Washington Park Arboretum

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.

Seattle Aquarium Seattle Aquarium

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.

Carkeek Park

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.

Tutta Bella Neopolitan Pizzeria

Short of adding Chuck E. Cheese-style games, it’s hard to think of a way to make classic Italian food any more kid-friendly, but this restaurant has found it; with Wikki Stix (colored, moldable wax and yarn for craftmaking) the grandchildren will get when they are seated. Kids aren’t shushed when they use their outdoor voices and the waitstaff doesn’t mind silly questions.

Contact no: (206) 633-3800

Location: 4411 Stone Way N, Seattle, WA 98103

Learn more here.

St. Clouds

One of the city’s few restaurants that fits kids and adults, grandparents love St. Cloud’s because there are lots of booths, an open kitchen, and it’s already loud so kids can’t really disrupt other diners. A hot fudge sundae is included in the cost of a children’s meal and adults can have wine with theirs. Early evenings are ideal for families and give way to adult couples after 7:30pm.

Contact no: (206) 726-1522

Location: 1131 34th Avenue , Seattle, WA 98122

Learn more here.

Seattle Center House

Part food court, part entertainment venue, this building dating back to the 1962 World’s Fair is a good place to take a grandchild during a visit to Seattle Center for lunch, dinner, a snack, or desert. Food options range from Italian cuisine to ice cream. The stage in the center also makes it a popular venue for kids’ shows (don’t miss the train village during the holidays).

Contact no: (206) 684-7200

Location: 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109

Learn more here.

My Coffee House

There are times when grandchildren are so high-energy, it’s difficult to keep up without caffeine. Fortunately, this café is great for all ages. There’s coffee for you, a good-sized kids menu, and lots of toys to play with including a train set, kitchenette, and a bean bag chair.

Contact no:(206) 568-7509

Location: 2818 East Madison Street, Seattle, WA 98112

Learn more here.

Ivar’s Salmon House

The goofy founder of this local restaurant chain may be gone and his songs about Acres of Clams a memory, but his legacy lives on in the form of two great places to while away a sunny afternoon on the water. Grandparents have long taken their favorite relatives to munch on fried salmon while watching the ferries roll in. The Salmon House on the Ship Canal is equally popular because kids can sit out back and watch boats roll by on a sunny afternoon.

Contact no: (206) 632-0767

Location: 401 Northeast Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98105

Learn more here.

Ivar’s Acres of Clams

The goofy founder of this local restaurant chain may be gone and his songs about Acres of Clams a memory, but his legacy lives on in the form of two great places to while away a sunny afternoon on the water. Grandparents have long taken their favorite relatives to munch on fried salmon while watching the ferries roll in. The Salmon House on the Ship Canal is equally popular because kids can sit out back and watch boats roll by on a sunny afternoon.

Contact no: (206) 624-6852

Location: 1001 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104

Learn more here.

Husky Deli

A classic West Seattle after-school gathering point for generations of students, this little restaurant serves more than just homemade ice cream. There is a slew of expertly-made traditional deli sandwiches, as well as some ethnic fare available on the catering menu like teriyaki chicken skewers, chicken parmigiana, and chili con carne, each equally pleasing for grandchildren and grandparents alike.

Contact no:(206) 937-2810

Location: 4721 California Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98116

Learn more here.