Aquarium

Address 1483 Alaskan Way # 59, Seattle, WA 98101 Map, Tel (206) 386-4320 Call, Hours 9:30am-5pm daily; last entry at 5pm; exhibits close at 6pm; open 365 days, with special hours for some holidays Website

Visit the newly updated Seattle Aquarium and see the huge "Windows on Washington" salt water tank and sea otters at play. There is also a Salmon ladder, which is interesting to watch when the Salmon are running.

Ballard Locks / Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

Address 3105 Northwest 54th Street, Seattle, WA 98107 Map, Tel (206) 783-7059 Call, Hours 7am-9pm year round

Children will enjoy watching boats pass through the locks and during salmon season you can watch fish swim upstream on a gradual incline using the fish ladder first built by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1917. There is also a small, dark, museum with exhibits that help viewers ... (more)

Boat Ride in Puget Sound

Address 1101 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101 Map, Where Pier 55, just south of the Aquarium, Cost Varies

There are several options for getting out on the water with your kids. On a nice day, this can be one of the most plesant ways to see the city, and kids love the change of pace.

Boeing Museum of Flight

Address 9404 E Marginal Way S Seattle, WA 98108 Map, Tel (206) 764-5720? Call, Hours 10am to 5pm daily, Cost 4 & under free; 5-17 $7.50; Adults $14.00, Discounts AAA discount; First Thursday of each month is free from 5pm-9pm, Bus From downtown METRO Bus #174 will take you directly to the museum. Website

If your kids are obsessed with airplanes, the museum of flight is a wonderful place to visit. For older kids, there are lots of old airplanes to look at (and a few to climb onboard), including the original Air Force One. There is also the chance to tour the original ... (more)

Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture

Address 17th Ave Ne & N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98195-0001 Map, Tel 206-543-5590 Call, Hours 10am-5pm daily; open until 8pm on the first Thursday of every month, Cost $8 general, $6.50 seniors, $5 students and youth (5 & up w/ID); Ages 4 and under are free Website

If your child likes dinosaurs, insects, bugs and geology the Burke museum is a great place to take them. They'll also learn about local culture through the museum's collection of Native American art and artifacts.

Bus Free Ride Area

Website

It's no secret that toddlers love to ride the bus. It's also no secret that pushing that stroller around can get tiring. From 6a.m. to 7p.m. daily in downtown seattle (including Pioneer square) the bus is free. Many routes have kneeling busses, making it easy to ... (more)

Central Library

Address 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA Map, Tel 206-386-4636 Call, Hours M-Th 10am-8pm, Fri & Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12n-6pm, Cost Free Website

If you're interested in modern architecture or green design (and even if you are not) the Seattle Central Library is one of the coolest new buildings on the west coast. It is not only visually stunning, but the designers gave a great deal of thought to how a library ... (more)

Fremont Troll

Address Troll Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 Map, Location Under the north end of the Aurora Bridge on N. 36th Street

This whimsical sculpture of a troll eating an original Volkswagen Beetle (tucked away under the Aurora Bridge) is a fun find for kids old enough not to be scared. Visitors are encouraged to climb on the troll, and since this spot is sheltered by the bridge, it can be a ... (more)

Monorail (Downtown to Seattle Center)

Address 400 Pine St,Seattle, WA 98101 Map, Tel 206-905-2620 Call, Hours daily 9am-11pm (departures every 10 min), Cost 4 and under is free. Youth 75 cents. Adults $2 each way Website

The Seattle Monorail connects downtown with Seattle Center (see below). Toddlers and young children love the ride itself, and for grownups it is easier than moving the car and usually cheaper than paying for parking twice. Strollers are allowed on the trains, making it a really easy way to get ... (more)

Olympic Sculpture Park

Address 2901 Western Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121 Map, Hours May 1–Sept 30: 6 a.m.–9 p.m. daily; Oct 1–Apr 30: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. daily, Cost Free Website

Pick up a picnic at Pikes Market and head down to the Olympic Sculpture Park (a little less than one mile north of the market) The park, which opened in 2007 has plenty of space to run, wonderful views, and great outdoor sculpture.

