Seattle · King County, WA

Family things to do in Seattle

Scout analyzed 157 Seattle places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.

Places analyzed

157

Matches

26

Typical spend

$25

Typical visit

1.7 hr

Scout-verified spots

Space Needle

Uptown

Space Needle

The Space Needle offers panoramic city views from its observation deck, making it a good anchor for a Seattle Center outing. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $35-$100 per person, especially if dining.

ViewsFoodArts
4.6$35–$100 typical1.5 hr visithard parking
Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)

South Lake Union

Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)

MOHAI offers a few hours of indoor Seattle history exploration, good for families or solo visitors, with the potential for an outdoor walk along Lake Union afterward. Expect to spend around $25-30 per person for admission.

ArtsHistoryViews
4.6$25–$35 typical2 hr visitmoderate parking
The Lookout

Capitol Hill

The Lookout

The Lookout is good for a casual drink and pub food with Space Needle views from its outdoor garden. Expect to spend 90-120 minutes and $25-$50 per person for drinks and a meal.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors
$25–$50 typical1.5 hr visithard parking
Monkey Loft

SODO

Monkey Loft

Monkey Loft is a buzzing lounge bar and nightclub best for evening and late-night outings with DJs and a rooftop. Expect to spend $30-$75 per person for drinks and cover, and plan for a visit of at least 3 hours.

CocktailsLive musicViews
$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visithard parking
Seattle Aquarium

Pike Place Market

Seattle Aquarium

The Seattle Aquarium is a good family outing or solo adventure lasting 2-3 hours. Expect to spend around $35-50 per person on admission and perhaps a snack.

AnimalsViewsFood
$35–$50 typical2 hr visithard parking
Paramount Theatre

Pike Pine Retail Core

Paramount Theatre

The Paramount Theatre is ideal for an evening of live performance, such as a musical or concert, often preceded by dinner nearby. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and tickets can range from $50 to over $250 per person depending on the show.

Live musicArtsSocial
$50–$250 typical2.3 hr visithard parking
Barboza

Pike/Pine

Barboza

Barboza is a smaller, intimate live music venue perfect for catching local and touring acts, often paired with dinner nearby. Expect to spend $30-$75 per person on drinks and tickets for a 2-3 hour outing.

CocktailsLive musicArts
$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visithard parking
The Triple Door

Pike Pine Retail Core

The Triple Door

The Triple Door is a venue for live music performances, often paired with dinner and drinks. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and $75-$150 per person including tickets, food, and drinks.

FoodCocktailsLive music
$75–$150 typical1.5 hr visithard parking
WAMU Theater

Pioneer Square

WAMU Theater

WAMU Theater is a large indoor venue primarily for concerts and stage shows. Plan to spend 3 hours and budget $50-250 per person for tickets and refreshments. Parking can be challenging, and booking tickets in advance is recommended.

Live musicArtsSocial
$50–$250 typical2.3 hr visitmoderate parking
The Sunset Tavern

Adams

The Sunset Tavern

The Sunset Tavern is a venue for an evening of live music, comedy, or film, typically lasting a few hours. Expect to spend $30-$75 per person on drinks and cover charge.

CocktailsLive musicArts
$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
The Seattle Great Wheel

Central Business District

The Seattle Great Wheel

The Seattle Great Wheel offers panoramic views of the city andElliott Bay, typically lasting about 20 minutes for a ride. It's a central Seattle tourist activity that costs around $18-25 per person and is often combined with visits to Pike Place Market or the waterfront.

ViewsOutdoorsScenic
$18–$25 typical20 min visithard parking
Tractor Tavern

Adams

Tractor Tavern

The Tractor Tavern is a classic Ballard spot for live music, usually best as a main evening event. Expect to spend 3 hours and $20-$60 per person on drinks and maybe a snack.

