The Best Seattle Activities with Kids!
A Seattle Mom’s Top Picks for Things to Do in Seattle With Kids
If you're planning a trip to Seattle with little ones in tow, you are in for such a treat. Seattle is genuinely one of the best cities in the country to visit with kids, and as a local mom and early childhood specialist, I want to help you make the most of every moment. Whether you're here for a long weekend or a full week, this guide covers the best spots, what to actually expect as a parent, and a little secret at the end that might just change how you travel.
One thing to know upfront: if you're planning to hit multiple paid attractions, the Seattle CityPASS can save your family up to 47% on admission to five top spots including the Aquarium, Space Needle, MoPOP, and Woodland Park Zoo. Absolutely worth it.
Seattle Waterfront and Pier 58 Playground
This is my top pick for families right now, and it's completely free. The Seattle Waterfront just finished a stunning transformation, and the crown jewel for kids is the brand new Pier 58, which opened in summer 2025. There is a 25-foot jellyfish climbing tower with a slide, open green lawns perfect for a picnic blanket, and some of the most beautiful views of Elliott Bay you will ever see. Right next door is the Seattle Aquarium, and the new Overlook Walk connects you directly up to Pike Place Market, with its own little hillside playground along the way.
Best for ages: All ages, toddlers and up will love the jellyfish tower
Stroller friendly: Yes, fully accessible and flat along the promenade
Rainy day friendly: Not ideal, best on a dry day
Food Options: Pack a picnic, there is beautiful lawn space for it. There are also many restaurant and walk up window food options available along the waterfront.
Restrooms: Yes, brand new $2 million public restroom with a full-time concierge (yes, really!)
Admission: Free
Distance from downtown: On the waterfront, walkable from most downtown hotels
Local mom tip: Before you leave the waterfront, walk through Ye Olde Curiosity Shop at Pier 54, one of Seattle's most beloved and wonderfully weird landmarks. It is part gift shop, part museum, and entirely fascinating for curious kids. They have shrunken heads, a real mummy, a "genuine" mermaid, and all kinds of strange and wonderful oddities that will have your little ones wide-eyed and full of questions. It is free to browse, totally unique to Seattle, and honestly one of those stops that kids talk about long after the trip is over. Just be prepared for some interesting questions on the walk back.
Seattle Aquarium
A Seattle classic and truly magical for little ones. The new Ocean Pavilion expansion has made this place even more incredible, and kids under 3 get in free. They even have Toddler Time drop-in programs on select Sundays and Mondays, free with admission. Plan for about two to three hours.
Best for ages: All ages, especially wonderful for 2 and up
Hours: Daily 9:30am to 6pm, last entry at 5pm
Admission: Adults $23 to $51 (plan-ahead pricing), youth ages 4 to 12 are less, kids 3 and under are free
Stroller friendly: Yes, fully wheelchair and stroller accessible
Rainy day friendly: Yes, entirely indoors
Food Options: Outside food is allowed, they also have food available for purchase
Restrooms: Yes, accessible throughout
Parking: Paid parking nearby, but can be expensive. Street parking is less expensive than parking garages. Walking, taking transit, or a ride share can be ideal.
Distance from downtown: On the waterfront, about 5 minutes from Pike Place Market
Local mom tip: Book your timed entry ticket online in advance. Walk-up lines can be long during high traffic months and you may wait outside in the weather.
Woodland Park Zoo
Ninety-two acres of animals, trails, and open space. This is a half-day or full-day adventure depending on your kids' ages and energy levels. The zoo is set in a beautiful forested neighborhood and feels like a true escape from the city. The Zoomazium indoor nature play area is a favorite for toddlers.
Best for ages: All ages
Hours: Daily 9:30am to 4pm (extended hours May through Labor Day)
Admission: Approximately $12 to $35, kids pay less, prices vary by day
Stroller friendly: Yes, paved paths throughout
Rainy day friendly: Partially, many exhibits are outdoors so dress in layers. The Zoomazium is a huge indoor play area with space for babies and toddlers, and a space for older children. Complete with a giant climbable tree you can slide out of, crafts, and storytimes.
