16 most family-friendly things to do in Seattle

As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to explore all the wonderful family-friendly things to do in Seattle! Whether you’re looking for educational experiences, outdoor adventures, or just some family fun, our vibrant city has something for everyone. Here are some fantastic suggestions to make your family outings unforgettable.

The best family-friendly things to do in Seattle:

Animal Encounters:

1. Woodland Park Zoo: Immerse yourselves in the animal kingdom. Explore diverse exhibits, watch educational programs, and get lost in the beauty of the Trail of Trees. (Location: 6400 Woodland Park Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 | Tickets: Adults $27.95, Youth $21.95, Seniors $23.95 | Website: https://www.zoo.org/)
2. Seattle Aquarium: Embark on an underwater adventure. Marvel at the Pacific Northwest’s marine life, touch creatures in interactive exhibits, and witness feeding demonstrations. (Location: 1415 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101 | Tickets: Adults $29.95, Youth $19.95, Children (3 & under) Free | Website: https://www.seattleaquarium.org/visit/plan-your-visit/)

Outdoor Adventures:

3. Gas Works Park: Enjoy panoramic city views and fresh air. Picnic amidst the unique industrial setting, fly a kite on the grassy expanse, or capture unforgettable family photos. (Location: 2101 N Basin St, Seattle, WA 98103 | Admission: Free | Website: https://www.seattle.gov/parks/allparks/gas-works-park)
4. Kerry Park: Capture breathtaking vistas of the Seattle skyline and Elliott Bay. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a leisurely afternoon soaking up the panoramic views. (Location: 21st Ave W & W Highland Dr, Seattle, WA 98119 | Admission: Free | Website: https://www.seattle.gov/parks/allparks/kerry-park)
5. Volunteer Park Conservatory: Step into a world of vibrant blooms. This historic glasshouse features a variety of plant life from around the globe, offering a tropical escape any time of year. (Location: 1400 Volunteer Park Dr, Seattle, WA 98102 | Admission: Free (donations appreciated) | Website: https://www.volunteerparkconservatory.org/)
6. Take a Ferry Ride: Experience Seattle from a different perspective. Hop on a ferry to Bainbridge Island or West Seattle for a scenic journey across the Puget Sound. (Location: Multiple ferry terminals throughout Seattle | Tickets: Prices vary depending on destination and travel time. Check ferry websites for details. Websites: https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries, https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/metro/travel-options/water-taxi/west-seattle)
7. Woodland Park Play Area: Let the kids loose at an expansive playground. Featuring a variety of structures, slides, swings, and climbing equipment, it’s a haven for little ones. (Location: Green Lake Way & N 65th St, Seattle, WA 98103 | Admission: Free | Website: *)

Cultural Experiences:

8. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): Get your pop culture fix! Explore interactive exhibits on music, science fiction, and video games, sparking curiosity for all ages. (Location: 325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109 | Tickets: Adults $29, Youth $22, Seniors $27 | Website: https://www.mopop.org/visit/)
9. Seattle Children’s Museum: Spark creativity and ignite curiosity. This interactive museum features hands-on exhibits designed to engage young minds, fostering a love of learning. (Location: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109 | Tickets: Adults $18, Youth $15, Seniors $16 | Website: https://seattlechildrensmuseum.org/)

9. The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture: Explore the wonders of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. This natural history museum features dinosaur skeletons, cultural artifacts, and interactive exhibits that spark a sense of wonder. (Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 | Tickets: Adults $19.95, Youth (6-17) $14.95, Seniors (65+) $17.95 | Website: https://www.burkemuseum.org/)

Whimsical Adventures:

11. Fremont Troll: Encounter a whimsical giant beneath the Aurora Bridge. Kids will love climbing on this larger-than-life creature, while adults can appreciate the artistic expression of the Fremont neighborhood. (Location: N 36th St & Troll Ave, Seattle, WA 98103 | Admission: Free | Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fremont_Troll)
12. Chihuly Garden and Glass: Immerse yourselves in a dazzling world of glass art. Explore vibrant sculptures and installations by renowned artist Dale Chihuly, housed in a stunning glasshouse and outdoor garden setting. (Location: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109 | Tickets: Adults $37, Youth (6-12) $22, Seniors (65+) $33 | Website: https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/)

Market Delights:

13. The Pike Place Market: Indulge your senses at the iconic market. From fresh seafood vendors throwing fish to tempting local produce stands, it’s a lively experience for all ages. Let the kids pick out a unique souvenir or grab a delicious snack. (Location: 1st Ave & Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101 | Admission: Free | Website: https://www.pikeplacemarket.org/)
14. Ballard Farmers Market: Savor the bounty of the Pacific Northwest. Explore a vibrant farmers market overflowing with fresh produce, artisan crafts, and delicious prepared foods. (Location: Sundays from 9 am to 3 pm at Ballard Ave NW & Leary Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 | Admission: Free | Website: https://www.sfmamarkets.com/visit-ballard-farmers-market/)

Live Performances:

15. Visit a Historic Theater: Get a free tour of The Paramount – a historic theater in downtown Seattle.  Tours are on the first Saturday of every month. (Location: 911 Pine Street, Seattle, WA 98101 | Admission: Free | Website: https://www.stgpresents.org/calendar/7426/free-paramount-tour )

Calm and Educational Activities:

16. Seattle Public Library – Main Branch: Spark a love of reading in a magnificent setting. Explore the grand architecture, browse the vast collection of books, and participate in a family story time. (Location: 4000 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98104 | Admission: Free | Website: https://www.spl.org/locations/central-library)

These are my favorite family-friendly things to do in Seattle! The city is brimming with activities that cater to every interest and age group. Take this opportunity to make wonderful memories with your loved ones, exploring the best the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

P.S. Remember to capture these special moments! For those looking to preserve these memories, consider scheduling a family photo session. Let’s create beautiful prints and artwork that you can cherish forever.