39 Best Things to Do in Seattle with Kids in 2024

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SEARCHING FOR THINGS TO DO IN SEATTLE WITH KIDS?

We can help! We’ve been traveling with kids since 2015 and have visited Seattle many times over the years. With each visit, we find more fun things to do with kids in Seattle, WA.

You could spend a short weekend or a week exploring and not get bored. We hope you find our list of the best things to do in Seattle, Washington with kids as enjoyable for you, as they have been for us over the years.

Things to Do in Seattle with Kids

1. Underground Tour

The Underground Tour in Seattle, one of the fun things to do in Seattle with kids

Did you know there are intricate passageways and basements beneath Pioneer Square? Following the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, Seattle’s city planners decided to build on top of the area that regularly flooded rather than rebuild it. Today you can tour the area under Pioneer Square on an Underground Tour.

On the Underground tour, you will learn so much about the history of Seattle’s politics, road construction, and way of life.

We had such an entertaining and comical guide who made our experience that much more enjoyable. The tour takes about 90 minutes, and there are quite a few staircases throughout the tour. The Underground tour is one of the best things to do in Seattle, whether you’re a local or on a Seattle vacation.

BOOK Underground Tour in Seattle

2. Space Needle

At the top of the Space Needle

The Space Needle is one of the best ways to see Seattle. It is also one of the top Seattle tourist attractions. The Seattle Space Needle Observation Deck is 520 feet off the ground. You will be able to see all of downtown Seattle, the Puget Sound, Lake Union, and the Cascade Mountains. Go back and visit at night for a breathtaking view of the city lights.

If you want to explore a unique and romantic experience, you can reserve a table at the Loupe Lounge. It has the world’s first and only revolving glass floor.

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3. Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum

The Chihuly Glass Museum is one of the fun things to do in Seattle with kids

We are not big museum people, but the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum is definitely worth a visit. It showcases the work of Dale Chihuly, a Washington native.

The museum includes eight galleries, a garden, and a centerpiece glasshouse. No photography here can do it justice. You will have to go see it for yourself because it is one of the best things to do in Seattle, Washington. It is at the base of the Space Needle, so plan on visiting both at the same time.

Both are part of the Seattle City Pass. We often use the city pass if we are going to an area with our kids where we want to try a bunch of different activities. It is a great way to save money and explore the area.

4. Seattle Chocolate Tour

Chocolate from a Seattle Chocolate Tour

We are huge chocolate fans. If we ever pass by a chocolate store, Coltin is sure to go in and explore the options. The Seattle Chocolate Tour is a fun and exciting way to taste some awesome chocolate, but it is also a great way to learn about the history of chocolate.

Chocolate has an awesome history, and at each place that we have taken a chocolate tour, we learn about how that history is a little different for every location and how it can shape cultures and influences. You will be amazed to visit so many great chocolate locations in the Seattle area.

BOOK Seattle Chocolate Tour

5. Day Trip to Mt. Rainier  

Mt. Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington St. It is beautiful to look at from afar, but it is even more beautiful in person. The Viator Exclusive Tour – Mt. Rainier Day Trip From Seattle is the perfect way to see the mountain up close. Yfou will be able to see natural beauty up close.

The small-group tour from Seattle will take you to lakes, waterfalls, and historic towns. This is a great option for those looking to get outside of the city or to try something new. The tour will pick you up and drop you off in downtown Seattle and includes all of your transportation. If you want to experience a great outdoor environment for a day, this is a great option.

North Cascades National Park, though not included in this tour, is another excellent day trip from Seattle destination to consider.

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6. Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park in Seattle

The Waterfront Park is a great place to take a stroll and enjoy some fun activities by the water in Seattle. We visit this area every time we go to Seattle. You can take a ride on the Ferris wheel, eat delicious seafood, and visit Pikes Place Market or the Aquarium.

All of these fun activities are within walking distance of the Waterfront Park.

7. Seattle Aquarium

The Seattle Aquarium is a great stop for kids

The Seattle Aquarium is a fantastic place to explore. It is between Pier 57 and Pier 59, and the views around the aquarium are spectacular. You can see, Bainbridge Island, the cityscape, and more. The aquarium is not only for kids and families but is also a fun place for adults.

Occasionally throughout the year, the aquarium has after-hours adult-only nights. This is a wonderful event to take your partner or significant other for a night out on the town or during the day, where you can see an array of different sea life throughout.

