Planning a family vacation to Seattle is simmay realize thanks to the many family-friendly attractions and sights within the city limits and beyond. Seattle is highly walkable and has a robust public transportation system to make it easy to get around with kids in tow and on any budget. You’ll discover many affordable hotels courtesy of InterContinental Hotels Group in Seattle to make your accommodations booking simple if you have younger children with you. The following attractions are only a few of the dozens you’ll want to explore with your family.
The Seattle Aquarium
Image via Flickr by Ian Sane
Start your vacation with a visit to Seattle’s famous waterfront where you can see iconic sights and get some great photos with the mountains in the background. When you’re done taking in the outdoor sights, make your way over to the Seattle Aquarium to see a wide array of aquatic life.
The Seattle Aquarium is perched on the edge of Pier 59, which gives a great view of Elliott Bay. Just steps from the Pike Place Market, it’s a place to visit after grabbing breakfast or lunch at the market. More than 800,000 people visit each year to learn about aquatic life and conservation efforts while discovering sea animals from all over the world. The exhibits cater to a diverse range of ages, from toddlers to teenagers.
Seattle Children’s Museum
Rain is a given in Seattle, so it’s worth your while to save this indoor option for a day when you need to avoid the outside. In the shadow of the Space Needle, the Children’s Museum is an ideal stop for families with younger children. More than 20,000 feet of play space gives kids plenty of room to run and burn off some excess energy before heading back to the hotel room. The museum is designed for kids 10 and younger to learn and play in stimulating environments, including an optometrist’s clinic and a giant fort.
Woodland Park Zoo
Ranging more than 90 acres, the Woodland Park Zoo is dedicated to improving animal life through public education and conservation efforts, so even animal lovers can feel good about visiting the park. Spread over the expanse of the acreage, animals are grouped in zones according to their country of origin. Families with children 6 and older can sign up for behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters with tigers, penguins, and lemurs.
Pacific Science Center
If you’re traveling with teenagers, the Pacific Science Center is a great place to get them engaged. With interesting exhibits, two IMAX theaters, a laser dome, and an outdoor education exhibit, you’ll find enough activity to fill at least a day. Check the calendar before your visit to see if any special programs or lectures, which take place several times a month, are scheduled during your visit.
Seattle is a great family destination with plenty to see and do both indoors and outdoors. Even if your family includes kids of all age groups, you can find plenty to keep them occupied at any time of year. With a little planning, you’ll find plenty to see and do during your visit. And if you fancy getting out of the city, try these weekend trips from Seattle.