Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Seattle - 2021
Best Places for Kids in the Seattle region!
2021's best places to take kids in the Seattle, based on KidsOutAndAbout's annual reader survey. But there is LOTS more to do in the Seattle! Get great ideas here! What is listed below are far from the only opportunities for family fun and learning; they're just what was voted this year.
1. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Experience the Pacific Northwest's only combined zoo and aquarium. Experience unforgettable up-close encounters with tigers, hammerhead sharks, red wolves, sea lions and more. See an award-winning live animal show and close encounters with animals and keepers. There's always something new to see and do and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
Learn more at www.pdza.org.
2. Woodland Park Zoo
Founded in 1899, Woodland Park Zoo has sparked delight, discovery and unforgettable memories for generations of Northwest families. People who experience the wonders of the natural world are inspired to protect it. That's why every year we lead more than 1 million people on a journey that inspires a lifelong love of animals, makes science come alive, and gives people the tools to take conservation action.
Over 18,000 square feet of play space designed for kids ages birth to 8 years old to enjoy with their families. There are a number of hands-on exhibits for kiddos to explore, and daily educational programs or activities that are FREE with the cost of admission.
4. My Gym Kent
My Gym offers physical fitness & educational programs for kids 1 to 10 years old. Gymnastics, Ninja Training, Parent & Me, Dance, and Preschool Prep. Plus Summer Camps, Movie Nights & Kids’ Night In, as well as Birthday Parties!
5. Sammamish Animal Sanctuary
Sammamish Animal Sanctuary is a farm that hosts many different rescue animals! Sammamish Animal Sanctuary is the home of the animals from the Rescue Series Books, written by Diane Odegard Gockel. It is regularly open to the public and available for birthday parties, corporate events, and more! Now located in a brand-new location in East Renton! Come visit us or reach out for details!
6. Pacific Science Center
Pacific Science Center ignites curiosity in every child and fuels a passion for discovery, experimentation, and critical thinking in all of us.
7. Seattle Aquarium
Come explore the wonders of the marine environment—including sea otters, moon jellies, pufferfish, harbor seals and more—at the Seattle Aquarium. Now with timed ticketing and plan-ahead pricing so you can choose the best fit for your budget and schedule. Have fun while joining us in our mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment!
8. Job Carr Cabin Museum
Job Carr Cabin Museum is a replica of Tacoma's first permanent non-Native residence, located in Old Town Park. The Museum brings Tacoma’s history to life through interactive learning for elementary students and our community. FREE admission and events, including craft days, story times, and educational resources.
9. Alki Beach Park
Picture a perfect summer day, and chances are your thoughts will take you to Alki Beach Park, a long beach strip that runs roughly from 64th Place SW to Duwamish Head on Elliott Bay. It's a great spot for a long walk any time of year, and in the summer draws joggers, rollerbladers, volleyball players, sunbathers, bicyclists and strollers out to enjoy the sun. The water temperature ranges from 46 to 56 degrees Fahrenheit depending on season.
10. Wild Waves Theme & Water Park
Wild Waves Theme & Water Park is an amusement park and water park in Federal Way, Washington. Opened in 1977 as The Enchanted Village, the park is a popular summer destination in the Pacific Northwest and it is Washington state's only water and amusement park.
11. KidsQuest Children's Museum
KidsQuest Children’s Museum is all about providing hands-on learning opportunities so children can continue playing while also giving our community the chance to grow, explore and connect once more! Explore over 25 innovative exhibits designed for children ages 0-10 plus their friends and family. This is what KidsQuest does best: hands-on, interactive learning with real materials that serve to uplift our youngest community members and their families. Head to kidsquestmuseum.org for updates on programming or to book your child’s birthday party. With full access to the entire museum and the option to add on activities with our Museum Educators, your little one’s special day is sure to be a blast! Keep an eye out for FREE programming like Story Time, Science Hour, Camptivities, as well as in person classes that are sure to intrigue kids of all ages. Reservations are strongly encouraged, so book now to come out and PLAY! KidsQuest is open Tuesday-Sunday 9:30am-5:00pm.
12. My Local Library
Of course, the libraries in the Seattle area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication. They're proud that locals voted them #13 in best places to take kids this year!
13. Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum’s Mission is to engage a diverse regional audience with Puget Sound’s first globally connected settlement through historic preservation, experiential learning, and interpretation. The museum gives residents and visitors a chance to experience what life was like on Puget Sound in 1855.
14. Remlinger Farms
Remlinger Farms is the place for Family Fun in Carnation, Washington. What began over 50 years ago as a humble produce stand has grown into a 200 acre tourist center offering a full service restaurant, bakery, ice cream parlor, large picnic areas, U-Pick fields, Birthday Party Packages, fun and educational tours and Country Fair Fun Park.
15. Fox Hollow Farm
A lovely, 22-acre farm and event venue located in Issaquah, Wa that offers spaces for weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, and hosts many family events. Fox Hollow's annual Easter egg hunt and Fall Festival are not-to-be-missed!
16. Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI)
Seattle is our place. We are constantly changing, moving as we do, growing as we build. True, the landscape is dotted with icons of our history; the Rainier R, the original Starbucks sign, the Lincoln Toe truck. But when you think of Seattle’s history, don’t just think about the past. Watch our future unfold. You are creating Seattle. Every word. Every idea. MOHAI is the epicenter of this growth. It’s the quintessential experience of what was built and where we’re going. MOHAI is a place to explore Seattle. As we grow, with all we create, speak, read, write and learn, history inspires more history. MOHAI is an inspiration of original thought, supported with hundreds of years of practice.
17. Seattle Mariners
Since the Inaugural Game on July 15, 1999, T-Mobile Park has gained a reputation locally, regionally and nationally as a terrific setting for baseball and a great place for baseball fans. Sweeping views of Seattle's downtown skyline, breathtaking sunsets over Puget Sound, combined with excellent views of game action from all angles give fans at T-Mobile Park an experience unequalled in Major League Baseball.
18. Burke Museum
The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture (Burke Museum) is a natural history museum in Seattle, Washington. Established in 1899 as the Washington State Museum, it traces its origins to a high school naturalist club formed in 1879. The museum is the oldest in Washington state and boasts a collection of more than 16 million artifacts, including the world's largest collection of spread bird wings.
19. Chihuly Garden and Glass
20. Kelsey Creek Farm
Kelsey Creek Community Park features 150 acres of forest, meadows and wetlands in the heart of Bellevue, offering a glimpse of this city's rural past. The park features hiking and jogging trails, picnic areas, a playground, wetlands, open grassy areas, creeks and forests. The historic Fraser Cabin sits on the hill adjacent to the park's historic dairy barns. Kelsey Creek Farm offers year-round programs, summer day camps, birthday party opportunities, school group tours, and rentals.
Top Arts Educator
Youth Theatre NorthwestYouth Theatre Northwest nurtures the intellectual, artistic, and personal development of children and youth through drama education, performing opportunities, and live theatre experiences.
Top Sports Educator
My Gym KentMy Gym was born out of our passion to teach children in a fun, physically-engaging environment. With classes starting at ages 6 months – 10 years old, and with a variety of awesome classes, camps, preschool prep, parties and programs (Dance, Ninja Training, Gymnastics), there is something for all ages and interests!
Top STEM Educator
Pacific Science CenterPacific Science Center ignites curiosity in every child and fuels a passion for discovery, experimentation, and critical thinking in all of us.