CocktailsLive musicFood
$20–$60 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Rooftop Brewing Company

West Woodland

Rooftop Brewing Company

This brewery is good for a casual gathering with friends or a relaxed date, featuring beers and often food trucks on a rooftop. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $20-40 per person.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors
$20–$40 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Captain Blacks

Capitol Hill

Captain Blacks

Captain Blacks is a nautical-themed bar with Southern-inspired food and outdoor decks, suitable for casual drinks or a meal. Plan for 1.5-2 hours and expect to spend $25-50 per person.

CocktailsFoodOutdoors
$25–$50 typical1.5 hr visithard parking
Trophy Lake Golf & Casting

Sports & Recreation

Trophy Lake Golf & Casting

Trophy Lake Golf & Casting is suitable for a half-day outing centered around golfing or fishing. Expect to spend $50-100 per person for a round of golf. It's best enjoyed on a clear day and requires moderate physical activity.

SportsOutdoorsViews
$50–$100 typical4 hr visiteasy parking
Drip Drip coffeehouse

Cherry Hill

Drip Drip coffeehouse

Drip Drip coffeehouse is suitable for a morning coffee stop or a quiet afternoon work session. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and $5-15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking
Driftwood

Alki

Driftwood

Driftwood is an American restaurant on Alki Ave SW, suitable for a casual meal or drinks with a view. Expect to spend $35-75 per person for a 1.5-hour visit.

FoodCocktailsViews
$35–$75 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking
Gold Creek Trailhead, Green Mountain

Outdoors

Gold Creek Trailhead, Green Mountain

This is a hiking trail for a 2-4 hour outdoor adventure, suitable for families or solo outings. Expect to spend little to no money, mainly for parking or a snack. It pairs well with a picnic or local coffee shop afterward.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Old Stove Brewing Co — Pike Place

Pike Place Market

Old Stove Brewing Co — Pike Place

This is a good spot for a casual beer and food outing, especially when exploring Pike Place Market. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $20-50 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visithard parking
The Crab Pot Seattle

Seattle Waterfront

The Crab Pot Seattle

The Crab Pot is suitable for a boisterous family meal, especially for out-of-town guests looking for a unique seafood experience on the pier. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $50-$100 per person.

FoodViewsRelaxed
$50–$100 typical1.3 hr visithard parking
Terra Plata

Pike/Pine

Terra Plata

Terra Plata is suitable for a dinner or brunch out with friends or a partner, especially when a rooftop patio and locally sourced food are desired. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and $50-100 per person.

FoodWellnessCocktails
$50–$100 typical1.3 hr visithard parking
Discovery Park

Lawton Park

Discovery Park

Discovery Park is ideal for a half-day outdoor excursion, offering miles of trails and beaches with stunning views. It's a free activity, making it a great option for a cheap day out, possibly paired with a picnic.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Cherry Creek Falls

Outdoors

Cherry Creek Falls

Cherry Creek Falls is a free hiking destination, suitable for a 2-3 hour outdoor adventure, often combined with other activities in the Duvall area. Expect to spend nothing on the activity itself.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Poo Poo Point Trailhead

Outdoors

Poo Poo Point Trailhead

This trailhead offers a significant outdoor hike to scenic vistas popular for paragliding. Expect a few hours for the round trip, with no entry cost, making it a good activity to pair with other outdoor plans or a picnic.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

What Scout found

  • 60 of the 157 analyzed Seattle places fit family.
  • 55% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
  • 18% have easy parking.
  • Dominant moods: Relaxed, Scenic, Social, Adventurous, Educational, Playful.

Book ahead

Book tours and tickets in Seattle

Lock in the parts of the plan that sell out — tours, tastings and timed-entry tickets across Seattle.

See what's bookable in Seattle(opens in a new tab)

Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.

Make it a night out

Staying over in Seattle?

Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals across Seattle — book the stay and make a full weekend of it.

Find places to stay in Seattle(opens in a new tab)

Scout Places may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.