There are so many wonderful places to visit and things to do in Seattle with kids. You won’t be able to see everything in 3 days. But 3 days is enough time to give you a sample of what Seattle offers. This 3 day itinerary is about as jam-packed as my young family would be able to handle.
If it seems like too much for you and your family, skip some stops or spread these activities out over a couple more days. If you think you can handle more, great! I have listed some other Seattle gems that you may want to tack on. Because these days are broken out by geographical location, you will find my additional suggestions at the end of each day’s itinerary.
This itinerary assumes you have a car. Do you need a car to visit Seattle? No, you certainly don’t need a car to see downtown Seattle or even to access Seattle’s various neighborhoods. The public transportation network is constantly expanding. But the pace of this itinerary and the distance this itinerary covers assumes you have a car at least part of your trip.
Day 1
A Downtown Loop
This is the day you don’t need a car if you are otherwise able to get downtown (i.e. staying downtown or near a Link light rail or bus line that can get you to Westlake Station).
This day’s sites are all seen in one big loop. Although I would personally start at Pike Place Market, you can start anywhere on this loop, or reverse the loop. Maybe you are really wanting to go up the Space Needle. It opens at 8:00 am (confirm hours!) and there are sometimes discounts and shorter lines if you go early. So maybe that is the best place for you to start. Or if the weather is going to be great in the morning but clouds are expected to roll in later in the afternoon, you may want to start with the waterfront walk. Do what works best for you and allows you to see what you want to see!
There are also city passes and ticket packs that allow you to bundle certain attractions for a discount. So once you have decided what you want to see, check for discounts through passes and packs before you buy tickets.
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is a must-see if you are in Seattle with kids. This over a century old public market is packed with bustling activity. With views of the Puget Sound, fresh seafood on display, and an incredibly diverse array of vendors and artists, Pike Place Market is an iconic Seattle site that offers something for the whole family.
My kids enjoy watching the fish throwers at the fish market, sampling the fruits and other tasty offerings, listening to live music (one man, Jonny Hahn, has been playing on an upright piano on the market streets for decades), engaging with street performers and artists, and getting a sweet treat at one of the many bakeries. The highlight for me is the flowers. Pike Place Market sells GORGEOUS flowers for very reasonable prices.
The market gets crowded. I recommend starting here first thing in the morning. The vendors all open at various times, with some opening as early as 7 am and some restaurants remaining open late into the night. According to the Pike Place Market website, most vendors are open between 10 am and 5 pm. Because this downtown day is set up as a loop, I suggest getting to the market for breakfast and experiencing it as it is just opening. You can always join the crowds as you pass through again at the end of the day, or come back for dinner in or around the market.
My favorite time to visit Pike Place Market when living in Seattle was weekday mornings on a dreary winter day. That is when there are fewer tourists and the market’s character really shines. But it is worth checking out any time!
Pike Place Market is quite large, with more businesses than you may initially realize. You can get a general feel for the market with a quick walk through. But, to really explore the market in it’s entirety (the quirky gum wall, charming alleys, and winding lower levels), allocate a couple hours. During the market’s busier hours, it can be hard to pass through the crowds with a stroller. It is not impossible – we have been through the upper level with our double stroller before – but it can be slow going.
Ride the Monorail to Seattle Center
From Pike Place Market, head up the hill toward Westlake Station where you can catch the monorail to Seattle Center. It is a very short ride, but a lot of fun for young ones.
Seattle Center holds the Space Needle, the Pacific Science Center, the Artists at Play Playground (better for older kids), the Museum of Pop Culture, the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum, a children’s museum, a children’s theater, and much more. If you need a bite to eat, there is a foodcourt as well. The Seattle Center also hosts many festivals and events. You could easily spend a whole day here.
You could just walk around the large campus, observe street artists, look at the Space Needle, and let your kids play. But, if you want, there is time budgeted into this day for you to pop into one of the attractions or go up the Space Needle.
Space Needle
I don’t think going up the Space Needle is a must-do experience. The Space Needle is not cheap. For a family of four, you are easily looking at well over $100, depending on ages and when you go. Also, the line inside to access the elevators can take a while. But you do get a great view of the city, the Olympic and Cascade Mountains to the west and east, float planes, ferries, and the general hustle and bustle of the metro area from the top.
If you have young kids, it may not be worth it to wait in line. At the same time, under 5s were free when I last went up. One of my children was particularly keen to go up during a recent visit. So the two of us left the rest of the family to play in the park while we went up to the top. Up top, you can walk out on the outdoor viewing deck. There is also a lower level with a glass floor that very slowly turns. The rotating glass floor was a big hit!
Waterfront Walk Back to Pike Place
When you are done at the Seattle Center, I suggest making your way back down to the water for a walk along the waterfront. Walk west down Broad Street toward the water, past the Olympic Sculpture Park. You can hook up with the Elliot Bay Trail, which goes north for miles. But for more action, head south on foot down Alaskan Way, along the waterfront. This newly redeveloped waterfront area is a wonderful place to spend a sunny afternoon in Seattle with kids. From the Olympic Sculpture Park, it takes about 30 minutes to walk along the waterfront and get back up to Pike Place Market.
