Top 5 Seattle Attractions for Kids
TOP 5 SEATTLE ATTRACTIONS FOR KIDS
In no particular order, here is a list of our favorite places to take Jude when we lived in Seattle. Though there are no shortage of parks, museums, and art-filled spaces to take your kids of all ages, these places stood out to us for their various forms of entertainment, room to run around and play, or just their sheer beauty. Seattle is an amazing and extremely family-friendly city and we were happy that Jude got to spend the first 2 years of his life there.
PACIFIC SCIENCE CENTER:
Whether you are a local or just visiting Seattle, you should certainly make some time for the Pacific Science Center. There are endless attractions for kids of all ages and you can participate in almost all of them because the Pacific Science Center takes a hands-on approach to learning. Make sure you check out the Laser Dome, Butterfly House, Planetarium, and IMAX Theatre guaranteed to provide hours of entertainment for both your children and you! You could easily spend half the day here and then follow it up by exploring the rest of Seattle Center, which is mentioned below and filled with plenty of attractions for your children as well!
ENTRANCE FEES: General Admission ranges between $14 and $26 with additional fees for IMAX movie tickets as well as some other features with additional fees. Check out their package deals to customize your visit and save.
RESTROOMS: Adequate bathrooms available.
FOOD: The IMAX Theatre has a full service concession stand, but your best bet for food is just outside the Pacific Science Center in Seattle Center.
STROLLERS: Strollers are allowed in and there are ramps available, but for the laser dome, butterfly house, and other attractions, you have to store them outside during your visit.
SAFETY: Most of these exhibits were built for kids and are very safe but keep an eye on them outside near the water and in general.
SEATTLE CENTER:
Seattle Center is a staple of Seattle and an absolute must visit! You will find the Pacific Science Center, the MoPop (Museum of Pop Culture), the Monorail, the Space Needle, the Chihuly Exhibit, the International Fountain, and more! Kiddos will love the "Artists at Play" interactive playground and the Children's Museum located in the Armory. The sheer size, number of attractions, and variety of entertainment offered in Seattle Center will ensure that children of any age and interests will find multiple activities to keep them having fun while also providing plenty of entertainment for parents as well.
ENTRANCE FEES: There are no fees for Seattle Center itself, but you will have to pay to use most of the exhibits. The fountain and playground are free, as are some activities in the Armory.
RESTROOMS: Changing Stations are available in public restrooms inside Seattle Center Armory. Family Restrooms are also available. Please visit Customer Service in the north end of the Food and Event Hall to gain access.
FOOD: There are concessions all over the center as well as in the surrounding areas. You will also find several eateries to enjoy inside the Armory.
STROLLERS: Strollers are allowed everywhere and you will find ramps and smooth pavement around most of Seattle Center.
SAFETY: Lots of safe running room in areas all over the park, but always keep an eye on your child.
MUSEUM OF FLIGHT:
While this is not a kid-specific location, it was always one of our absolute favorites. There are hours of fun and exploring for you and your kids. Check out all of the buildings to see planes from different eras and, in the large hangar, you can board most of the airplanes to see the inside. There is also a children's area with small models of toy planes and helicopters and a flight simulator- for adults only! The Museum has displays for WWI, WWII, space travel, and the era where flight began. If this were not enough, there is also an excellent movie theater showing educational movies, some of which are shown in 3D. If you have children that like planes or have a greater interest in learning about all areas of flight, this is an excellent location and the most extensive flight museum we have ever seen by far.
ENTRANCE FEES:
| Child (4 and under) | FREE |
| Youth (5-17) | $16 |
| Adult (18+) | $25 |
| Senior (65+) | $21 |
RESTROOMS: There are adequate restrooms.
FOOD: Wings Café is open daily from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM and does not require admission to the Museum.
STROLLERS: The entire museum is stroller-friendly, though you will not want to take them on to the planes themselves.
SAFETY: Kids need to know their boundaries here as some parts are off limits and there is a sky bridge connecting the buildings.
SEATTLE AQUARIUM:
Located right on the Seattle Waterfront, this aquarium has it all! There are tanks floor-to-ceiling, over your head, indoors and outdoors, and plenty of kid-friendly spaces and areas for touching and examining some of the sea creatures up close. The variety of aquatic life offered here extends beyond that which you would find in the Puget Sound or the northeastern Pacific Ocean. The Aquarium is great for children of all ages as there is a significant educational component so that visitors can delve deeply into information on all of the aquatic life. If none of this grabs your attention, our son, as well as most other adults and children around us, took an immediate liking to the cuddly and cute sea otters here. They are like teddy bears that swims! Also, the Aquarium is located on the Seattle waterfront with its many piers and attractions, which makes this another great location for spending an entire day exploring.
ENTRANCE FEES: Children 3 and under are free. Youth & Adult fees range from $18-$33.
RESTROOMS: There are adequate restrooms.
FOOD: There isn't any food inside of the aquarium itself but a short walk on the waterfront will give you plenty of options. Personally, we found the aquarium quite appetizing and would stop at the Crab Pot before heading home.
STROLLERS: There is accessibility for strollers, but use the stroller parking outside some of the exhibits.
SAFETY: Very safe for little ones to run around, but always keep them in sight.
BELLEVUE DOWNTOWN PARK:
Okay, so Bellevue isn't technically Seattle but it's close enough and this park is totally worth it! Pictured here is a lovely urban park with a sprawling lawn, but this hidden gem has one of the most amazing playgrounds! You just have to see it to believe it!
ENTRANCE FEES: This is a free public park.
RESTROOMS: The park has public restrooms.
FOOD: There is no food here though it is just a few blocks from the main strip with a variety of options. However, this place really is meant for picnics.
STROLLERS: There are smooth pathways and ramps throughout the park.
SAFETY: The playground has soft padding and is made really well, but this is an intricate playground. Always keep an eye on your children.
