Seattle might bring to mind rain, Starbucks, and grunge music, but it’s the diverse food and arts scene, friendly people, and endless natural beauty that truly make it an extra special place to live and visit. Enjoying Seattle doesn’t have to cost a lot, here are our favorite free things to do with kids in Seattle.
Rain or shine (with the bluest skies you’ve ever seen), here are our favorite free things to do in Seattle with kids.
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- The Center for Wooden Boats
Explore The Center for Wooden Boats and learn more about Seattle’s maritime history. Admission is always free, but be sure to visit on a Sunday for a free boat tour of Lake Union. The tour is fun in general, but my favorite part is peeking at all of the house boats up close, including the one used for “Sleepless in Seattle.” Although technically not handicap accessible, the staff was really helpful in finding ways to make the boat tour work for us, including providing assistance boarding, where V sat on my lap for the ride. Sign-ups begin in person at 10:00am every Sunday, get there early! Other things to do within walking distance: MOHAI (Museum of History and Industry) where kids 14 and under are free, and Lake Union Park with a model-boat pond. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day!
1010 Valley Street Seattle, WA 98109
- Kerry Park
This tiny park is huge on views. Stop here on Queen Anne Hill for the best view and postcard-pictures of Seattle, Mt. Rainier, and the islands. It’s near the Seattle Center (home of the Space Needle, MoPOP, Pacific Science Center, and Monorail), so stop here for some classic photo ops first!
211 W Highland Dr, Seattle, WA 98119 - Ye Olde Curiosity Shop
Weird and wonderful, this landmark shop located on the Seattle Waterfront has been a family favorite for generations. Be sure to say, “Hi!” to Sylvester the mummy while you’re there. Read on for more free things to do in Seattle with kids.
1001 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104 - Pier 54
Watch the ferries load and unload up close and personal and see if you can spot the Coast Guard patrol boat that occasionally accompanies the ferries. Then visit the original Ivar’s restaurant for some Seattle history. If you don’t know who Ivar Haglund is, he’s classic Seattle, his creative advertising and commitment to the city are legendary. Be sure to pick up some fish and chips and hold out a French fry to see how long it takes to become the center of attention from the neighborhood gulls.
1001 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104
- Greenlake Park
This is one of our favorite places to spend the day. Walk the paved 2.8 mile path around the lake and enjoy all of the active areas for frisbee, baseball, basketball, swimming and boating. There are great restaurants nearby, so plan on lunch out or bring a picnic. Handicap parking is available in the lots on both ends of the lake, however, parking can still be hard to find on a busy weekend; often times we park on a side street and walk to the park. Lots of free things to do in Seattle with kids and dogs at Greenlake./
7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115 - Discovery Park
Explore Discovery Park, Seattle’s biggest park, featuring 11 miles of walking trails, beach area, wildlife and incredible views. While you’re there, stop by the Daybreak Star Indian Art Gallery.
3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199 - Fremont Troll
Find the Fremont Troll and take a picture with him.
N 36th St, Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 - MOHAI Museum of History and Industry
All admission free the first Thursday of the month, kids under 14 are always free. - Seattle Art Museum
All admission free the first Thursday of the month, kids under 12 are always free. - Asian Art Museum
All admission free the first Thursday of the month. - Museum of Flight
Children 4 and under are always free. - Wing Luke Museum
All admission free the first Thursday of the month. - Olympic Sculpture Park
This outdoor walking park on the Seattle waterfront is always free. Walk through Olympic Sculpture Park and explore 3D art with a view of Elliott Bay. It’s completely paved and handicap accessible. On a sunny day it’s stunning free things to do in Seattle with kids.
2901 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 - Tour Benaroya Hall
Take a free tour of Benaroya Hall, home to the Seattle Symphony. Docent-led tours of Benaroya Hall are free and open to the public. Tours are offered on a bi-monthly basis throughout the year. Areas of Benaroya Hall to be toured may vary by date and are subject to availability, go here for details.
200 University Street, Seattle, Washington - Seattle Public Library
Explore the Seattle Public Library, featuring beautiful architecture, public art, fantastic exhibits, fantastic views and, of course, great books.
1000 Fourth Ave.
Seattle, WA 9810 - Alki Beach
Take a walk in the sand or along the paved path at Alki beach for incredible views of the city and great people watching. If the beach looks familiar, that’s because it where the beach scenes in “Sleepless in Seattle” were filmed. Bring some firewood and s’more makings end enjoy a fire on the beach after sunset.
702 Alki Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98116 - Ballard Locks
Spend the afternoon watching the boats pass through the Ballard Locks and checking out the fish ladder. There are also beautiful gardens to stroll through.
3015 NW 54th St, Seattle, WA 98107 - Woodland Park Rose Garden
Enjoy the fragrant beauty of the Woodland Park Rose Garden, one of only two dozen certified American Rose Test Gardens in the United States. Open everyday free of charge.
5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103 - Elliott Bay Book Company
Catch story time at Capitol Hill’s Elliott Bay Book Company, one of Seattle’s oldest bookstores.
strong>1521 10th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 - Seattle Center’s International Fountain
Cool off on a hot day at Seattle Center’s International Fountain. It’s all paved and handicap accessible (not inside the actual fountain), so pull up to hear and feel the fountain moving to the music. It’s also a GREAT place to people watch. - Sonic Bloom
Honey, I shrunk the kids! You’ll feel bug-sized as you walk through Sonic Bloom, the solar-powered art installation at the Seattle Center. - Washington Arboretum
Explore the 230-acre Washington Arboretum, located on the shores of Lake Washington near the University of Washington campus free of charge. Grab a map and explore! Keep on reading for more free things to do in Seattle with kids!
2300 Arboretum Drive E Seattle, WA 98112 - Self-Guided Seattle Walking Tours
Take a self-guided Seattle walking tour of Ballard, Pike Place Market, Columbia City, Pioneer Square, or the International District.
- Pike Place Market
I should have out this at the top of the list, because it’s my favorite. Take in the sights, sounds and tastes of the famous Pike Place Market. Great fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers, plus so many fun little shops and vendors! Watch out for flying fish and say make a donation to Rachel the Pig. Explore more on a self-guided walking tour. While you’re there, stop in and get coffee at the first Starbucks store. Handicap notes: This part of Seattle is really hard with a wheelchair. Park in the Market’s parking garage and take the elevator to the sky bridge, it takes you right into the heart of the market.
- Gum Wall
Definitely gross, but definitely a must do. Add your contribution to the Gum Wall near Pike Place Market. You get there by using the stairs right at the front of the market next to Rachel the Pig, if you have a wheelchair, walk straight up from Rachel the Pig to First Avenue and then walk the side walk back down to where those stairs are. Continue down that alley. The alley itself is cobblestone.On the way to the Gum Wall, right next to the stairs is a great photo opp! Be sure to snap some fun pics in front of all of these colorful posters.
HAVE FUN!
- The Center for Wooden Boats
