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! 
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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

A sunny day in Seattle brings people out of the woodwork. Everyone must.be.outside.NOW! Seattleites treat every soleil-soaked day as if it were their last.
 
Whether you’re a visitor or a longtime resident, it never hurts to have a go-to list of outdoor activities ready for that picture-perfect day in the great outdoors.
 
Here is your insider’s guide to the best outdoor activities in Seattle:

On a warm summer day
 
Get your splash on

• Seattle Center International Fountain provides great fun for kiddos and adults who love people watching.
• Green Lake Park Wading Pool is open daily from June-September. Restroom just adjacent to the wading pool.
• Greenlake Boathouse offers tons of water craft rentals to enjoy on Greenlake: try a paddleboat, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or canoe.
• Lake Union Spraypark overlooks Lake Union and the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), as well as the Center for Wooden Boats. 

Hit the beach

• Golden Gardens Park in Ballard is my favorite beach in the city. The sand is mostly soft (not rocky, like some beaches), there is space for grilling and playing volleyball, picnic areas, and a playground for kids. Parking can be extremely competitive, so show up early and bring a wagon if you’re hauling more than you can carry.
• Alki Beach this is THE place to be if you love rollerblading, skateboarding or volleyball. Alki boasts a long walking path near the water with space for feet, strollers and wheels. Fantastic views of downtown Seattle across Elliott Bay are a nice bonus. You could even hitch a ride on the King County Water Taxi to get there from downtown Seattle!
• Myrtle Edwards Park is one of the most beautiful seaside walks in the Pacific Northwest. The paved trail runs right next to the water, with stops for little beaches along the way. 

All hands on deck!

• Soak up some sunshine at any of these spectacular deck-side settings:
  • Hard Rock Café Seattle has a sweet rooftop deck perfect for selfies.
  • Eastlake Bar and Grill (on Eastlake—spoiler alert) has a deck nestled perfectly over Lake Union.
  • Little Water Cantina, also on Eastlake, offers a view almost as fabulous as its Mexican food and cocktails. 

General outdoor hijinks

• Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards at these fine businesses on Lake Union:
  • Northwest Outdoor Center—paddle past the houseboat from “Sleepless in Seattle”.
  • Agua Verde – grab yourself a celebratory fish taco and mojito post paddle.  
• Visit Lincoln Park in West Seattle.
• Take a ferry ride from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge or Vashon island. Cars, people and bikes are all welcome!
• Kerry Park on upper Queen Anne is where 90% of all Seattle skyline photos are taken. Down a steep staircase, you will find a cool little park for the kiddos. Hint: start at Menchie’s for self-serve frozen yogurt goodness and then walk down to Kerry Park to marvel at the view. The walk is about ¾ mile each way. It’s a fairly steep hill for a portion of the walk.
• Discovery Park in Magnolia (still Seattle) is one of my all-time Seattle favorites. It has a pleasant and easy 2.7 mile loop hike (not paved), is kid-friendly, with gorgeous bluff views of Puget Sounds about halfway. Ideal for a light picnic.
• The Olympic Sculpture Park isn’t so named because it hosted the Olympic Games—it’s because of its breathtaking position overlooking the Olympic Mountains. Walk north on the waterfront path and you’ll connect with Myrtle Edwards Park. Walk south and you’ll hit the waterfront area. Walk west and you’re in the ocean. Oops.
• If you’re on the waterfront and feel like a little maritime action, Argosy Cruises offers a variety of narrated 1-3 hour cruises. We also LOVE Let’s Go Sailing, which offers daytime and sunset sailing adventures that allow you to kick back and let someone else do all the work. You can even bring your own food and drinks to enjoy while watching the sinking sun! Note: Let’s Go Sailing boats are not ideal for small children (i.e. under the age of 5), since the boat picks up an impressive amount of speed to cross Elliott Bay and you have to hold on carefully for the ride.  
• Gas Works Park, a former gas plant turned public park, offers sweeping views of Lake Union and downtown Seattle. Fly a kite, run up and down the giant hill, and wave at kayakers as they paddle past. Insider tip: this is where they filmed the paintball scene in “10 Things I Hate About You”.
• Washington Park Arboretum is another fun one for nature lovers.
• If it’s summer, summer, summer time, catch an outdoor movie in one of Seattle’s many venues (2016 schedule here as an example). 