If children need a nap, I might time this walk so that they can take a stroller nap. For those kids that aren’t napping, the waterfront is a bustling place of activity. They can watch cruise ships load and unload, explore the piers, and see boats out on the water. When we last walked the waterfront, crews were constructing a playground on pier 58. Our kids were fascinated by the construction happening on the water and watching the busy construction boats zip around.
If you walk south to the Seattle Aquarium at Pier 59 and then head back uphill a couple blocks, you will be back where you started. Pike Place Market is just a short walk from the Aquarium. This whole area is full of dining options if you are hungry.
Before you head back, I suggest walking a couple minutes further to Miner’s Landing Pier 57. The Seattle Great Wheel is on Pier 57, as is Wings Over Washington. Wings Over Washington is a 4D cinematic experience that is pretty neat even for locals. There are, however, height and age restrictions, and the 4D effects are probably best suited for older kids. Pregnant women are also advised not to ride.
If your family is in the mood for seafood, the Crab Pot is a fun experience. I highly recommend ordering one of the Crab Pot’s Seafeasts if you are in Seattle with kids. They will dump a big bucket of seafood directly on your table and supply you with bibs, mallets, and picks. Super fun and messy!
Aquarium
Aquariums are great for babies and toddlers! The Seattle Aquarium is located down on the Waterfront on Pier 59. It is not huge, but has some nice fish tanks and some birds and marine mammals.
The Aquarium has two buildings and some outdoor exhibits as well. The Ocean Pavilion (the glass building across the walkway from the water on the east/city side) holds the large, colorful fish tanks that you would expect at an aquarium. The building on the water (Pier 59) has exhibits about the Pacific Northwest and the Puget Sound waters. There is a hands-on exhibit in this waterfront building as well, where visitors can touch tide pool creatures. There is also a play area for the younger kids. Outside on Pier 60 you will find some outdoor exhibits with otters and seals (access to this area is near the hands-on Life On The Edge exhibit and children’s play area). I suggest checking the daily schedule for feeding times because that can be fun to watch.
Always keep an eye out for orcas. When we last visited the Seattle Aquarium, word had it some resident orcas had been playing out in the Puget Sound, viewable from the Aquarium and the piers. We missed them, but the orcas are really neat to see, especially for kids! I remember seeing them as a child myself.
Other Great Stops Downtown:
- Check out some of the other attractions at Seattle Center.
- The Pacific Science Center is popular among families. Beyond the typical science museum exhibits, there is a Tropical Butterfly House, IMAX Theater, Laser Dome, and a “Just for Tots” space. The Laser Dome at the Pacific Science Center offers laser shows that could be fun for older kids. I attended an evening laser show a while back, well before getting married and having kids. It was neat, although the specific show that I picked was definitely an adult crowd. I suggest booking a daytime show if you are visiting Seattle with kids. The daytime shows are shorter and may be more family friendly.
- City parks and playgrounds
- You will find parks and playgrounds through the city.
- Ride a ferry
- You can catch a ferry from downtown (Pier 52) to Bainbridge Island.
A note about the steep hills: Downtown Seattle is quite hilly. Some of the roads and sidewalks are very steep. If you are going to be pushing a child in a stroller, I highly recommend wearing sturdy walking shoes. Some of the hills on the streets going east to west are so steep that I would worry about slipping while pushing a stroller downhill if I did not have good traction. Don’t let the hills deter you though. Just be prepared for a bit of a workout, take your time, and wear the right shoes!
Day 2
Scenic Drive, Locks, and Quirky Neighborhoods
This day has the most stops. You will be in and out of the car quite a bit, but none of the distances are terribly long. Some of the stops are very quick, while others you may want to extend as you are enjoying the area. If loading and unloading kids into and out of carseats is not appealing, I get that! Consider just driving past or through some of these places if your little ones are sleeping or content in the car. You will, however, need to get out of the car to see the Ballard Locks and Fish Ladder, both of which are pretty fascinating for little kids.
Kerry Park in Queen Anne
I suggest starting your day at Kerry Park on Queen Anne hill. Kerry Park is the place to capture the quintessential view of the Seattle skyline, complete with the Space Needle, the Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier. This small park, tucked away on a residential street, is primarily a vista spot, although there is a small playground. I recommend parking on the street at the top of the park on W Highland Dr, taking in the view, and then moving on.
Magnolia Blvd Drive to Discovery Park
On a sunny day, the drive from Kerry Park, west toward the water, and then north along Magnolia Blvd will take you past some spectacular views and gorgeous homes. After about 15 minutes, you will reach Discovery Park – a large nature space just northwest of downtown. Discovery Park has a playground (with a small zip line!), walking and hiking trails, beaches, and West Point Lighthouse.
Very limited parking is available at the lighthouse and beach by permit. Please confirm on the website, but when I last looked, families with young children, individuals over 62, or individuals with a physical limitation were able to obtain a parking permit if available. Parking permits are issued at the Visitor’s Center when it is open. Otherwise, you can hike into the lighthouse and beach or see if the shuttle is running (the shuttle also has limited seasonal hours).
