Bursting with family-friendly attractions to keep both parents and children entertained, Seattle is a great destination to be explored with loved ones. With great accessibility due to its affordability, Virgin Atlantic flies from London Heathrow to Seattle-Tacoma airport from £401. As summer school holidays are on the horizon, we look ahead at the best attractions in Seattle for all the family.
Get inspired at the Museum of Pop Culture
Located at the Seattle Centre with many other famed attractions such as The Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass, Museum of Pop Culture is brimming with cultural content. Inside, there are permanent exhibitions on Seattle musicians including Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Nirvana, a guitar gallery displaying instruments by artists such as Slash and Dave Grohl, and a sound lab where visitors can make their own music. The newest exhibition, “Hidden Worlds: The Films of LAIKA” is a crossover between the popular museum and Oregon-based studio, LAIKA, which redefined stop-motion animation with the instant classic Coraline. Now boasting five Oscar-nominated films and counting, the studio’s engaging exhibition grants visitors unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to its groundbreaking production techniques, along with immersive set displays, character interactives and sneak peeks of upcoming work.
Experience mind blowing artistry at Chihuly Garden and Glass
Chihuly Garden and Glass combines nature with the intricate art of glass blowing. One of the best known artists in the field of glassblowing, Dale Chihuly has presented his comprehensive collection of work through exhibitions, garden installations and intricate galleries. The centrepiece of Chihuly Garden and Glass can be found in the Glasshouse; a striking, 100-foot long sculpture in vivid shades of red, yellow and amber. Children will be mesmerised by the colourful displays on offer, whilst parents will appreciate the artist at work.
Immerse in history at MOHAI
Through compelling exhibits, MOHAI is at the heart of Seattle’s culture – offering visitors an insight into the region’s extensive history. Families can explore how innovation shaped the Puget Sound region and changed the world through interactive exhibits, community and educational programs at Bezos Center for Innovation or, delve into the city’s long relationship with water at the Maritime Seattle exhibit which illustrates how maritime and industrial activities have shaped the city. Children can create their own fun at MOHAI’s Kid-Struction Zone which helps little ones learn through hands-on interactions.
Spot Sealebrities at Seattle Aquarium
Striving to bring families and communities together to understand the importance of the ocean and the animals that inhabit it, Seattle Aquarium is an educational exhibit and must visit for children. A great example of this is that researchers have designed a simulated gray whale stomach in order to test plastic alternatives that are marine safe in an attempt to know what will happen should plastics be eaten by sea life. A non-profit organisation, the Aquarium’s animal collection is housed within six major exhibits including Window on Washington Waters, Life on the Edge, Pacific Coral Reef, Birds & Shores, the Underwater Dome and Marine Mammals. Each with a story to tell, visitors can spot the colourful creatures which are hard to find elsewhere.
Eat, drink and shop at Pike Place Market
One of the oldest continuously operated farmers’ markets in the United States, Pike Place Market offers everything from locally sourced specialty foods and delicious beverages to artisan crafts and shopping stalls. An iconic landmark, the venue is considered ‘the soul’ of the city spanning nine historic acres in the centre of downtown Seattle. Families can sample the culinary delights of Pike Place Market with an Eat Seattle food tour, spot the famous fish-throwers or grab a coffee at the original Starbucks, founded in 1971.
See the Seattle skyline from the famous Space Needle
Attracting visitors from far and wide, the Space Needle is arguably one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world. Opening in 1962, the tower’s futuristic design was chosen to symbolise humanity’s Space Age aspirations. Standing at 605 feet tall, the Space Needle offers visitors a 360-degree panoramic view of the Seattle skyline as well as Mount Rainier on a clear day. Ride the elevator, take some selfies and challenge your vertigo at Loupe, the world’s only revolving glass floor.
Spot the Whales on Seattle’s Puget Sound
Seattle’s Puget Sound is home to numerous whale species, from orcas and humpbacks to grey whales. There are many whale watching tours where travellers can appreciate the majestic creatures from a distance. The FRS Clipper offers a half-day whale watching tour. Travellers can hop on board and search the Salish Sea for transient orca killer whales, humpbacks, grey whales and more. The all-inclusive journey is around 4-6 hours long and includes experts on board who are ready to educate guests.
Access to the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, Chihuly Garden and Glass and Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) are all available on the Seattle CityPASS, which offers 46% off on Seattle’s top attractions.
For more information about Seattle, visit www.visitseattle.org.
