Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. I will earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you click on a link and book or purchase a product through these links.
Planning a family trip to Seattle? Need recommendations on what to do or what to see? Here are some fun activities, cool food spots and tips on where to stay for visiting Seattle with kids!
The Museum of Flight
The Museum of Flight is the largest independent, non-profit air and space museum in the world, and it is a must for travel enthusiasts! The museum holds over 175 aircraft and spacecraft, tens of thousands of artifacts, millions of rare photographs, dozens of exhibits and experiences, a world-class library and a gift shop with super cool souvenirs.
Evelyn dubbed this museum as one of the coolest museums she’s ever been to, and that is high praise from an eight-year-old! After all, it is not every day you get to sit in the cockpit of a blackbird or walk through the very first Air Force One.
You can buy your admission tickets to the museum in advance to avoid lines at the ticket office.
Seattle Center
The Seattle Center is a civic, arts and family gathering place and home to many kid-friendly attractions and museums. You can find the Space Needle, International Fountain, Artists at Play (playground), Chihuly Garden and Glass, Museum of Pop Culture, Pacific Science Center and Seattle Children’s Museum all in one convenient place.
You’ll want to stop in the Seattle Center Armory for lunch or dinner. The Armory is pretty much a big food court with a several sit-down restaurants.
Space Needle
The Space Needle is an observation tower and arguably the most iconic landmark of the city. At 605 feet tall, the landmark was constructed for the 1962 World’s Fair – the Century 21 Exposition whose theme was “The Age of Space” – to symbolize humanity’s Space Age aspirations.
The tower’s saucer-shaped “top house” offers visitors breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of downtown, Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the Cascades and Olympic mountain ranges.
The Space Needle was recently renovated in 2018 to feature multi-level, floor-to-ceiling glass viewing experiences including an upper-level outdoor observation deck with open-air glass walls and Skyriser glass benches. The Oculus, a grand wood, steel and glass staircase connects the upper observation level to The Loupe, the world’s first and only revolving glass floor below.
Travel Tip: Consider the Seattle CityPASS if you want to hit up a lot Seattle attractions. The CityPASS is a multi-attraction ticket package that will save you over 40% at five of Seattle’s top attractions including the Space Needle. The pass is valid for 9 consecutive days starting with and including the first day you visit an attraction.
Golden Singha Thai Cuisine nearby is a delicious and healthy dinner option. We had some of the best, traditional Thai food our first night in Seattle!
Seattle Center Monorail
The Seattle Center Monorail is a fun and convenient way to travel between Seattle Center and downtown Seattle. There are only two stops so no need to worry about getting off at the wrong stop.
The downtown Westlake Center station also puts you exactly four blocks from Pike Place Market.
Pike Place Market
Did you know Pike Place Market is over a hundred years old? That would explain why it is the defining Seattle icon!
Pike Place Market is Seattle’s original farmers' market and one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers’ markets in the United States. The Market spans nine historic acres in the center of downtown.
While Pike Place Market is known for fishmongers, there is more than just fish and seafood. There are lots of unique local shops, artisan stalls, fresh flowers stalls, small family-owned restaurants too, and plenty of fresh produce stands.
We couldn’t leave without taking a picture of Evelyn with Rachel the Piggy Bank, the mascot of Pike Place Market and one of the market’s best public fundraisers. Legend has it that if you rub Rachel’s snout and make a donation, you’ll have good luck!
And let’s not forget The Gum Wall! It is exactly what it sounds – a brick wall situated beneath Pike Place Market covered with used chewing gum. The colours make it kind of fascinating but eewww!
Seattle Waterfront
The Seattle Waterfront centers on a collection of lively piers filled with seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions like the Seattle Great Wheel, the Seattle Aquarium and Seattle Harbor cruises.
If you are a seafood lover, I highly recommend Elliott’s Oyster House on Pier 56 and Ivar’s Acres of Clams on Pier 54. Then end your meal with homemade ice cream at Seattle Bay Creamery on Pier 57.
Or if you prefer Japanese, Okinawa Teriyaki is a small fast-food eatery a block-ish inland from Pier 55 that serves delicious ramen, gyoza and teriyaki dishes. Yum!
A short walk away is Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls. Hands down, the best lobster roll I have ever had!
Seattle Mariner’s Game
Attending a baseball game is a bucket list of mine even though I have zero interest in baseball. I must say, the experience was quite entertaining. The atmosphere was super fun, and we were lucky enough to witness a home run within minutes after the first pitch! Oddly enough, we unintentionally hooked Evelyn onto the sport.
The food vendors and options at T-Mobile Arena was exactly what I expected (think ball games from the sitcom Full House). We went with the classic chicken tenders, hot dogs and fries, and oh boy, the fries were amazing!
Kerry Park
Best place for the most epic view of the Seattle skyline? Kerry Park!
Kerry Park is a small public park and viewpoint in the upscale Queen Anne neighborhood, five minutes north of downtown Seattle. We went during sunset when it was mighty crowded but that did not stop us from snapping some incredible photos!
Seattle Chocolate Factory
We ended our time in Seattle with a visit to the Seattle Chocolate Factory flagship store. You can visit their retail store to bring home a little bit of Seattle, take a guided tour of their factory, or check their calendar for special events like Chocolate Trivia Night and Beer and Chocolate Tasting! You won’t be disappointed.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Seattle Downtown
Our base was the Fairfield Inn & Suites Seattle Downtown Seattle Center which we found very conveniently located. We were a 10-minute walk from Speed Needle and a 7-minute driver from Pike Place Market.
The rooms were modern, spacious and well-lit with two queen beds. Complimentary breakfast was included in the room rates and onsite self-parking was one of the cheapest in the area at $25USD plus tax per night.
Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown
We had considered the Hyatt Place Seattle Downtown. This hotel is a block from the Fairfield, putting it closer to the restaurants in the vicinity. The rooms and suites all feature a cozy corner with a sofa sleeper and large desk. Breakfast and wi-fi are free but onsite parking in a secured garage was $45USD plus tax per night, which adds up depending on the length of your stay.
Holiday Inn Seattle Downtown
The Holiday Inn Seattle Downtown is another family-friendly hotel right next to the Fairfield. What sets this hotel apart is that up to two kids ages 11 and under eat free per adult ordering from the main menu at the onsite restaurant. The restaurant serves breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and a variety of beer sections on tap in the evenings.
Belltown Inn
The Belltown InnThe Belltown Inn is a budget boutique-style property closer to the Seattle Waterfront and Pike Place Market. This property features a roof deck, free loaner bikes with helmets and locks, free umbrella usage and kitchenette rooms complete with a coffee maker, minifridge, microwave, dishes and cutlery.
Overall
I was surprised we managed to fit so much into 48 hours when we barely chipped the iceberg of everything Seattle has to offer. Our only regret was not being able to share this with Jordan; he caught strep throat the day before we were due to fly and had to stay home with grandma.
Comments