairy farmers, jam-makers, coffee roasters, beekeepers, strawberry farmers, and more!
Their ice cream really is so fresh and creamy with a variety of unique flavors to choose from.
5. Play at the Gas Works Park
The city of Seattle has transformed an old gas processing plant into this expansive city park known as Gas Works Park.
There are structures for kids to climb on and cool things to look at. It is also a great place to have a picnic and let them run around and get their energy out!
Gas Works Park is located on the North Shore of Lake Union and offers great views of the city across the water. It is also the perfect spot to watch the 4th of July fireworks.
And it just so happens to be a great place for puddle jumping when it rains nonstop!
And if you’re looking for a park with a great playground for kids, check out Seattle Center’s Artists at Play Park.
6. Go to the Top of the Seattle Space Needle
Take in the unobstructed views of the city and Elliot Bay from the top of the Space Needle Observation Deck.
The newly remodeled space needle now features a rotating glass floor.
Your ticket also includes professional digital photos, an informative mobile app, an interactive Skypad, and virtual reality bungy jumping!
A cafe is also located on the upper observation deck.
Tickets are a little pricey, so consider purchasing a City Pass for discounted tickets at various attractions.
For another great view of the city, visit the Sky View Observatory.
The observatory is located on the 73rd floor and is considered the tallest public viewing area in the Pacific Northwest. It offers panoramic views of Seattle, along with the Olympic and Cascade Mountains.
7. Visit the Museum of Flight
Seattle’s Museum of Flight just so happens to be the largest air and space museum in the world and visiting this museum is one of the best things to do in Seattle with kids.
At the museum, you’ll have a chance to board the Air Force One that was used by the likes of JFK, Eisenhower, and others.
You can even observe the actual Space Shuttle that was used to train every astronaut since the beginning of the space program.
There is also an impressive collection of World War I & II fighter jets.
It really is a fascinating museum with so much history and information, you could easily spend an entire afternoon here.
8. Watch the Boats at Ballard Locks
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, commonly known as the Ballard Locks, are an engineering marvel. This complex series of locks carries more boats than any other locks in the US.
The main purpose of the Ballard Locks is to connect the freshwater of Lake Washington and Lake Union with the saltwater of Puget Sound.
The water level in the sound is much lower than in the lakes, so the boats come into the locks where they raise or lower the water level so that they can pass through.
Your kids will love watching boats of all sizes passing through the locks.
You’ll see everything from massive barges and cargo ships to private sailboats.
For a fun way to experience the Ballard Locks, consider booking a Seattle Locks Cruise where you can actually take a boat ride through the locks.
Free daily walking tours are also available at 2:00 p.m. when the visitor center is open. Click the link for more information.
Ballard Locks is located at the west end of Salmon Bay in the Ballard neighborhood at 3015 NW 54th St.
The locks operate year-round, but the schedule can vary. Typically, they are open from early morning until late in the evening. Check the Ballard Locks website for the most up-to-date operating hours.
There is no admission fee to visit the Ballard Locks, making it an affordable attraction for families.
There is a visitor center on-site where you can learn about the history and operation of the locks through exhibits, interactive displays, and videos.
It’s a great place to start your visit and gain an understanding of how the locks work.
The Ballard Locks are also famous for their fish ladder, which allows salmon to migrate between the saltwater and freshwater.
There is a large viewing window, and depending on the season, you can witness salmon swimming upstream to spawn and the young salmon heading back down.
September is the best time for viewing, but anywhere between mid-June to October is recommended.
I would also recommend exploring the beautiful English estate-style gardens at the Carl S. English Jr Botanical Gardens next to the Locks.
And if you’re hungry, Un Bien is not too far from the locks and serves some of the best Caribbean sandwiches made with slow-roasted pork.
Serious Pie is also a great option for families as it is known for making some of the best pizza in Seattle.
9. Explore South Lake Union
South Lake Union is a vibrant neighborhood located just north of downtown Seattle. It is known for its mix of technology companies, residential areas, and recreational spaces.
Lake Union Park is the main attraction with beautiful views of Lake Union, walking paths, and grassy areas.
The Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) is located here and features fascinating exhibits about the history of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.
