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Things to Do in Seattle with Kids
Seattle is a great city for kids: a market where fish fly, an aquarium on the waterfront, a giant fountain to dance in at Seattle Center and boats climbing the locks. This guide is organized by area, with parent tips from our local guides and free picks flagged.
Our Downtown Donut Tour ends near Pike Place Market, so it's an easy, tasty way to start a family day downtown.
By the Underground Donut Tour team · Updated November 2026
At a glance
- Free favorites: Pike Place Market, the International Fountain, Olympic Sculpture Park, the Ballard Locks, Discovery Park
- Rainy day picks: Pacific Science Center, Seattle Aquarium, Museum of Pop Culture
- Sweet treat: Our Seattle donut tour welcomes kids 2 and up, with kids' tickets from $55
Kid-friendly things to do in Seattle, by neighborhood
Pike Place and the waterfront
Pike Place Market
FreeFlying fish, flowers and snacks, plus the famous gum wall.
Seattle Great Wheel
A giant Ferris wheel over the water.
Olympic Sculpture Park
FreeBig outdoor art and a beach path.
Parent tip: Get to Pike Place early to see the fish throwers and beat the crowds.
Seattle Center
International Fountain
FreeA huge fountain that shoots water to music.
Parent tip: Ride the Monorail from downtown to Seattle Center. It's quick and kids love it.
Neighborhoods
Ballard Locks
FreeWatch boats rise and fall, and see salmon in the fish ladder in season.
Discovery Park
FreeTrails, beaches and a lighthouse.
Sweet treats and kid-friendly eats
Underground Donut Tour (kids' tickets from $55, ages 2 and up). Our Downtown Donut Tour walks the heart of Seattle with stops for local donuts and stories about the city, ending near Pike Place Market. Guides set the pace around your group, which makes it easy with kids.
Taste Seattle's best donuts on one walk
Kids 2 and up are welcome. Guides set an easy pace for little legs.
Parent tip: Let us know about allergies or dietary needs when you book, and download our free Kids' Activity Book for the trip.
What families say about our Seattle tours
"Perfect family outing (kids are 8 and 13) that all will enjoy."
Shannon, GetYourGuide, July 2026
"The kids don't mind the walking when each stop brings new and delicious flavors or types of donuts..."
Lena D., TripAdvisor, July 2026
"As a family with four kids between 7-14 it is hard to find things that excite them all and even harder to bring in history tours but this did it!"
Alicia, Airbnb, June 2026
All 5-star guest reviews.
Exploring on your own? Our Best Donut Shops in Seattle guide lists the city's best donut shops by neighborhood, and Best Holiday Donuts in Seattle covers the festive specials.
Sample days
Day 1: Downtown
- Morning: donut tour downtown.
- Pike Place Market.
- Seattle Aquarium.
- Great Wheel at sunset.
Day 2: Seattle Center
- Monorail to Seattle Center.
- Pacific Science Center.
- Lunch and the International Fountain.
- Space Needle.
Day 3: Neighborhoods
- Woodland Park Zoo.
- Lunch in Ballard.
- Ballard Locks.
- Discovery Park beach.
Seattle with kids by season
Holidays
- Westlake Center: a giant tree and a holiday carousel downtown.
- WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo: glowing animal lanterns on winter evenings.
- Winterfest at Seattle Center: a holiday train village and events.
- Christmas Ships: decorated boats with carolers on the water.
- For seasonal treats, see Best Holiday Donuts in Seattle.
The rest of the year
- Spring: tulips nearby and blooming gardens.
- Summer: dry, sunny days, perfect for the waterfront and parks.
- Fall: salmon in the locks and cozy museums.
- Winter: rainy days, holiday lights and indoor fun.
Seattle with kids FAQ
Is the Seattle donut tour good for kids?
Yes. Kids 2 and up are welcome, the walk is easy, and kids' tickets start at $55.
What are free things to do in Seattle with kids?
Pike Place Market, the International Fountain, Olympic Sculpture Park, the Ballard Locks and Discovery Park.
When can you see salmon at the Ballard Locks?
Usually summer into early fall, through the fish ladder viewing windows.
What's a good rainy-day plan?
The Pacific Science Center, the Seattle Aquarium or the Museum of Pop Culture.