Are you ready for a family adventure in the vibrant city of Seattle with kids in tow? Enjoy an action-packed four days filled with delicious treats, breathtaking sights, and memorable moments.
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Our base camp? The Hyatt House Downtown Seattle offers an excellent breakfast and spacious suites with two beds and a sofa bed. Having separate beds for the kids helps us avoid the “mom, she’s kicking me” late-night whining! Plus, the hotel has stunning views of the iconic Space Needle.
Family-Friendly Hotels in Seattle
The Hyatt House Downtown Seattle
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Day 1: Exploring Seattle with Kids
Morning in Seattle: Sweet Treats and Market Fun
Let’s kick off our Seattle with kids adventure with a sweet start. Head to Top Pot for delectable doughnuts paired with an Ovaltine latte!
Next stop, Pike Place Market! It’s a bustling hive and arguably a tourist trap, but you don’t want to miss it. Stroll through the stalls and admire the vibrant bouquets of fresh flowers. I’m always so jealous of West Coast flowers – much better than the sad ones we get in Northern Virginia! The market is perhaps most famous for the stall that throws fish. But, the flying seafood was nowhere to be seen the day we were there. Next, sample local delicacies like chocolate-covered Washington cherries. Before leaving, head downstairs to see the gum wall – ewww!
Our initial choice was unexpectedly closed for lunch, so we enjoyed New Orleans-inspired cuisine at Toulouse; however, it was out of the way for the rest of our itinerary. Instead, consider a French feast at Le Pichet or dig into a Georgia katchapuri at Skalka Katchapuri.
Afternoon in Seattle with Kids: Soaring High and Admiring Art
The Seattle Center is our next destination, where two must-see attractions await. Ascend the Space Needle for panoramic city views, then step into the whimsical world of Chihuly Garden and Glass. Dale Chihuly’s mesmerizing glass creations will captivate kids and adults alike. Later, stop by the Artists at Play playground to let your kids burn off some steam on the excellent climbing structure.
I was initially going to skip going up into the Space Needle because it seemed overpriced, but paired with the Chihuly Museum, the joint ticket offered better value. The glass floors are fun for the kids, and if you get lucky, you’ll have a view of Mt. Rainier.
Evening: Fremont’s Fine Dining
Most restaurants I was excited to try seemed to be in Fremont, but none of the hotels were, so it was a nearly nightly trek for us. I orient most of my itineraries around eating, and I don’t stop just because I have kids in tow.
We dined at Kamonegi for their award-winning soba, but be prepared for some adventurous choices on the menu. It was ok for my Asian noodle-loving kids, but it might not have much to offer picky eaters. I highly recommend the burrata soba if it’s on the menu, and the kabocha “wings” are a great starter that even the veggie-wary will enjoy. We tried a salmon schnitzel special, which was excellent until I learned that salmon milt was different from what I was expecting. Consider yourself warned!
Before heading back to your hotel, check out the famous Fremont Troll who lives under a bridge!
Day 2: Hiking in Seattle with Kids
Morning: Journey to Mt. Rainier
Escape the city for a day and venture to the breathtaking Mt. Rainier, a 2-hour drive from Seattle. Our chosen trail: Naches Peak Loop. This moderate hike offers awe-inspiring views and is suitable for both adventurous and laid-back kids. Dusty shoes are a small price to pay for this natural wonder. I recommend doing the path clockwise so you have the best views ahead of you for most of the hike. There are also several ponds for curious little ones to explore. With those stops included, it took us just under 2-hours to complete the hike.
Tip: Remember to download your Google Maps in advance, as the internet signal can be scarce in the mountains.
On your way back to Seattle, you can make a pit stop in Georgetown for ice cream at Matcha Man. Their soft-serve is good, but the real treat is the cake-like fish cones—absolutely fantastic!
Evening: Dinner Delights at Lupo
What better reward for a day of hiking than sourdough pizza? That night, we returned to Fremont to dine at Lupo. Then, we stuffed ourselves silly with the burrata pizza and the Morty, topped with mortadella, whipped ricotta, and pistachio. This hip eatery promises an unforgettable dining experience for the whole family.