8. Seattle Gum Wall 

The Gum Wall, one of the best things to do in Seattle with kids

This local landmark is in Post Alley under Pike Place Market. It is a one-minute walk away from the market, so go to both at the same time. The Gum Wall is a brick wall covered in chewing gum.

It is one of many Fun free things to do in Seattle with kids, as you can also explore Pikes Place Market and the Waterfront at the same time.

Bring some gum to add to the wall and maybe some hand sanitizer to use afterward. While the idea is a bit wacky, and the city cleans it up periodically, it is a sight to see. There are not many places where you will see thousands of pieces of chewing gum plastered to the side of a building.

Sometimes people even make faces and characters out of their gum as they place it on the wall. If you take kids or Buddy the Elf, make sure they don’t try to eat it.

9. Food Tour of Pike Place Market  

Family in Pike Place Market in Seattle

If it’s your first time in Seattle or your fifth time, a stop at Pike Market is always a must! It is a farmer, craft, flower, fish, and collectibles market all wrapped into one-stop and is one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the United States.

There are aisles and aisles of freshly cut flowers, wallets made from old tires, famous fish tossers, and local body care products.

Do not forget to snap a picture with Rachel the Piggy Bank, a famous bronze statue. If you rub her snout and make a donation, you’ll have good luck! She is beneath the Public Market Clock and Sign at the corner of Pike Place.

A great way to see the market is on a Pike Place Market Food Tour. The tour will take you on a guided food tour complete with tons of different tastings throughout the market. You’ll also pick up on some fun history of the market and some of the behind-the-scenes adventures.

The tours are about two hours long and start at around $50.

BOOK Pike Place Market Food Tour

10. Go Fishing and Crabbing

Fishing and crabbing in Seattle

If you are looking for some time on the water, this one is for you. There is something about being on the water that is so peaceful and relaxing. It also can be very exciting catching delicious salmon. We love going fishing on the ocean and have done it on multiple occasions.

Our excursion left out of Shilshole Bay Marina. The best time to go depends on what you are fishing for, but most salmon fishing is done from August through October. Plus, if you are lucky enough to catch something, you are set for your dinner plans!

11. Ride the Ferry to Bainbridge Island

View from the Bainbridge Island Ferry

The ferry ride over to Bainbridge Island is one of our favorite parts of our Seattle vacations. The view of the cityscape alone merits a ferry ride with the added bonus of what you do when you get to your destination.

Some of the most popular ferry destinations out of Seattle are Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Vashon Island, and Port Orchard. Bainbridge Island has some fun shops and a little downtown area that is fun to explore.

If you happen to stay on the island, you can ride the ferry to Seattle, and the ferry drops you off right by the football stadium. This is a great way to see the Seattle Seahawks play and avoid a lot of the traffic.

12. Museum of Flight

Museum of Flight in Seattle

The Museum of Flight is a great activity for those who like planes. It is one of the largest air and space collections you will find. You will learn about the fun history of aviation and some things that could happen or are happening in the future.

We really like that this museum also has lots of things pertaining to space. They have a full-scale NASA space shuttle that you can see as well as the cockpit of a 747 airplane. It typically takes a few hours to go through the museum, but it can take a little longer, depending on how fast or slow you go.

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13. Go to a Seahawks Game

Seahawks Football Stadium

There’s something about being part of the 12th man in Seattle that is just captivating. If you’re going to Seattle during football season, check the schedule for a home game. This is one of our favorite things to do in Seattle for families, but keep in mind it might be best with your older kids.

Take some time to meet the locals around you and enjoy the game! If football is not your thing or you are visiting in the spring and summer, check out the Seattle Mariners’ schedule. The sporting events are some of the best things to do in Seattle.

14. Fly a Kite at Gas Works Park

There is lots of room for kids to play at Gas Works Park

Gas Works Park is a great stop for a picnic and a couple of hours in the sunshine. The park contains remnants of the Seattle Gas Light Company plant as well as a large hill that is popular for kite flying and picnicking on a sunny day.

It also has a beautiful view of Seattle. Hike to the top of the hill and hang out with the locals.

15. Underground Donut Tour

donuts from the Underground Donut Tour in Seattle

We probably enjoy lots of sweets because we love things that involve sugar. For those who enjoy donuts, check out Seattle’s Underground Donut Tour.

