Seattle's skyline.
Ask and you shall receive. . . Breezy Mama Linnea requested that we feature family friendly destinations and as a result, we will be having a regular column called Day Tripping. It explores different destination spots around the country, listing the Top Ten Things To Do for each one. Kicking off the series is Breezy Mama Gina, mom of three, a resident and an expert on all things Seattle. . .
10. Pike Market Place– www.pikeplacemarket.org
Love this place for a fresh seafood lunch. There are awesome, cheap, beautiful flower bouquets and I can’t resist buying one every time we visit. Exploring the downstairs is a must—there are many floors of neat, unique shops. You will also find fabulous bakeries and I love the gelato. Of course, you can’t leave without watching the flying fish.
9. Sporting Event – Sounders (soccer), Seahawks (football), Mariners (baseball)
www.soundersfc.com, www.seahawks.com, www.seattlemariners.com,
How often do you get to see a professional soccer game? Regular season runs from March through October. When the Sounders aren’t playing, come to Qwest Field to catch a Seahawks game–the football season runs from September through January.
Safeco Field: Home of the Seattle Mariners
Take me out to a ball game – baseball that is. Safeco Field is the place to be. Such an awesome stadium with its retractable roof and beautiful brick, plus you’ll find cool art hung throughout.
8. Seattle Aquarium – www.seattleaquarium.org
You’ll love this place if you like to explore a bit. You are able to touch sea stars/starfish, sponges, plankton, etc. which is always great fun for the kids. An added plus is being able to get up close and personal with the giant Pacific Octopus. The otters are hilarious to watch above and under the water.
7. Woodland Park Zoo – www.zoo.org
One of the best zoos I’ve ever been to (and growing up near the San Diego Zoo, that says a lot!). Very realistic, natural settings. The animals cohabit with one another, for example, the zebras roam with the giraffes and gazelles. Our family’s favorite is the orangutan exhibit while we also love the carousel, brown bears, penguins, gorillas, hippos, elephants, and butterfly exhibit.
The following are all located at the Seattle Center, www.seattlecenter.com
World famous space needle
6. Space Needle – www.spaceneedle.com
Whether you’re there to eat or take a ride (to the top) you’ll never forget the view from the Space Needle. If you do have the time and money (the restaurant is a bit pricey), try lunch or dinner. While you’re eating the floor moves in a circle…slowly, so you’re able to get your 360 degree view. On a clear day it’s magnificent.
5. Pacific Science Museum (including IMAX Theater) – www.pacsci.org
This place has something for everyone. So many great, hands-on exhibits. My kids’ favorite is the virtual soccer game. Standing in front of a green screen the children get to participate in a ‘real’ game – trying to block all goals coming at you. Don’t forget to check out the dinosaurs, butterflies, and IMAX Theater.
4. Experience Music Project (EMP) – www.empsfm.org
Want to play a guitar or mix your favorite dance song? Then this is the place for you. The EMP/SFM has permanent and traveling exhibitions. If science fiction tickles your fancy check out the Science Fiction Museum right next door.
The International Fountain.
3. Children’s Museum – www.thechildrensmuseum.org
For those with younger kids, don’t miss the Children’s Museum, located under the Seattle Center’s food court. Parents join in the fun or relax, sit back, and watch your little one play till their hearts content. Kids get to go shopping in a foreign grocery store, run a restaurant, drive a fire engine, produce a play, and make crafts… Bonus–upon exiting you’ll see the spectacular International Fountain–you don’t want to miss it!
2. Fun Forest Amusement Park – www.funforest.com
Fun Forest Amusement Park
Fun rides and games for all ages, plus an arcade inside.
1. Seattle Children’s Theater – www.sct.org
Great opportunity for your family to experience some ‘culture.’ Seeing a play is not something you do everyday, and it gives kids the opportunity to learn theater etiquette. An added plus is that though it’s a community based theater, the actors are fantastic.
About Gina: Gina, mother to Anyssa (15), Joey (13) and Trevor (10) and her husband Darren, love to ‘show off’ Seattle when friends and family come to visit. Gina grew up in Southern California, but has been a Seattle transplant for ten years.
Want to learn more every day? Get Breezy Mama in your email in-box — it’s free! Click here!
Want to show off your hometown? Want to see a certain city featured? Fill out the form below and let us know!
This is great!! Thanks to Gina for such great information. I can’t wait to visit Seattle again and will be sure to remember this article when we plan our next trip. If anyone needs Boston/Cape Cod suggestions, I would be happy to help with some recommendations.