Day 3: A Day Trip from Seattle with Kids – Whidbey Island
Morning: Deception Pass Marvel
Set out on a day trip to Whidbey Island, just a 1-hour and 20-minute drive from Seattle. Deception Pass, with its iconic bridge, is an absolute must-stop. Let the kids roam the foggy beach, and remember your camera! We enjoyed the easy Lighthouse Point and Lotte Loop trail (2.4-mile loop), which offered a stunning view of the bridge over surprisingly turquoise water. Feeling extra adventurous? Try kayaking.
Mid-Day: Exploring Whidbey’s Charming Towns
Enjoy a quick Mexican meal at Molka Xete in the charming town of Coupeville. While we initially aimed to get mussels at Toby’s, it’s good to note that they don’t allow children.
If you have time, stop next at Greenbank Farm where you can enjoy pie, and poke around in the shops. We had to skip it for lack of time, and headed straight to Ebey’s Landing. Running late was the theme of our day, so we didn’t hike here as planned, but there are lots of walks to choose from in this lovely coastal park.
Next, head to Langley. Explore the quaint shops, visit the whale center, and treat the kids to heavenly ice cream at Sprinklz, where even the small cones come with three scoops! From there, catch the car ferry back to Seattle. Be sure to line up at least half an hour early.
Evening: Family Dinner in Seattle at Din Tai Fung
Once back in the city, indulge in a dinner at the bustling Taiwanese spot, Din Tai Fung. It has multiple locations in town, but Pacific Place was the most convenient to our hotel. Note that this location is inside a mall and on the 4th floor. It gets crowded, so reservations are helpful. Known for its soup dumplings, this gem won’t disappoint. And don’t forget to order the green beans!
Day 4: Wine Tasting and More
Morning: Treat Yo’self at the Fremont Market
The Fremont Market is filled with eclectic crafts, homemade items, and second-hand items. My kids could easily have spent hours here. They came home with adorable hair clips and stickers and had to be stopped from buying more.
Afternoon: Wine Tasting Near Seattle with Kids
Take a short 30-minute drive to Woodinville Wine Country on your final day. Novelty Hill-Januik Winery is a kid-friendly favorite with a lovely outdoor patio and excellent pizza.
Continue your wine adventure with tastings at Two Vintners. This family-friendly spot even has a playroom and foosball, ensuring the little ones are entertained while you enjoy an adult beverage. We had a blast at both and were able to enjoy some excellent Washington wines while our kids played.
Dining in Woodinville with Kids
Recharge with delicious burgers at the casual Tipsy Cow, followed by indulgent cream sandwiches at the Swanky Scoop. The ice cream was pricy but well worth it.
A Final Dinner in Seattle with Kids
By the time we returned, I was too full of delicious wine to fully appreciate our dinner at the modern Indian spot Meesha. Fortunately, the kids and hubs were able to enjoy our excellent dosas.
Seattle with kids was absolutely unforgettable! This city is filled with culinary wonders and family-friendly attractions and is near an incredible variety of natural wonders. So, pack your bags, grab your kids, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime in the Emerald City!
Where Should I Eat in Seattle with Kids?
Seattle’s dining scene makes it easy to keep the whole family happy!
- Visit Humble Pie for the ultimate kid-friendly meal – pizza!
- If your kids are more adventurous eaters, try Marination Ma Kai for Korean-Hawaiian fusion eats and a view.
- Portage Bay Café has multiple locations, but the South Lake Union one is near the Space Needle and is perfect for breakfast with a toppings bar where you can customize your dish with fruits, syrups, and whipped cream!
- Big Max Burger Co. delivers a family-friendly burger experience.
- For pastries, check out Sea Wolf Bakers but be prepared for lines. Entertain the littles with a sweet strawberry croissant while you dig into a savory croissant with snap peas, ricotta, and Calabrian chile.
- For upscale comfort food, head to Le Coin offers French-inspired dishes the whole family can enjoy.
Looking for other US adventures with kids?
- New York City at Christmas with Kids
- 4 Days in Northern California with Kids
- The Ultimate Guide Universal Studios Florida
Adventurous Tastes is reader-supported. I’ve included affiliate links in this post, and we may receive commissions for purchases made through them.
Originally published October 2023. Updated September 2024.
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