The tour is a walking tour, and you will get to see some of the best donut shops in town. A local guide will guide you through the great shops and the city as you explore some fun donut options. We live next to a donut shop, and we often use it as the gold standard to compare many of the donut shops we explore on our trips.

BOOK Seattle Underground Donut Tour

16. Ride Bikes at Alki Beach

Riding bikes at Alki Beach

If you’re ready to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Seattle but don’t want to go too far, Alki Beach is the place for you. It is a long beach strip that is about 2.5 miles long with a path for walking, biking, and rollerblading.

The beach has plenty of places to play in the sand, including volleyball courts. Do not count on too much swimming, though. The average water temperature is 46 to 56 degrees.

Views from the beach include the Puget Sound, filled with ferries, sailboats, and steamships, the cityscape, and the Olympic Mountains, making this area one of the best things to do in Seattle, Washington. While you are in this neck of the woods, check out Husky Deli. The salted caramel milkshake is to die for!

17. Seattle Harbor Cruise

Seattle Harbor Cruise

We have gone on so many harbor cruises I couldn’t tell you how many we have done, but we still enjoy getting out on the water for these cruises. This Seattle Harbor Cruise is such a nice way to see the city from a different vantage point.

When visiting the city, everything is so large as you stand right next to it, but as you explore from the water on a Seattle boat tour, you can see many of the places you will or have visited on your trip. This is a super fun way to get a little different perspective of how large things actually are and how much there is out there.

Take a ride on this one-hour cruise of the Seattle Harbor and learn about the historic oceanfront. The cruise is narrated, and the breeze standing on the boat is great. However, it can get a little chilly so bring a jacket if you have one.

BOOK Seattle Harbor Cruise

18. Seattle Sailing Harbor Tour

Sailboat in front of the Space Needle in Seattle

If you are looking for some more options to see the city from the ocean, check out this 2-hour Seattle Sailing Harbor Tour. This tour is a little more intimate as the boat is a smaller boat, and it is also a sailboat. This gives a little more adventure to your sightseeing from the ocean.

As the title states, the tour is approximately 2 hours, and you can choose from early or late afternoon departures. Both are great options, and many people who take this tour give it great ratings. There’s something adventurous and dreamy about taking a sailboat out in the ocean with your kids.

BOOK Seattle Sailing Tour

19. Woodland Park Zoo

Woodland Park Zoo animals, one of the best things to do in Seattle with kids

Another low-key place to spend the afternoon is the 92-acre Woodland Park Zoo. There are 11 exhibits ranging from Tropical Asia to the Northern Trail. Some of our favorite animals were the orangutan, the Malayan tiger, the Humboldt penguin, and the giraffe.

The Woodland Park Zoo is part of the Seattle City Pass, so make sure to utilize it when you visit!

20. Hike Kerry Park

Kerry Park in Seattle

Kerry Park is one of the best places to take pictures of the Space Needle and downtown Seattle. It is on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill. Views include downtown Seattle, Elliott Bay, Bainbridge Island, and Mount Rainier.

If you are wanting a perfect photo of your Seattle vacation for your social media – this is the place to go!

21. Indoor Skydiving

The Seattle Indoor Skydiving Experience is a fun, outside-of-the-box experience that can give you a thrill without the need to jump out of an airplane. There are a few things to keep in mind if you do this experience. The amount of time you are actually skydiving in the tunnel is not a super long time, and an instructor will typically be in the tunnel with you to ensure you don’t crash.

This is a great experience for beginners or people who have not been skydiving before, as you will have all the instruction and gear you will need. One more thing to keep in mind is that there are some weight requirements.

If you weigh between 260 and 300 pounds, you may be able to participate but will first need an evaluation, and if you weigh over 300 pounds, you are not able to do this activity.

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22. Hike the Discovery Park Loop Trail to the Lighthouse

Hiking is one of the best things to do in Seattle with kids

The hike is perfect for every nature lover out there – especially if you are bringing your kids. The trail is 2.8 miles long and only 140 feet of elevation change. Herons and the occasional bald eagle can be spotted.

Going down to the lighthouse adds a little more difficulty and length to the hike, but it is worth the extra effort. It is one of the best things to do outside in Seattle. We absolutely loved spending time on the beach and admiring the lighthouse after our hike down.

