Seattle is one of the most family-friendly and accessible cities in America, but traveling with kids can still throw up unexpected complications. To get the most out of the Emerald City and create a great experience for everyone, it’s a good idea to do some research beforehand. So, here’s a rundown of the major things families should think about before booking a Seattle city break.
Location Is Important
When you’re trying to find a hotel in Seattle, think about what’s most important for your family. Do you want a quiet location? Somewhere within easy walking distance of breakfast spots and restaurants? A central location close to the major attractions? Parks and playgrounds nearby? Something budget-friendly? Kid-focused amenities?
It’s likely that you’ll have to make some compromises when picking your hotel. For example, hotels close to the main attractions are likely to be pricier than those further out, but cheaper locations might make it harder to reach all the locations on your itinerary. Remember that the weather in Seattle is unpredictable, and the city has a lot of hills, which can be challenging for young kids, parents pushing strollers, or less mobile senior family members. So, think carefully about what’s most important for your family’s needs when it comes to location.
To help you decide, here’s a quick run-through of Seattle neighborhoods most popular with tourists:
Downtown
Downtown is Seattle’s tourism, commerce, business, and entertainment hub. When you start searching for Seattle hotels, it’s likely that you’ll get a lot of results located in Downtown. It’s a good spot if you want to be close to the action and have a lot of easy transport options. On the other hand, it might be a bit busy and noisy at night for families that prefer peace and quiet.
Waterfront
The Waterfront of Elliot Bay is home to many kid-friendly attractions, including the famous Great Wheel. It’s also very walkable and has decent transport links to places like Seattle Center. You’ll also find lots of parks and cafes here, which makes it a good choice for some ad-hoc family fun. That being said, much of what’s to see here is outdoors – making it less than ideal when it rains.
Queen Annes
Queen Ann is a leafy, upmarket district that offers gorgeous views and a more peaceful setting than more central neighborhoods. It’s safe, quiet, and beautiful, which makes it appealing for some families. However, you do have to climb a hill to get here, and it’s further from the central clusters of attractions than other neighborhoods.
Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill is close to central Seattle, with good light rail and bus access. This makes it easy for families to reach Downtown, the airport, and major attractions. It’s also got plenty of parks, cafes, and other family-friendly amenities. However, it has heavy nightlife, which could be disruptive in the evenings, and it’s on steep hills that could make it tricky to navigate with strollers or mobility aids.
Pack For All Weathers
Seattle is famous for its changeable weather. Even if the day starts out fine and sunny, there’s no guarantee that it will stay that way – especially in fall and winter. So, it’s a good idea to pack for all weathers. Depending on the season, bring weatherproof coats, waterproof shoes, umbrellas, and stroller covers alongside t-shirts and sandals. Clothes that you can easily layer with are best.
Seattle’s weather can make it harder to pack, so it’s a good idea to bring more luggage than you think you’ll need. If you don’t want to haul heavy cases through the airport, think about organizing your luggage with things like packing cubes. This can help you to make the most of the space you’ve got.
Pick the Right Activities
Seattle has lots of family-friendly attractions, so it’s worth making a shortlist of must-sees rather than trying to pack everything in. Here are some suggestions for family-friendly attractions:
Seattle Center
Seattle Center is more of an area than a single attraction. You could easily spend days exploring it in detail, so leave plenty of time to take it all in. This is where you’ll find the Space Needle, the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP), the Gates Foundation Discovery Center, the Pacific Science Center, Chihuly Gardens and Glass, and more. It’s all very accessible, and there are lots of child-focused interactive activities to enjoy.
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is home to the original Starbucks, making it well worth a visit for coffee fans. But that’s far from all you’ll find in this famous spot. You can watch stallholders throwing fish, browse colorful flower stalls, pick up quirky souvenirs at unique stalls, and sample artisan foods.
Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium, on the waterfront, is a good choice for families who want an easy indoor activity close to Downtown. You’ll find sea otters and seals alongside a wide range of local marine life. Children can interact with starfish and other friendly sea creatures in supervised touch tanks. Because of its location near the ferry terminals and piers, it’s easy to combine an Aquarium visit with a boat ride or a scenic lunch.
Planning Makes Perfect
Seattle is the perfect place for a family break. It’s accessible, and there’s plenty for every member of the family to enjoy. With the right planning and a bit of prior knowledge, you can easily plan the best possible vacation in Seattle and start making great memories.