Seattle is a city brimming with activities that are perfect for families and especially enjoyable for children. Below is a 3 day Seattle itinerary (2 days with additional options for a third day) of some of the most iconic landmarks and fun things to do in Seattle grouped together to logically maximize your time, get your kiddo’s wiggles out and to enjoy the local cuisine.

We live in Seattle, so we actually play tourist often when we have friends and family come to town. Most of our friends and family have kids, so we often look for activities in Seattle with kids.

Before we get to the Itinerary, let’s talk logistics. Where should you stay? Do you drive? What is the airport like? Should you rent a car? Check out this blog post for the Ultimate Guide to your Travel to Portland as you consider what will make the best vacation for you and your family.

Itinerary of the Best Things to Do in Seattle

Day 1

For breakfast, we often eat at our hotel for the convenience of it, but if you want to venture out there are some delicious options downtown including Lola, Biscuit Bitch (no gluten free options) and Tilikum Place Café come immediately to mind.

The Space Needle underwent a significant renovation in 2018, introducing the world’s first and only revolving glass floor, known as “The Loupe.” Visitors can now experience the thrill of walking above the city while enjoying the rotating view. The addition of floor-to-ceiling glass panels on the observation deck also allows for unobstructed views and the perfect opportunity for memorable photos.

The lines can get really long, so I highly recommend buying your tickets ahead of time. With the Seattle City Pass, you get great deals on 3 or 5 local attractions AND have the ability to make time reservations. This is a huge advantage with the Space Needle because you could easily spend over an hour in line.

Children 4 and under are free either way, but with the CityPass, you get 2 visits to the observation deck within a 24-hour period. We have never, ever had visitors want to go twice in one day, so when you do your calculations, you might want to expect that you’ll go once just to be conservative with how you want to approach the things to do in Seattle. You’ll pay more at the prime time (11am-7pm) and a little bit less at non-prime hours (8-11am and 7-11pm).

After soaking in the stunning vistas, head over to the nearby Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum. This vibrant museum showcases the mesmerizing glass art of Dale Chihuly. The intricate sculptures and colorful installations create a whimsical atmosphere, making it a delightful experience for art lovers and casual visitors alike. The interplay of light and glass in the garden is particularly enchanting, offering a unique and memorable adventure in the heart of Seattle.

You can also consider using tickets that combine the Space Needle and the Chihuly Glass Museum. These tickets are from $72 per person. The individual cost for visiting the Space Needle ranges from $29.00 to $46.50 depending on the time and day. For the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, general admission is $35 to $39 for adults, $30 to $33.50 for seniors (65+), and $26 to $29.50 for youth (ages 5-12).

While you’re at Seattle Center, you could also check out the Children’s Museum. It’s a couple of minutes’ walk from the Space Needle, and is located inside of the Armory, which also holds the food court. From the food court, you can look down through a large opening to a tree/camping exhibit in the Children’s Museum. Our kids have really enjoyed this Children’s Museum, but bear in mind that it’s a little older and some of the exhibits could definitely use a refresh. BUT kids don’t care because the exhibits, although a little dated, are still really engaging.

Bear in mind that the Children’s Museum is NOT a part of the CityPass (discounted rates for 5 Seattle attractions) or the C3 pass (discounted rates for 3 Seattle attractions).

After the Space Needle and the Children’s Museum, you might have some hungry little travelers. Here are some of the better food kiosks in the food court:

• Mod Pizza (individual pizzas)
• Blue Water Taco (some standard tacos)

OR you could walk about a 10-minute stroller walk to Agave Cocina & Tequila at Republican and 1^st Ave N. They have a full bar, which is nice for some day drinking. The tequila menu is extensive and includes blancos, repasados, anejos, extra-anejos, mezcal. I happen to like my tequila neat, but their palomas are phenomenal, they have tequila old fashions. Their food is also delicious. To start you might try their guac/chips and their Pineapple Prawn Ceviche. I particularly like their Warm Seafood & Spinach salad or the Chipotle & Orange Caesar salad. They’ve got legit tacos, and the girls love their carnitas e pollo options. My mom likes their Crema Blanca Chicken enchiladas. My husband likes the Grilled Cab Skirt Steak Carne Asada.

After lunch, you might consider looking into the Seattle Children’s Theater back inside of Seattle Center to see if they’ve got a play going that would be interesting for your family. Their 2025 season is published already. Typical show times are 11am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 5pm depending on the day. You’ll want to make reservations ahead of time because they do sell out.

Alternatively, you could head to the Pacific Science Center. This is on the C3 and City Pass option list. The PSC is quite large, and has IMAX theaters, a Laser Dome, a Planetarium, a large butterfly room, and LOTS of hands-on interactive exhibits that kids love to play around with. There is also a toddler section where we have spent hours. Kiddos love it. You could spend hours here with all the exhibits that are colorful and engaging for kids, and informational for adults.