Food Options: Outside food is allowed. Food court and walk up restaurant available.
Restrooms: Yes, throughout the zoo
Parking: Paid parking on-site, arrive early on busy days. Free street parking available in neighborhoods around the Zoo but can be hit or miss.
Distance from downtown: About 15 to 20 minutes north of downtown
Local mom tip: Don’t be afraid to go on a cloudy or rainy day! Less crowds!
MoPOP Museum and Seattle Center Playground
MoPOP is a wildly fun, colorful, sensory-rich museum at Seattle Center that honestly captures kids' imaginations in ways they won't expect. And right outside is the Artists at Play playground, a free and absolutely beloved outdoor play space with climbing structures, right in the shadow of the Space Needle. You can easily pair these two together for a full morning or afternoon.
Best for ages: MoPOP is best for ages 4 and up, playground is great for all ages
Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm
Admission: Adults $32, youth ages 5 to 17 approximately $27, children under 4 are free
Stroller friendly: Yes, large elevators and wide galleries, though some exhibits require an umbrella stroller
Rainy day friendly: Yes for MoPOP, playground is open in light rain
Food Options: Outside food is not allowed inside MoPOP, but the cafe is kid-friendly
Restrooms: Yes
Parking: Paid parking at Seattle Center garage or (usually) paid street parking around Seattle Center
Distance from downtown: About 10 minutes, or take the Seattle Monorail directly from Westlake Center
Local mom tip: The monorail is a thrill for little ones on its own. Make it part of the adventure.
Pike Place Market
One of the most unique sensory experiences you can give a young child. The famous fish throwing, the flower stalls, the bakeries, the buskers. It is free to wander and endlessly entertaining. Strollers are manageable but the market can get very crowded, especially on weekends, so mornings are best.
Best for ages: All ages, though toddlers may be overwhelmed by large weekend crowds
Hours: Most vendors open daily 9am to 5pm or 6pm
Admission: Free to walk through
Stroller friendly: Manageable but can be tight in busy corridors . Babywearing recommended
Rainy day friendly: Yes, most of the market is covered
Food Options: Absolutely, this is the perfect place to grab fresh fruit, pastries, or a snack for the kids. Many vendors and local eats.
Restrooms: Yes, available in the market
Distance from downtown: In the heart of downtown, walkable from most hotels
Local mom tip: Go on a weekday morning for the best experience. Grab a fresh cinnamon roll from one of the bakeries and let your kids watch the fish throwers from a safe distance.
Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass
The Space Needle is one of those experiences that genuinely takes your breath away, even as a local. Kids love the glass floor and 360-degree views. Right next door, Chihuly Garden and Glass is visually stunning and actually really engaging for curious little ones. You can save nearly 20% by visiting both together.
Best for ages: All ages, though very young toddlers may not appreciate the height views
Hours: Open year-round, hours vary by season, check spaceneedle.com before visiting
Admission: Prices vary by season and time of day - $37.50-$49
Stroller friendly: Yes Rainy day friendly: Yes, the observation deck is enclosed
Food Options: Bring food to picnic at the Seattle Center grounds. Food is also available for purchase within the Space Needle and at the nearby Armory Food Court.
Distance from downtown: At Seattle Center, about 10 minutes from downtown
Local mom tip: Visit on a clear day if you can. The views of Mount Rainier and the Olympics are unforgettable.
Seattle Great Wheel
A Ferris wheel right on the waterfront. Gondolas are enclosed and climate-controlled, which means it is a great rainy day activity too. The views over Elliott Bay are gorgeous and the ride is gentle enough for even nervous little ones.
Best for ages: All ages
Hours: Check seattlegreatwheel.com for current hours
Admission: Adults approximately $16, reduced rates for children
Stroller friendly: Strollers can be parked at the entrance
Food Options: Eating is not permitted inside the Gondolas, but there are several restaurants and walk up windows on the within walking distance.
