Seattle's family-friendly museums cater to kids of all ages, including the young at heart, whether your focus is on the arts and sciences or your interests range from aviation to popular culture. Book admission tickets, combine attractions with a Seattle City Pass, or go sightseeing with a guide. Here are our top recommendations.
Seattle Children's Museum
Rainy days in Seattle are well-spent at this museum geared toward young children from 10 months to 10 years of age. Kids can get messy with painting and clay at the Imagination Studio, build in the Construction Zone, explore the world at the Global Village, explore STEM-based activities in Cog City, and much more. Visit the Seattle Children's Museum on a family-oriented tour of Seattle.
Pacific Science Center
Budding scientists will enjoy exhibits where they can conduct their own experiments under the guidance of real-life researchers. From tropical butterflies to robotic dinosaurs to marine life, there's much to learn about at this complex, which includes two IMAX theaters, a laser dome, and a planetarium. Top off your visit with a stop at the nearby Space Needle.
Formerly named the EMP (Experience Music Project), the Frank Gehry–designed museum at Seattle Center boasts a whimsical exterior constructed of colorful, curved metal. Special and traveling exhibits on pop culture topics—from comic book superheroes and the Star Trek TV series to Seattle garage bands the likes of Nirvana and Pearl Jam—will delight children, teens, and adults alike.
The Museum of Flight
Anyone with an interest in aviation or space exploration will find plenty here to satisfy their curiosity. The Museum of Flight's claim to fame is being the largest private air-and-space museum in the world. Little ones can wave from the cockpit of a Boeing 737, get up close to a full-scale NASA Space Shuttle Trainer, and watch a 3D film to learn more about the past and future of flying.
Museum of Glass (Tacoma)
This family-friendly venue is located in Tacoma, about a 30-minute drive from Seattle. Discover the interactive process of making glass art during a live demonstration at the Hot Shop; marvel at glassworks in the traveling exhibits and permanent collections; and visit the Education Studio to try your hand at glassmaking. Glass-fusing workshops are available on-site for burgeoning young artists.
4 Tours and Activities | All Seattle Tours
Seattle CityPASS
Experience Seattle's must-see tourist attractions — and enjoy considerable savings — on this exciting Seattle CityPASS. Visit the world famous Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium. Then choose from the Museum of Pop Culture or Woodland Park Zoo and the Pacific Science Center or Chihuly Garden and Glass to complete the tour. CityPASS mobile tickets are valid for 1 year from the date of purchase. Transportation to and from attractions not included.
The Museum of Flight Admission Ticket
Explore one of America's largest air and space collections with admission to The Museum of Flight, and spend the day learning about the history—and future—of aviation. Watch a 3D air and space movie, see full-size aircraft, then slip into the cockpit of a Boeing 747. Purchase your ticket in advance so you can save time and go straight to the fascinating exhibits.
Seattle's Unique Culture, Art & Music With A Local: Private & Personalized 3Hrs
Experience Seattle's rich art and music scenes with a local insider on this guided excursion. Learn about the city's vibrant culture from an informative guide and enjoy a custom-crafted tour designed to suit your interests—a trip to Olympic Sculpture Park or Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, for instance. Other options include the Museum of Pop Culture, the unique Cinerama movie theater, or the Experience Music Project Museum.
Family Adventure Walking Tour In Seattle
We know that city breaks as a family can be unpredictable to say the least, but in a city like Seattle, that won't be a problem! Whatever their age, however fussy your little ones can be with food and in spite of the rain that might fall, there's always something to top that will keep the whole family happy! Seattle is packed with interactive museums like the Pacific Science Centre, opportunities to get active outdoors by canoeing on Lake Union or exploring Discovery Park with its forest trails and Native American Cultural Centre, and rainy day options like the Aquarium. So let a local show you the family side of this dynamic, modern city so you can make new memories and create the perfect family break in Seattle!