Seattle is a bustling city full of culture, and variety. Nicknamed ‘The Emerald City’ because of the vast amount of greenery, and the way it glistens after it rains – and it certainly does rain a lot. Seattle is full of people who push boundaries and redefine the conventional. Not many cities can boast birthing companies that have changed how the world does everyday life, hello Microsoft and Amazon. Seattle is also a city rich in music with evidence of this materializing on street corners, cafes, museums which all revolve around music. Seattle is also an amazing city to take the kids. Featuring a remarkable Zoo, well thought out children’s museums, and a myriad of fantastic playgrounds. One thing is sure, your little ones won’t be bored.

SIGHTS

Seattle Aquarium

Seattle Aquarium
1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101

My boys adore animals so the aquarium was sure to win their hearts. There are loads of exhibits to explore, some are interactive where your little ones get to touch the starfish in the tidepools or dress-up in the play area. With floor to ceiling glass, the aquariums are large and bright, filled with brightly coloured fish and plants, and often feature a friendly scuba diver who will wave hello to the children. There are also otters and seals, but the real show stopper for my boys was the large octopus. When it is not sleeping he loves to rollick around the glass, his long tentacles are like an artwork on display for all to see.

Kids Quest Children’s Museum
1116 108th Ave NE Bellevue 98004

This place is so much fun, especially for those under the age of 10. If you have young children and have seen all the sights of Seattle, I couldn’t recommend this place enough. We actually spent the entire day here where my boys played quietly and happily without any encouragement needed. Every room has a feature and focus of its own, some are better for younger children, but most activities suit a variety of ages. The best part is that you can leave and then return for free later that day, which is exactly what we did when lunch and a small break was needed. There is a mall walking distance away with loads of food and shopping options, making this the best place to visit ever! Seattle Centre also features a great Children’s Museum – https://thechildrensmuseum.org/

Artists at Play Playground.
Seattle Centre, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109

This playground is one of the most thoughtfully constructed I have experienced but is not the only amazing playground Seattle has to offer. This is in the centre of where it is all happening though, and very easily accessible. There is a very high rope climb children can ascend, and as both my husband and my 4-year-old had loads of fun doing this multiple times I can happily say it is good for children of any age –though it is recommended for 5 and up. The playground is designed around the theme of music, with most of the equipment featuring an element of sound. Bells chime as swings are swung, notes play when a letter tree is pushed, and there are sound stations which kids can interact with. It can get very busy on the weekends.

The Space Needle
400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109

It’s kind of that thing you have to do if you are a tourist in Seattle. It’s like taking a photo of yourself in front of the Eiffel Tower when in Paris, taking the boat out to view the Statue of Liberty when in New York. When in Seattle you go up the Space Needle. The wait to go up the small lift to the top can be incredibly long and laborious, which is made extra challenging if you have very little ones who would rather peek-a-boo or run around like crazy animals. The view from the top can be worth the wait, though the very little ones still may not be impressed. The lift back down is always a sure winner though.

Hippo at at the Zoo

Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 981
My pre-schooler hasn’t stopped talking about this place since we left, begging me to take him back. If only we lived in Seattle and I could take him there regularly, it really is a fantastic zoo which is well cared for. It was great to see some of the animals I don’t normally see in our backyard, like wolves and bears. Other highlights for my boys were the enigmatic hippos and chimpanzees. There is also a beautiful carousel right in the centre of the zoo which is just stunning. It features hand-carved horses, was made in 1918 and is only 1 of 150 vintage carousels left in the world.

Museum of Flight
9404 E Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108

This won’t suit all kids, but if you have younger ones who love aviation or anything large that moves, the Museum of Flight is definitely one to put on your hit list. Seattle being the birthplace and hub for Boeing makes it fitting to have an important museum like this in the city. Many of the exhibits are interactive, and you can walk in and enter quite a few of the planes. There is also a great cafe onsight. It is an easy bus ride from the city centre.

MoPOP
325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

MOPOP is fantastic but is certainly for the slightly older child. They often have amazing exhibitions which are well worth the visit. We visited when they had The Muppets exhibition, so it was perfect for my boys -and me, being a total Kermit fan! Currently, they are showing a Marvel exhibition until January 2019 which looks like it could delight you and any Marvel fans in your family for hours.

The Centre for Wooden Boats
1010 Valley Street, Seattle, WA 98109

This is one we didn’t actually get to, but it comes with high recommendations from the locals and is definitely one I will take my boys to next time I’m in Seattle. There are all kinds of boats to look at and explore, even various canoes and kayaks are docked here. There is story-time every Thursday from 11-12 which takes place onboard a vintage tugboat, which sounds idealistic! On Sundays there are free excursions on a few of the boats, this apparently gets busy after 10 am so arrive early. http://cwb.org/locations/south-lake-union/

FOOD AND DRINK

Starbucks

No, I’m not making a joke here, I really am suggesting you take yourself and your family to Starbucks while in Seattle. Its very first store began in Seattle after all, and there are more Starbucks here than any other city in the US. Regardless of where you are situated in Seattle just ask a local where the nearest Starbucks is and, generally, there will be one only a couple of blocks away. The Frappuccinos are quite satisfying on a hot afternoon, and the dependability of internet, a bathroom and a chair to sit down on can be a comforting and welcome break when children (and adults) are tired and in need of a quick break. The original store is situated in the middle of Pikes Market.

Mae Phim Thai
213 Pike Street

I would return to this place in a heartbeat when I visit Seattle again. Although not entirely ‘child-friendly’ the fact that the food came in less than 10 minutes makes this a win, everyone with children knows they don’t do waiting around, especially when food is involved. Food portions are huge, and takeaways are made available if you can’t consume it all in one go.

Beechers Cheese
Pike Place Market

Beechers cheese sits in the middle of Pike Market and is a perfect place for a quick bite with the children. If you are lucky enough to grab a seat you get to watch the cheese making in action through a huge glass window. You can sample and buy their delicious cheeses and small meals are also available, like soup topped with a lid of melted cheese, cheese toasties, or the best mac n cheese you may ever try – it’s basically cheese fondue with a bit of pasta to sop it up.

Getting Around

Hiring a car may be your best while in Seattle, though if you are right in the city then public transport is quite dependable. Bus drivers are generally quite helpful if you ask them the best way of reaching your destination, and you can easily clip your pushchair if using one, next to your chair so it doesn’t move around as the bus darts around the city.

WHERE TO STAY

Hyatt House
201 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

We stayed here and can’t recommend this place enough. Rooms are huge, beds are comfy, breakfast is large and varied. They are very accommodating to families with children, and the hotel is close to all the main attractions.