Rainy day friendly: Yes, fully enclosed gondolas
Distance from downtown: On the waterfront, steps from Pier 57
Local mom tip: Combine with the waterfront playground and Aquarium for a full waterfront day.
Water Taxi to Alki Beach
This one is a hidden gem that most visitors completely miss, and honestly it might be the most magical thing you can do with little ones in Seattle. The King County Water Taxi departs from Pier 50 in downtown Seattle and takes you across Elliott Bay to West Seattle in just 10 to 15 minutes. The ride itself is half the fun. Kids absolutely love being on the water with panoramic views of the city skyline behind them. Once you arrive at Seacrest Dock, a free shuttle takes you directly to Alki Beach, where you will find a long sandy waterfront, a paved walking path, tide pools to explore, and some of the best views of the Seattle skyline you will find anywhere. This is also one of the BEST places to see a famous Seattle sunset.
Best for ages: All ages, toddlers will love the boat ride
Hours: Check kingcounty.gov/watertaxi for current seasonal schedule
Admission: Adults $5.75 one way, kids 18 and under ride free always
Stroller friendly: Yes, fully accessible boarding and free shuttle to the beach
Rainy day friendly: Not ideal for the beach, but the boat ride itself is enclosed and fun in any weather
Food Options: Pack snacks and a picnic for the beach, there are also restaurants steps from the dock
Restrooms: Yes, at the terminal and at the beach
Parking: Park downtown and walk to Pier 50, or take light rail to Pioneer Square station and walk ~5 minutes
Distance from downtown: Pier 50 is on the waterfront, about a 10 minute walk from Pike Place Market
Local mom tip: Download the Transit GO Ticket app before you go so you can pay right from your phone without waiting in line. And bring a blanket for the beach even in summer since Seattle evenings can get cool quickly.
Seattle Central Library
Most people would not think to bring their kids to a library on vacation, but Seattle's Central Library is genuinely unlike any library you have ever been to. The building itself is a stunning architectural landmark, an 11 story tower of glass and steel with nearly 10,000 windows, and kids are absolutely fascinated by it. Inside there is a dedicated children's section with a craft area, tactile toys, a giant octopus mural, colorful art throughout, and a conveyor belt book return that little ones could watch for ages. It is completely free, warm, dry, and welcoming. The library also offers free story times for children ages 0 to 5, so check the calendar at spl.org before your visit to see if one lines up with your trip.
Best for ages: All ages, especially wonderful for curious toddlers and preschoolers
Hours: Monday through Wednesday 10am to 8pm, Thursday through Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 12pm to 6pm
Admission: Free
Stroller friendly: Yes, elevators throughout the building
Rainy day friendly: Yes, one of the best rainy day options in the city
Food Options: Outside food is not typically permitted inside, but there is a cafe on site
Restrooms: Yes
Parking: Paid underground parking and paid street parking available
Distance from downtown: In the heart of downtown, between Pioneer Square and University Street light rail stations
Local mom tip: This is a perfect stop if you need a calm, cozy break in the middle of a busy sightseeing day. Kids can decompress, explore, and recharge before your next adventure.
A Note From a Local Mom
Traveling with kids is beautiful and exhausting all at once. One of the things I hear most from visiting families is that they wish they had a trusted local to help navigate their days, especially when it comes to the kids.
That is exactly why Loving Care Collective offers Seattle Destination Care, a service where we personally match your family with a vetted, local nanny who can accompany you on any of these outings, take your kids for a few hours while you recharge, or provide enriching care while you attend an event or activity. Every caregiver we match is screened, experienced, and genuinely wonderful with children.
If you are planning a trip to Seattle and want to feel fully supported as a family, we would love to help. Reach out to schedule a free discovery call with Ashley.
Please double-check hours and admission prices directly with each venue before your visit, as these can change seasonally.
