Seattle Family Things to Do
Seattle is the crowned jewel of the Northwest offering a wide range of activities that are fun for people of all ages. It is really a perfect destination city offering loads of indoor and outdoor activities all set in the Northwest’s breathtaking landscape. Seattle is a hub of technological innovation, art, and literature so there is a lot of good stuff to choose from. Whether you and your family like to hit the slopes, traverse the trails, sail the gorgeous water, shop ‘til you drop, or relax alongside some of the world’s best food and fantastic views, Seattle has something to offer.
Pacific Science Center: Are you and your kids crazy about science? Then the Pacific Science Center is the place for you offering a full day of wonderment and fun. It is in a prime Seattle location, right next to the Space Needle. Here you can explore the Universe in the Planetarium, which is offering a really cool show right now that takes you through the changes of the night sky over the past 3 1/2 million years, but be sure to be on time because there is no late seating! Another favorite is the IMAX Theater, which is fun for the whole family showing movies from Dinosaur Adventures to Madagascar. The Pacific Science Center also offers loads of hands on experiments and presentations. It is easy to get lost in all the fascinating elements of the Center and can easily take a full day, but it is definitely worth it!
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium: Fun for the whole family, this spectacular Zoo and Aquarium is located in north Tacoma, just 40 miles south of downtown Seattle, surrounded by a spectacular landscape. The zoo is open year around and offers much more than simply looking at the many different varieties of animals. The zoo also has loads of shows and exhibits to give you and your family a more interactive look into the lives of these amazing animals. Each month the zoo features a different animal so check out their website to see what is going on for your visit. Also, just 40 miles south of Tacoma you can experience a real animal experience at Point Defiance’s sister Wild Animal Park.
Hitting the Slopes: Stevens Pass is regarded as one of the best mountains in Washington for skiing and snowboarding or just simply fun in the snow. It is about 80 miles east of Seattle along the scenic Highway 2. The mountain offers trails of all different skill levels as well as equipment rentals.
Hiking Fun: Seattle is located near some of the most beautiful hiking spots in the world. It is favorably located near mountains and sea to create exciting trails and breathtaking views. A favorite is hiking the Big Four Ice Caves. It is the perfect hike for a family (depending on the age of your children) because the difficulty level is moderate to low. It begins at the site of a picnic area to get you nourished before embarking on your adventure. The best time to do this hike is in the summer or fall. Be sure to bring hiking sandals as there is some water crossing. The ice caves are only a mile from the beginning of the trail and are spectacular. The trail also leads you to the base of Big Four Mountain, which offers some amazing views.