23. Ballard Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

Ballard Locks near Seattle

This was our biggest surprise on our last trip to Seattle. The Ballard Locks connect Puget Sound with Lake Union to allow boats to pass between the two. Take some time to explore the locks and watch as the boats go through them.

Water levels drop as much as 26 feet to bring boats even with the Puget Sound. The grounds also contain a fish ladder for salmon and steelhead swimming upstream to spawn and a botanical garden.

24. Fremont Troll

Family with the Fremont Troll

This quirky troll fits in perfectly with the town of Seattle. He was built as a community project and still has a large influence in the area today. The Fremont Troll is larger than you think and is a great place to climb and explore. It is a fun, quick stop for family-friendly things to do in Seattle.

Before taking off, spend some time exploring the Fremont Neighborhood. It is an artsy neighborhood with tons of interesting shops and places to eat, making it one of the best things to do in Seattle, Washington.

25. Sky View Observatory

The Sky View Observatory is a great alternative or different perspective than the iconic Space Needle. The Sky View Observatory is higher than the Space Needle, and it is cheaper to visit. The views are different because there are more buildings around the Sky View Observatory than there are by the Space Needle.

If you are looking for some great views of Seattle, the Sky View Observatory is a good option.

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26. Olympic Sculpture Park

Olympic Sculpture Park has lots of fun things to do in Seattle with kids

The Olympic Sculpture Park is a free park that is open to the public. The 9-acre park is filled with artwork and is a great place to enjoy beautiful views of Seattle’s Elliott Bay. The simple park is a great place to go for a walk, enjoy the views from the park benches and get some fresh air.

It is not an overly large park, so we wouldn’t consider it a must-see, but if you have some extra time or enjoy artwork, you will enjoy a stroll through the park as one of the fun things to do in Seattle with kids.

27. Eat at Pike Place Chowder

Chowder from Pike Place Chowder

Just around the corner from Pike Place Market, you will find one of the most awarded restaurants in Seattle – Pike Place Chowder. They serve eight different kinds of clam chowder, including their famous New England clam chowder.

Our advice – order the New England chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. It is one of the best things to do in Seattle with kids. We also really enjoyed the sampler. You can either order four 5 oz servings or eight 5 oz servings. They were all so yummy!

28. Seattle Children’s Museum

Kid at the Seattle Children's Museum

The Seattle Children’s Museum has a little bit of everything for all of your kids. This is more of an activity center than your typical museum. You will be able to play with a wide range of exhibits, and they change periodically.

Our kids love the play area with dress up here, and they also enjoy the airway station. Even Coltin likes this station for a while. We often try to race and see how fast we can put the objects through the air tunnels.

29. Pacific Science Center

Pacific Science Center in Seattle

The Pacific Science Center is another great area that evolves and grows over the years. They are always adding new exhibits and things to explore. They have added an IMAX Theatre and Laser Dome, but there is so much more. This museum and others are great options if you happen to visit on a rainy day.

You will enjoy the butterfly house that has more than 1,000 colorful butterflies and plants. They also have a dinosaur exhibit, planetarium, Live Science Stage, and a waterworks area. If you want to attract the butterflies when you visit, make sure to wear white. White will more likely attract butterflies, so they may land on you.

30. Museum of Pop Culture

Museum of Pop Culture

If you enjoy music, fantasy, science fiction, or Hip-Hop, the Museum of Pop Culture is where you will find some great scenes. We really enjoy learning about how pop culture has shaped our lives and society as a whole. There are so many things that shape what we do, and we don’t even realize it.

This museum gives you a great understanding of the historical importance of pop culture while exploring all this entails. They even have a section on horror movies if that is your thing. We are typically babies and don’t get too close to horror films.

31. Seattle Art Museum

Seattle Art Museum

SAM, also known as the Seattle Art Museum, is all about art and celebrating it. We are not huge art people, but we do love to gawk at its beauty and try to see things from different perspectives. You don’t have to be an art guru to enjoy the Seattle Art Museum, but it is a place that art lovers and art appreciators will enjoy.

The exhibits, like many other museums, rotate. If you have been once, don’t think you have seen it all because things change frequently. You can check out the SAM website to see what is there, what is coming, and what has been there.

All of the Seattle museums have great events and programs for adults, families, and couples, so if you are looking for something fun, keep your eye out for the upcoming programs and events.

