Eight Family Seattle Vacation Ideas

Seattle is a perfect spot for a family vacation. From the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and water to the skyscraper buildings in the city, Seattle offers numerous activities for families—regardless of the weather.

When traveling with kids, always have a plan. You want the trip to be an enjoyable one. Make sure to go to places where everybody can have fun—luckily, Seattle has plenty of attractions and activities for everyone.

Here are my eight family vacation ideas:

Seattle Center: The 74-acre park is the best place to take the kids, because there’s so much to do. The park hosts free concerts, street performers, fine restaurants, shops and amusement rides.

Space Needle: In the middle of the Seattle Center is the iconic Space Needle. This 605-foot structure is the symbol of the city. Up 520-feet is the observation deck that has a killer view. Everyone will enjoy the scenic view of the city and the magnificent Mt. Rainier.

The Space Needle is located at 400 broad St. Phone: 206.905.2100.

Children’s Museum: Right in the heart of the city is the Children’s Museum. Seattle is known for its cultural diversity. The museum helps the kids explore and learn about other countries culture in the Global Village. They’ll see how their natural surrounding thrives and also take center stage in a theater complete with costumes and sound effects.

Admission prices are $7.50 for adults and children and $6.50 for grandparents and seniors. The Children’s Museum is located at 305 Harrison St. Phone: 206.441.1768.

Pacific Science Center: Found in Seattle Center, the Pacific Science Center is one of the most popular science centers in the world. Take your kids back in time when dinosaurs ruled or watch a butterfly come-out from its chrysalis in the Tropical Butterfly House.

The Center is open daily from M-F 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Pacific Science Center has extended hours in the summer.

Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for children ages 3-12. Children two and under are free. The Pacific Science Center is located at 200 Second Ave North. Phone: 206.443.2001.

Safeco Field and Qwest Field: For sports enthusiasts like us, going to a major league game and a pro football game are the highlight of the trip. It’s been a while since I’ve seen the Seahawks and the Mariners play, but when I did, I had the best time ever.

Seattle has the best stadiums in the nation. It’s awesome.

For more information log on to their websites: Seattle.mariners.mlb.com and seahawks.com.

Washington State Ferries: Considered as the second-largest transit system in Washington.

The Washington State Ferries is one of the top attractions in the State. Pick from 25 boats and 10 routes. For a bargain price of less than $10, you can cruise across the Puget Sound. You can’t go wrong with a ferry ride.

And at the same time you can enjoy the scenery and watch for orcas, sea lions and seals along the way. The ferries are operational 365 days a year. Fares vary depending on the destinations. For more information, log on there website: www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/.

Pike Place Market: This is one of the oldest farmers markets in the country. You can find shops, restaurants, the best salmon in the nation, and who could forget the famed fish throwers. I enjoy being here, because of the atmosphere.

The Pike Place Market located between First Ave. and Western, from Pike to Virginia streets.

Seattle Children’s Theatre: Located just west of the Space Needle, the Seattle Children’s Theatre was recently listed amongst the top five children’s theatres in the nation. The performances are played in the two state-of-the-art theatres that run from September through June.

The Drama School has student productions in July and August. The Seattle Children’s Theatre is recognized for the innovation and entertainment that they bring to the family audiences.

Performances run on Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. For additional information and reservations, call 206.441.3322.

There you have it. My picks for your next vacation to Seattle. Five of them are in the same area, so you don’t have to worry about the drive. Have fun!