Now we must pray to the sun gods! So much to do, so little time!

You may also like these blogs by Megan Sharma: 
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
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
What I never expected about Midwest living
What the what? 10 things I don’t understand about Midwest living
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So, you’ve decided to visit the Emerald City: Seattle, Washington. Congrats! Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or both, you won’t be disappointed with all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
 
As a former Seattle resident of 16 years, I say this with confidence: Seattle is awesome. 

Seattle geography 101
First, a primer on the lay of the land.
 
Seattle is surrounded by water on two sides: Puget Sound (aka—the ocean) to the west and mega-huge Lake Washington to the east. Anything east of Lake Washington is locally referred to as ‘the east side’: Bellevue, Redmond (home of Microsoft), and the like.
 
There are only two bridges that will allow you to cross the lake without driving all the way around (generally a pain): 520 on the north end of Seattle (toll bridge) and I-90 on the south end near downtown (not a toll bridge). Hordes of tech employees commute back and forth to Microsoft daily, and traffic can be quite painful. Avoid morning and afternoon/evening rush hour wherever possible. With no traffic, it can take 15 minutes or less to get from downtown Seattle to Bellevue. In rush hour traffic, it’s often more than an hour. 

Getting around
If you are staying for an extended period (7+ days) and plan any day trips or side trips, I highly recommend renting a car. Note that rental cars can be expensive. I have found good deals on Hotwire and Priceline, and sometimes by adding a rental car onto a plane ticket itinerary. Always check the rental car site, as well.
 
If you’d prefer to stay right in the core of the action in downtown Seattle, DO NOT rent a car. You will pay $30 or more per night to park in any downtown Seattle hotel.
 
Frankly, the public transportation sucks. I’m a big fan of walking. There is a bus system that operates downtown (and elsewhere in the city, of course), but it can be a little scary, especially for visitors unaccustomed to the usual Seattle bus characters. Uber and cabs are plentiful. If you want a quick ride from the shopping district to the Seattle Center, hop on the Monorail—it’s a rite of passage, especially if it breaks down on your ride. There is a light rail that will take you to and from the airport to downtown. There is also the South Lake Union Streetcar, which travels between downtown and south lake union, which is limited but can be helpful if you’re going that way. 

Where to kick off your rain boots
Best value
We really like the Silver Cloud Inn on Lake Union—just south of downtown in an up and coming neighborhood. Our family stayed at the Silver Cloud during our wedding weekend. It’s a nice hotel that is family friendly. They offer daily free breakfast and free secure parking—both are very rare for Seattle hotels. Book early—it’s more of a medium sized boutique property. While the hotel is a few miles from downtown (not easily walkable), the hotel offers a free shuttle service and can drop you off downtown and nearby. The Southlake Union Streetcar is not far. You pay much less here than any downtown Seattle hotel. 

​Downtown
If you’d like to stay downtown, we are fans of the Pan Pacific (pricey) and the Hyatt Olive 8 (sometimes pricey), and have stayed in both. Pan Pacific is convenient because there is an enormous Whole Foods (complete with a full bar and row upon row of buffet stations) in the same complex, as well as a few other restaurants. We love Tutta Bella for delicious Italian Neapolitan style pizza (I would order the Gioia—fresh egg, olive oil, parmesan, arugula, prosciutto—not on the menu). Seastar is a wonderful, high-end seafood restaurant (order the Thai mussels to start). Pan Pacific does not have a pool. The Hyatt Olive 8 is located closer to the downtown shopping neighborhood and walkable to Pike Place Market, as well. They have an amazing spa, Elaia, (my fave) and a lovely salt water pool and hot tub, in addition to a gym. They also have a restaurant on site, Urbane, which is tasty but geared toward business clients. The Silver Cloud Inn on Lake Union and the Pan Pacific do not have restaurants on site (but technically at Pan Pacific they do offer room service).