32. The Seattle Great Wheel

Seattle Great Wheel

The Seattle Great Wheel is the iconic Ferris wheel that sits along the waterfront park. This is a fun way to see the waterfront, especially if you do not have a lot of time. The wheel can be fun during the day or during the night.

At night it is super fun to see all the city lights and the lights from the huge Ferris wheel. Again like many of the other attractions, the Seattle Great Wheel offers some fun dinners and romantic options, especially around Valentine’s Day.

33. Stone Gardens Seattle (Edge Works Climbing)

Stone Gardens, which is now also known as Edge Works Climbing, is an indoor climbing facility. One of our favorite things about traveling and exploring is getting our kids to see and do new things. Climbing is one of those things we have introduced our kids to in different areas, and they love it.

We are often amazed at how young our kids can be to learn and do new things, it just takes our willingness to show them and take them. If you want to try something different to get your kids some exercise, check out Edge Works Climbing.

34. Artists at Play Playground

Artists at Play Playground is one of the best things to do in Seattle with kids

The Artists at Play Playground is a great playground for kids of all ages. The playground is a really good size, and it has some great slides and play structures. It is fun because it is not your typical playground. There are multiple large slides and some smaller options for smaller kids. It is a top outdoor area if you are looking for Cool things to do in Seattle with kids.

The playground has some fun towers the kids can climb that lead up to the slides, and there is a mesh walking bridge path between the slides. They also have a large rope climbing area underneath the main slides. A great place to hang out, have a picnic, or visit with friends.

35. International Fountain

The fountain is one of the fun things to do in Seattle with kids

The International Fountain is a great place to cool off. It is part of the Seattle Center along with the Space Needle, glass museum, and Artists at Play Playground. The International Fountain is basically a large splash pad-type area that can accommodate a lot of people.

Younger children and older children will love playing in the water, and the splash pad is in the middle of a concrete arena-type structure, making it a great place for the adults to visit, and they can easily see all their kids. This is one of the best Seattle outdoor kid activities, especially if it is hot outside.

36. Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture

The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture is an essential part of Seattle’s history and culture. Founded in 1899, it was the first public museum in Washington State and has grown to become one of the largest natural history museums in the region.

Located on the University of Washington campus, it features a wide variety of exhibits that showcase both the natural history and cultural heritage of the Puget Sound region, from Native American artifacts to prehistoric fossils and modern life forms.

The museum also features scientific research programs, educational resources, public programs, and events designed to engage visitors with the natural world.

37. Volunteer Park Conservatory

Volunteer Park Conservatory in Seattle, Washington

The Volunteer Park Conservatory is a great place to visit all year round in Seattle, Washington. It is a greenhouse and garden located inside the larger park that features tropical plants, cacti, and succulents from around the world.

You can walk through the greenhouses to see the many different plants and flowers, or take a guided tour to learn more about plant life. The conservatory also hosts special events throughout the year, including workshops, classes, and seasonal exhibitions. It is beautiful all year round, so make sure to check it out when you’re visiting the city.

38. The Center for Wooden Boats

Wooden Boat in Seattle

The Center for Wooden Boats is an educational and historical center dedicated to preserving the unique history of this type of boat. Located near Seattle’s historic waterfront, the center offers visitors a chance to learn more about wooden boats and how they were used in the past.

You can take a tour of the museum to see their variety of wooden boats and artifacts, as well as learn more about the construction of these vessels. They also offer hands-on classes where you can learn how to build your own boat or maintain a wooden vessel. A great educational experience for all ages!

39. Whale Watching

Orcas in the ocean near Seattle

The options for whale-watching tours in Washington abound. There are lots of really great places to watch whales, and you don’t have to travel far from Seattle to see them.

However, a couple of the best options for whale watching are from Friday Harbor and Anacortes. Both options are not overly complicated to get to from Seattle. Anacortes is less than 1.5 hours from Seattle.

If you happen to be visiting Seattle in December, don’t rule out a whale-watching trip. This is one of the best times of year to see the majestic creatures!

BOOK Anacortes Whale Watching Trip

Map of Best Things to Do in Seattle with Kids 

Where to Eat in Seattle With Kids 

Seattle is one of our favorite cities for good food! There are hardly any chain restaurants in Seattle, so be prepared for authentic and locally-owned restaurants. It is even hard to find a McDonald’s there.