Pacific Science Center

Address 200 Second Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109 Map, Tel 206.443.2001 Call, Hours Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat-Sun 10am-6pm, Cost Adults $11; Ages 6-12 $8.00; Ages 3-5 $6; Under 3 Free Website

The Pacific Science center has lots of fun hands on exhibits, as well as interesting seasonal exhibits for kids. Our family's favorite exhibit is the year-round tropical butterfly house, and while much of the museum is best for older kids, the butterfly house is a delight from about 9 ... (more)

Pike Place Market

Address 1501 Pike Pl # 510, Seattle, WA Map, Hours Vary, most vendors open by 8am Website

Pike Place is a destination on any tourist map. Luckily, kids love it too. When it's sunny, I bring my toddler almost every week. It's fun to choose fruit from the colorful displays, there are a few bakeries and restaurants to pick up a snack or lunch and ... (more)

Seattle Art Museum

Address 1300 First Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101-2003 Map, Tel 206.654.3100 Call, Hours Tu-Su: 10am–5pm; Th & Fri 10am–9pm; closed Mon, Cost Some areas free. Children 12 & under free. Adults $13

The newly reopened Seattle Art Museum has some free areas that are great for kids! The "art ladder" (the grand staircase to the right of the main entrance) has a craft area for kid and art installations specifically designed to be visually engaging and interesting for all ages.

Seattle Center

Address 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA Map, Cost Free Website

Hop on the monorail and head over to Seattle Center. Seattle center is the home to the space needle (kids will love the LONG elevator ride), a variety of kid friendly museums, and daily cultural activities and festivals.

Seattle Children's Museum

Address 305 Harrison Street, Seattle Map, Hours Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 10am-6pm, Cost $7.50 adults and children 1 and up Website

The Seattle children's museum is a good place for kids to play freely on a rainy day. There are lots of different hands on activities, including a large enclosed area for babies and toddlers, a stage with costumes, a "global village" with homes and shops from different countries, a ... (more)

Space Needle

Address 219 Fourth Ave N Seattle, WA 98109 Map, Tel 206.905.2100 Call, Cost Adult: $16; Youth (ages 4-13) $8; Child (age 3 & under) are free, Tickets Skip the line by ordering tickets online, Notes After dinner, on a slow night, you may be able to enjoy dessert only at the Space Needle Restaurant Website

Space Needle elevators travel at 10 mph, 14 feet per second, 800 feet per minute, or as fast as a parachutist or a raindrop falls to earth. Toddlers and older kids will enjoy the elevator ride and the view down on the city. For a special treat, have a bite ... (more)

Theo Chocolate Factory Tour

Address 3400 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle Map, Tel 206-632-5100 Call, Hours Daily 10am-6pm, Reservations Recommended Website

What child wouldn't love a tour of a chocolate factory? What adult wouldn't love to taste some of the best chocolate in Seattle (we're also partial to Fran's Gray Salt Caramels). While this tour isn't targeted towards children, it's interesting and fun with lots ... (more)

Underground Tour

Address 608 First Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104 Map, Tel 206.682.4646 Call, Notes There are no reservations, so arrive in advance to buy your tickets Website

Older kids will enjoy roaming the subterranean passages that once were the main roadways and first-floor storefronts of old downtown Seattle. Tour guides keep this tour fun with jokes and humorous stories about this historic area.

World Spice

Address 1509 Western Ave, Seattle WA Map, Tel (206) 682-7274 Call, Hours Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 12n-5pm, Cost Free

After visiting Pike's Market, swing into World Spice. If you enjoy cooking, you will love the wide variety of high quality spices and tea. Because you buy in bulk, prices are often cheaper than the grocery store. Let your kids explore, smelling each spice, and try buying a few ... (more)

Hotel Monaco

Address 1101 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101 Map, Tel (206) 621-1770 Call, Website

Located in the middle of downtown Seattle (just across from the very child friendly central library) has colorful interiors, loaner goldfish and free wireless access (great when you are stuck in the room while the little ones sleep). The hotel also has cribs available and minibars in the room that ... (more)

Inn at the Market

Address 86 Pine Street, Seattle, WA 98101 Map, Tel 206-443-3600 Call, Website

We love the Inn at the Market for its restful decor, large bathrooms & the fantastic location right on Pikes Market. The rooftop deck gives kids some open space to move around. It doesn’t hurt that the beds are also exceedingly comfortable.

