Are you planning a family trip to Seattle? When you think of this bustling city, you may think about the Space Needle or the numerous shops and eateries along the shorelines. However, you may not know about all of the fun kid-friendly attractions in Seattle like the Woodland Park Zoo, the Seattle Aquarium, Pacific Science Center, and the Seattle Children’s Museum.

You should also spend some time outdoors at one of the beaches or parks in Seattle. This is best done during the summer because the temps can fall into the 40s during the winter season. No matter where you decide to venture with the family, find a Seattle luggage locker nearby to leave your belongings for safekeeping while you explore. 

Animal Parks

• Woodland Park Zoo

Even though all states have a zoo, Woodland Park is special because they have 40 threatened and endangered species. But you can also see the 1,090 animals in this 92-acre park. It is separated into eight exhibits like the rainforest, temperate forest, and the African Savanna. They even have a Zoomazium.

• Seattle Aquarium

You can learn more about marine life at the Seattle Aquarium. Their 120,000-gallon tank replicates the ocean for the native creatures. And the wave tank teaches you about how the ocean tides affect the coast. They even have touch pools and tidepools. See unique fish like the cowfish, flying gurnards, and pinecone fish. 

• Cougar Mountain

Cougar Mountain Zoo is an animal preserve that works with the Zoological Society of Washington to protect these beautiful animals from danger. Besides cougars, you can see Bengal tigers, gray wolves, Siberian reindeer, lemurs, wallabies, and alpacas. But don’t miss the nine rare species of birds that live at Cougar Mountain.

Big Attractions

• The Space Needle

At 605 feet high, the Space Needle used to be the tallest structure west of the Mississippi. SkyCity Restaurant is a fabulous spot to eat with a glass floor. The observation deck gives you a 360-degree view of Seattle, the mountains, and the Puget Sound with floor-to-ceiling glass for awesome selfies and pics. 

• Chihuly Garden of Glass

What was once an amusement park is now an exquisite garden, glasshouse, and galleries from Dale Chihuly. The garden features flora as well as sculptures. The glasshouse is a 40-foot glass structure that covers 4,500 square feet with baubles of yellows, oranges, and reds. And there are eight galleries full of stunning art. 

• The Seattle Great Wheel

The 175-foot Seattle Great Wheel on Pier 57 leans out over Elliott Bay to give you all a spectacular view of the area. The ride is only 12 minutes, so make sure to grab your phone or camera to get some good shots. Each gondola seats eight and has leather seats and AC. Or go with the VIP gondola with a glass floor. 

Museums

• Seattle Children’s Museum

Designed for the younger crowd of six months to nine years, the Seattle Children’s Museum can be found on the bottom floor of the Armory at the Seattle Center. Some of the exhibits include Tribal Tales, Imagination Studio, Discovery Bay, COG City, The Market, Construction Zone, and the Bijou Theater. 

• Pacific Science Center

Here the kids can launch rockets, build electrical circuits, become scientists, and touch live marine animals. The planetarium has a fantastic laser show, or see a film on one of the two giant IMAX screens. There are over 100 interactive exhibits to explore. And the butterfly house is like a magical land of beauty. 

• Museum of Pop Culture

It started as the Experience Music Project but today it is called the Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP. The kids will love learning about the world of Minecraft, the guitar gallery, the world of science fiction, and all about myths and magic. The older crew will love the horror film studio, tattoo art, the sound lab, and more. 

Outdoor Fun

• Artists at Play Playground

This free playground may be the largest you and your kids have ever seen. Their 30-foot climbing tower is great for kids five and up. Found at the Seattle Center, there are three whole acres of mazes, playground equipment, art sculptures, and a carousel. Food trucks and music are nearby as well. 

• Seattle Children’s PlayGarden

If you want to get your little ones (or big ones) interested in gardening, take them to the PlayGarden. Not only is there playground equipment and beautiful flowers, but the kids can also climb the rubber mountain, pick some fresh veggies and fruits, dig in the dirt, and see some rabbits and chickens. 

• Alki Beach 

Alki Beach is the site where the first settlers landed in 1851, which is memorialized with a copy of the Statue of Liberty. Today it is a 2.5-mile expanse of golden sand beaches on 136 acres. Take a stroll along the water to see whales, seals, and other marine life, play in the water, or build sandcastles with the kids.

Theme Parks

• Wild Waves Theme and Water Park

As Washington’s only theme and water park, Wild Waves has a lot to live up to. The 10 thrill rides and 13 family rides are fun for everyone and they even have seven kiddy rides for the small tots. And the water park has 10 rides of its own. Check out plenty of eateries as well as gift shops for souvenirs.

• Henry Moses Aquatic Center (HMAC)

If you would rather enjoy a more laid-back day without the crazy crowds, head to HMAC. It is big and busy, with two 26-foot waterslides, several pools, a zero-depth water play area, a wave pool, and a lazy river, but the crowds aren’t bad. Ivar’s Snack Bar is full of great food and they have souvenirs too. 

• Tukwila Family Fun Center

Tukwila has fun for the whole family with bumper boats, go-karts, mini-golf, and batting cages. Bullwinkle Lanes is also great for doing some bowling. They even have amusement rides like the Screamin’ Swing, Slingshot, and the Drop & Twist Tower. Don’t miss the food at the Bullwinkle Café. 

Speaking of food, you’ll want to know which Seattle restaurants are kid-friendly too. Proletariat Pizza is a fun place with a kids’ area, Uneeda Burger has some of the best burgers in the city with a family-friendly menu, and the Lunchbox Lab lets you make your own shakes at the Shake Lab.