There are so many different restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, plus some serving authentic and delicious Seattle-style meals. Seattle is famous for its chowders and fish!

Pike Place Chowder

Bread bowl from Pike Place Chowder

Just around the corner from Pike Place Market, you will find one of the most awarded restaurants in Seattle – Pike Place Chowder. They serve eight different kinds of clam chowder, including their famous New England clam chowder.

Our advice – order the New England chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. It is one of the best things to do in Seattle Washington. We also really enjoyed the sampler. You can either order four 5 oz servings or eight 5 oz servings. They were all so yummy!

8 oz. Burger & Co

If you are craving a burger during your weekend in Seattle, make your way to 8 oz. Burger. They have delicious garlic truffle fries to go along with their gourmet hamburgers. “The 8 oz.” burger is a classic burger served with arugula, balsamic onions, bacon, cheddar, and truffle aioli.

Taco Chukis

There are Tacos Chukis locations throughout downtown and the nearby neighborhoods, so you won’t have to go far to fill your taco craving. They serve a full menu of burritos, quesadillas, tortas and mulitas. Be sure to order a slice of their signature sweet grilled pineapple.

Bakery Nouveau

Brunch in the beautiful summer Seattle weather is something special. Stop by Bakery Nouveau for their double-baked almond croissant and other delicious pastries.

Matt’s in the Market

If you’re looking for dining close to Pike Place Market, head to Matt’s. The restaurant is on the second floor of the market and serves a variety of American and seafood dishes. One of their specialties is a fried catfish sandwich.

We hope this has helped you realize all of the many fun and amazing things to do in Seattle, Washington. It is one of the cities we love visiting, and we always find new restaurants to try or neighborhoods to explore. It is a beautiful city.

What to Pack for Seattle With Kids

When we visit Seattle, we usually make sure to bring light jackets for ourselves and our kids. Outside of the summer, Seattle can get a good amount of rain, but even in the summer, if you go on a boat or are around the ocean, the breeze can be a little chilly.

Rain jacket for kids in Seattle

SHOP Girls Rain Jackets

We take water bottles with us everywhere we go. The changes in climates always seem to make us a little more thirsty than normal. Making sure everyone has food and water while exploring is a great recipe for a successful trip. REI has many great options for kids and adults alike.

Water bottles for kids in Seattle

SHOP Waterbottles

If you don’t already have a stroller you like, UPPAbaby makes a great stroller. If you buy it from REI, you also get a great 1 year no, questions asked return policy. They are a little expensive, but they work great. We have taken this stroller with us all over the country, and we love it!

Uppababy Stroller

SHOP UPPAbaby Strollers

On almost all of our trips, one essential is a good backpack. We use this in the city as well as in the national parks and on hiking trails. It is great to have a high-quality pack to make sure you have everything you need to keep your kids happy on your adventures.

Check out REI’s selection of affordable and great backpacks.

Backpack for exploring Seattle

SHOP Backpacks

How to Get to Seattle

Flying into Seattle is one of the easiest ways to get to the city, and the best airport to fly into is the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The airport is 20 minutes south of downtown Seattle.

Getting a rental from the airport is a great way to get around. Check prices at Discover Cars. They offer great rates and a wide variety of options in the Seattle area!

BOOK a Rental Car

There are a handful of options for getting to Seattle if you are driving, depending on if you are coming from the north, east, or south. However, you will typically take either the I-5, which goes from Canada to Las Angeles, or you will take the I-90, which comes from the West.

Seattle is also a great city to drive to. We drive from Boise, Idaho, to Seattle, and the drive is one of those drives that feels shorter than it is because of the great scenery on the way.

  • Vancouver, BC to Seattle > 2.45 hours, 230 km
  • Portland, OR to Seattle > 2.75 hours, 174 miles
  • Boise, ID to Seattle > 7.45 hours, 494 miles
  • Salt Lake City, UT to Seattle > 12.5 hours, 830 miles

Seattle is also a great destination to add as part of a Highway 101 West Coast Trip. Seattle and the Olympic Peninsula near Forks are both beautiful.

Pike Place Fish Co in Seattle, Washington

Getting Around Seattle

Seattle does have public transportation in a Streetcar System but we would recommend getting a rental car or using Uber/Lyft. They also have multiple ferries that you can take on foot or with your car. Getting on them is easy.

