Exploring Seattle with Kids: Tips for a Family-Friendly Adventure

A quick side note for those following along: Washington marks our 10th state in the journey to all members of our family visiting all 50 states!

Stay Outside the City to Save Money

Seattle is beautiful, but it’s also pricey. If you're traveling with a big family, finding a place that fits everyone comfortably (and doesn’t break the bank) can be a challenge. After some digging, and a lot of contemplating, we decided to stay a little ways outside the city. It turned out to be a total game-changer. Not only did we save money, but we also had more breathing room in our budget for other fun stuff.

We opted for the Embassy Suites by Hilton near the airport. Honestly, it was a steal compared to anything in downtown Seattle, and it was more than $100 cheaper a night than the cheapest downtown hotel we found. We booked a suite with a pull-out bed in the living room and a king-sized bed in a separate room. It was nice to have a little quiet time after the kids went to bed to plan the next day’s adventure. The hotel had an amazing breakfast that included a made-to-order omelet station!

We picked a hotel close to the airport because it helped us cut down on the cost of getting from the airport to the hotel. Additionally, Seattle’s Link Light Rail has a station at the airport and we could utilize the hotel’s airport shuttle to access the train. We opted for a hotel with a fee for using the shuttle because we could have a little more space and a nicer room. Our hotel shuttle was free one way and just $11 for our whole family on the way back. From the airport the Link Light Rail was about a 40-minute ride into the city. It wasn’t the most direct route, but it was affordable and gave us a chance to see a different side of Seattle. The train ride at the end of the day gave us (and the kids!) a chance to unwind a little before trying to get everyone to go to sleep. This was probably one of our best decisions.

Pro Tip: Walmart+ for Grocery Deliveries

One of the best decisions we made was using Walmart+ for grocery deliveries to our hotel. We had groceries waiting for us when we arrived, which saved us so much time and effort. With one picky eater in the family, it was a lifesaver to have snacks like crackers, beef sticks, and fruit on hand. No one went hungry, and we avoided the dreaded “hangry” meltdown. Plus, it helped us stick to our budget since we packed a lot of our own snacks and lunch and only needed to eat one meal each day at a restaurant. We like doing this as well because we prefer to sample the delicacies by buying one and sharing bites. Don’t worry, if it’s good enough we all go back for our own.

What to do!

CityPass — a quick note

If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions, the CityPass is your best friend. It bundles entry into several of Seattle’s top attractions at a discounted rate—saving you both time and money. But, pro tip: Some of the museums offer free entry for young kids, so be sure to double-check before you invest in the pass.

City Center Complex

The Monorail

For a bit of classic Seattle fun, we hopped on the Seattle Monorail. It’s a quick ride, but for the kids, it was an absolute thrill. The best part? Right as you get off, there’s a playground for them to burn off some energy before the next adventure. (Trust me, it’s a much-needed break after all that sightseeing!)

Space Needle

The Space Needle is another iconic spot, and you’ll find yourself asking, “To go up or not to go up?” If you decide to take the plunge and head up to the observation deck, you’ll be treated to amazing views of Seattle and its surrounding islands. But even if you decide to skip the ride to the top, the area around the Space Needle is still a fun place to explore. There’s a souvenir shop, a food court, and a nice grassy field for a picnic. We spent some time lounging on the grass while the kids ran around, and it felt like a true family-friendly oasis in the heart of the city.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

This is a must-see for anyone who appreciates art and nature. The stunning glass sculptures are beyond impressive, and the entire exhibit feels like something out of a dream. We didn’t go to the museum on this trip (we opted to not take three young touchy-feely monsters in and saved our CityPass entrance to use at another attraction). On a previous trip when the oldest was a baby, my husband was absolutely mesmerized by the vivid colors and intricate designs. He’s a touchy-feely person as well but he managed to make it through without any incidents. This museum is really beautiful and if it works for your trip, it’s sure to help inspire your kiddos with their own creations.

Pacific Science Center

One of our favorite stops was the Pacific Science Center. It’s a science-lover’s dream, with so many interactive exhibits. My kids could’ve spent the whole day there, and I don’t blame them—who doesn’t love playing with giant bubbles, exploring the secrets of space, interacting with simple kinetic motion machines? And that all goes without mentioning the tropical butterfly house. They will land on you and it will be awesome! Unless you are me… and then it will be terrifying. I knew that I needed to leave when I watched a lady panic as a butterfly landed on her and then crawled into her jacket pocket. Nope, nope, double nope. But my daughter loved it!

