Family vacations in Seattle can be rewarding experiences or absolute disasters -- it all depends on pretrip homework. To make planning easier, we've done all the preparation. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on traveling with children, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Seattle family vacations.
The Space Needle
As synonymous with Seattle as Starbucks,
is a must-see. The stunning views and interactive SkyQ kiosks will give young and old visitors alike a chance to explore the city, Google Earth style. Its proximity to the Children's Museum, Pacific Science Center and Experience Music Project makes it an easy stop for families touring Seattle's best.
Address: 400 Broad St., Seattle, WA 98109Phone: 206-905-2175Hours: Open year round, 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.Price: Adults, $18; ages 4 to 12, $11; children 3 and under, free; seniors 65 and older, $16; active military adult with ID, $16.
The Children's Museum, Seattle
Hike up a mountain trail, camp out at the peak and slide down a glacier for a glimpse of Washington's natural side -- all in the comfort of
. Stay for an hour, or all day, for hands-on fun with shopping, building, gardening, traveling and creating art.
Address: 305 Harrison St., Seattle, WA 98109Phone: 206-441-1768Hours: Open year round, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.Price: Adults and children, $7.50; grandparents, $6.50; active military, $6; children under age 1, free.
The Pacific Science Center
Focusing on everything from physics to physiology and the tropics to tide pools,
never fails to entertain. Visit the Tropical Butterfly House for an up-close view of the insect world's beauty queens, then take a trip back in time to the Mesozoic era for some robotic dinosaur fun. With five buildings of hands-on science exhibits, two IMAX theaters, a planetarium and laser light shows, the fun never ends.
Address: 200 Second Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98109Phone: 206-443-2001Hours: Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.Price: Adults, $14; seniors, $12; ages 6 to 15, $9; ages 3 to 5, $7.
Alki Beach
For some fun in the sun and a stunning sunset view, head to Alki Beach Park. The water is cold, but the beach-combing, people-watching and castle-building get high marks for family fun.
Address: 1702 Alki Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98116Phone: 206-684-4075Hours: Open year round: spring through summer, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; fall through winter, 4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.Price: Free admission.
Ye Olde Curiosity Shop
The Seattle waterfront, located between piers 52 and 70 along Alaskan Way, is home to
, where the young and young at heart will find an enchanting selection of Northwest Native American art, gag gifts, souvenirs and other novelties. Don't miss Sylvester the mummy and his shrunken-head friends.
Address: 1001 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98104Phone: 206-682-5844Hours: Open daily: 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. in summer; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday in winter.Price: Free admission.
Ballard Locks
The Hiram Chittenden Locks, commonly called the
, sit in the middle of Salmon Bay and are part of the Lake Washington ship canal. Visitors to the historical site will be delighted by the botanical gardens and will get an engaging view of the many vessels navigating the ship canal, as well as a possible peek at salmon (between June and November) or steelhead (January through April) using the fish ladder. The visitor center features interpretive exhibits and a gift shop. Volunteers provide free guided tours of the locks.
Address: 3015 N.W. 54th St., Seattle, WA 98107Phone: 206-783-7059Hours: The visitor center is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily spring through summer. It's open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily fall through winter, except Tuesday and Wednesday. The grounds at the locks are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday, including all holidays. The fish ladder viewing gallery closes at 8:45 p.m.Price: Free admission.
The Seattle Aquarium
Check out the Seattle Aquarium to learn what is lurking in the waters of Puget Sound and Elliott Bay. Meet local denizens of the region’s underwater world such as the Pacific Giant Octopus, sea otters, fur seals and salmon. The Touch Pool, a favorite among kids, is filled with sea stars, sea anemones, sea cucumbers and crabs.
Address: Pier 59, 1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101Phone: 206-386-4300Hours: Open 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.Price: Adults, $19; ages 4 to 12, $12; children 3 and under, free.
What are your favorite vacation spots in Seattle?
Lede photo: Nicola since 1972/ FlickrMid photo: jeffwilcox/ Flickr
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