The city is not hard to drive around in, and if you are not familiar with public transportation, it can be a pain.

Compare your rental car prices and options at Discover Cars

Do I Need a Car in Seattle?  

You do not have to have a car in Seattle, as there are multiple other options for getting around. However, many of the locals do drive a car. Riding a bike is another reasonable option, but we prefer to have a car when we are in Seattle.

View of Seattle from the top of the Space Needle

Where to Stay with Kids in Seattle

The best part of town to stay in is the downtown area near Pike Place Market and Belltown, especially if you don’t have a car. There are a bunch of different hotels based on your budget.

Budget: Staypineapple, Hotel FIVE

Within walking distance of the Space Needle and the Seattle Center, Staypineapple is a great budget hotel option but still has great amenities. There are free bicycles for guests to use as well as free Wi-Fi and daily refreshments in the lobby.  

Budget: Belltown Inn

The Belltown Inn is only a 10-minute walk from Pike Place Market and the Waterfront area. There is a furnished rooftop terrace for soaking in those Seattle views. There is free Wi-Fi, and this location is pet-friendly!

Midrange:  Warwick Seattle

Warwick Seattle is a hotel inspired by Seattle culture, with rooms boasting beautiful city views. There is an on-site restaurant as well as an indoor pool and hot tub. Continental breakfast is served daily. It is about a seven-minute walk from Pike Place Market.

Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

The Four Seasons Hotel is the definition of luxury in Seattle. On-site, there is a full spa, rooftop infinity pool, and outdoor fireplace. The hotel is a five-minute walk to Pike Place Market and a two-minute walk to the Seattle Art Museum.  

Girl on the beach with the Seattle skyline in the back

RV Park: Tall Chief RV Resort

Located just 30 minutes from downtown, Tall Chief RV Resort is a great place to stay if you are visiting Seattle with an RV. The campground has beautiful views of the Cascade Mountains and is only 15 minutes from stunning Snoqualmie Falls.

There are 50 amp and 30 amp sites with water and electricity as well as cottages and yurts for rent. There are lots of fun amenities on site, like a swimming pool, billiards room, volleyball, sauna, pickleball court, and miniature golf.

Rates for the RV sites start around $68 per night. If you are going to be there for more than a few nights, it is well worth your money to join Passport America. You will get 50% off your nightly rate at Tall Chief RV Resort by using the membership.

FAQ: Things to do in Seattle with Kids 

Is Seattle good to visit with kids?

Yes, Seattle is a good place to visit with kids. They have a lot of fun things that the whole family will enjoy doing. We have frequented Seattle with our kids over the years.

What part of Seattle is best for families?

The entirety of the Seattle area is fun for kids. You can take them on boats, in the city, in parks, or in museums throughout the area. We have not gone to an area in Seattle where we didn’t enjoy having our kids.

Space Needle view from the glass museum in Seattle

Where can I take my toddler in Seattle?

We have never gone to any area in Seattle where we felt we could not take our kids. We took our twins from a very young age to Seattle and have enjoyed it many times since. Taking the approach of, if we want to go, and the area is safe, our young kids can go too. We have applied this in Seattle and have never had issues.

Our family traveled much of the United States and has not failed with this approach yet.

Is 2 Days Enough to Seattle?

It depends on what you want to do. Can you see all the fun things to do in Seattle in Seattle in two days? No, you cannot visit all the fun things in Seattle in two days, but is it worth visiting for two days? Yes, it is. If you have a couple of days to explore Seattle, you should go visit.

Family enjoying the fun things to do in Seattle with kids

What is the best time to visit Seattle? 

The summer is the best time to visit Seattle. The weather is great in the summer, and there is not a lot of rain. This makes all of your activities very comfortable. Summer is our favorite time to visit the Pacific Northwest.

If you can’t make it during the summer, other parts of the year can still be enjoyable. Seattle in January offers a fun and different experience than that of the bustling summer months.

Conclusion: Things to do in Seattle with Kids

We hope you find these fun things to do in Seattle with kids as entertaining as we have. It won’t matter if you are looking for things to do in Seattle with toddlers, babies, or older kids; you will find Seattle entertaining. We have loved these activities and hope you have an enjoyable time exploring this eventful and unique city.

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