Seattle travel guide with kids: family-friendly hiking and more.
Seattle might be most famous as the wettest place in the US, and the birthplace of Starbucks, but it is also one of the most family-friendly places to visit in the whole of the USA.
Seattle is a bright, vibrant, dynamic city with loads to see and do for all the family, and best of all it offers easy access to the magnificent landscapes and exciting outdoor adventures of the Pacific Northwest.
So whether your clan is into exploring the great outdoors, or taking advantage of more urban delights, a trip to Seattle is well worth considering when packing your bags and putting together a travel itinerary. One of the best things about Seattle for families is that despite its many attractions, it remains relatively off the beaten track when it comes to tourists.
So read on for some of our favorite spots in the city for kids to enjoy, and the best attractions with something to offer for all the family.
Pike Place Market
When you are in Seattle, a visit to Pike Place Market is almost mandatory! Thankfully this wonderful food hub is perfect for kids, and the exceptional culinary offerings mean that it is not too shabby for parents either. Kids will love the hustle and bustle of the market, with a riot of colors, fish tossed here and there, and delicious tastings on offer around every corner. The chance to see the very first Starbucks should appeal to both children and grown-ups alike too.
Museum of Flight
This excellent museum is the original home of Boeing aircraft, where they started building planes in 1916. These days it is chock-full of over 175 replica aircraft and spacecraft, with some amazing interactive exhibits and some magnificent kid-friendly experiences. A real hit, and a great place to learn about Seattle’s airborne history.
Monorail and Pacific Science Centre
Not just a method of transport but an attraction in its own right, everyone will be thrilled with a ride on the monorail. Hop on board and take a ride to the Pacific Science Centre, next door to the Space Needle, and a stone’s throw away from the Seattle Aquarium. Fantastic interactives, two Imax cinemas, and a butterfly house will keep the whole family entertained for an entire day.
Hiking in a National Park
Seattle has two National Parks right on its doorstep, and a day trip hiking through temperate rainforests is a perfect activity that kids and parents alike will enjoy. Discover magical waterfalls, admire the stunning mountains in the background, and head back to the city tired but happy after a great day out.
Whale watching on the San Juan Islands
If you arrive in the city on one of the fantastic luxury cruises to Seattle you might sail past these delightful, tranquil islands just off the coast. They offer a bit of peace and calm away from the lights and noise of the big city, as well as the chance to see some of nature’s most majestic and magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Watch your kids’ faces light up in delight as they see their first whale break the surface of the ocean, and sit back at a job well done!