Seattle Attractions for Children

(Seattle, Washington - WA, USA)



Families visiting Seattle may like to make time to check out a number of the city's most child-friendly attractions. The Seattle Aquarium should certainly appear at the top of any itinerary and operates admirable marine conservation policies whilst educating its 800,000+ annual visitors. Of note, the adjacent Waterfront Park area provides a very pleasant place for a stroll, offering cruises and a bite to eat at the popular Crab Pot seafood restaurant.

Close to the Memorial Field and the Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, and right next to the Book-It Repertory Theater, the Children's Museum is to be found at the Center House, within the area known as Seattle Center, where it features interactive fun for all ages. Another safe bet is the Woodland Park Zoo, which resides within the Phinney Ridge neighborhood and opened as long ago as 1890. Today, the zoo is home to roughly 1,100 animals, covering some 300 different species.


Seattle Aquarium

Address: 1483 Alaskan Way (Pier 59), Seattle, Washington WA, 98101, USA
Tel: +1 206 386 4300
Located on Pier 59 overlooking the Puget Sound, the Seattle Aquarium is a nationally recognized aquatic educational center and first opened its doors in the spring of 1977. Exhibits display more than 380 species of fish, invertebrates, birds, marine mammals and other attractions, as well as the world's first aquarium-based salmon ladder and fish hatchery. The aquarium is also the first institution to raise both sea otters and the giant Pacific octopus, with specially built habitats for viewing.
Open hours: September to March - 10:00 to 17:00, April to May - 09:30 to 17:00, June to August - 09:30 to 19:00.
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors

The Children's Museum

Address: 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, Washington WA, 98109, USA
Tel: +1 206 441 1768
With seven hands-on exhibits focusing on education, visitors to the Children's Museum can experience international cultures and replicas of natural surroundings, whilst employing their creative imaginations. Galleries include a mountain forest where you can hike, a small theater for improvised plays, an exhibit teaching the fun of cause and effect, and the Imagination Station. Other attractions at the museum include an area dedicated to youngsters below the age of three and a popular gift shop.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors, children under one free

Woodland Park Zoo

Address: 5500 Phinney Avenue North, Seattle, Washington WA, 98103, USA
Tel: +1 206 684 4800
Located to the north of downtown Seattle and near the Green Lake, the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood and Belltown, the award winning Woodland Park Zoo is dedicated to conservation and education. The zoo covers just over 90 acres / 37 hectares and features an African savanna, Asian elephant habitat, special monitor dragon exhibit, fantastic butterfly territory, tropical rain forest and fragrant rose gardens. The green lawns are great for picnics and host live music festivals during the summer months.
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 17:00 (seasonal variations apply)
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors, children under two free