5 New Ways to Experience Seattle with Kids

Summer is fast approaching and it is time to start planning activities for the kids in your life. Seattle is a fantastic city to visit in the summer; either for the day or for even more fun, a 2-3 day staycation! Seattle has a lot of fun activities for kids. There is The Pacific Science Center, The Woodland Park Zoo, The Seattle Aquarium, and many other well-known attractions that have been around for decades. This past few months my kids and I have been able to visit some lesser known and newer Seattle attractions that we really enjoyed and I would like to share them with you here.

Wings over Washington – According to their website Wings over Washington is “ an aerial adventure” in which you “take a ride in the state-of-the-art "flying theater" that will transport you on an aerial adventure above one of America’s most scenic and beautiful states, Washington”. My six year old son and I went on this ride and we both thought it was pretty awesome and spectacular! Wings over Washington is located on the Seattle Waterfront at Pier57 - Miners Landing next to The Great Wheel. Guests must be a minimum of 40” tall to ride this ride. While you are there you can also get on The Great Wheel or let the kids ride the carousel inside Miners Landing. There are also many nice restaurants and shops in the area so it makes for a nice day on the waterfront.

Artists at Play Playground – This is an amazing playground located between The MoPop and Seattle Center Armory at Seattle Center. The description from their website is “A 30-foot Climbing Tower, recommended for children ages 5 to 12, joins an inviting Labyrinth with a Rebus at its center, human-powered ADA-accessible Carousel, child-inspired musical instruments, listening stations, sound swings, play mounds and "story lines" to offer child-friendly FUN in keeping with the mission and purpose of Seattle Center”. It is a wonderful free activity to get all the wiggles out!

Gates Foundation Visitor Center - After finishing at the playground walk across the street and visit the Gates Foundation Visitor Center. At the center visitors of all ages can go on an interactive journey through all the causes that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation supports around the world. Kids and adults can also learn how they can make a difference in the world. The visitor center is free to enter. My kids favorite part was the Innovation and Inspiration Gallery and the photo wall. Fun tip – Be sure to take your kids into the bathrooms!

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park - Yes, it is a National Park in the middle of Pioneer Square! A National Historical Park to be exact to preserve the history of the gold rush in Seattle. At the visitor center you can browse through two floors of interactive exhibits and films, you can also get info on a self-guided walking tour of Seattle’s history in Pioneer Square. Kids can also participate in the Junior Ranger program at this site. Admission is free. After you are done there you can walk about three doors down and visit another fun museum. The Last Resort Fire Department Museum. This museum is housed in the Seattle Fire Department Headquarters and has many fire trucks on display for you to view. They have old, older, and vintage. This also has free admission.

Seattle Underground Tour – This isn’t a new thing nor is it lesser known but I know for me it is not something I really think of when I think of activities for kids. But, what kid doesn’t want to go underground? And they can learn a little something at the same time. Win, win! Downtown Seattle has miles and miles of tunnels under its streets that still have the remains of buildings, street signs, and other history. And there are a few companies that have made it their business to take you inside those tunnels and show you that history and the tour guides are pretty entertaining at the same time.

Taking a trip to Seattle doesn’t mean you have to do the same things over and over again. Try something new, one or all on my list, and maybe you will find a few new activities of your own along the way. I hope that one of these becomes a new favorite of your family!