The Center for Wooden Boats can also be found at Lake Union Park where you can explore historic ships and view the collection of vintage wooden boats at this free maritime museum.
You can also rent small boats from the museum or take a free public sail on Lake Union.
They even have a program that offers free 1-hour peapod rowboat rentals, you just need to register online in advance.
See the Center for Wooden Boats website for more details.
Your kids will also love watching the seaplanes taking off and landing at Lake Union Park. For a memorable experience, you can even book a seaplane tour.
If you want to get out on the water, paddleboard and kayak rentals are available at Northwest Outdoor Center.
For a unique experience, you can rent a Hot Tub Boat and float around Lake Union while relaxing in a hot tub.
The waterfront is home to shops, restaurants, and markets. There are also bike trails with bike rentals available in the area.
The South Lake Union Streetcar runs on the historic electric trolley line and connects South Lake Union with downtown Seattle. Your kids will enjoy riding it and you won’t have to worry about finding parking.
The Amazon Spheres, also known as the Seattle Spheres, are a unique attraction in the area.
The three interconnected glass domes are part of the Amazon headquarters campus. The Spheres house a lush indoor garden with over 40,0000 plants from around 30 different countries.
The spheres are only open to the public on the first and third Saturdays of each month. You can make a reservation online for a free tour.
Even if you don’t take a tour, they are still worth driving by and admiring the architecture.
10. Spend the Afternoon at Discovery Park
Did you know that there is a 534-acre park that can be found only about 5 miles from Downtown Seattle?
Discovery Park is located on Magnolia Bluff overlooking Puget Sound. It offers views of Mount Ranier and the Cascade Mountain Range, as well as views of the Olympic Mountain Range.
It features a network of walking trails, forest groves, sand dunes, sea cliffs, streams, a lighthouse, and 2 miles of tidal beaches.
There is no entrance fee to access Discovery Park and it is generally open from dawn to dusk.
The Discovery Park Visitor Center is a great starting point for your visit. It offers maps, information, and exhibits about the park’s natural and cultural history.
One of the highlights of Discovery Park is the West Point Lighthouse. It is located at the westernmost point of Discovery Park and has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century.
The lighthouse was first lit in 1881 to guide ships entering Seattle’s Elliott Bay. It is still operational today, although it’s automated and no longer staffed.
The interior of the lighthouse is closed to the public, but it’s still worth visiting to see the exterior.
The lighthouse and surrounding area have been designated as part of the West Point Lighthouse Historic District.
You’ll also find a great swimming beach at the lighthouse. Just keep in mind that parking is only available by permit.
The best way to visit is by utilizing the free summer shuttle bus. See the park website for more information.
The 1.8-mile North Beach Trail will also take you to the beach and lighthouse. See the trail map for all of the walking trails in the park.
Discovery Park is a great place to have a picnic, throw around a ball, and get some energy out while enjoying the outdoors.
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A Few More of the Best Things to Do in Seattle With Kids:
- Harbor Cruise: Enjoy a different perspective of the city as you admire it from the water on a narrated Harbor Cruise.
- Beneath the Streets Underground History Tour: This unique tour takes you below the city to explore the underground pathways from Seattle’s original Pioneer Square neighborhood.
- Victoria Ferry: For a fun weekend excursion, consider taking the ferry to Victoria, Canada on Vancouver Island.
- Olympic Game Farm: Take the Bainbridge Island auto Ferry to Sequim where you can visit the Olympic Game Farm. This one-of-a-kind animal park offers unique encounters with wildlife as you drive through the park and observe the animals out in the open. You can even bring wheat bread to feed the animals from your car.
- Whale Watching Tour: Spot whales in the wild and learn interesting facts from an onboard naturalist during this whale watching tour.
- Woodland Park Zoo: Visiting the Woodland Park Zoo is one of the best things to do in Seattle with kids where you can see a variety of exotic animals from around the world.
This list is so spot on!! We live here but only have for the past 8 months! We have completed 90% of the list =) I also have an article on our time in Seattle on my blog!
So lucky to call this place home! We have some good friends and a sister that live in the area and we love visiting! I’ll definitely have to check out your blog post for more great ideas!
Interesting. This looks super cool. I haven’t read it all yet, but I’ll be back to read the rest of it.