Seattle Weekend Family Adventure: Pioneer Square & Waterfront with Kids

A weekend in the city is a fun family affair! We took our suburban kids to Seattle for a visit to Pioneer Square and the Seattle Waterfront for a weekend back to the city after a year of wishing and waiting everything would fully open up for families to enjoy! That being said, we are thrilled to share that all of our family-friendly stops along the way were open and ready for business. They are excited to welcome kids and families into the city to explore some of Seattle’s beloved secret spots and favorite parts of Seattle.

Preparing to board the Blake Island Fast Ferry with Argosy Cruises | Emily Adams, @teeter_totter_mom

We love to share the city with our kids from all different viewpoints. In the center of the hustle and bustle of the city, by the water, ON the water (with Argosy Cruises) and in the middle of the markets and small businesses that bring rich flavor and heart to the most historic corners of the city and how Seattle was built from the ground up.

Street view in the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood of Seattle | Emily Adams, @teeter_totter_mom

The waterfront is a magnet for our family like it is for many others across Seattle and the Puget Sound. There is no denying how lively Seattle’s waterfront piers become when the sun comes out! Our family’s favorite way to spend the day is starting by grabbing fish and chips paired with sourdough bread bowls filled with clam chowder on the water at Ivar’s Fish Bar on Pier 54 along Seattle’s waterfront overlooking Elliott Bay.

Ivar’s Fish Bar on the Seattle Waterfront | Emily Adams, @teeter_totter_mom

After sharing some French fries with the local seagulls (the kids got a good laugh out of this), we stepped only one pier away to Argosy Cruises on Pier 55. They offer chartered boat tours and “Fast Ferries”, as Argosy Cruises calls, them that zip you out onto Puget Sound from Seattle and blast over to Blake Island—a Washington State Park only accessible by boat!

All aboard with Argosy Cruises | Emily Adams, @teeter_totter_mom

Within Blake Island Marine State Park, you can find miles and miles of trails that circle the island and can be done in a day. Beaches, watersport rentals, fire tables, and food and beverages are all available from Tillicum Village on Blake Island, which is now primarily hosted by Argosy Cruises. They are very much looking forward to more smiling families hopping off the boats and joining them for a quick cruise, or a full day to and from Blake Island.

Family-friendly hiking trails on Blake Island | Emily Adams, @teeter_totter_mom

After a full day in the sunshine with cloudless views of the Seattle skyline from the beach, we were ready to head back to the city and kick our feet up as a family. The Embassy Suites in Pioneer Square is blocks away from the “heart” of Historic Pioneer Square. The hotel stands only a stones throw away from Lumen Field, the Seattle Link light rail, is down the street from SODO, and around the corner from the Seattle Waterfront, Chinatown-International District, and King Street Station.

Coffee with a view at Embassy Suites in Pioneer Square | Emily Adams, @teeter_totter_mom

The Embassy Suites is an exceptionally beautiful escape into the city, but that doesn’t mean its too classy for kids! Families bounced in and out of the lobby upon checking in with warm welcomes from the Embassy Suites staff and we were encouraged to try their bountiful breakfast buffet and 8th floor fitness center, pool, and hot tub that overlooks the home field of our Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders.

Penthouse balcony view at Embassy Suites in Pioneer Square | Emily Adams, @teeter_totter_mom

Their Pioneer Square location has four penthouses on the 23rd and top floor of the building. On one side are their Presidential and Cityscape Suites. The Presidential is a 2bd/2bath suite with two balconies surrounded by glass railings that overlook the gorgeous city views of Pioneer Square and the complete Seattle skyline.

Presidential Penthouse bedroom at Embassy Suites in Pioneer Square | Emily Adams, @teeter_totter_mom

Our youngest son’s favorite part of their family-friendly space was running back and forth from balcony to balcony chasing the “choo choo” trains as they passed through King Street Station through the city and back out of town.

Presidential Penthouse living room at Embassy Suites in Pioneer Square | Emily Adams, @teeter_totter_mom

Embassy Suites Cityscape Penthouse was designed for the wine enthusiast. With rich maroon and gold accents, this luxurious yet again family-friendly suite had some of the best views of the Seattle skyline and Seattle Waterfront from the comfort of the living room sectional.

Cityscape Penthouse at Embassy Suites in Pioneer Square | Emily Adams, @teeter_totter_mom

Both suites along with the other two top floor penthouses function with (multiple) full size bathrooms, wide open living spaces, fully stocked wet bars, and unbeatable views. Bonus points on a warm and sunny day with those beautiful balconies!

Penthouse balcony at Embassy Suites in Pioneer Square | Emily Adams, @teeter_totter_mom

Attached to the Embassy Suites in Pioneer Square is 13 Coins, a long-standing and beloved restaurant by Seattleites and visitors coming into the city.

13 Coins provides on-site dining at Embassy Suites in Pioneer Square | Emily Adams, @teeter_totter_mom

13 Coins is a swanky restaurant with a rich and luxurious feel with high-back tufted leather booths, dimmed lighting and barstools peering into their kitchen that lends an intimate feel to their dining experience. And yes, they definitely encourage families (even with young kids—they have kid-friendly meal options) to warm up the space with laughter and joy!

Family dining at 13 Coins | Emily Adams, @teeter_totter_mom

Seattle’s Beneath the Streets underground tour was a treasure and experience for our kids! We started underground and saw the city streets and historic findings from a century ago. Then, we climbed back up the stairs to old Historic Pioneer Square and learned how it has dynamically changed after floods, fires, trial and error and transformed into what Seattle’s streets on the waterfront finally look like today. For our kids, it was like jumping into another time—a real-life history lesson underground, below the modern-day city they’ve known for years.

Exploring Seattle history with Beneath The Streets | Emily Adams, @teeter_totter_mom

When we are brainstorming adventures for our kids, it’s natural to think about outdoor adventures in the hills or by the water. The city has a vibe of adventure unlike the wild outdoors. Small businesses, historical landmarks, and urban parks combine to make a fresh urban adventure full of great memories in Seattle.

Beach fun on Blake Island | Emily Adams, @teeter_totter_mom