Guest Blogger Marissa from Postcards to Seattle
Our guest for this week’s edition of Explore My City is Marissa Dohan who blogs at Postcards to Seattle. She is a Seattle native who loves to travel and frequently takes her visitors with kids around her great city, here she gives us the inside scoop on some of the not so obvious attractions to consider.
Where In Seattle to Take Your Visitors With Kids
When people think of Seattle, the first thing they might think of (besides rain!) is the Space Needle. While that’s a great attraction, it might not hold the interest of all children. Here are some family-friendly ideas, whether you live in Seattle or are having visitors come this summer.
Seattle Center Fountain
305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
In the shadow of the infamous Space Needle lies the Seattle Center fountain. This free attraction is filled with children during the summer months as the fountains shoot out water high into the sky. Adults enjoying watching the children shriek with joy as some try to avoid the water, and the children who want to get soaked enjoy standing right under where the water comes down. Grab a quick lunch at the Seattle Center to bring over for your family to eat while the kids are drying off.
Children’s Museum
Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
This museum located in the bottom floor of the Seattle Center allows children’s dreams to become adults real. They can pretend they work at a grocery store and scan food items, work as a mailman delivering packages, or be in charge of serving customers food at a restaurant. Walk upstairs afterwards to feed your children’s appetite at the food court. Learn more here.
Ride the Ducks
516 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109
A different way to explore the city is through the Ride the Ducks tour. This 90-minute tour will take you through downtown Seattle while providing information on the city with a twist of humor. Your vehicle will then turn into a boat and go on Lake Union, where landmarks like the “Sleepless in Seattle” boathouses will be pointed out, and seaplanes can be seen taking off. It’s a great way to see a large portion of the city without having to walk everywhere.
The Gum Wall
1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
Hidden around the corner from Pike Place is the famous gum wall, where thousands have laid their used gum to rest. While every parent might not want their child touching it to put their own wad of gum there, it is a pretty neat spectacle to look at. On any given day, there will be dozens of tourists in “gum alley” taking pictures with millions of wads of gum. Whether or not you add your own gum to the wall, it’s a great photo-op.
Seattle Underground Tour
608 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
Did you know that the current city of Seattle was built on top of the old city? Even better, you can still go underground to tour it. After the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, the city decided to build up on the original remains. Educated guides will take you back in time to various locations underground to show you parts of roads and stores that are still intact, hidden away underneath the city. Small purple skylights let in light from the city above. This tour of an important part of Seattle’s history cannot be missed! Learn more here.
Market Magic Shop
1501 Pike Place #427, Seattle, WA 98101
Pike Place Market is well known but step below the flowers and fish-throwing to discover a magical shop for children. There are a plethora of magic tricks, props, and cards to buy. Look at the walls for old pictures of famous magicians who have stopped by, as well as old magic advertisements. Don’t forget to give your coins to the all-knowing fortune machine before you leave to hear what he has to say! Learn more here.
Visiting Seattle in Winter? It can be a great time to visit the market as it’s much less crowded. Check out all the best things to do in Seattle in Winter.
The World Famous Giant Shoe Museum
Right across from the Market Magic Shop is the world famous giant shoe “museum.” While it’s more of a wall than a museum, it does have some impressively sized shoes. Put quarters in each slot to have different shoes displayed. Children will be amazed as they try to imagine the people who filled these giant shoes that are displayed.
Thanks so much to Marissa for providing some insights into Seattle with kids. Don’t forget to check out her blog for more on this beautiful corner of the U.S.A.
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Explore more of Washington state, head east to Spokane for some fabulous outdoor adventures.
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Have you travelled to Seattle? Do you have any other must-see activities for kids on your list?
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Photos © Marissa Dohan