We love being tourists in Seattle. Given that it’s just a three hour drive from our home in Portland, it makes for an easy weekend getaway.
Our teen likes the cosmopolitan feel of the city, whereas our tween appreciates the outdoorsy offerings. They both love Pike Place Market, a must-visit every time we’re in Seattle.
In addition to revisiting old favorites, we also like to try new things whenever we head north. Here are eight fun things to do on your next visit:
Things to Do in Seattle
1: Fill Up on a Food Tour
One thing we always do is stop at Pike Place Market. We love snacking and shopping local here, and we always come home with a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers.
We recommend booking a tour with Eat Seattle on a chef-lead tour of Pike Place Market. It’s a different way to experience the market.
Our tour lasted about two hours. Each Eat Seattle tour varies depending on the day and the chef. We learned a lot about Pike Place Market and we sampled foods we might have otherwise missed. The Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market costs $59.99 a person.
2: Get Grossed Out at the Gum Wall
Are there places you return to again and again on your travels? The Gum Wall has also become a fixture of our Seattle visits over the past ten years.
My daughter always says it’s gross, yet nevertheless wants to stop by whenever we’re at Pike Place Market. To visit, head down a ramp to the left of Pike Place Market’s iconic “Public Market Center” clock sign. At the bottom of the ramp, veer left into Post Alley.
The gum wall was recently pressure washed clean because the gum build-up was damaging the brick walls. But the gum quickly re-appeared in the alleyway.
3: Ride the Retro Monorail
Take a ride on a retro train. The monorail is classic Seattle.
The Seattle Center Monorail was built to transport visitors to the Seattle World’s Fair. It continues to operate in almost the same way as it did over 50 years ago. The two trains run back and forth on a fixed overhead rail.
The one mile ride from Seattle Center to Westlake Center takes about three minutes. Tickets are $3.50.
4: Go Up the Space Needle
Visiting the Space Needle is a must-do when in Seattle. The Space Needle’s one of the most iconic structures in the world. It was built in 1962 for the Seattle World’s Fair.
As you wait in line for the elevator, be sure to check out the interactive displays detailing the history and construction of the Space Needle. Did you know there used to be a flame on top?
Once at the top of the Space Needle there are two viewing platforms – one is outdoors and the other is indoors. Both offer stunning 360 degree views of Seattle.
Daylight is definitely better for taking photos, and experiencing the thrill of the rotating glass floor. It’s hard to see 600 feet down in the dark.
The night views, though, really do sparkle! The Space Needle’s open late on the weekends, making this a great place to end a day of sightseeing in Seattle.
Fun fact – when the Space Needle opened it cost $1 to enter. Nowadays tickets start at $39 for adults.
5: Explore a Museum
The Space Needle’s located in Seattle Center, which has several museums including the Pacific Science Center, the Museum of Pop Culture (aka MoPOP), and the spectacular Chihuly Garden and Glass. We love this gorgeous museum and garden, filled with colorful glass sculptures.
KidTripster Tip: If you’re planning to visit both the Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Space Needle, you can save a little money by purchasing a combo ticket.
The museums at Seattle Center are just a few of the many amazing museums in the Seattle area. You can experience many of them at a discount in February during Seattle Museum Month. More than 20 of the region’s most popular museums (including the Seattle Aquarium and the Woodland Park Zoo) participate in this cool event. Guests who stay at participating downtown Seattle hotels receive half-price museum admissions. The pass is good for four people and it’s valid all month.
[ Related: Stay in the Heart of Seattle at the Four Seasons Hotel ]
6: Go Down to the Seattle Underground
Remnants of Seattle’s early history sit just below street level. Join Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour to learn more about the city’s gritty early days.
The 75-minute walking tours depart several times a day from Pioneer Square. After the Great Fire of 1889, the city rose from the ashes and muck. New buildings went right on top the old ones. The tour weaves through tunnels underground, through those original parts of Seattle.
Tour guides are entertaining as they joke and tell stories from Seattle’s past. The tour ends in a small history museum.
Tours cost $22 for adults, $20 for students and seniors, and $10 for ages 7-12. Kids 6 and under are free.
7: See the Expanded Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium’s gorgeous new expansion opened in the summer of 2024. The Ocean Pavilion sits in its own building, steps away from the original Seattle Aquarium space which is located on the waterfront.
Whereas the Seattle Aquarium has long focused on Pacific Northwest sea life, the ocean pavilion goes far beyond, covering many other ocean habitats. Like the Coral Triangle – a region in the Indo-Pacific. There are some 3,500 animals and plants here as well as 30 species of coral. In addition to marine life, digital storytelling using 360 degree video projections and interactive displays help visitors learn more about the ocean. There are towering multi-level aquarium spaces. It’s stunning addition to the Seattle Aquarium and definitely worth a visit.
[ Related: Go Museum Hopping during Seattle Museum Month ]
KidTripster Tip: More new stuff is coming in 2025. The expansion at the Seattle Aquarium also includes a colorful outdoor playground centered around a jellyfish climbing tower. The Pier 58 playground is set to open sometime in the spring.
8: Play at a Park
Seattle certainly knows how to playground. One of our favorites is the Artists at Play at Seattle Center. The playground’s centerpiece is a massive 30-foot climbing tower. Other fun features include a labyrinth, musical instruments, and sound swings. This bustling playground’s a great place for a break when museum hopping or sightseeing around Seattle Center.
We also love Gas Works Park. This quirky space is built on the site of the former Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant which operated until the 1950s. The City of Seattle turned the space into a sprawling park. Remnants of the plant are still prominently featured in the park. The views of the city are lovely and there’s lots of room for running and playing.
KidTripster Tip: Not far from Gas Works Park is the famous Fremont Troll. This giant statue (18 feet tall!) is built under a bridge and it’s clutching a Volkswagen Beetle. There’s a small park called Troll’s Knoll next to the troll.
Where to Stay in Seattle
The Maxwell Hotel is welcoming to both people and pets. The whimsical pineapple theme creates a fun vibe. The incredibly cozy beds make this the ideal place to crash for a weekend. A variety of room options, some that sleep up to 6 people, are another reason why this hotel’s a great choice for families.
We like the extra amenities offered at The Maxwell. Guests receive a welcome beverage at check-in. Dog treats are complimentary. Afternoon delights (coffee and treats) are offered daily. We also appreciated the refillable water bottles. In the lobby, you can refill your bottles with still, sparkling or hot water. Bikes and umbrellas are available to borrow, both of which come in handy when in Seattle.
The Maxwell’s in a great location, just a short walk to Seattle Center. Our room had a view of the Space Needle.
Visit Seattle and The Maxwell Hotel hosted the author, providing accommodations and activities during her visit for purposes of this article. All opinions are her own.
