Practical joking and kitsch-loving grandchildren of all ages will thank you for taking them to this internationally-known novelty store run amok. Joy buzzers, boxing nun puppets and an odd scientific surplus are just part of what’s offered at the store that brought you the librarian action figure. Allow at least 30 minutes and don’t be surprised if the kids sing your praises to their parents.
Contact no: (206) 297-0240
Location: 1300 North 45th Street, Seattle, WA 98103
Learn more here.
Having a child climbing the walls isn’t always a bad thing, especially when it’s at a place that’s designed for just that purpose. Stone Gardens is an indoor climbing gym with textured walls and a variety of paths up its wall. There’s a Kids Climb where children of all ability can hit the wall, while a grandparent sits, watches, and dotes.
Contact no: (206) 781-9828
Location: 2839 Northwest Market Street, Seattle, WA 98107
Learn more here.
It’s never too early to brainwash — or excuse us — cultivate future golf partners and Interbay’s miniature golf is the place to do it. Instead of silly windmills and other gimmicks, the mini course just offers straight-up golfing without all the bells and whistles.
Contact no: (206) 285-2200
Location: 2501 15th Avenue W, Seattle, WA 98119
Learn more here.
Think game-room-on-steroids and you’ve got a good picture of this video arcade for all ages. The games use the latest technology, but have prices to match. The music is censored and games are rated for age appropriateness. Where else can you bond over skee-ball or challenge your grandchildren in a race car simulator? There’s also a restaurant for snacks and meals. Game card deals are available with meals. One catch: you must be 18 years or older to visit GameWorks after 10pm.
Contact no: (206) 521-0952
Location:1511 Seventh Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101
Learn more here.
Calling it an amusement park may be a stretch, but this Seattle Center fixture delights young children with its mix of mini-golf, bumper cars, games, roller coasters, and other rides for all ages. It’s a bit long in the tooth, but that’s part of its charm.
Contact no: (206) 728-1586
Location: 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109
Learn more here.
When you think rainy-day activity, a zoo isn’t the first idea come to mind, but Woodland Park is different. Even if it’s too nasty outside to visit the new Sumatran tiger cub, see the Elephant Forest or ride the 1918 carousel, you can still feed birds in the Willawong Station or grandchildren younger than eight can play in Zoomasium, a play space where they can explore nature.
Contact no: (206) 684-4800
Location: 601 North 59th Street, Seattle, WA 98103
Learn more here.
“Woodland Park: The Rose Garden
On the south side of the Woodland Park Zoo, there is one of several parking areas that serve the zoo grounds. On the east side of this parking lot for the Woodland Park Zoo, you will find the entrance to the Woodland Park Rose Garden. There is only one entrance into and out of the garden, and the garden is well protected by fences.
There are two fountains in the rose garden, and everything is very well manicured. It isn’t a huge rambling garden, but it is fairly good sized.
While the roses are the primary purpose of the garden, there are a number of other blooms you will find here, and they keep the color of the garden going to some extent even when the roses are out of season. Keep in mind that Seattle is further north and stays fairly cold, so the rose blossoms happen fairly late in the year compared to Portland and other places further south.”
Contact no:
Location: 750 N 50th St, Seattle
Learn more here.
With thousands of species of plant and tree life, the 230-acre park is truly impressive year round, but one of the best times to go with a grandchild is in the fall when you can enjoy the colorful foliage or pull together a pile, then play and jump in the leaves. You can also rent a family explorer pack ($7 for two hours) featuring a backpack complete with a magnifying glass, park guide, and ideas for things to do while roaming the park.
Contact no: (206) 543-8800
Location: 2300 Arboretum Drive, Seattle, WA 98112
Learn more here.
Even if you’ve taken your grandchildren before, the recent expansion makes it worth another look. The most impressive addition is the 20 by 40 foot Window on Washington Waters showing animals you’d see on Neah Bay. Watch the kids’ eyes pop open when they see a diver wearing a mask on the other side of the window giving a presentation on the marine animals in the tank.
Contact no: (206) 386-4300
Location: 1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101
Learn more here.
Picturesque views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains are just a few of this park’s attractions. Grandchildren with a scientific bent can explore animal life in the tidal pools on the beach, watch salmon migrate in season or visit the Environmental Learning Center. The younger set will enjoy the giant salmon slide and a playground designed by artists. Older kids may gravitate towards the wetlands walk.
Contact no: (206) 684-0877
Location: 950 Northwest Carkeek Park Road, Seattle, WA 98177
Learn more here.
