Ultimate Family Guide to Seattle: Best Stays, Activities & Dining
Expedia.com gathered some places to stay, play, and eat during your family vacation in Seattle.
As if straight out of a comic book, Seattle is said to be protected by Phoenix Jones, the leader of a “crime prevention brigade.” Complete with his very own “super suit,” he’s a legend among Seattleites. And what could be better than heading to a city with its very own real-life hero for your next family vacation?
In addition to its super champions, Seattle is teeming with countless attractions that will have your kids begging to visit. Go ahead, join the running for the Best Parent Award, and start planning a family trip to Emerald City. At Expedia.com, we’ve made it easy for you, as we rounded up kid-friendly hotels, along with restaurants and activities to ensure your tribe stays entertained while you’re in town.
A Home Away from Home
The Maxwell Hotel is a green, smoke-free accommodation in the heart of the city. Choose from the selection of spacious guestrooms and suites, and cozy up with the signature Pineapple Bedding. The hotel offers an afternoon reception that will have your kids devouring scrumptious pineapple cupcakes, and an indoor pool for splashing around between sightseeing adventures. Hop on the free rental bikes and cruise over to the nearby Space Needle and Seattle Children’s Museum, or hail down the hotel’s complimentary shuttle for a ride to Pike Place Market.
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is a slightly fancier choice. While it certainly exudes elegance, that doesn’t mean it only caters to adults. Quite the contrary, this hotel provides various family comforts, from babysitting services to discounted children menus at the in-house restaurant. Parents can request highchairs and cribs, while child-sized bathrobes and baby amenities are always on hand. Spend the day exploring the city, and then challenge your family to a game of Marco Polo in the hotel’s indoor pool.
Time to Play
Superheroes are cool, but just wait for your kids’ reaction when you tell them there’s a resident troll in town. Embark on a hunt for the Fremont Troll, which lives under the Aurora Bridge. He’s hard to miss, as he juts 18 feet out of the ground and weighs 13,000 pounds. The massive concrete monster, which was created as a public art installation in 1989, is gripping a real Volkswagen Beetle in his hands. Climb up and take a seat amongst his shaggy hair or strike a pose under his nose.
Sneak in some educational time at the Pacific Science Center. Your kids won’t even realize they’re learning as they’re petting animals in the saltwater tide pool and challenging each other to bubble races. Even you might learn a thing or two about Seattle’s CO2 emissions and what life was like during the Mesozoic Era. During your visit, flutter around the Tropical Butterfly House, and then refuel at the Pacific Science Center Café, which serves a range of kid-approved menu items.
What’s Cookin’
Introduce your youngsters to the taste of babaganoush and souvlaki at Vios Café & Marketplace. This Greek restaurant in Capitol Hill serves up gyros and mezze on communal tables, perfect for sharing and sampling. There’s a brunch, lunch, and dinner menu with kid’s choices, and the option of family-style feasts for 10 or more guests. The café also includes a play area with books and toys, where your tots can amuse themselves before the meal is served.
Traveling with your family doesn’t have to mean foregoing your favorite fancy delicacies. At Blueacre Seafood, dig into raw oysters and spicy cioppino, while your kiddos dive into a plate of mac and cheese. There are creative and thoughtful elements for epicures, such as the kasu-marinated cod, and simpler items for pickier palates, like buttermilk fried chicken. The restaurant serves brunch, lunch, and dinner, with separate kids’ menus, but you’ll also find an adult wine list and happy hour menu to further appease your sophisticated tastes.
Even if you don’t catch a glimpse of the city’s superhero while you’re in Seattle, your clan is still in for a vacation of epic proportions.
