The Best Things to Do in Seattle With Kids

Discover the best sunny-day activities in Seattle. Enjoy parks, outdoor dining, and family fun near Shafer Baillie Mansion on Capitol Hill.

Come enjoy all that Seattle’s Farmers Markets have to offer. From organic farm-fresh foods to eclectic arts and crafts. Visit today!

Rainy Days in Seattle Love ‘em or hate ‘em, rainy days happen pretty consistently in Seattle! In fact, the area receives precipitation during 150 days out of the year, and locals are no strangers to sporting galoshes and enjoying a nice afternoon indoors. So what are some of their favorite rainy-day activities? Let’s find out together so you can plan a perfect Seattle itinerary no matter the weather. Something to Look At: Pop Culture, Crustaceans & Cinema From quirky art installations to seafood-themed film festivals, Seattle blends its love of pop culture with a deep connection to the sea. You might stumble upon a giant crab sculpture outside of a museum one day, and the next, watch a screening of The Lobster in a cozy independent theater. The city always knows how to mix the offbeat with the iconic. For cinephiles and crustacean enthusiasts, there’s always something unexpected to discover in Seattle. Explore the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) Dive into exhibits on music, sci-fi, and pop culture in this architecturally stunning space near the Space Needle. This popular museum is also part of Seattle’s pass program, so you can enjoy a discount ticket when you visit. You can check out our full guide to the Seattle City Pass  here if you're interested! Go Underwater at the Seattle Aquarium Located on the pristine Seattle waterfront, this family-friendly aquarium offers engaging exhibits featuring sea otters, octopuses, and local marine life. With a special focus on teaching conservation, the Seattle Aquarium is a nice place to enjoy the vibrant marine life who share the planet with us. Discover the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum Find inspiration at every turn at this creative museum, located on Harrison Street. Dale Chihuly’s intricate glass sculptures offer an indoor spectacle of color and creativity. You can visit the museum throughout the year, and guests can even taste cocktails, beer, and wine at their on-site bar. Catch a film at SIFF Cinema or The Grand Illusion Cozy up in one of Seattle’s independent theaters for an indie film or classic re-release. SIFF is a Seattle-based arts nonprofit dedicated to the creation of vibrant experiences, film discovery, and arts education. If you’re involved in the film community, you might have heard of this next place, converted from an old dental office since 1968. The Grand Illusion Cinema is the longest-running independent cinema in the city of Seattle and has become a landmark of the film community. Something to Learn: Storied Past & Storybooks History buffs and reading bugs have their pick of spots to check out as well. Here are a few points of interest in Seattle to consider when you want to learn something new while the city rains cats and dogs. Tour the Underground in Pioneer Square Sink to subterranean levels with this next stop. The Seattle Underground is a network of underground passageways and basements in the Pioneer Square neighborhood. The passageways were located at ground level when the city was built in the mid-19th century, but fell into disuse after the streets were elevated. This experience offers a unique and fascinating look at the city's hidden history found just below the busy streets. Put Your Head in a Book Lose yourself among the shelves of one of Seattle’s many bookstores! Elliott Bay Book Company, found on 10th Avenue, is a popular choice with a book for every age. If you’re exploring with little kids, we suggest checking out the Secret Garden Bookshop. This independent bookstore offers a massive selection of children’s books for kids or adults who enjoy a bit of whimsy in their lives. If you’re looking for a bookstore to improve your soufflé-making skills, head to Book Larder on Fremont Avenue and grab one of their many cookbooks. Or browse their events page to attend an in-person culinary class or cookbook signing. Something to Eat: Cozy Markets, Coffeeshops & Cafes One thing about Seattle that tourists love is the city's plethora of small businesses. There is truly a little shop for every person run by a wide variety of savvy business owners. Here are some welcoming spots to grab a cup of joe and a pastry if you’re hungry during your rainy day out. Don’t forget to take a pic for social media of your aesthetically-pleasing coffee art. Sip your way through Pike Place Market Stay dry while sampling artisan foods, fresh coffee, and local specialties inside the historic, covered market. This market is always at the top of lists for exploring Seattle because of the homemade crafts, foods, and artisan pieces you can find. If your wall at home is a bit bare, this is the perfect place to pick out a unique piece of art to remember your trip by. Warm up with a Shot of Espresso Nothing beats a warm drink on rainy days, and Seattle doesn’t disappoint on this front. You have your pick of various coffeeshops and cafes ranging from small, independent businesses to large chains like Starbucks. We always recommend shopping small when you can and checking out local gems like Drip Drip Coffeehouse, Moore Coffee Shop or Analog Coffee —all with stellar reviews! Staying Dry is Overrated For those a bit more bold and unafraid to get their feet wet (literally), we invite you to take a stroll around Seattle and enjoy the downpour! Walk around Capitol Hill and explore the vibrant beating heart of the city. Take pictures at iconic spots like the sticky (yet iconic) Seattle gum wall, Discovery Park or the Olympic Sculpture Park. If you’re staying at the Shafer Baillie Mansion , you can also grab an umbrella and take a short walk to Bruce Lee’s grave and pay respects to a martial arts legend and actor—while enjoying the meditative atmosphere. Stay at the Shafer Baillie Mansion For those looking to further immerse themselves in the enchanting spirit of Seattle, we encourage you to check out the Shafer Baillie Mansion. Check out our photo gallery to see for yourself why our property is a captivating destination full of history and sophistication. Our historic gem on Capitol Hill offers a quiet bed and breakfast experience in a Tudor-Revival home. The mansion offers eight guest rooms and suites on the second and third floors, each with a private bath, plus spacious day rooms on the main floor. We can’t wait to welcome you into our home and make your time in Seattle unforgettable. Browse Our Rooms

