Children’s Museum In
the heart of Seattle Center, this museum contains imaginative galleries
and hands-on studio spaces that endlessly stimulate children’s
imaginations. The walk-through Global Village reveals lifestyles of
Japan and Ghana, and a wonderful stage invites young performers to dress
up and act out scripts provided by the museum.
Children’s Museum
International Fountain During
any festival and all through summer, the fountain draws hundreds of
frolicking children. Weather permitting, kids strip down and dodge
dozens of majestic arcs of water projecting out and up from the spikey
spherical base, all in time to music. 205 Harrison St 206 684 7200 11am–8pm
International Fountain
Kid’s Bookstores Seattle’s
many venues and activities designed for children include excellent
bookstores with envious inventories. Stock your library with books from
All for Kids and Secret Garden. All for Kids2900 NE Blakely St 206 526 2768
Secret Garden2214 NW Market St 206 789 5006
Toystores The
city’s most popular local toy stores have a loyal following because
their toys spur children’s imaginations without sparing the fun. Browse
the jam-packed aisles at Top Ten Toys and Magic Mouse. Top Ten Toys104 N 85th St 206 782 0098
Magic MouseSeattle International Children’s Festival Every
May, Seattle Center entertains the community with talent from around
the world. More than 100 productions include music, drama, puppetry, and
circus arts. 305 Harrison St 206 684 7346 Adm
Northwest Puppet Theater Founded
by the dedicated Carter Family Marionettes in 1986, this puppet center
offers a museum, archive and library, and over 250 annual performances.
The troupe tours and also sponsors educational outreach programs
worldwide. Fun Forest Another
remnant of the World’s Fair, this tiny amusement park has loud carnival
rides and games. Kids love the bumper cars and the small but exciting
roller coaster. The entertainment pavilion offers laser tag, mini-golf,
and a video arcade. 305 Harrison St 206 728 1585 Open daily
Museum of Flight Many
children wish to fly, or fly off the handle. Either way, one way to
encourage the former and stifle the latter is to take them to this
museum. It also provides insightful outreach programs for school groups, families, and teachers. Ride the Ducks If
you can’t decide between a tour by land or sea, these amphibious
vehicles from World War II make for an offbeat excursion around the
waters of Seattle. Areas include downtown, the Pike Place Market,
Pioneer Square, Fremont, and Lake Union’s houseboats. Tillicum Village Blake
Island, across the bay from the waterfront, contains a rainforest park
and a fabricated Northwest Coastal Native American Village. A four-hour
adventure includes the cruise, a traditional buffet, and time to stroll
beaches and forested trails. 2992 SW Avalon Way 206 933 8600
Top 10 Hotels with Swimming Pools
Warwick Hotel This Belltown hotel’s many 24-hour extras and the pool make it even more family-friendly.
Inn at Harbor Steps This
upscale inn features large, well-appointed rooms in the heart of the
city. The pool, gym, and sauna are the icing on the cake.
Marriott Courtyard Relax in the hot tub while the kids frolic in the indoor pool. 925 Westlake Ave N 206 213 0100
Sheraton Parents
may prefer idle moments in the wine bar called the Gallery, but the
hotel also has a heated indoor pool for all ages. Westin The indoor pool is an all-weather plus. University Inn Families will appreciate the inn’s 100 percent non-smoking rule and free breakfast. Travelodge Space Needle Amenities are few, but there is a children’s play area, free breakfast, and an outdoor pool. Fairmont Olympic The indoor pool is just one of many amenities for those with deep pockets. Holiday Inn Express Its proximity to Fun Forest and the highway has its obvious conveniences. Silver Cloud Inn Take advantage of this inn’s pool, complimentary breakfasts, and shuttles to downtown.
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