​Vacation housing
Airbnb is also great if you are looking for more space and amenities than the average hotel room. Keep in mind that many condos, apartments and houses in Seattle do NOT have air conditioning or central air—this is important in the months of June, July, and August. If it’s important to you, make sure it’s one of your search filters.
 
Family friendly neighborhoods for your stay
Eastlake (on Lake Union), Queen Anne (just north of downtown), Greenlake (a few miles north of downtown), Greenwood (near Greenlake), Phinney Ridge (near Greenlake), South Lake Union. These neighborhoods are all within a few miles of the city core. If you want to avoid partying and/or noise, be wary of Capitol Hill and central Belltown (we used to live near the Seattle Center on the north side of Belltown, and it was quiet). 

That’s it for now! Stay tuned to my Seattle series blogs, including this insider’s guide to Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Future Seattle blogs will cover things to do indoors and outdoors, activities to do with kids, day trips, restaurant faves, and date ideas.
 
*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:
An insider’s guide to Seattle’s Pike Place Market
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
What I never expected about Midwest living
What the what? 10 things I don’t understand about Midwest living

​Ah, Seattle’s Pike Place Market. One of my favorite places to satisfy a bit of wanderlust. You can visit Greece, Italy, China, Alaska, France and Russia within a few cobblestone blocks of living history.
 
Just recently a friend who will be visiting Seattle for the first time asked me for my recommendations on the Emerald City. Of course, ‘the market’ was on my must-visit list.
 
While living in Belltown, about a mile from the market, my husband and I had plenty of opportunities to stroll and savor. I’ll share our favorite way to do the market, although there is really no wrong way to do it, and there are a million variations.
 
First, a general disclaimer about the market.
 
It’s the longest continually operating farmer’s market in the U.S., going strong since 1907. As such, modern concepts like lots of clean public restrooms (not to mention ample parking) don’t really exist. There are a few restrooms within the market, but they are tough to find, and often disgusting and/or scary. If you have kids, this is especially important to note. Most people will buy something small at a local business that has a restroom. And don’t expect to walk right into the porcelain palace, either—most require a code or a key.
 
Here’s how to ready yourself for a trip to the market:

1. Have an empty stomach. You’ll want to eat all.the.things.
2. Grab some cash. Most vendors take credit cards, but a few, like the flower vendors, only accept cash. And you need that $10 bouquet of tulips, do you not?
3. Be prepared to crowd control your kids—hand holding, stroller, baby carrier—whatever works.
4. Expect to get a little lost. The exact location of many shops and restaurants can be difficult to pinpoint. In fact, many shops wind underneath the main market arcade, and cool bars are tucked away in alleys, unbeknownst to many. It can’t hurt to ask someone without a selfie stick or a market vendor where the heck you are.
5. Get your game face on. It’s go time!

 
Your trip begins
Walk if you can, or park in the City Target garage on 2nd and Union, and then walk one block west toward Puget Sound to 1st Avenue. This garage is safe, well located, and reasonably priced for an hour or two of touring. Don’t try to park illegally: you will get ticketed and towed. 
 
If you need some caffeine to fuel your jaunt, take a few steps west from the parking garage to Caffe Ladro at 108 Union. They have the absolute best chai tea lattes, in both sweet and spicy varieties. Decisions, decisions.
 
Deliciousness abounds, and you’re within a block of your starting point.
 
Try some delectable sushi at Japonessa on the corner of 1st and Union. For something a little different, order the pulpo carpaccio—octopus ceviche, essentially. They have a great happy hour from opening until 6:30 p.m. throughout the restaurant, and also later in the bar.
 
Across the street you will find the Four Seasons Hotel. Their outdoor plaza has a lovely waterfront view (good photo op!) and you can also take the staircase there directly down to the waterfront. Be sure to grab some sea salt caramels at Fran’s Chocolates at street level.
 
Walk up the hill on 1st Avenue (due north) toward Pike Street. I like the progression of traveling north through the market. If I turned myself around, I probably wouldn’t be able to find anything again J.
 
Near First & Pike News (on, you guessed it: 1st and Pike), you can drop into Delaurenti’s specialty food and wine shop. Great fodder for a gourmet picnic or a bottle of local wine. Just remember that whatever you buy you must carry with you, and you’ve only just begun.
 