Learn the history of Capitol Hill. From the early days to the cultural and political legacy. Make Shafer Baillie Mansion your home base for a perfect getaway!

Looking to explore Seattle without emptying your wallet or wasting precious vacation time standing in line? The Seattle City Pass is here to save the day (and your sanity)! With discounts and line-skipping magic at some of the city's most iconic attractions, this pass is like a backstage pass to the Emerald City. In this article, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of the Seattle City Pass—how it works, what it gets you, and whether it's worth adding to your itinerary. We’ve also included some details on where to stay while you’re enjoying Seattle to complement your unforgettable trip. What is the Seattle City Pass? Who doesn’t love discounts? The Seattle City Pass is a ticket package that allows you to visit multiple popular attractions in Seattle at a discounted rate. The pass bundles admission to five major landmarks, providing significant savings compared to purchasing individual tickets for each one. But, these aren’t just any landmarks—they’re top Seattle sights! The City Pass is perfect for first-time visitors or anyone looking to explore a lot of the city's must-see destinations in a short amount of time. How Does the Seattle City Pass Work? Once you purchase the Seattle City Pass, you’ll receive access to a set of tickets for 5 various attractions of your choosing. You can choose to receive your tickets either as physical vouchers or digital tickets to be used on your smartphone. The pass offers the flexibility of visiting the attractions at your own pace, with tickets valid for nine consecutive days from the time of your first use. Seattle City Pass Attractions There are five main attractions included in the pass, and you can choose from several options for three of them, as two are automatically included: Space Needle (included) : No trip to Seattle is complete without seeing the iconic Space Needle, which is why this stop is already included in the pass. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the city, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier. Don’t forget your camera! Seattle Aquarium (included): This waterfront attraction is home to a variety of marine life like sea otters, seals, and an impressive collection of local fish. The aquarium is also included in the City Pass. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) or Chihuly Garden and Glass: The MoPOP celebrates pop culture including music, movies, and science fiction. The Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases stunning glass art set against the backdrop of the Space Needle. Seattle Art Museum (SAM) : The SAM provides a rich cultural experience with diverse exhibitions for art lovers or those with an appreciation for the finer things. Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour: The Argosy Harbor Tour takes you on a scenic boat ride through Elliott Bay for a unique view of Seattle’s skyline and waterfront. Pacific Science Center: This interactive science museum is great for families and science enthusiasts, offering hands-on learning, an IMAX theater, and a variety of exhibits. The Museum of Flight: Calling all aviation enthusiasts! The Museum of Flight is the largest independent, non-profit air and space museum in the world, with over 175 aircraft and spacecraft. Woodland Park Zoo: Woodland Park Zoo is a wildlife conservation organization and zoological garden worthy of a visit from tourists and locals. Sky View Observatory: An ideal first stop on your visit to the Emerald City, offering incredible Seattle views from above. What is the Seattle C3 Pass? For those looking for a smaller, customized experience, check out the Seattle C3 pass. This option creates a discounted pass to your top 3 attractions so you only pay for the places you really want to visit. This option is perfect for those visiting with limited time who want to make the most of their visit to Seattle. Benefits of the Seattle City Pass Cost Savings: Obviously one of the biggest advantages of purchasing the City Pass is the amazing savings. The pass provides around a 40% discount off the regular price