Things To Do With Kids

If your grandchild can’t find a souvenir of his Seattle visit at this kitschy combination local institution/waterfront gift shop/ersatz museum of the absurd, he or she won’t be able to find it anywhere. But grandchildren still enjoy one of the oddest collections of stuff this side of Ripley’s Believe It or Not, including a petrified mummy named Sylvester, shrunken heads, a three-tusked walrus, and a two-headed bull. What’s not to love?

Contact no: (206) 682-5844

Location: 1001 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104

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.

Normally we wouldn’t recommend you take hard-to-impress grandchildren just to check out a lowly statue. This, however, is a different kind of public art. Located under the Aurora Bridge it features a Volkswagen-eating troll with hubcaps for eyes and a Volkswagen in its hands. It’s a great photo opportunity and grandchildren of all ages love climbing around on its head and shoulders.

Contact no:
Location: Troll Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103

Learn more here.

Before there was a Space Needle, grandparents took their grandchildren to the Smith Tower, the tallest building west of the Mississippi River for half a century. Although many larger buildings have sprouted around it, the 35th floor observation deck still provides a great view of Pioneer Square (and might not be as intimidating as the Space Needle). It’s also the only building in town that still uses elevator operators.

Contact no: (206) 622-4004

Location: 506 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104

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.

The home of baseball’s Seattle Mariners is an attraction even when the team is on the road and during the off-season thanks to behind the scenes tours of the park. The tour may only last an hour, but the trip through the locker rooms, press box, and other private areas will leave your baseball loving grandchildren starstruck even if they don’t see anyone famous.

Contact no: (206) 346-4001

Location: 1250 First Avenue S, Seattle, WA 98134

Learn more here.

It may be a working farmers market, but it’s also one of Seattle’s best known attractions with plenty for a grandchild to love; including street performers, salmon-throwing fishmongers, food stands, toy stores, a cheesemaker, a doughnut-making machine, and a scary monkfish that will frighten grandchildren and delight adults.

Contact no: (206) 682-7453

Location: Pike Street and First Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101

Learn more here.

If you want the budding scientists in your family to sing your praises, this is the place to go. It’s one of the coolest museums in town with a tidal pool touch tank, robotic insects, a butterfly house, and a science playground. Other offerings include laser shows, a planetarium, and two IMAX theaters where you can see the latest Hollywood blockbuster on a six-story, 80-foot wide screen and a variety of other films in 3-D.

Contact no: (206) 443-2001

Location: 200 Second Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109

Learn more here.