5 Things To Do in Seattle as a Family
Visiting America’s Emerald City has been a place we have wanted to go as a family for quite some time so when the opportunity arose this year, we jumped at the chance to see and explore Seattle, Washington! The whole Pacific Northwest yields a beauty that must be seen in person to fully appreciate; a never-ending sea of evergreen trees create a lush and serene backdrop while the majestic Mount Rainier overlooks the metropolitan. Seattle is a bustling city with unique energy full of exciting activities and tourist destinations to visit. Here are our family’s top five suggestions for your family’s trip to Seattle.
Catch a Ferry Ride
The ferries are an essential part of Washington. We rode the ferry from Bremerton into Seattle so we had a fantastic view as the city emerged from the distance and grew on the horizon. Once we brought our car aboard, we enjoyed the trip walking around and partaking in a few snacks from the galley while appreciating the sights. While the ferry itself isn’t necessarily anything luxurious, the experience and the views more than makeup for it.
Tip: Bring a jacket, especially if you want to walk around the outside deck! The wind coming off the water is chilly and even in the middle of August, I wanted a sweatshirt.
The Seattle Waterfront
Seattle is home to several piers along the open-air promenade with dozens of attractions, restaurants, and shops. Visitors could spend a whole day simply exploring all this extensive boardwalk has to offer. Among the activities, the Seattle Great Wheel stands tall above the waterfront. We loved this unique opportunity to take the gondola ride 175 feet up above the land and sea. The Seattle Aquarium provides families with a fun-filled afternoon of adventure and appeals to children and adults alike. Additionally, along the waterfront visitors can enjoy a scenic boat tour, dine on fresh seafood, and find the perfect vacation souvenir.
Pike Place Market
At 115 years old, Pike Place Market is one of the oldest markets still operating in the United States. The market is a lively and soulful 9-acre neighborhood filled with historic shops and eateries. There are over 500 businesses that call this market neighborhood home, and every member of the family is sure to find something interesting.
Seattle Children’s Museum
Across the country, dozens of children’s museums provide hands-on, interactive engagement for children to explore, learn, and play. The Seattle Children’s Museum is no exception with 18,000 square feet of activities for children ages 0-10 years. Spending a few hours here will go by quickly as families get lost in the maze of exhibits.
Space Needle
Offering 360-degree awe-inspiring views and towering above the city, the iconic Space Needle is a must-see destination for any visitor. At the ground level, guests step into a glass elevator and are transported to the top floor in mere seconds. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy the picturesque views from inside with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, or outside with an open-air glass wall observation deck completely encircling the tower. A second level below the top tier contains the world’s first and only rotating glass floor. Sit, stand, or walk on the glass floor and look down the 605 feet drop to the ground if you dare!
