Tucked up in the Northwestern corner of the U.S,, Seattle is one of those cities that every American should experience. This beautiful city sits on the banks of the Puget Sound and draws families in with its distinct Seattle culture, evergreen meets urban aesthetics, and lots of kid friendly fun. Here are a few classic Seattle spots your family won’t want to miss on your family vacation.
See Seattle’s Wild Side
Seattle’s Phinney Ridge neighborhood is home the Woodland Park Zoo, a 92 acre zoological park featuring over 1,000 animals including critically endangered Sumatran tigers and adorable Humbolt penguins. Its Northern Trails exhibit is designed to take visitors through the tundra, taiga, and montane while seeing North American animals such as gray wolves, grizzly bears, and Roosevelt elk. The Seattle Aquarium has been delighting sealife lovers down at Pier 51 since it opened its doors in 1977. The aquarium has a focus on Washington’s Northern Pacific waters and features nice exhibits highlighting a variety of ecosystems including rocky tidal zones, shore birds, and the critters that call the Puget Sound home.
Stroll Pike Place Market
The salmon tossing fishmongers may be the most famous fixtures of the 105-year-old Pike Place Market but stall after stall of incredible produce, seafood, crafts, and more keep both tourists and locals coming back again and again. The Market is a great place to explore as you buy ingredients for a picnic on the waterfront and maybe a souvenir or two to take home. Coffee lovers should definitely stop by the very first Starbucks, or as us Starbuck’s addicts call it, “the mother ship.”
Explore Seattle Center
It’s easy to spend a full day in Seattle Center and still feel like you haven’t seen it all. The Center was originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair with the Space Needle serving as its centerpiece. Today there are several other destination worthy attractions that will keep your entire family entertained.
Seattle Center offers a diverse range of attractions, including artistic performances at McCaw Hall and Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, fascinating art at Chihuly Garden and Glass, serene landscapes of KeyArena, and family fun at International Fountain. The complex also features the Pacific Science Center, which was originally designed to house science exhibits from the World’s Fair but these days, only a few still remain. Permanent exhibits include the butterfly house, a Puget Sound model, and a fascinating Insect Village complete with giant robotic insects.
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Museum of Pop Culture
The Museum of Pop Culture offers visitors to Seattle an immersive journey through the diverse realms of popular culture. Visitors can explore captivating exhibits showcasing music, science fiction, gaming, and more. Iconic artifacts, interactive displays, and multimedia installations bring to life the evolution of pop culture, from its historical origins to contemporary influences. Engage with legendary music memorabilia, delve into the worlds of beloved movies and TV shows, and embrace the interactive nature of gaming culture. The museum celebrates the creativity and impact of pop culture icons, fostering an understanding of their significance in shaping society. Through its dynamic exhibits and engaging presentations, the Museum of Pop Culture offers an unforgettable experience that appeals to enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds.
Did we miss your favorite Seattle attraction? Tell us about it in the comments below!