Photo Credit: Jana Obscura
We have been planning or more precisely dreaming about our Seattle trip since last June. As soon as the organizers of TBEX announced that they will host the TBEX 2011 in Vancouver, we knew we couldn’t go to Vancouver without visiting Seattle.
It has been a busy time at our house but you might not have noticed due to the lack of activities from us on the social media world. Anyway, as much as we hate to make any commitment, we finally have a rough plan on what we want to do in Seattle.
It was hard to narrow down many great things to do in the Emerald City to fit into 7 days itinerary but we think we did it.
So here it is…
Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Seattle
1. Pike Place Market Tour with Shutter Tours
Photo Credit: Robert S. Donovan
There is no doubt that Pike Place Market is one of the most popular tourist destination in Seattle. What not to love when you have the bustling of people and vendors with the fresh food and produces all in one place. But we don’t want to just wander around aimlessly without guidance. Sure, we can print out various tips online or bring our trusty Seattle Guide Books
Entering Shutter Tours! We don’t remember how we found out about them but after reading about their walking tour, we knew this is one experience we want to do with our kids. We love to take pictures but how cool is it to have a professional photographer help you out while walking around this famous place!
2. Seattle Aquarium
Seattle Aquarium
With the convenient location in downtown waterfront, the Seattle Aquarium is definitely a must-see for us during our visit. Yes, we do have Georgia Aquarium in our backyard with many family favorite moments but we also love to explore and visit different aquarium. It’s just steps away from the Pike Place market so it’s easy for us to add that to our itinerary for our day in Seattle downtown.
We have read many great reviews about the jelly fish so I will most likely come back with a bunch of photo for the jelly fish.
3. Seattle Art Museum
Photo Credit: Shayne Kaye
We don’t pretend to be the art expert but we do enjoy a leisure day at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta whenever we have a chance. So to hear so many praise about the Seattle Art Museum, we just have to add that to our list.
Also we will be there during the first week of the month so it’s a great opportunity to take advantage of free admission for first Thursday of the month. Nothing makes us happier than saving on our family trip.
4. Seattle Central Library
Photo Credit: Theodore Scott
We love visiting library especially one with a unique feature. We have been to a hidden library in downtown Bangkok and now we can’t miss check out the Seattle Central Library. Right next to Hotel Monaco where we will be staying, it will be an easy walk.
We have read that the children section is amazing and the architect is awesome and inspiring. Plus it’s free to visit which is always a big plus for our trip planning.
5. Pacific Science Museum
Photo Credit: Jan Tik
We are a big fan of Science museums in general. Wherever we travel, we always find time to visit local science museum. The Pacific Science Museum seems like a great place to explore for the whole family. With a minimal fee, kids can also enjoy IMAX movie or watch the laser show but I know that the hand-on exhibits will keep them busy for hours here.
Plus, we are hoping that now the kids are a bit older and have been in school for a few years they will slow down and learn something fun from the Pacific Science Museum. Maybe we might learn something new as well. We are never too old to learn.
6. Space Needle
Photo Credit: ?Mike
An iconic landmark for Seattle is something we just have to check it out. Yes, it’s touristy but the Space Needle also gives us a bird’s eye view of the city and beyond. But we have to make sure that the weather is clear though seeing how weather can change easily in this Pacific Northwest city.
7. Experience Music Project (EMP) & Science Fiction Museum
Photo Credit: BryanAlexander
The advantage of traveling with school-ages kids is that their interests have expanded and we tend to have more in common than in the past. My big sci-fi kids will disown me if we don’t visit the Science Fiction Museum while we are in Seattle.
Also with all the buzz about how unique the EMP is we just have to see it for ourselves.
8. Kerry Park & Olympic Sculpture Park
Photo Credit: Boy27wonder
We love spending time at a park while we travel. It gives kids some down time to relax and a great way to people watching locals going on with their everyday life. If we have more time, we will want to visit more parks. But these two are on the top of our list.
Kerry Park is a great spot for photography enthusiast to capture the picturesque view of the city. It might be just a view point but certainly can be a great competitor to the view from the Space Needle.
Olympic Sculpture Park seems like a fun place to visit and check out. What kids wouldn’t want to see unique & fun giant sculpture that they can check out.
9. Uwajimaya
Yes, it’s just a supermarket. BUT, it’s an Asian supermarket with a wide variety of Asian products and food. We (Ok… *I*) just have to pay homage to this place and take it all in while I can. Seattle is one of the largest Asian population in this country so I expect to try out many authentic dishes that I don’t find it in my hometown. Just like when we went to Los Angeles this destination is purely for my own craving for food!
10. REI
Ha! Another store but this time the mother of all outdoor store. We are a huge fan of REI. Yes, we do have REI store in Atlanta but it’s nothing fancy.
Their service is amazing. One time, we were able to exchange Mr. Rojo’s shoes that he bought 18 months ago and paid only a fraction of the cost for the new shoes! Talking about GREAT customer service. This might not be your typical tourist destination that you find in normal guidebook. But we found that visiting local store is a great way to learn about the town.
It’s not a complete list but it’s a start for us. So what else would you recommend of a can’t-miss visit in Seattle with kids?
About Amy Querido
The Q Family is a family of 4 with 2 school-aged kids who love to explore as much as their parent.
Great list! My kids (then 8 and 10) really liked the science museum — I’d make that a priority (okay, after iconic Space Needle & Pike Place Market).
See you in Vancouver!!
So many fun things, so little time. :) Can’t wait to catch up with you again in Vancouver!
This makes me crave a visit back to Seattle! I’ve only been once–summer of 2008–and it was cold and gray!
I have been warned about the weather. But hopefully, my shining personality will bring some Sun to the area. ;)
I’ve only been to Seattle once and it was only for a couple of hours but I would love to go back and see all these sites. What a great list!
We also liked the Seattle Zoo. It’s a great place to go wander with the kids and when we were there, there was quite a lot of interactive sessions with staff there to learn about the animals.
and for older kids, there is always a Mariner’s Game!
Thanks, Jackie! We have checked the schedule for the Mariner’s game but it doesn’t work out with our schedule. :( Maybe next time. :)
i totally want to go to Seattle now. Great list. I usually only associate Seattle with rain. :)
It has been on my list for a while so I’m very excited about this trip. And yes, I have been warned that it can rain but we just have to be prepared. :)
Enjoy your time at TBEX! I can’t believe you have REI on your list. I know of a friend who is on an adventure to visit all of the west coast REIs. Enjoy your trip and I look forward to maybe you giving a report on the REI store!
:) I know, right? We are a weird family. We love to do touristy stuff and also local store. Granted REI is not really local but we LOVE REI.
The EMP is so much fun. I think your kids will really love it. I was going to go to Seattle because I have a bunch of friends living there but decided that I didn’t have the time because the next week, I’m heading to Jamaica. So, unfortunately, when I head to TBEX this year, I’ll have to skip Seattle. Looking forward to seeing you at TBEX!
I can’t wait to meet you and Patrick again!!!
My kids will surely enjoy spending time here.
Thanks for the list of sites to visit. We’ll be going to Seattle in June.
Thanks! My kids will love this list! Here’s another one I found for things to do with the kids this summer.
http://www.redtri.com/seattle/50-things-to-do-with-the-family-in-seattle-this-summer