Seattle With Kids: Family Activities
Seattle works well with children, and several of the biggest attractions suit a morning or an afternoon. Prices are US dollars, exclude sales tax and often change by date, so look at each official page before you go.
Seattle Aquarium
The aquarium covers Pier 59, Pier 60 and the Ocean Pavilion under one ticket. The Pavilion’s coral reef is a big draw for younger visitors. It opens daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with last entry at 5 p.m. Ages 3 and under enter free and ages 4 to 12 pay a reduced rate. The Puget Sound Fish habitat is closed for renovation from 19 October 2026, so ask about open exhibits when you book. Look at the aquarium visit page before you go.
Woodland Park Zoo
The zoo at 5500 Phinney Ave N is known for its African Savanna with giraffes and zebras, the Assam Rhino Reserve and Humboldt penguins. There are no elephants. Tickets are sold online only. From 8 September 2026 to 30 April 2027 the zoo opens 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Adult prices run from about $23 to $37 and child prices from about $15 to $25 depending on the day. See zoo.org for the day you plan to visit.
Pacific Science Center
Find it at 200 Sue Bird Court N, open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed Monday and Tuesday. Planetarium shows and daytime laser shows are included with admission, using free timed tickets you reserve for a slot, while IMAX films cost extra. The Pacific Science Center visit page shows current exhibits.
Museum of Flight
Aircraft and space exhibits fill the museum at 9404 East Marginal Way S. Admission is $21 for ages 5 to 17 and free for ages 4 and under, while adults pay $29. It opens daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free on the first Thursday of each month from 5 to 9 p.m. The museum closes for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Seattle Great Wheel
The wheel stands at 1301 Alaskan Way on Pier 57. Children aged 3 to 11 pay about $18 according to secondary listings, and children 2 and under ride free. Confirm prices on the Great Wheel site , because the official pages carry no fares.
Seattle Center play space
The Artists at Play playground sits between the Armory and MoPOP at Seattle Center. Check hours before you go, since weather and events affect it.
Getting around with kids
Riders 18 and under travel free on Link light rail. The Seattle Center Monorail charges $2.00 for ages 6 to 18, and children under 5 ride free. The Monorail connects Westlake Center to Seattle Center in two stops and its readers do not accept contactless cards or phone wallets. A family tackling several sights may save with the Seattle CityPASS: child tickets (ages 5 to 12) are $119 and adult tickets $139, with reservations needed at each attraction. See CityPASS Seattle .
Water near the city is cold in every season, so keep children well back from the edge at beaches and piers, and bring layers for ferry and waterfront trips.
Read more: attraction tours in Seattle lists other paid outings. To compare family tickets, browse Seattle family tours .