Seattle with Kids
A flying fish at the market, a Ferris wheel over the bay, and a ferry ride kids never get tired of, the version of Seattle that actually works with children in tow.
Seattle is genuinely one of the more family-friendly big cities anywhere, a waterfront built for slow exploring, hands-on museums, and enough playgrounds to fill a week regardless of the weather. Here’s how to spend the time on what actually works with kids.
Pike Place Market and the fish toss
Widely the easiest win in the city with kids, cheer on the famous fish toss at Pike Place Fish Market, then snack your way through the stalls. Arrive at or before 9am in summer, the market wakes up gradually and gets properly crowded by mid-morning.
The Seattle Great Wheel and the Aquarium
The Seattle Great Wheel, the tallest Ferris wheel on the West Coast, offers properly memorable views over Elliott Bay, particularly lit up at night. The Seattle Aquarium sits right nearby too, hands-on touch pools with sea cucumbers and a viewing area right under the pier.
Seattle Center’s Artists at Play
A properly well-designed playground right next to MoPOP, epic slides, ropes courses and a merry-go-round for older kids. The International Fountain nearby doubles as a proper splash pad in summer, and the Seattle Children’s Museum sits close enough to combine into one visit.
A ferry to Bainbridge Island
An easy half-day trip, the short ferry crossing itself is half the fun for younger kids fascinated by boats, and Bainbridge’s small-town charm makes for a relaxed change of pace. Discovery Park, back on the mainland, offers a similarly great outdoor stretch if a ferry ride isn’t in the cards.
The Museum of Flight
One of the largest air and space museums in the world, widely a hit regardless of age, a retired Concorde jet, Air Force One and NASA’s Space Shuttle Trainer all on display. Interactive exhibits keep even younger kids engaged well beyond just looking at planes.
If the weather turns
The Pacific Science Center, properly excellent for hands-on learning, and the Woodland Park Zoo’s indoor Zoomazium both work well as full rainy-day plans. The Seattle Children’s Museum rounds out a solid indoor rotation too, interactive exhibits built specifically for younger visitors.
Eating with kids
Tutta Bella, widely one of the most kid-friendly pizza spots in the city, comes recommended across multiple locations. Pike Place Chowder is worth sharing a bowl of regardless of age, and food trucks at Westlake or Seattle Center offer an easy, low-fuss option if picky eaters are along for the trip.
A few practical notes
Seattle is broadly stroller-friendly across most of downtown and the waterfront, though some hills around Pike Place can be a workout. A CityPASS is worth considering if you’re planning several paid attractions, it bundles admission at a real saving for families.
That’s everything I’ve got.
A note before you plan around this: prices, opening hours, booking requirements and admission details in this guide were correct at the time of writing, but venues change these often and sometimes without notice. Always check directly with the attraction or its official website before you travel or build a schedule around a specific time or price.
Before travelling to any destination featured on this site, please also check your government’s latest travel advice, as safety situations, entry requirements and travel warnings can change.