of admission to the included attractions. Skip the Line: One of the biggest downsides to visiting popular attractions is the lines and crowds-but not with the Seattle City Pass! For some of Seattle's busiest attractions, the City Pass allows you to skip the regular ticket lines. This can save significant time, especially during peak tourist season. Flexibility: The City Pass in Seattle gives you flexibility in how you visit the attractions. You have nine days from the time you use your first ticket to visit the remaining attractions, which means you can explore at a relaxed pace without added stress. Convenience: Instead of carrying around multiple tickets or dealing with complicated booking systems, the City Pass consolidates your entry into one easy pass, reducing the hassle of planning your itinerary. Is the Seattle City Pass Worth It? For many visitors, the Seattle City Pass offers incredible value! If you plan to visit most of the major attractions included in the pass, it’s an economical choice that can save you both money and time. However, it’s important to consider your interests and itinerary. If you plan to visit only one or two of the included attractions or don’t have your itinerary quite figured out, purchasing individual tickets might be more cost-effective. The City Pass is best for those who are eager to experience a variety of Seattle’s top spots in a short period and want the convenience of bundled tickets. How to Buy the Seattle City Pass The Seattle City Pass can be purchased online or at select attractions around the city. When purchasing, you’ll select whether you want the physical or digital pass. You can also choose to start your visit right away or plan it for later. Tickets are valid for nine consecutive days, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the attractions at your leisure if something pops up. Insider’s Tip: The official City Pass website has options for other passes in popular cities like Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Orlando-so you can enjoy some savings wherever you go! Stay at Shafer Baillie Mansion The Seattle City Pass is an excellent way to make the most of your visit and experience the top things to do in Seattle. For those looking to further immerse themselves in the enchanting spirit of Seattle, we encourage you to check out the Shafer Baillie Mansion. This historic gem on Capitol Hill offers a quiet and enchanting bed and breakfast experience in a Tudor-Revival home. The mansion offers eight guest rooms and suites on the second and third floors, each with a private bath, plus spacious day rooms on the main floor. Grab the Seattle City Pass during your visit and complement your trip with a relaxing stay at a place rich in history and charm—the Shafer Baillie Mansion. Book Now

Designing your home can be one of the best ways to express your personality and flair. While there’s countless styles and places to buy furniture, there’s something special and one-of-a-kind about styling your home with antiques. Whether you own a classic Tudor style house on the east coast or rent a modern apartment in Seattle, WA , decorating with antiques can tie your space together.

Are you looking for an interesting, beautiful, and COVID-safe Seattle experience? I’d like to suggest a delightful one-mile walk from the Shafer Baillie Mansion through Volunteer Park to the Lake View Cemetery.

With almost 200 years of history, there’s sure to be more than a few creepy corners to explore (or avoid) in Seattle . The city explodes with fabulously spooky events each autumn as Halloween grows closer. Book your trip in October to experience the feeling of crisp fall air, chase thrills at ghostly events, and revel in the city’s joyous autumnal spirit.

When a chilly breeze blows through the city each autumn, outdoors is the best place to be. There are plenty of awesome hikes to try near the Emerald City, but our favorites feature the stunning colors of the season. The best time to explore the trails and parks is October and November. Whether you stay close to the city center or venture out toward the mountains, you’re sure to enjoy the beauty of the colorful hues of fall against the moody skies of the Pacific Northwest.