Summer's Half Over - Take the Kids to Seattle!

America’s Emerald City offers a plethora of family-friendly West Coast attractions. We had travel writer extraordinaire Michael Sissons check it out….

Famous for its tech industry, coffee culture and grunge music scene, Seattle is also an enticing holiday destination for families with young children. Packed with activities and attractions that will appeal to all ages, the Emerald City offers a laid-back Pacific coast vibe and a wide variety of accommodation options, making it perfect as a long weekend getaway for Lower Mainland families. Here are some of the highlights you'll want to add to your family's Seattle getaway itinerary this summer

Pacific Science Centre
Located on the shores of Lake Union, offering beautiful views of the water and the surrounding cityscape, the Pacific Science Center focuses on promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education via an intriguing array of rotating interactive exhibits and educational programs. Subjects range from space travel and natural history to biology and technology, offering children the chance to engage in hands-on activities and explore various scientific concepts. There's also a tropical butterfly house, a planetarium and an IMAX theatre showing science-oriented movies and documentaries.

*Guitars on display at Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture, which houses some of the world's most legendary popular culture artifacts. Credit: Mark Sissons*

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Founded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, this unique museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of rock and roll, as well as other genres of popular music. It boasts an extensive collection of iconic artifacts from music legends like Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana, as well as offering hands-on experiences like interactive stations where you can learn to play instruments, record your own songs, and experiment with different musical styles. There are also exhibits on iconic movies, TV shows ‌ and video games, making MoPOP a top attraction for kids of all ages.

Seattle Children's Museum
Offering a hands-on and interactive learning environment designed specifically for children, the museum features a wide range of exhibits and activities that encourage exploration, creativity and problem-solving skills. Children can engage with exhibits that focus on science, technology, engineering, arts ‌ and mathematics (STEAM) subjects in a fun and educational way.

*The Museum of Flight adjacent to Boeing Field is a delight for young and old alike. Credit: Mark Sissons*

The Museum of Flight
Boasting an impressive collection of over 175 aircraft, ranging from early aviation pioneers to modern jets and spacecraft, the museum offers visitors the opportunity to explore a wide variety of aircraft, including historic planes like the Boeing 747, the original Air Force One, the supersonic Concorde and even spacecraft like the Apollo command module. The Museum also offers a wealth of educational exhibits and resources that delve into the history and science of aviation. You can learn about significant milestones in flight, the evolution of aircraft technology and the brave individuals who shaped the aviation industry.

*The Seattle Aquarium is the Pacific Northwest's premier resource for hands-on marine experiences and conservation education. Credit: Rachael Jones*

The Seattle Aquarium
Situated on the waterfront of Puget Sound, the aquarium is home to a wide variety of marine species, including fish, invertebrates, mammals and birds. From colourful tropical fish to majestic sea otters and playful seals, kids can witness a diverse range of aquatic creatures up close and learn about their habitats, behaviours and conservation needs. They can also participate in interactive exhibits, hands-on learning stations and engaging shows that promote curiosity and understanding of the marine world. Highlights include the Window on Washington Waters exhibit, which replicates the local marine ecosystem, and the Underwater Dome, an acrylic viewing sphere that allows you to observe marine life from a 360-degree perspective. Other exhibits focus on coral reefs, tidal pools, and the fascinating world of jellyfish.

*More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. Photo credit: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo*

Woodland Park Zoo
Located in a picturesque setting, with lush green spaces and a well-maintained garden, the zoo offers a range of kid-friendly features and activities designed to cater to younger visitors. From play areas and nature-themed playgrounds to child-friendly exhibits and educational programs, children can enjoy hands-on experiences and connect with nature in a fun and engaging way. Whether it's the Tropical Rain Forest exhibit, the African Savanna or the Temperate Forest, each area provides a unique and immersive experience that transports families to different parts of the world.

*Pike Place Market is Seattle's original farmers market and the center of locally sourced, artisan and specialty foods. Credit: Rachael Jones*

Pike Place Market
Famous for its entertaining fishmongers who engage in lively fish-tossing routines, the waterfront Pike Place Market is a vibrant and iconic Seattle destination. Kids can explore its bustling stalls, interact with local vendors, watch street performers‌ and sample delicious fresh food. They can also watch local artists and artisans at work, learn about their creative processes and even participate in workshops or classes. Also located in Pike Place Market is the original Starbucks store, a popular landmark that attracts coffee enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.

Seattle Children's Theatre
Renowned for its high-quality productions tailored specifically for young audiences. The theatre presents a diverse range of shows, including adaptations of classic children's literature, original works and culturally diverse performances. Families can expect professional, age-appropriate performances with talented actors, imaginative sets and captivating storytelling.

*Seattle’s Great Wheel occupies a prime spot on the city’s waterfront. Credit: Rachael Jones*

Seattle Great Wheel
Offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city, Elliott and the surrounding area the Great Seattle Wheel offers a unique vantage point for families to enjoy stunning vistas and capture memorable photos of the Seattle skyline. Children will love the sense of adventure and the opportunity to see the city from a different perspective, and the wheel's slow rotation and enclosed gondolas provide a safe and enjoyable ride for families. The gondolas are equipped with audio guides that provide interesting facts and stories about the city's landmarks, history ‌ and culture. It's a fun and interactive way for children to learn while having a great time.

Space Needle

From the observation deck of Seattle’s most iconic landmark, you can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Seattle's skyline, the surrounding mountains‌ and the Puget Sound. The Space Needle also offers educational exhibits and displays that provide insights into the history, design‌ and construction of this engineering marvel, and dine while taking in the stunning views from the SkyCity Restaurant.

Where to stay

*The luxurious Four Seasons Seattle occupies a prime waterfront location in the heart of the city. Credit: Four Seasons Seattle*

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
Situated in the heart of downtown Seattle with stunning views of Elliott Bay & Puget Sound and Just a block from Pike Place Market, Seattle's premier luxury hotel is within walking distance of Pike Place Market, the Seattle waterfront, the Seattle Art Museum ‌ and numerous dining and shopping options. The outdoor infinity pool overlooks the Seattle Great Wheel, and the upscale Goldfinch Tavern, named after Washington State's official bird, offers craft beer and cocktails, freshly caught seafood, and other signature Pacific Northwest cuisine.

*The Lodge at St. Edward State Park is a beautifully restored former monastery. Credit: The Lodge at St. Edward Park*

The Lodge at St. Edward Park
For a rural experience still just 30 minutes from Seattle, stay at this new wellness retreat in a restored landmark building set on the eastern shore of Lake Washington. Stylishly marrying modern hospitality with stunning historical architecture, the Lodge was initially constructed in 1931 as a seminary to educate young men for the priesthood. It's since been converted into a luxury hotel, restaurant and spa nestled in a 326-acre forested park. Cedar+Elm Restaurant serves inspired Northwest cuisine, and Spa Vita Nova focuses on holistic, organic treatments with an eco-friendly sensibility