If you aren’t up for a hike, consider burning some young energy off at the playground, having a snack, and driving down to the lighthouse to catch a glimpse. The third day in this itinerary is a beach day, so there will be another opportunity to dip your toes in the water.
Ballard Locks and Fish Ladder
The Ballard Locks and Fish Ladder are right next to Discovery Park. You can find some parking at the Ballard Locks South Parking Lot, but you will find a lot more parking on the North side at the Carl S. English Gardens. You can access the locks and fish ladders from both sides via a series of footpaths and pedestrian bridges. The locks are stroller and wheelchair accessible. The footpaths over the water are narrow, though, so I would only bring a stroller if you really need it.
Our kids really enjoyed watching the boats go through the locks and learning how the locks work. The fish ladder is also neat and there are underwater viewing windows through which you can watch the salmon passing through. Often seals will hang out near the fish ladder as well.
The Carl S. English Jr Botanical Gardens, adjacent to the locks, are pleasant and the garden hosts a free summer concert series (usually summer weekends, mid-afternoon, but check the website).
Fremont
Fremont is a quirky Seattle neighborhood located on Lake Union. Young kids may enjoy looking at the boats at the marinas, watching the drawbridge, and seeing house boats. But probably most fun for the kids, is the giant Fremont Troll (statue) lurking under the Aurora Bridge.
Gas Works Park
A fun way to end this day in Seattle with kids is watching float planes land and take off on Lake Union from Gasworks Park. There is a little hill that you can walk up and get a great view of the lake and city. There is also a playground on the northeast side of the park.
Other Gems in the Area
- Head up to Golden Gardens Beach from the Ballard Locks
- Golden Gardens is a large sandy beach with gorgeous views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains on a sunny day. This beach gets busy on summer afternoons and evenings and on weekends. It can be hard to find a parking spot during busy times.
- Grab a bite to eat in Ballard and spend more time exploring this area
- Pop up to Green Lake Park for a walk around the lake and/or a meal
- Green Lake has a swimming beach, walking trails, sports courts and fields, a playground, and boat rentals. The neighborhoods around the park are full of beautiful homes.
- If the parking lot at Green Lake Park is full, you can usually find street parking nearby.
- The Woodland Park Zoo and Woodland Park Rose Garden are right next to Green Lake as well.
Day 3
A Beach Day in West Seattle
If you are in Seattle with kids, a beach day is always a fun way to spend a day. You have several beach options along the Puget Sound and the shores of the many lakes and rivers in the area. But for first time visitors, I always recommend Alki Beach in West Seattle. West Seattle offers a different vibe. Away from the congestion of downtown, Alki Beach feels a bit like a laid back beach town and is the perfect way to end your time in Seattle.
A note about the weather. Of the 3 days, this day is the most weather dependent. Seattle is known for its rainy days. Unlike other parts of the country, however, where it may either be sunny or pouring rain and thundering, in Seattle, it is common for there to be a constant light drizzle or mist in the air. This makes doing things on rainy days possible if you dress appropriately. You can still visit West Seattle, go for a long walk, and enjoy a good meal on a dreary day. But a family day on the sand may not be in the cards. If you are visiting in the Summer, there is a good chance you will experience sunny days and warm weather. If you are visiting any other time of the year, you can still have sunny days, but expect rain.
My recommendation is to look at the weather before you visit and when you arrive. If a mix of rain and sun is forecasted, switch the order around so that your Alki Beach day is on a sunny day.
Alki Beach
Alki Beach is a great place to relax and play. You will find sand, lots of people playing beach volleyball, kids searching the water for sea life, people rollerblading, riding bikes, and walking along Alki Trail, and restaurants and shops. Visitors can also enjoy fires on the beach in designated fire pits (check city rules if you plan to do this). There are a limited number of fire pits available on a first come first serve basis. The fire pits are usually all claimed pretty early in the day.
You can rent an umbrella, sand toys, beach chairs, and bikes from Wheel Fun Rentals right across the street from the beach.
If the weather is not great for a beach day, you can walk the Alki Trail (see below) and grab a bite to eat. Alki Playground and Whale Tail Park is also a nice place to let your kids play.
Walk Alki Trail and Soak in the Views
Alki Beach has beautiful views of the Olympic Mountains and the Puget Sound. Walking Alki Trail is a great way to soak in those views. Start at Alki and walk east around the point, to City View Park. Here you will catch a great view of the city skyline. If you can, time it so that you reach City View Park as it is getting dark, when the city is lit up. If you have little kids, the sun can set well after bedtime. But in the darker months, you could fit a sunset walk in before dinner, see the sparkling city lights, and then go grab a bite to eat.
Some alternatives a little further out:
- Snoqualmie Falls and the town of Snoqualmie
- Woodinville Farms and Wineries
- Kirkland and Juanita Beach Park
- Take a Ferry to Bainbridge Island and Poulsbo
And there you have it. You will have no trouble filling 3 days in Seattle with kids. If you are looking for some packing tips, check out my packing tips for trips with young kids. Enjoy your time in the Emerald City!
