Written by Surprise, surprise, another rainy day in Seattle. The kids have just spent the whole week stuck in the classroom and they're dying to get out of the house for a fun adventure. What are you going to do? Have no fear! Your list of Seattle's Top Indoor Attractions is here. Like all big cities, Seattle has a variety of excellent educational experiences and exhibits. So, when the rain strikes again, take the family to one of these awesome spots.
1. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Calling all music lovers! The Museum of Pop Culture, previously known as the Experience Music Project, is a music lover's paradise. It's full of exhibits documenting the rise of some of the most iconic bands and performers - think Nirvana and Prince. Of course, MoPOP isn't just about music. Other exhibits explore other aspects of pop culture, such as film and science fiction. You'll loose track of time as you roam through MoPOP's interactive exhibits and dynamic displays. Visit once. Visit twice. Visit a hundred times! This place never gets old.
Photo Credit: Museum of Pop Culture
2. Kids Discovery Museum
If you're feeling like a real adventure, take the ferry to Bainbridge Island and then walk less than ten minutes to explore art, science, and culture at the Kids Discovery Museum. Yes, the Kids Discovery Museum is designed for kids. Duh! But parents and caregivers are encouraged to join in on the fun. Yes, that means you have to crawl alongside your toddler in the Totally Tot exhibit or put on your lab coat and play doctor in the Medical Center. This is a great place that will ignite your kids' curiosity and keep their brains active.
3. The Museum of Flight
If you love planes or are even mildly interested in them, the Museum of Flight is a must-visit. It has a collection of over 175 aircraft and spacecraft, thousands of artifacts and photographs, and awesome exhibits that will take you a thrilling journey of the past, present, and future of flight. Be careful, because by the time you leave, your little one might be asking for pilot lessons!
4. Seattle Aquarium
A rainy day is a great opportunity to visit your favourite aquatic animals at the Seattle Aquarium. Be amazed when you see vibrant tropical fish swim right in front of your eyes in the Tropical Pacific exhibit, cute sea otters play with each other in the Marine Mammals exhibit, and divers swim among the hundreds of fish and invertebrates in the Window on Washington's Waters exhibit. By far, the most magical feature of the aquarium is the Underwater Dome that takes you under water with a 360 degree view of a 400,000-gallon tank filled with fish.
Photo Credit: Seattle Aquarium
5. Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
Opening on October 12, 2019, the New Burke Museum shares its natural and cultural connections with everyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of Earth's past. It houses more than 16 million objects that are studied by students and researchers. The New Burke features four stories, or exhibits, with working labs and interactive stations for you to learn about our past like never before. Did you know that the ordinary, run-of-the-mill chicken is related to a T. rex? Me neither! Kids and adults will be inspired about the world around us after visiting the New Burke.
6. Pacific Science Center
Learn about topics in science, math, and technology in a hands-on, fun environment. The Pacific Science Center has close to 20 exhibits for curious minds of all ages. Create your own inventions in the Tinker Tank, be transported to another world with PacSci's VR Experiences, meander through the Tropical Butterfly House to see hundreds of butterflies from around the world, and so much more! Or, if you just feel like sitting on your bottom, see an IMAX feature film instead!
7. Seattle Children's Museum
With over 18,000 square feet of play space and free educational programs with the price of admission, the Seattle Children's Museum is a great destination on a rainy day. The space is designed for children 8 years old or younger to roam around and select the exhibit they want to explore. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to explore and discover with their kids. Learning about braille and eye and health safety in the Eye Clinic and bird watching on the Mountain are just two of the fun and educational experiences open to guests. Don't take my word for it. Visit the Seattle Children's Museum ASAP!
Photo Credit: Seattle Children's Museum
8. Museum of History & Industry
MOHAI is dedicated to educate visitors about the Puget Sound region's fascinating history. Learn about how Seattle has and is shaping the world we live in. Their permanent and temporary exhibits are designed to appeal to all visitors, young and old. A favourite exhibit among many is the Bezos Center for Innovation, where you can explore how and where the great ideas that impact our lives evolve. Don't miss your chance to take the kids to explore the Kid-Struction Zone where kids ages 2 to 7 can learn through hands-on activities, such as a tool bench, graphic panels, historic photographs, reading stations, and more. This exhibit runs through August 31, 2020.
9. Living Computers Museum + Labs
Got a computer wiz in the family? Bring them to Living Computers Museum + Labs. They have an amazing collection of the oldest computers to the newest technology impacting our world, like robots and augmented reality. Get this, instead of looking at old computers behind a glass window, you'll actually get to use and play with the computers. The idea is that you'll learn from an immersive experience. So as they say, "Come in. Geek out."
10. Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
SAM's collections include artworks from Asia, Africa, Ancient America, Europe, and the Oceania. They also have impressive galleries that celebrate Native American and Australian Aboriginal art. If you don't think your kids will enjoy wandering aimlessly through a gallery, don't worry! SAM hosts fun, educational programs for kids and families on the weekends, such as story times and art workshops. But don't forget to book your spot in advance!
What's your favourite rainy day spot in Seattle? If we've missed it, let us know by commenting below!
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