5 Things Your Kids Will Love About Seattle, WA

I am always looking for new and exciting things to do with my daughter. She is a geek like me and loves visiting museums (I mean that in a good way) and what not, so one of the first things she asks when we are talking about taking a trip is how cool the city’s zoo and museums are.

We’ve always wanted to visit Seattle, Washington and hope to do so very soon. We’ve even already made a tentative itinerary for when that day finally arrives. Since we may not be able to make it this year, I wanted to share my list of wonderful things to do in Seattle with your children!

Seattle Aquarium

Not only with your children get a kick out of the wonderful exhibits at the Seattle Aquarium, but with its prime location on Pier 59, they will also enjoy the beautiful view around the aquarium (and you will too!).

Your children can see, touch and explore the sea life of Puget Sound tide pools in the Life on the Edge exhibit. It’s a great way for younger children to really experience the aquarium – well all know that kids like to get their hands dirty!

Also check out the Underwater Dome and experience Puget Sound’s sea life! If you arrive early enough, you can witness the daily talk and feeding at 1:30pm! Talk about exciting! You can meet the otters and seals of the Seattle Aquarium in the Marine Mammals exhibit, and catch the daily talks and feedings at 11:30am and 2pm! You can also check out the Otter cam to get your children excited about the exhibit before they go!

One of the coolest exhibits has to be Ocean Oddities, where you can discover some of the ocean’s most unusual creatures from habitats all over the world!

Adults 13 & over are $19.95, children ages 4 – 12 are $13.95 and children 3 and under are free!

Pacific Science Center

Pacific Science Center opened its doors in 1962 as the first U.S. museum founded as a science and technology center! Between two IMAX theaters, a Tropical Butterfly House, Live Science Stage shows, Discovery Carts, and a Laser Dome, the Pacific Science Center is a great way to spend an entire day with your family.

Hours vary by season, but are generally open 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Sunday (closed on Tuesdays).

Prices for adults start at just $14 for regular admission or $18 for admission and the IMAX experience, or just $7 for children’s regular admission and $13 for admission and the IMAX experience.

Space Needle

When the Space Needle was built in 1962 it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River! It’s still pretty impressive, with the Observation Deck reaching 520 feet! Your children will experience the thrill of a lifetime by taking the elevator all the way to the top and checking out the amazing view! There is also the world-famous Sky City Restaurant located on the top deck, which would make for a wonderful dining experience with your family!

Adult Admission is $19, or $26 for a visit during the day and the night, and just $12 for children’s admission (ages 4-12) and $17 for admission during the day and at night. Children 3 and under are free!

The Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum is a 22,000 square foot environment just for children and their families. Each and every exhibit is interactive, which allows little hands and growing minds to play and learn at the same time! With 11 permanent exhibits, bi-annual traveling exhibits and daily programs, children are certain to have the time of their life – oh, and parents will have fun too!

The Museum is open Monday through Friday from 10am – 5pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 6pm. Children under one year are free and admission is $7.50 for adults and children, and $6.50 for grandparents. I love that they offer a discount for grandparents!

Pioneer Square

Pioneer Square is a ninety acre historic district, devoted to art, history, culture and entertainment. With many of the buildings dating back to the 1800′s, you could easily spend a day just walking around and taking in all that the area has to offer. But of course there are fun things for the kids to do as well!

The Seattle Underground Tour is a really cool tour of the underground city that used to be Seattle. After the great fire of 1889, the city was eventually rebuilt right on top of the old buildings! Tour times vary depending on the season, and prices are generally $7 for children and $15 for adults. Your best bet is to check with them before planning your tour to ensure that they are up and running!

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is part of a series of four Park Service museums dedicated to the Yukon gold rush. This small space is dedicated to the process and the journey involved in panning for gold in Alaska around the turn of the century. Walking tours and an audio visual presentation are available. The park rangers give gold panning demonstrations which are quite popular with kids.

For just $6, you gain access to the open air deck on the 35 floor of the Smith Tower. The tower opened in 1914, as was for many years the tallest building on the West Coast. The 35 floor is also home to the Chinese room – furnished and decorated with materials given to L.C. Smith by the Empress of China. The view is not as wide as the one you will see from the Space Needle, but is never crowded, and gives you a strong connection to the history of the city.

Of course, while you’re in Seattle, you have to take your kids to the Gum Wall in Park Place Market…that’s right, it’s a huge wall entirely covered in chewed bubble gum! Make sure to bring a long a pack of gum so that your children can add to the wall while they are there!

Jenn, The Rebel Chick is a travel-addicted blogger living in sunny South Florida with her husband and daughter. When she’s not planning her next adventure, she stays busy blogging, baking and walking her three dogs! Check her out on Facebook and Twitter for updates on her adventures.