Christmas Lights in Seattle, WA
Seattle, WA's best Christmas light displays include Chihuly Garden and Glass ($35-40), Discovery Park (Free), and The Museum of Flight ($29). Most displays run from late November through early January, with peak crowds on weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
92-acre zoo with 300+ species including grizzly bears, penguins, snow leopards, and gorillas. Nature play area, carousel, seasonal butterfly garden. Prices vary by day so book online. Under 2 always free.
5500 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 · Sep-Apr: Daily 9:30am-4pm; May-Sep: Daily 9:30am-6pm
175+ aircraft and spacecraft including a Concorde, Air Force One, and space shuttle trainer. Flight simulators and a kid-friendly aviation pavilion. Under 4 free. Free first Thursdays 5-9pm.
9404 E Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108 · Daily 10am-5pm
Free splash fountain at Seattle Center where kids run through water jets shooting from a dome. Built for the 1962 World's Fair. Packed on warm days. Lawn around it works for picnics. Open year-round, water jets seasonal.
305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109 · Daily, open year-round
534-acre park with a renovated playground (ages 2-5 and 5-12), zip line, cargo nets, and trails to a lighthouse and beach. Stroller-friendly easy trails. Ranger-led nature walks on weekends. Fully accessible playground.
3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199 · Daily 4am-11:30pm
Free waterfront museum on South Lake Union with classic wooden boats kids can climb on. Two free rowboats daily, first-come first-served. Free Sunday public sailings. Rentable pedal boats, rowboats, and sailboats. Seasonal kids boat building workshops.
1010 Valley St, Seattle, WA 98109 · Wed-Sun 11:30am-7pm (seasonal hours vary)
Mexican cafe on Portage Bay that rents kayaks and paddleboards. Calm water with houseboat views and the UW campus. Single kayak $25/hour, double $30/hour. Kids 5+ to paddle. Get fish tacos on the patio after.
1303 NE Boat St, Seattle, WA 98105 · Kayak rentals: Mar-Oct daily 10am-dusk (weather dependent) · Ages 5+
SIFF cinema in a 1915 Masonic Temple
805 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122 · Daily, showtimes from 3pm
Glass sculptures in a garden, best at night
305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109 · Mon-Wed 10:30am-5:30pm, Thu 10:30am-5pm, Fri-Sat 10am-7:30pm, Sun 10am-6:30pm
Seattle's oldest theater, built 1907
1932 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 · Show nights, check schedule
Belltown speakeasy with serious cocktails — dark, moody, no sign out front.
2332 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121 · Daily 5pm-2am