Family Days Out in Seattle
Families can mix and match four half-day outings in Seattle, each built around one big attraction. Prices are US dollars before sales tax and many vary by date, so confirm on each official site.
Half day one: the waterfront aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium is open every day from 9:30 a.m. with last entry at 5 p.m. A single ticket gets you into Pier 59, Pier 60 and the Ocean Pavilion, which holds a large coral reef. Toddlers up to age 3 go in free, and ages 4 to 12 pay a lower fare. Note that the Puget Sound Fish habitat shuts for renovation on 19 October 2026. Afterward, walk to the Seattle Great Wheel at Pier 57, where children 2 and under ride free and ages 3 to 11 pay about $18 on secondary listings. The Great Wheel’s own FAQ page does not print fares, so check at the ticket window. The aquarium’s visit page gives current hours.
Half day two: the zoo
Woodland Park Zoo, at 5500 Phinney Ave N, keeps 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. hours every day between 8 September 2026 and 30 April 2027. There are no elephants. The animals children ask about are the giraffes and zebras on the African Savanna, the Assam Rhino Reserve and the Humboldt penguins. Buy tickets online ahead, as there is no walk-up option. Day prices range roughly from $22.95 to $37.50 for adults and $14.95 to $24.75 for children, so choose your date with that in mind. The zoo’s plan-your-visit page shows the calendar.
Half day three: science and flight
At Pacific Science Center, you must reserve free timed tickets for the planetarium and daytime laser shows, both of which come with general admission. IMAX is a separate purchase. The center is shut Monday and Tuesday. Visit the Pacific Science Center page for exhibits.
South of downtown, the Museum of Flight offers aircraft halls for $21 per youth aged 5 to 17, with the youngest four and under free. On the first Thursday evening of each month, entry is free between 5 and 9 p.m. The museum is closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check its visit page for the latest.
Half day four: Seattle Center
The Artists at Play playground lies between the Armory and MoPOP. Hours are not posted widely, so check before you plan around it. Younger children enjoy the short Monorail hop from Westlake Center, which costs $2.00 for ages 6 to 18 and nothing for under 5s. Adults pay $4.00 each way.
Getting around with children
Anyone 18 or younger rides Link light rail free. Adult fares are a flat $3.00 with one tap on a contactless card. The Seattle CityPASS costs $139 per adult and $119 per child aged 5 to 12 and is worth pricing out if you plan several sights. Remember that reservations are needed at all seven partners, so add them to your calendar. See CityPASS for what it includes.
Water and weather
Seattle’s waterfront looks gentle, but the water is cold all year. Keep younger children away from pier edges, and carry layers.
Read more: attraction tours in Seattle lists more paid outings. Compare options at Seattle family tours .