Vacation Apartment Rentals

We’ve provided a few links to apartment rental companies for your convenience. Please note that we have cannot recommend specific companies, so please use your own best judgement. Check out our tips for choosing vacation rental apartments.

All Purpose Pizza

Address 2901 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98144 Map, Tel 206.324.8646 Call, Hours 4-9pm daily Website

All Purpose has terrific pizza and salads, but what really makes it a hit with our family is the kid sized play kitchen. While we wait for our pizza, our kids play with pizza dough, rolling pins, and other toys. They're within view and having fun while we enjoy ... (more)

Beechers Handmade Cheese

Address 1600 Pike Place, Seattle WA Map, Tel (206) 322-1644 Call, Hours 9am-6pm daily Website

Located right on Pike's market, this is a great place to dine with kids. Kids will enjoy watching how cheese is made and the opportunity to sample the fresh cheeses. Best of all, is their excellent Macaroni and Cheese, made with fresh cheese. Casual. No reservations

Blue C Sushi

Address 3411 Fremont Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98103 Map, Tel (206) 633-3411 Call, Hours Mon - Fri: 11:30am-Close; Sat - Sun: 12:00pm-Close Website

Conveyor belt sushi is always a great option with kids, and Blue C Sushi is no exception. The food starts coming as soon as you are seated, and the conveyor belt is filled with traditional sushi as well as kid friendly options like noodles, chicken fingers, and fruit salad. You ... (more)

Cupcake Royale

Address 2052 NW Market St, Seattle Map, Tel 206.782.9557 Call, Hours M-Th 6:30am-10pm; Fri-Sat 6:30am-11pm; Sun 7:30am-10pm Website

The best thing about Cupcake Royale (besides the fact that they have delicious cupcakes and delicious coffee) is that they have bite sized cupcakes perfect for giving my kids a treat without putting them into sugar overload.

Ettas Seafood

Address 2020 Western Ave., Seattle WA Map, Tel (206) 443-6000 Call, Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30am-4pm, Dinner Mon-Th 4pm-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 4pm-10pm; Sun 4pm-9pm, Brunch Weekends 9am-3pm Website

Ettas is a seattle institution owned and operated by Tom Douglas, one of our best known chefs. Featuring excellent brunches and lots of seafood, this restaurant has a nice but family friendly atmosphere. 1/2 block north of Pike's Market. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Gelatiamo

Address 1400 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 Map, Tel (206) 467-9563 Call, Hours Mon-Thu 10am-6pm; Fri-Sat 10am-8pm Website

Gelatiamo serves authentic Italian gelato, pastries and coffee. Order and seat yourself at one of the marble tables and watch the city walk by through the big glass windows. Note: highchairs not available.

La Carta de Oaxaca

Address 5431 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle Map, Tel 206.782.8722 Call, Lunch Tu-Sat 11:30am-3pm, Dinner Mon-Thurs 5pm-11pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-midnight Website

The food at this excellent Mexican restaurant is not the heavy, cheese laden entrees that we've become accustomed to. Dishes are light and flavorful, and perfectly sized for sharing. For picky kids, there's always rice and beans & an accommodating staff. This restaurant is casual and noisy, perfect for ... (more)

Macrina Bakery

Address 2408 1st Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121 Map, Tel 206-448-4032 Call, Hours Tue-Sat 7am-7pm, Sun 8am-6pm, Mon 7am-7pm Website

Known as one of the best bread bakeries in the country, this is the perfect place to stop in for a sweet snack or to indulge in a great breakfast or savory lunch. Macrina also has sandwiches and salads to go making it a great place to stock up for ... (more)

Nishino

Address 3130 E Madison St, Seattle WA Map, Tel (206) 322-5800 Call, Hours Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm, Sun 5:30pm-9:30pm Website

One of my favorite places in Seattle. This restaurant takes advantage of the local seafood to serve some of the best and freshest sushi on the west coast. Whether you like traditional Japanese food and sushi or want a few new style rolls now and again, you'll be happy ... (more)

P.F. Changs

Address 400 Pine Street, Seattle WA 98101 Map, Tel (206) 393-0070 Call, Website

Though this is a chain restaurant, we often eat here when we're with the kids. It's fast, they're really accommodating, and have a large variety of options, making it easy to satisfy everyone. It's also fairly loud, which lets us relax about our kids. For young ... (more)

Salumi

Address 309 3rd Avenue South, Seattle WA Map, Tel (206) 621-8772 Call, Hours Tue-Fri 11am-4pm, Notes Located between Main and Jackson, across from Seattle Lighting Website

Mario Batali's father, Armandino Batali makes his own Salumi (cured meat) and puts it in some of the best sandwiches you'll ever eat. Located in Pioneer Square, this is a great place to pick up lunch if you're taking the underground tour. Very casual. Lunch only, crowded!

