Plenty to see and do during Seattle Summers.

By Lisette Wolter-Mckinley

Surrounded by mountains, forests, and water, Seattle is a stunning spot to spend a few days. With so much to see, do, and explore a weekend spent in downtown Seattle can be a blast for kids and parents alike because there is. Whether you’re into outdoor exploration, arts, or are a foodie downtown Seattle has something for every family to enjoy.

Seattle is home to a thriving arts and music scene and has a rich history in jazz and grunge music. If your kids are into music, movies, or video games, the Museum of Pop Culture is the perfect spot for them. You can check out exhibits on everything from Marvel superheroes to Star Trek and video games. Nearby you will find the Artists at Play Plaza, a playground for kids of all ages; featuring a 30-foot climbing tower, climbing spider, two long slides, a suspended bridge and a musical wall. This park is the perfect spot to come for an hour in between reservations or to take a lunch or wiggle break. 

The Space Needle is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, offering breathtaking views of the city, the surrounding mountains, and Puget Sound. With two levels of observation decks (one with a glass floor) offering amazing views of the city and surrounding areas. The elevator ride alone is exciting so make sure you are in the front for a window view. Nearby are the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the International Fountain, and the Monorail. 

Where the viaduct, a double decker freeway, once stood and created a barrier to the Seattle waterfront, a new 20 acre park reconnects and reunites downtown Seattle with the water. Saunter from the market to the waterfront while stopping to let your children slide down a slide or take in the views from the top of Ocean Pavillion, the Seattle Aquarium’s expansion project. Waterfront Park is the perfect spot to eat a picnic lunch from the market, stop at Turkish Delight, Beecher’s or Le Panier or all three; for a smorgasbord of lentil soup, hummus, mac and cheese and French pastries. 

The Seattle waterfront is where you can take a water taxi over to West Seattle and Alki Beach for the afternoon or enjoy a waterfront stroll. Take a family-friendly boat ride with Argosy Cruises around Elliott Bay where kids can enjoy being out on the water and spend their time looking for marine life while you enjoy the scenic views and drinks. One easy way to get a great deal on most local attractions without breaking the bank is through Seattle CityPASS. With CityPASS you can not only save a significant chunk of change, but it is easy to make reservations for all the sights and book a fun weekend for the whole family. 

Seattle’s food scene is both diverse and delicious. From fresh seafood, like salmon and Dungeness crab, to innovative restaurants serving global cuisine, there’s something for everyone. Pike Place Market can be a very educational place for kids, especially if you take them on a Savor Seattle tour where they will enjoy learning about and watching the famous fish toss, tasting delicious treats like mini doughnuts, award-winning clam chowder, chocolate-covered cherries, and ginger beer to name a few. If people-watching is more your thing there are roaming buskers and vendors who have been selling at the market for upwards of thirty-five years.

The Great Wheel on the waterfront gives kids a fun vantage point of the city and Puget Sound and makes for unique photo opportunities. The Olympic Sculpture Park is full of interesting sculptures and wide open spaces just perfect for kids to run around, explore, and enjoy being a kid. If getting up close with marine life is of interest check out the new Seattle Aquarium expansion, enjoy live feedings, colorful fish, and experiencing touch tide pools.

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle is a great choice for families visiting Seattle, thanks to its winning combination of luxury, convenience, and family-friendly amenities. The Fairmont Olympic is centrally located, situated in the heart of downtown Seattle, where you can find easy access to attractions like Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, the Seattle Aquarium, and the Museum of Pop Culture. 

The rooms at the Fairmont Olympic are comfortable and offer plenty of space for everyone to spread out and relax. Many suites offer separate living areas which can help create privacy for the adults and room to play for the kids. The hotel offers special perks for kids like welcome amenities, stuffed animals and kid-size robes and slippers. The Fairmont Olympic has a heated indoor pool which is the perfect spot for kids to burn off some energy. The blend of luxury with a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere makes the Fairmont Olympic an excellent option for those visiting Seattle with kids.

The George is an upscale, intimate restaurant located within the iconic Fairmont Olympic Hotel. It is known for its refined, elegant atmosphere, which pairs classic luxury with a modern culinary edge. The décor is rich and sophisticated, with dark wood paneling, velvet seating, numerous plants, and ambient lighting which creates a warm, yet upscale dining experience. The restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal and local ingredients. The menu features a variety of dishes, from expertly crafted seafood to meats, all presented with creative flair. The impeccable service and the kid’s menu offering delicious choices like a steak made my mama’s heart swoon. Finish the night with their famous chocolate cake tented in a dome of chocolate. 

If you are looking to try something new as a family, not far from the hotel is SPIN Seattle. SPIN is a ping pong club for all ages and is a fun spot to stop for a couple of hours of ping pong and yummy bites. One of my favorite parts of SPIN is their staff walks around picking up the balls off the ground so you don’t have to spend all your time doing so. 

The best part of going on vacation with kids is the excitement and joy they bring. Kids respond well to getting to break free from their regular routine and experience something new, whether it’s playing at a new playground, exploring new places, or just having a blast with family and friends. You can feel the energy when they’re trying new activities or having fun with no schedule to worry about. There is nothing more priceless than seeing them create lasting memories and stories they’ll remember for years.