Seattle Aquarium—Ocean Fun for the Whole Family

Our kids are totally obsessed with aquariums, so we couldn’t miss out on the Seattle Aquarium. It’s not huge, but it’s definitely worth a visit, especially for younger kids. From sea otters to jellyfish, the kids were entranced. And, let’s be honest, watching them get excited about every little fish is contagious!

Harbor Cruise: A Seattle Must-Do (with a Side of Motion Sickness)

Seattle’s skyline is truly iconic, and the best way to see it? From the water. The Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour is a one hour informational cruise. It offers incredible views of the city, the surrounding islands, and the beautiful Puget Sound. But word of warning—if you’re prone to motion sickness, you might want to take it easy. On the day we went, the weather was a bit stormy, and let’s just say, the boat ride had a few bumpy moments. Still, the kids were captivated by the views, and the information they learned on the tour! It was enough to make any parent proud. My kids are still buzzing about the Taylor Swift concert at Lumen Stadium causing the biggest (or maybe longest?) man-made earthquake in history. Who knew?

We actually missed our scheduled boat time (oops) and the company was super flexible and moved us to the next one without any trouble—another win for family travel!

Wings Over Washington: A Family-Favorite Flight Simulation

One of our favorite recommendations came from a local couple we met on the shuttle ride to the airport. They had grandkids around the same age as ours and didn’t hesitate for a second when recommending Wings Over Washington. It’s a short, thrilling flight simulation that takes you on an aerial tour of the state of Washington, kind of like the “Soarin’ Over California” ride at Disneyland. It only lasted about 20 minutes and was on the pricier side ($15-$20 a seat depending on age). Don't let that stop you though! My kids were talking about this 4D theater adventure nonstop for the rest of the trip! As someone who gets motion sickness easily, I was relieved that the ride wasn’t longer—but it was definitely worth the price. Side note, don’t panic when you first get seated. The 3 window pane screens, and uncomfortable wooden benches are not the attraction you just paid for! It’s just the intro. If you haven’t caught on yet, I am telling you that this is a definite must-do!

Waterfront Playgrounds

There are a few different waterfront playgrounds. We loved finding these little gems between all the things because the kids got to let a little of their excitement and energy out in ways that aren’t appropriate for most museums/crowds. A few of them were still under construction when we visited but there were enough already completed that it didn’t matter.

Exploring Pike Place Market: A Family Adventure

No trip to Seattle is complete without a visit to Pike Place Market. It’s an absolute must-see—a labyrinth of quirky shops, fresh seafood, and vibrant street performers. And, of course, who could forget the iconic fish throwers? Watching the vendors toss giant fish through the air while shouting playful banter is a spectacle that will make even the most skeptical kid stop in their tracks and say, “Wow!” My kids were totally fascinated by it, and honestly, I don’t blame them. It's one of those things you just have to see for yourself.

One super helpful tip: Don't rely too heavily on digital maps when navigating the market. You’ll get lost faster than you can say “Flying Fish.” It’s a maze of alleyways, stairs, and different levels, but don't worry—the Pike Place Market staff are some of the friendliest people we met, and they were always happy to point us in the right direction. One security guard even left halfway through ordering his dinner to walk us through a particularly tricky spot! Amazing, friendly people!

While you’re there, be sure to swing by Beecher’s Handmade Cheese. Their mac and cheese is legendary, and the cheese curds? Pure magic. The kids loved watching the cheese being made through the big glass windows, which kept them entertained while we grabbed a quick snack. It’s the perfect treat after a long day of exploring the market.

Final Thoughts: Seattle Is Perfect for Families

All in all, Seattle proved to be an amazing family destination. From world-class museums to beautiful boat tours, there’s something for everyone. Yes, the city can be pricey, but with a little planning—like staying outside the city, using the CityPass, and packing snacks—you can keep costs under control and still have an unforgettable experience.

As for the highlights? It’s hard to say. The Pacific Science Center and Wings Over Washington were huge hits, but honestly, the simple moments stick with us the most. Like when we came out of the underground Link Light Rail station and the kids stopped dead in their tracks, their eyes wide as they gazed up at Seattle’s towering skyscrapers. Or the simple joy they got from watching the cheese being made at Beecher’s. It’s these little things that make traveling with kids so special—sometimes it’s the most unexpected moments that leave the biggest impact.

Happy travels!