First, let me say that I may repost this question in the near future in the hopes of getting more answers.
My husband and I had a great time on a trip to Seattle last summer. We thought it would be fun to bring Kiddo up with us this summer for a little adventure, but truth be told, I'm wondering if there's enough stuff to do AND downtime places to go. (thinking of parks). Besides the science museum and aquarium, what's kid-friendly in Seattle that doesn't cost a lot?
I'm on the fence between doing Seattle this summer or spending that time/money at the beach (where he loves to dig and collect rocks) and waiting another year or two.
Any suggestions? Great parks to visit? We'll likely drive up...
TIA.
I love, love love Seattle. However, if I was 6 I would love, love, love the beach. I think he would have more fun at the beach.
Well, IMO Seattle offers a little of everything, especially in the Summer:
There are 3 children's museums in Seattle, Everett and Tacoma
Two Zoos (Seattle and Point Defiance in Tacoma)
A bunch of parks, many with sprinkler or wading pools. The most popular one is probably at Greenlake, which gets crowded in the summer, but it also has two swimming beaches. Check out the parks and rec website for all locations. Most parks have very well maintained playgrounds as well.
We have beaches on the sound (check out Alki in West Seattle or Golden Gardens in Ballard) and on Lake Washington. The sound is too cold formy taste, though the kids don't seem to mind, and I see lots of people swim in various lakes. Check out some of the beach parks at low tide and find all kinds of critters in the tidal area.
There are a bunch of hikes inside the city and in the cascades close by that can be done with young kids, or drive a little farther and visit Mt. Rainer or Mt. St. Helens.
We are actually looking forward to spending summer at home more than to our annual trip to the beach...
Good luck!
Plenty to do! All previously listed, plus ride a ferry, Lincoln park in west Seattle, museum of flight, Seattle center, pike place market, Alki beach, golden gardens, many, many parks! Our favorite is city park in Edmonds, or Hickman park in Edmonds. Then catch the Edmonds ferry to Kingston for out of this world crepes.
The Ballard locks and Golden Gardens beach. Close to each other and free. Greenlake fun and you can rent paddle boats. Edmonds beach and Edmonds ferry boat. Woodland park zoo. Sandpoint Magnison park and swim beach on lake Washington. Ride the duck tour is a blast. Space needle Sunday brunch.
L.
We went with the 6 year old last year. She LOVED it. She picked the location from learning the states and capitals.
We went to the museums, Market, walked to the edge near the ocean (??), went on a whale watching tour, went the the whale museum, and went to the garden park. We had a great time.
The Imagine Children's Museum in Everett is great! There is also one at Seattle Center in addition to the Pacific Science Center, Space Needle and a new glass sculpture garden. I second Golden Gardens and also Carkeek Park-they both have beaches. Nothing like Oregon coast ocean beaches, of course, but fun for exploring and they have good playgrounds. There are several wading pools and a couple of cool fountain water play parks. Of course there is the usual tourist stuff, too (the Market, Underground Tour, etc) which are kid-friendly. Ride the Ducks is cheesy but fun! Also MOHAI and South Lake Union park. Tons of stuff. Since you live in Portland, you know the best time to come here weather-wise is AFTER the 4th of July.
There is so much to do. We took our kids to the space needle and the science center as well and the science fiction museum (which are all right there together), there are botanical parks, 2 or 3 zoos, tons of stuff really.
