Join us as we explore Seattle with kids for 6 nights and 7 days in the summer. Seattle truly comes to life in the summer months, due to great weather and uplifted moods. There’s so much to do, and we did a ton!

 

Fun Things to Do in Seattle

Concerts

At Climate Pledge Arena, we saw a few different concerts, one with the kids, and one as a date night for the adults. Our hotel was right next door, so we let our oldest baby sit. This arena is great because it’s not as huge as some others. And even though it’s more intimate, it has plenty of concessions and bathrooms. The sound was wonderful and both the seats and standing stadium area were great to watch the shows from.

Pacific Science Center

The Pacific Science Center is so much fun. We all learned something while enjoying the interactive exhibits. We also scored a planetarium show that was more informative and epic. We did the laser show too, but personally it was a little more than my system could handle.

Space Needle

You can’t come to Seattle without seeing it from above at the Space Needle. On a clear day, this gives you some incredible views. If you go at night, it’s a completely different experience, equally impressive.

iFly Seattle

iFly is just outside the city center and offers a pretty unique experience. I’ve always wanted to sky dive, so this was a bucket list item without the danger. My son was game, and we had a blast. It was both terrifying and exhilarating. We’ll be doing it again with my wife and daughter in another city sometime.

Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion

Living in Hawaii has given us additional love for the ocean, so anytime we can visit an aquarium, we do it. The Seattle Aquarium is pretty impressive with exhibits well-beyond what can be found in Hawaii.

The Seattle Great Wheel

We missed going on The Seattle Great Wheel at Pier 57, but we did spend time down there eating and checking out the shops.

Pike Place Fish Market

We went to Pike Place Market more than once. Watching them throw fish is a reason alone, but the shopping and food make it a good reason to come for a half day at least.

The Gum Wall

A lot of people love the gum wall, but I think it’s pretty nasty and wouldn’t have walked through had we not just stumbled on to it.

4th of July Fireworks

For 4th of July, there are a few different public displays. We went to the one at Gas Works Park. There are food stalls, games, and of course a great firework display over Union Lake. We didn’t want to scope out a spot super early, so we paid for seats and arrived later in the day. Worth it.

Baseball Games

T-Mobile Park is home to the Mariners, and we love a good baseball game. We happened to be there the day before the 4th of July, so we got extra fireworks!

Museum of Pop Culture

The Museum of Pop Culture is fun for everyone. I loved the Manga exhibit, and we loved the guitars and seeing the Nirvana exhibit. I believe they’re getting rid of this, which doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.

Starbucks Roastery?

Another staple when visiting Seattle that has closed is the Starbucks Roastery. We prefer local mom/pop coffee shops, but the Roastery was something special. Beautifully designed, incredible food, exotic coffee regions, and nice areas to chill and read. Maybe they’ll reopen it?  At Pike Street Market, you can see one of the first Starbucks, though the original one was moved to it. So, actually not the first one opened.

Olympic National Park

And, if you have more days, visiting the Olympic National Park is AMAZING! We have another video for that trip, where we took 6 full days to truly experience this massive park and its surrounding towns and sights. You can also shoot over to Whidbey Island, which we spent the bulk of our summer living on.

 

Great Seattle Restaurants

Lola

We ate at some incredible restaurants while in Seattle. Every time I’m here, I do breakfast at Lola. This greek inspired spot has some of the best sausages, eggs benedict, and homemade doughnuts.

Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge

Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge has those romantic dinner vibes with New Orleans dishes that were delicious! The style and design of this beautiful restaurant is amazing, service exceptional.

Shaker and Spear

Shaker and Spear in Belltown was pricey, but really good. I hear their breakfast is fantastic too.

Chan Seattle

Chan Seattle is a little Korean gastropub we stumbled on and enjoyed. Busy and tasty breakfast.

Terra Plata

Terra Plata has one of the more lively rooftops with great dishes.

Cafe Campagne

Another lucky find was Cafe Campagne, a cozy French bistro with incredible breakfasts just steps from Pike Place Market.

Athenian at Pike Market

In Pike Market, we enjoyed the Athenian for clam chowder and fish and chips. Good, busy, a little too touristy, but fun.

Dough Zone Dumpling House

The Dough Zone Dumpling House had some amazing soup dumplings and hand-tossed noodles. Quick and inexpensive.

Zeeks Pizza

Zeeks Pizza was fun and had some great pie.

Mantra Thai

Mantra Thai had everything you want from a Thai restaurant.

Random Taco Stands

We also had some of the best street tacos at a random spot after fireworks. No idea where we were for this one.

Ivar’s at Mukilteo Landing

And finally, did Ivar’s while waiting for the Mukilteo Ferry. Great views, delicious food, warm fire.

Some Seattle Restaurants We missed on this Trip

• Lark – not far and offers a dinner that’s fancy, expensive, and epic!
• Pink Door – fancy, need reservation.
• Taylor Shellfish – multiple locations, always good when we went.
• Canlis – fancy, have heard great things.
• Kashiba – high end sushi.
• Crab Pot – Haven’t been, but I hear it’s good.

Some Restaurants Outside of Seattle that we Missed

• Rock Creek –  supposed to have amazing seafood.
• Spinasse – expensive, fancy.
• Altura – fancy.
• Herb Farm – expensive. Would be fun to do a few nights here, but only if everything were organically grown/managed.
• Copine – expensive, but only good things heard.
• Rays Boat House – again, supposed to have incredible seafood and views.

 

SEATTLE HOTELS

We did 2 nights at each hotel in order to experience some different areas and views.

The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel is downtown and a really convenient boutique stay. Really comfortable rooms just steps from shopping and theaters.

Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown

The Hyatt House Seattle is also downtown, with views of the Space Needle. We loved that it had a kitchen and plenty of room.

Hôtel Ändra Seattle

The Hotel Andra was beautiful in Belltown. Cozy and walking distance to a bunch of great eateries.

Seattle is one of our favorite cities. Also learn more about our trip to the Olympic National Park and Whidbey Island!