Serious Pie

Address 316 Virginia, Seattle, WA 98121 Map, Tel (206) 838-7388 Call, Hours Mon-Sat 11am–11pm; Sun 4pm-10pm Website

The newest restaurant opened by one of Seattle's best known chefs, Tom Douglas, is a great place to satisfy both kids and adults. This isn't traditional pizza house pizza, but even picky eaters will be drawn in by the lure of pizza. Grown ups will enjoy gourmet toppings ... (more)

Specialties Cafe

Address 1400 5th Avenue, Seattle Map, Hours Sun 7am-5pm, Mon-Fri 6am-7pm, Sat 7am-5pm Website

Specialties cafe is a great place to stop in for a quick sandwich. The stores bake their own bread (and cookies) and there are a wide variety of sandwiches to choose from, including several variations on PB&J.

Vios

Address 903 19th Ave East, Seattle, WA 98112 Map, Tel (206) 329-3236 Call, Hours Mon-Sat 11:00am-4:30pm and 5:00pm-9:00pm, dinner reservations recommended Website

This excellent and authentic greek restaurant, close to volunteer park, is one of Seattle's hidden gems for kids. There is an enclosed play area with books and toys for babies, toddlers and preschoolers with bar seating around it. There are also tons of tables, high-chairs, and an excellent diaper ... (more)

Archie McPhee

Address 2428 NW Market St, Seattle Map, Tel 206.297.0240 Call, Hours Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11-7 Website

Kids will love a stop in wacky Archie McPhee where you can find anything from plastic toy soldiers and rubber chickens to boxing nuns and nodder head dolls. Adults will have fun browsing the racks too. This is a great place to pick up gag gifts!

Clover

Address 5335 Ballard Ave. N.W., Seattle, WA 98107 Map, Tel 206-782-0715 Call, Hours Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun: 10am-5pm Website

Clover ranks among my favorite children's clothing stores in Seattle. The shop features unique toys, clothing, and puppets, many handmade.

Cotton Caboodle Outlet

Address 203 W. Thomas St., Seattle WA Map, Tel 206-352-3763 Call, Hours Monday-Friday 10-5 and Saturday 10-3

Cotton Caboodle makes high quality cotton clothing for babies and kids fourteen and under. Everything is super-soft and cut to fit comfortably. We also love the wide range of colors. At this outlet store you'll find overstock, past season items and seconds. Everything is at least 50% off of ... (more)

Edge Of Glass Gallery

Address 513 North 36th St Suite H, Seattle, WA 98103 Map, Tel 206-632-7807 Call, Hours Wed-Sun 11am-6pm Website

Edge of Glass is a working blown glass gallery. Your kids (safely seated in bleachers) can watch as professional glass blowers practice their art. After watching, tour the small gallery with them and ask them to think about how each piece might have been created. Private classes are available for ... (more)

Izilla Toys & Books

Address 1429 12th Ave, Seattle WA 98122 Map, Tel 206-322-8697 Call, Website

Izilla is the type of family owned, independent toy store that will make you wish they were all independently owned. Toys are carefully selected, and the country of manufacture is clearly signed. With brands like Haba, Selecta, Playmobil, Vilac, Lego and more, you'll get both excellent design and excellent ... (more)

Mon Petit Shoe

Address 2236 N.W. Market St., Seattle, WA 98107 Map, Tel 206-784-1144 Call, Hours Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun Noon-5pm

This shop has hip, offbeat, and fun children's shoes, clothing and gifts. Brands include: Le Top, Rabbit Moon, Biscotti, Espirit, See Kai Run, Hurley, etc. Sizes for those newborn to age 12.

Children's Hospital

Address 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 Map, Tel (206) 987-2000 Call, Website

Children's Hospital is my personal choice when my kids are sick. We have experienced excellent medical care and the staff is (as you would expect) very used to dealing with children and parents.