When writing our Seattle blog post to kick off our Western US Road Trip series we realized that there is just far too many exciting things to do in Seattle Center to give a quick snapshot of the area. Instead we decided the best way to give you a breakdown activities would be to highlight them all in one easy list. So here we go:

10 Things to do in Seattle Center

#1: Go to the top of the Space Needle

Of course, the Space Needle is a must-see if you make your way to Seattle. The wraparound observation deck gives you a 365 view of the city. On a clear day you can even spot Mount Rainier, the centerpiece of Seattle’s neighboring national park.

#2 Build a fort in the Seattle Children’s Museum 

This is a perfect playground for toddlers. It provides every opportunity to create, touch, see, feel and experience the world around them. We loved the Global Village of course with mini-trips to places like Ghana, the Philippines and Japan. And what kid, or kid-at-heart, doesn’t love making forts? The museum’s Fort Adventure puts your kid’s architectural skills to work.

#3 Learn About Dinos at the Pacific Science Center 

The amount of information and exhibits to explore at the Pacific Science Center may take a whole day so you’ll want to preview the featured exhibit before you arrive. You can buy general admission tickets to see the permanent displays, but the rotating exhibits, laser dome, and iMAX films add to the cost.  Although the permanent displays may just be enough for you with tide pools, dino and animal exhibits and more.

#4 Get Inspired at the Chihuly Garden and Glass

Dale Chihuly is one of Washington’s homegrown glass artists with a passion for color and sculpture. Walking around the grounds can easily spark inspiration and hosts are available daily to talk and share information about the featured artwork. For more in-depth insight check out the audio tours. Mobile photos are allowed but more professional gear such as advanced cameras with tripods and accessories are not permitted.

#5 Explore the Museum of Pop Culture

This one leans a little more toward being a parent’s playground of sorts but the building itself is a beautiful creation of imagination. On a bright and beautiful day you can easily see the Space Needle reflecting off its shiny panneling. The music and culture exhibits that are in the museum offer great learning conversations in diversity and creativity. Plus check for activities in the summer for teens.

#6 See Seattle by Land and by Lake on the Duck Tours

You’ve probably heard of these types of tours before in other cities, but if not, this tour lets you explore by land and by lake. We actually took this as a pre-wedding activity for my brother and sister-in-law and on a beautiful day (yes Seattle does have some!) its a great way to experience the city. The tour guides are entertaining and energetic.  Book your trip just outside the Seattle Center area by the McDonalds.

#7 Find Free Peace and Poetry in the Many Gardens

Seattle center has nearly a dozen individual gardens that you can stroll around. Some are gated with an entrance fee, like the Chihuly Garden, but others are free and available to all who want to enjoy. A few others include the sculpture garden, Kobe Bell Meditation Garden, and the beautiful September 11 Memorial Garden.

#8 Be Your Own Tour Guide on the areas Tree Walk

There are 30 different types of trees that are featured throughout the Seattle Center grounds. Visit this link which will bring you to a map that you can download that shows all of the locations of trees of all kinds, some with berries and others with heart-shaped leaves. This is the perfect FREE activity for nature lovers of all ages.

#9 Frolic in a Fountain in Seattle Center

You could even add this to your tree walk. There are six beautifully different fountains that decorate the grounds. From Encircled Stream Fountain where you should only dip your hand in to the extravagant International Fountain where you can get utterly soaked in. It was built in 1961 for the World’s Fair and renovated in the mid-nineties for all to enjoy.

#10 Grab a Bite at one of the Many Eateries 

There are over 20 different places to hunker down and enjoy the view, including the top of the Space Needle for the fancy families. You can find anything from BBQ to Boba and everything in between. We’re sure there is something for everyone, even the pickiest of eaters.

These are just some of the many things you can do in Seattle Center with your family. The learning opportunities are practically endless and what we love the most is that in a big city, it provides the area has freemium cost options for almost any budget.