Seattle is a perfect trip for families with kids!
Why Is Seattle Awesome for Kids?
There are tons of things for kids to do!
You can easily find a long weekend filled with activities for you and your family and still leave with a list of things to do for next time!
Seattle is walkable!
So many sites are within walking distance, or you can use their monorail which is easy enough and super fun… Claire kept asking to go back on it throughout the day! We didn’t feel the need to rent a car in order to have enough to keep us occupied for our 5 days, 4 nights in the city. Next trip out there, I’ll rent one to venture out a bit more and see new things, but for a first time trip, it’s not vital.
There are tons of beautiful parks and places to play…
There is no shortage of outdoor space for your kids to run around at in Seattle!
And tons of options for if it’s rainy and overcast, too!
Is the weather not cooperating for some outdoor fun? No problem! With lots of kid-friendly museums and even a covered baseball stadium, no vacation day will be rained out!
Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market is a great site to check out with your kids!
General tips for Seattle with Kids
Consider Citypass
I would definitely get the CityPass to get discounted admission to attractions you will likely already be planning on visiting. The included attractions are all walking distance from each other (with the exception of the zoo) and it’ll take you to great kid-friendly locations. The inlcuded sites are: day and night tour of The Space Needle (to be done within 24 hours in order to get the two visits- we only did the day time since it got dark so much later than at home in LA), The Seattle Aquarium, Argosy Cruise Harbor Tour and either Chihuly Garden and Glass OR Pacific Science Center, plus Musuem of POP OR Woodland Park Zoo. In full disclosure, Visit Seattle did offer us CityPass vouchers to help us see what Seattle offers. I would still recommend those visiting Seattle to get CityPass regardless because of the value it offers and how kid-friendly all of these attractions are. Click here to check out Seattle CityPass to save money on kid-approved attractions.
Check the forecast
Take a look at how the weather is shaking out and plan your itinerary around it. Clear skies? Check out the Space Needle and a harbor cruise! Overcast? Head to a museum like the Pacific Science Center or a Baseball game (the roof closes during poor weather).
bring your kids to seattle center
Definitely hit up Seattle Center– there is a ton of green grass to run around in and the playground is great, where you’ll find tons of picnic tables if you want to pack your own lunch. Plus there is a giant fountain/splash pad over there in case it is hot!
save the car rental for next time
If it’s your first time in Seattle, I really don’t think you need to rent a car. You will find enough to do within walking distance.
Even if you don’t go up Seattle’s Ferris Wheel, your kids will love to watch it from the waterfront.
Check out more information on why you and your family should check out Seattle for your next vacation:
Seattle with Toddlers or Kids: Our Must-Do’s, Tips and Itinerary
Seattle’s Best Kid Friendly Restaurants
Seattle’s Best Photo-Op Locations for that Perfect Family Photo