Written by #1. Discovery Park
If the sun sneaks out and your are able to momentarily put your raincoats away we recommend bringing the family to Discovery Park. Here your kid are free to tear around the 534 acre park and shores. There are also 11.81 miles of wonderful walking trails that are kid-friendly.
Head over to the west end of Salmon Bay to watch boats travel in and out of the locks. This is a great place to see the salmon running! However, even in off season the activity in the water is always a wonder to see for the kiddos.
The Burke-Gilman Trail is a very busy place for bikers, walkers, dogs and kids alike to get outside and get active. Our team loves taking their kids here for a weekend bike ride or walk. There are also many beautiful views of the water all along the trail which makes for a sensational sunny Sunday afternoon activity.
#4. Story Time
Did you know that various libraries throughout the city offer free story time (except on Sundays) throughout the entire year!? Libraries include the Seattle Public Library, King Library System, Island Books and Mockingbird Books.
#5. Fremont Troll’s
Nothing screams Seattle more than this little troll. Your kids will love seeing this fun statue as it will resonate with many childhood stories about finding trolls under a bridge. This statue is located a few blocks away from Paseo and would be the perfect place for a fun photo opportunity.
#6. Gas Works Park
Another fun outdoor activity to do with the entire family is visiting this beautiful 19.1 acre public park. This green place is a must-do if you are here in Seattle. We suggest packing a picnic lunch and spending the day.
Another favorite family activity that is also free is the $2 movies offered by Crest Cinema Centre. All movies are family-friendly which makes this the perfect little treat to do with the kids on a rainy afternoon.
It goes without saying that although Pikes Place Market is super touristy it is also a killer spot to take the kiddos. Let them watch the fish fly, browse through some sensational local produce and learn the ins and outs of one of the coolest places in the city. Stop by the Information Booth at First & Pike for a map.
Bring your kids to the Olympic Sculpture Park on Saturday to take advantage of fun drop-in activities throughout the park. Here they will be able to do things like recycle a cardboard box into multiple pieces of art, or create a vehicle to sit in for the kid-friendly indoor drive in movie.
#10. REI Flagship Store
Bring your kids to the REI Flagship Store and let them fulfill their camping fantasies. Here they can climb up the giant tree and play in all of tents...as long as you are nice to the sales associates.
#11. Urban Hikes
If your family loves to take advantage of mother nature we’ve found a blog that lists the top nine urban hikes in and around Seattle. These “secret” urban hikes are part of the official city open space project but are not very well-known.
#12. Play Areas
Parents often forget that a fun and completely free activity to do with your kids is to bring them to a play area. Let your children run wild and burn off some steam. Some of our personal favorite play area locations include Bellevue Square, Bothell Country Village and UVillage.
#13. PCC Natural Market
Did you know that kids under the age of 12 are able to pick up one piece of fruit for free at their neighbourhood PCC. We think this a perfect way of getting your kids excited about produce. What will they choose? Who knows!
One awesome place to check out is the Barn Yard at Farrel McWhirter Park in Redmond. The park is free and open 365 days a year and it full of bunnies, ponies, goats and many other curious creatures. If you kids love animals this would be a great place to take them.
#15. Market Magic Shop
If your are lucky to show your kids something a little offbeat and quirky we highly suggest showing them the Market Magic Shop. Stop by the “below-level” at Pikes Place Market to grab some magic trick supplies and memorabilia. Rumor has is that is you ask nicely the store manager may even show you a magic trick. ;)
#16. Kelsey Creek Farm
Quiet and nicely secluded, Kelsey Creek Farm is a fantastic place to take the kids for free on a sunny Sunday afternoon. The farm is home to a variety of ponies, pigs, rabbits and much more, which your kids will love almost as much as the playground.
#17. Burke Museum
For an educational experience (about culture and history) that your children will never forget bring them down to the Burke Museum on the UW campus. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free if you visit on the first Thursday of every month.
#18. Woodinville Stables
Situated just a few minutes outside of Seattle and Bellevue lies a massive equestrian facility known as the Woodinville Stables. Kids will love watching the horses and ponies trotting around. You don’t have to pay for lessons to enjoy the animals just come with an open mind and a love for equestrian
#19. Seattle Free Walking Tours
If you want to teach your kids a little bit about the city why not take them on a totally free walking tour? The guides are always very friendly which makes the 2 hour history lesson extremely enjoyable.
#20. Gum Wall
Sadly, we all know that the famously disgusting Gum Wall was removed a few month ago. However, it never hurts to walk down memory lane. Why not show your kiddos where this gorgeously gross tourist attraction used to be!?
Well, that’s all the suggestions we have for fun and fabulous activities to do with your kids in Seattle. If we missed any, or you want to comment on a particular place, we highly encourage you to do so in our comment section!
Get out there and explore!
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