While you’re in Seattle Center, you should also check out the Seattle Center Playground. As you enter the playground, the first thing that catches your eye is the array of slides, swings, and climbing structures. Each piece of equipment is designed to challenge and delight children of all ages, encouraging them to explore, climb, and slide to their heart’s content. The ground is covered with soft, impact-absorbing material, ensuring that the inevitable tumbles are gentle ones. The equipment is regularly inspected and maintained, providing peace of mind for parents and endless fun for kids.

Now that you’ve spent the whole day at Seattle Center, you and your kiddos are probably hungry. Here are some options that are within walking distance:

• Mantra – it’s convenient Thai food and gets good reviews, but we haven’t been very impressed with the food.
• Petra Mediterranean Bistro – a short walk from Seattle Center, and I have really enjoyed the entrees.
• The 5 Point Café – a quick walk to American cuisine for those of us who have kiddos with a predilution for chicken fingers and burgers.

Day 2

Speaking of fish and being a tourist, one of the standard tourist purchases is smoked or fresh fish. City Fish is one of the oldest fish-selling vendors in the market, and will ship any fish that they have in stock to anywhere in the United States overnight. Purchases over $100 are shipped for free. Jack’s Fish Spot is also an amazing vendor. We’ve been going there for 20 years. They also ship fish overnight, making sure that the goods are wrapped up to stay fresh for 48 hours. While you’re at Jack’s grab a quick snack of their alderwood candy smoked salmon. It’s addictive.

Wander through the market’s labyrinth of shops and stalls. Fresh flowers, artisan crafts, and local produce await. The air buzzes with energy as vendors set up their stalls. Grab a coffee—it’s Seattle, after all! Storyville Coffee Company has a stall here. You can also see the first Starbucks. Bear in mind that the line is LONG. We usually take pictures of our visiting friends in front of the Starbucks storefront and then get coffee elsewhere.

For breakfast at the Market, you have a plethora of choices. The Athenian is where Tom Hanks and Rob Reiner talked about dating in the movie “Sleepless in Seattle.” The food is good, and you can get a table upstairs that is quiet(ish) and looks out over the water. The Crumpet shop has some delicious escargot (just kidding. They serve crumpets.) Three Sisters Café has great baked goods (try the salmon and lox). There are a number of stalls with cuisine from all over the world depending on your palate profile.

A visit to Seattle’s Pike Place Market isn’t complete without meeting Rachel the Pig and exploring the quirky Gum Wall. Rachel, a life-sized bronze piggy bank, stands proudly at the entrance of the market, welcoming visitors with her charming presence. She’s not just a photo op; Rachel also helps raise funds for the market’s social services. Just a short stroll away, you’ll find the Gum Wall, a colorful and slightly bizarre attraction where thousands of chewed gum pieces create a vibrant mosaic. It’s a testament to the city’s playful spirit and a must-see for anyone looking to experience the unique and whimsical side of Seattle.

A short walk away you can do a Tour of Seattle’s Underground History. Learn what Seattle looked and felt like back in the 1890’s, and why Seattle decided to build over the streets of yesteryear into what Seattle looks like today. Trust me, it looks a LOT different. I’ve found it deliciously spooky.

For a bit of whimsy, head to Pier 57 along the waterfront. There stands the Seattle Great Wheel—a giant Ferris wheel with enclosed gondolas. Take a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel on the waterfront for stunning views of the Puget Sound. As you ascend, you’ll see the city unfold below. The Puget Sound stretches out, and the Space Needle peeks through the skyline. Perfect for photos! You can choose whether to ride in a glass-bottom or a normal bottom gondola. There are two separate lines.

Walk 5 minutes South to the Seattle Aquarium for an up-close look at local marine life. Watch sea otters play, marvel at giant Pacific octopuses, and touch starfish in the tide pools. Educational and enchanting! Tickets are available at specific entry times. Get your tickets early (as in not the day of), and make sure that you get there on time.

Then take an Argosys Tour to explore Elliott Bay, to see the surrounding islands and to see Seattle from the water. It’s a majestic site with the salty air whipping through your hair. There are a lot of cruise options in Seattle, and Argosys is one of the best. They have great ships, they don’t tend to overcrowd the seats, and they don’t feel smarmy.

Speaking of the sea and exploring, you can easily head from the Seattle waterfront to explore the tide pools at Alki Beach. You can deither walk another 6 minutes South to the Ferry Terminal or hop in your car for a 20-30 minute drive. When you look at the ferry schedule, look for Seattle to West Seattle route. The schedule shows the bidirectional launch times. Estimate a 30 minute water taxi ride to the King County Water Taxi stand that is on the North end of Seacrest Park. Across the street is a hidden gem of a coffee shop called the Unwind Café. Grab something to hydrate with a mouth-watering smoothie and then walk about 40 minutes to Alki Beach. After all this you will most certainly be hungry. Before you dive into the waves or dig your toes into the sand, check out any of these restaurants. I can absolutely vouch for their yummy food.

