8 awesome things to do with kids in Seattle: a local’s top attraction picks

In honor of my upcoming hometown visit to Seattle, Washington, I’m sharing all the best kids’ activities and attractions in the Emerald City.
 
Starting at square one with your Seattle trip planning? Check out my guide to lodging and getting around town, the best outdoor activities, and my insider’s tour of Pike Place Market. It’s all part of my Seattle blog series.
 
Okay, back to the children. They are the future, right?
 
Here are 8 of the best kids’ activities and attractions in Seattle:

1.  Seattle Children’s Museum: Located in the Seattle Center, this 22,000 square foot wonderland for kids ages 10 months to 10 years combines learning and fun. 

Pro visitor tip: Grab lunch with the kiddos at the Seattle Center Armory (AKA – a fancy food court), right next to the Children’s Museum. Kids will especially love Lil’ Skillet Burgers at Skillet and the customizable, made-to-order pizza at MOD.
 
2.  Pacific Science Center and IMAX theater: This mecca for science lovers of all ages is also located in the Seattle Center. Kids and adults will enjoy exhibits such as the Tinker Tank, the Tropical Butterfly House, and the Science Playground. 

Pro visitor tip: Admission to the Pacific Science Center also includes free tickets to the Willard Smith Planetarium.

3.  Seattle Aquarium: If your children love sea creatures, this is the place to be on the Seattle waterfront (Pier 59).  Check out everything from Puget Sound fish to marine mammals to glowing jellyfish. 

Pro visitor tip: Catch a feeding of the giant Pacific octopus daily at 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
 
4.  Woodland Park Zoo: Seattle’s only city zoo is in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood, a few miles north of downtown. Meet penguins, rhinos, lions, snow leopards, brown bears, lemurs, monkeys and more at this haven for animal aficionados. 

Pro visitor tip: If visiting between June and September, catch a ZooTunes summer concert. It’s best to purchase tickets in advance. 

5.  Ride the Ducks of Seattle: If you’ve never ridden in a WWII amphibious vehicle, now is your chance! Ride the Ducks takes visitors on a land and sea tour of Seattle, with a healthy helping of singing, dancing and quacking, to keep things entertaining. 

Pro visitor tip: Tours leave from Westlake Center (downtown shopping district) or just outside the Seattle Center. The Seattle Monorail will quickly shuttle you between Westlake Center and the Seattle Center, departing every 10 minutes.
 
6.  The Seattle Great Wheel: The wheel’s location on Pier 57 of the waterfront offers jaw-dropping views of Elliott Bay, West Seattle, and downtown Seattle. The 10 to 15-minute ride (3 full rotations of the wheel) is fantastic on a sunny day or all lit up at night. 

Pro visitor tip: Children age 2 and under ride for free, but they still require a ticket. This ticket can be obtained at the will call window of the ticket booth without waiting in line.

7.  Miner’s Landing at Pier 57: Take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel, and then stay for some fun on the pier. Check out the vintage indoor carousel, Pirates Plunder shop for your little buccaneers, food court, and Wings Over Washington flying theater ride. 

Pro visitor tip: Eat like a kid at the adjacent Crab Pot Restaurant, where bibs and mallets for cracking into crab are practically required.
 
8.  REI Seattle Flagship Store: This paradise for outdoor enthusiasts boasts extensive gear and clothing shops, rental equipment, gear repair, classes and the famous 65-foot Seattle Pinnacle Climbing Wall. REI supplies shoes and harnesses for all climbers. Take the challenge if you dare! 
​
Pro visitor tip: Hungry after your climb? Head over to kid-friendly Lunchbox Laboratory at 1253 Thomas Street, a 3-minute walk from REI. You’ll love the legendary burgers, milkshakes and tater tots. 

One last tip for parents. The Seattle CityPass includes admission to the Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, and Pacific Science Center, all mentioned in this blog. You can choose 5 included attractions to visit for a discounted admission price.
 
Enjoy these adult-approved kid activities and attractions in Seattle! Check out the full Seattle blog series here.
 
What are your favorite kids’ attractions in Seattle or in your hometown? Leave a comment!
 
*Author’s note: these opinions are my own based on my personal experiences. I have not been paid to endorse any businesses, products or services in this blog
 
You may also like these blogs by Megan Sharma:
Travel: Insider’s guide to the best Seattle outdoor activities
Your insider Seattle trip planner: lodging (where to stay) and getting around (rental car or no rental car?)
An insider’s guide to Seattle’s Pike Place Market
Vacation fun: 44 things you only do when you're on vacation or holiday
Baby/toddler travel guide series: the essentials!
Baby/toddler travel guide series: what to pack
Baby/toddler travel guide series: going international
60 fun and unique date ideas for the young at heart
21 Lies Parents Tell Their Kids to Save Their Sanity
Mom Life: Imagine a World Run by Moms
Boss baby: 22 traits shared by 2-year-olds and bad bosses
Parenting: A no-fuss guide to your toddler’s birthday party for Pinterest-fatigued parents
Why travel? 9 reasons I will never stop traveling
Cruise with kids: 20 secrets to a successful family cruise with toddlers (baby/toddler travel guide series)
Cruise with kids: Entertainment strategies that keep the whole family happy (baby/toddler travel guide series)
Cruise with kids: Travel tips for cruising with toddlers (baby/toddler travel guide series