Kids' energy and interest is amazing! There's no telling when they'll need a rest, when they'll want to look at things, when they'll just really want to run around and play. Younger children won't always be interested in the same things the young teens will - though depending on the child in question, you never know. Your five year old may have an intense interest in science and electronics (beyond dinosaurs, of course!)
Start your day at the Seattle Center's Center House, with a Starbuck's for your coffee and their hot chocolate or frappuccino. There is seating in the center of Center House itself, with additional tables set up outside the different restaurants for patrons to be seated, enjoy their food, and plan their day.
Fortified, you can head to the Pacific Science Center and let your child experience the fun side of math, science, history, and technology. Exhibits rotate and hours vary; but the tickets are affordable and the exhibits are always kid-friendly and occasionally are interactive. In addition to the main exhibit, the Pacific Science Center has a laser dome with regular events, as well as three live science demonstrations and a planetarium.
If the day is warm, there is the large circular International Fountain and wading pool close by the Center House. It's gorgeous to look at, even if the day isn't warm enough to take off your shoes and walk under the spashing water! The Fountain is a central gathering point, and has steps on one side that are great for sitting and enjoying the day and the view.
The Experience Music Project has hosted exhibitions on Jim Henson's creations including the Muppets, the movie Avatar, delicate and fascinating glass artistry, a Disney retrospective, and so much more - check to see what's there when you plan your trip to see if it's something your child might be interested in! Tickets for the EMP are a little pricier than Pacific Science Center, so based on interest levels and budget you may choose one over the other.[PHOTO_207119]
The Woodland Park Zoo is half of Woodland Park - an amazing park with hiking trails, picnic tables, and play areas including swings, slides, and climbing frames. The zoo itself has daily activities where kids can feed the animals, speak with a zookeeper, learn about the endangered animals currently resident at the zoo, even take a 90-minute guided tour behind the scenes of the zoo itself - you'll need to make reservations for that, so check the Zoo's web site for details and times. There's also the option to take a ride on an historic carousel. Check the zoo website or the opening boards to see if there are any newborns!
Woodland Park Zoo
The lower Queen Anne neighborhood is dotted with restaurants of all descriptions where you can get a quick bite to eat, or sit down and enjoy a rest as well as a larger lunch. Just this tiny area of Seattle provides you with several varied options to enjoy spending time with your kids.