• Duke’s Seafood West Seattle – Amazing clam chowder. In fact, they recently updated the classic recipe so that their clam chowder is gluten free! You can check out this delicious recipe here.
• Blue Moon Burgers – Amazing burgers
• El Chupacabra – hole in the wall with mouthwatering Mexican food
• Spud – local fish and chips since 1935

When you make it to the beach, look for people wearing headphones and dancing. You’ll have stumbled into a silent disco, which is always surprising to me…but fun to watch or join in! You can watch people break out their volleyballs, walk their dogs, play in the sand or just sit back and soak up some sun. After you’ve had your fill of the beach or if it’s too crowded, walk a few minutes into West Seattle to check out the Whale Tail Park, which is great for toddlers through to maybe 7 or 8 year olds.

Walk 4 blocks to the Log House Museum. Built in 1903-1904 as the Carriage House for the Historic Fir Lodge (also known as Alki Homestead), this humble log cabin now houses the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. Revolving historical exhibits feature settlers’ stories to Duwamish and Suquamish tribal heritage in a blend of artifacts, audio, and video.

Next logical stop is the Alki Point Lighthouse. During summer weekends, the lighthouse and its grounds open their doors. Call ahead, pack curiosity, and step into a bygone era. Back in 1887, Hans Martin Hanson and Knud Olson lit a lamp here, guiding ships through the night. Mariners owe them a nod of gratitude. Fast-forward to 1913. The concrete fog signal building with its octagonal tower stood tall. Inside, a fourth-order Fresnel lens spun like a celestial dancer, casting five white flashes followed by a brief eclipse. Alki Point marks the entrance to Seattle’s Elliott Bay. Ships arriving or departing would glimpse its reassuring glow. And today, visitors can explore this historic gem.

Next check out Constellation Park, which has some fun critters like sea anemone at Alki Point. Expect more seaweed as you explore more of the South of the park. We play a game to see who can avoid stepping on the most anemones. The rock wall has a ton of sea life to explore.

If you drove, you can also plan to head to Jack Block Park, which is 15 acres of exploration, a play area and a walkable pier.

By now, you are certainly hungry. Here are some additional dinner spots that are good for kids in West Seattle if you want more options than listed above:

• Jak’s Grill – local chain. Some of our favorite dishes include bacon-wrapped scallops, beetroot carpaccio & arugula, spinach salad, prime rib dip, the maple mustard glazed salmon. They also have a lot of steak options. Would require a car or taxi to get to.
• Mission Cantina – under new owners, so we’ll see how that shakes out…but it used to be an amazing tequila bar with a scratch Mexican kitchen. We have loved their gluten-free options. Would require a car or taxi to get to.

Day 3 or Ancillary Options that Require a Car

Museum of Flight showcases the history of aviation with interactive displays and is the largest independent air and space museum globally. Explore over 175 aircraft, spacecraft, and millions of rare photographs. Don’t miss the interactive displays that bring aviation history to life! Approximately 20 minutes South of downtown Seattle on the way to the airport.

Discovery Park Enjoy 534 acres of natural beauty within the city of Seattle in the Magnolia area, which is just Northwest of downtown Seattle. Wander through meadows, forests, and dramatic sea cliffs. Follow trails to protected tidal beaches and the historic West Point Lighthouse or just enjoy a shaded playground with fun climbing structures and a zipline.

Fifteen minutes from Discovery Park is the Woodland Park Zoo, a must-see for animal lovers. Located in the Phinney Ridge area of Seattle, which is north of Magnolia and Queen Anne. Get up close to over 800 animals and 250 species at Woodland Park Zoo. From oaks to maples, explore diverse habitats and learn about wildlife conservation. In the summer there are concerts at the Zoo via Zootunes. Get your tickets EARLY. They sell out very, very fast.

Imagine strolling along the Puget Sound, surrounded by monumental artworks. That’s the Olympic Sculpture Park—a vibrant green space just north of the Seattle Art Museum. Take a smartphone tour (dial 206.866.3222) or explore the trees via the Olympic Sculpture Park Tree Walk. If you are here in the summer, you could also plan to do some yoga in the park. It’s free on Saturday’s! Parking is available on the street or in the Paccar Pavillion Garage located just underneath the main entrance. Street and Garage parking both have fees.

Additional Culinary Delights

Seattle’s food scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Treat the family to some of the city’s best ice cream at Molly Moon’s or Salt & Straw. For a taste of local cuisine, visit the food trucks at South Lake Union or enjoy a picnic with fresh produce from the farmers’ market. End your day with a sweet treat from Cupcake Royale, Top Pot Donuts, or a chocolate tour at Theo Chocolate Factory. Trophy Cupcakes are also a yummy option, and they sponsored my daughter’s tee ball team…so they have a special place for me. Hope you find their cupcakes as tasty as the Seattleites do!

Local Recipes

Cedar Plank Salmon

Duke’s Famous Clam Chowder

Enjoy your time in Seattle with these family-friendly suggestions and create memories that will last a lifetime!

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