The Five Best Winter Activities for Kids in Seattle Washington
Winter in Seattle is bursting with great winter activities for kids.
When it comes to planning an amazing family getaway to the Pacific Northwest, there’s no city quite like Seattle. The Emerald City has a way of catering to travelers of all ages and interests by providing a dynamic landscape packed with the potential for fun and excitement. While Seattle is practically bursting at the seam with visitors in the summer months, those looking to make the most times of the year when the city is slightly less crowded will find winter to be ideal. Here’s a list of the five best winter activities for kids in Seattle when it’s time to balance out your vacation plans.
Don’t let the cold stop you, as Seattle provides access to a wide variety of incredible activities during the winter months that will keep everyone in your traveling family happy. While the adults likely have a long to-do list while they’re in town, it’s just as important to sprinkle in the stops that will keep little minds engaged.
Visit Woodland Park Zoo
When considering things to do in Seattle in winter a visit to the zoo might not come to mind first-but it should! Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo is a one-stop-shop for family-fun that keeps children entertained, excited and encountering some of the world’s most amazing creatures. The zoo is open year-round, and a winter visit comes with the added bonus of fewer guests to contend with as well as a mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits allowing visitors to warm up and continue to enjoy the experience along the many animal-focused routes.
The Woodland Park Zoo is located at 5500 Phinney Avenue North and is a facility dedicated to educating the public on global animal conservation. Interactive shows and demonstrations are hosted daily to provide insight into the wonders these creatures hold. Whether you’re one for the giraffes or can’t get enough of those reptiles, the Woodland Park Zoo has it all.
Enjoy a Flying Theater Experience
Going to the movies is a wonderful option when you’re looking for things to do in Seattle in winter that don’t require being outdoors. While traditional theaters can be fun, thrill the little ones by booking tickets to an experience at Wings Over Washington that’s bound to be unforgettable. This amusement-style stop is an aerial adventure that can be taken right from the comfort of a theater seat. A combination of 5K cameras, innovative sound systems, and laser projection have the audience feeling like they’re flying from the moment the movie starts.
Guests are taken on a journey above the state of Washington with incredible bird’s eye views of everything from Mt. Rainier to the Olympic National Forest and beyond. While Wings Over Washington is sure to be fun, it’s also educational and leaves children with more to explore about their vacation destination. The theater can be found at 1301 Alaskan Way at Pier 57.
Settle in for an Afternoon at the Seattle Children’s Museum
What began in 1979 as a single exhibit has since turned into a sprawling oasis of learning, engagement, and wonder known as the Seattle Children’s Museum. Situated at 305 Harrison Street, the Seattle Children’s Museum is a multi-exhibit experience that takes children ages 6 months through 8 years through a variety of sensory and tactile experiences, designed to inspire the imagination and learning.
With over 18,000 square feet of play space available, children have the opportunity to learn about everything from indigenous cultures to the vast potential of space. A marketplace and doctor’s office are set up on-site so kids can make the most of playing pretend alongside new friends in these familiar and fun environments. No matter how they spend their time once they arrive, a trip to the Seattle Children’s Museum is sure to inspire.
Burn Energy at the Defy Complex
Being cooped up for too long isn’t great for anyone in the winter and children tend to have excess energy to burn as it is. Instead of struggling with where to go to get rid of the wiggles, add a stop at Defy to the itinerary when you’re looking for the best things to do in Seattle in winter. This sprawling trampoline and aerial sports park is divided into activities that are suitable for every age, making a stop here comprehensive and fun. Whether they’re flying through the air on a track of elastic or swinging like Tarzan across a pit of foam blocks, children will love the way this place encourages creativity and self-expression all while having tons of fun.
Don’t Forget the Space Needle
It’s so iconic that it’s easy to disregard as a simple tourist attraction, but when you’re traveling to Seattle with kids in the winter, a stop at the Space Needle is a must. This downtown stop is easily recognizable and recent renovations mean guests have two levels of sweeping panoramic views to enjoy. Savor the winter scenery from an amazing height without having to worry about the cold. This fascinating landmark is one that you’ll want to see for yourself and the kids are bound to love.
Seattle Calling
When you’re ready to enjoy Seattle and can’t wait for a winter adventure with the kids, there’s no reason to fear the threat of a short attention span. Adding these kid-friendly activities to the must-do list is a sure way to keep everyone engaged in the fun from the moment you arrive.
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About The Author: Caitlyn Knuth is a travel writer whose own adventures have inspired her to write about everything from the most delicious cafés in Paris, France to the breathtaking salmon runs in Juneau, Alaska. Working in association with Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals, she enjoys writing and sharing about Seattle in the hope others will pack up and head out on Washington-bound adventures of their very own.