Keep following the corridor from the news stand and a few stalls down, your nose will guide you to Daily Dozen Doughnut Company. Hot. Fresh. Mini doughnuts. Need I say more? Well, maybe a few words more. I suggest the mixed bag so you can sample the cinnamon and sugar, plain, chocolate with sprinkles, and powdered sugar donuts (the latter being exceptionally messy). Cash only. The line goes fast and is totally worth it, any time of day.
 
If your motto is ‘two for tea’, check out the MarketSpice tea shop, kitty corner to Daily Dozen. They sell all manner of loose leaf and bagged tea. The Cinnamon-Orange is a super potent, spicy and sweet tea that would convert even a loyal coffee drinker.
 
Just around the corner, now going north on Pike, you’ll see (and smell) the flying fish at Pike Place Fish Market. Take a gander, no purchase necessary. You can even have fresh Alaskan salmon shipped home.  
 
Across the well-worn street from the fish guys is the most incredible Greek yogurt you will ever have: Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt. Holy hell, I am telling you, if I had to give up ice cream and replace it with this Greek yogurt for the rest of my days, I would totally do it. Super rich and flavored with fresh local fruits. Just yum.
 
Now you are at a crossroads. Which side of the market will you traverse first? The covered/indoor side on the west offers dining, stunning views, seafood, flowers, artisan made gifts and clothing, and more. The outdoor/ east side of the street is mostly grab and go food oriented. You honestly can’t go wrong with either.

​Eat your heart out
Here are a few of my most beloved eateries in the market. Tough to do in one trip, so plan a return visit.

• Sunny Honey Company at 89 Pike Street. If you have a sweet tooth, you will love nothing more than to suck on a Blackberry Blossom honey straw. For real.
• Mee Sum Pastry at 1526 Pike Place. The veggie or pork hombow (steamed buns) are to die for.
• The Confectional at 1530 Pike Place. Wait for it…mini cheesecake…and chocolate dipped cheesecake on a stick!
• Beecher’s Handmade Cheese at 1600 Pike Place. It’s a treat to watch cheese being made while you wait to gobble your Mariachi Mac and Cheese.  
• Le Panier Very French Bakery at 1902 Pike Place. Get your macaron and croissant fix here.
• Piroshky Piroshky Bakery at 1908 Pike Place. You haven’t lived until you’ve enjoyed both a savory and a sweet piroshky.

 
Cash money
Did you run out of cash sampling all of these edible delights? Never fear. There is a Chase ATM at the corner of 1st and Pike at the southern starting point of the market, near where everyone locks their bikes, as well as a Wells Fargo ATM across the street from the fish guys. There is another Chase ATM at 1918 Pike Place near the Lisa Harris Gallery. I believe this one is inside the shopping area. Keep your eyes peeled, and you will find the cash.
 
The tourist trap
So, you may have heard of a little coffee company called Starbucks. Started here, at the market. No biggie. Yes, the original Starbucks at 1912 Pike Street is on the itineraries of many, and thus it is a tourist trap. If you must see it with your own eyes, do only this: listen to the street musicians for a few minutes (tip them!), snap a photo of yourself in front of the coffee shop, and then get out of the way.
 
It’s a super tiny store, the line is always bananas, and there is nowhere to sit inside. Plus Seattle has the most Starbucks per capita in the country, with a store for every 4,000 people. You can just check out one of the other 103 stores in the city and you will not die. I promise.
 
Insider tip: the coolest Starbucks of all is on the 40th floor of the Columbia Tower at 701 5th Avenue. Coffee and a view (or an extreme fear of heights)!
 
The wrap up
Now that you are extremely bloated, highly caffeinated, need to pee, and loaded down with local artisan goods, it’s time to make your way home or back to your hotel. If you are too tired to walk back, there is no shame in cabbing or Uber-ing it. Or you could work off some of those goodies that I made you scarf down. Up to you.
 
Let’s hear from you
Locals: what are your market faves? Newbies and visitors: is there anything else you would like to know about touring Seattle? Let me know in the comments! Thanks for reading. 
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