If you want to take your family to Seattle, there are many things to do. However, today, we will focus on the best waterfront activities.

Seattle has one of the country’s best waterfronts for many reasons. First, you can see unique, picturesque views from the Seattle Waterfront Alone. Meanwhile, you have options for many outdoor activities, whether you want to kayak, fish, whale watch, or swim. And lastly, there are tons of entertainment options for family fun, including the Seattle Aquarium, The Great Wheel, or, better yet, Seattle’s Tall Ship. Keep reading to find out what waterfront activities are the best for your family as you visit Seattle, Washington.

The Best Waterfront Activities in Seattle For Families

Pike Place Market

At Pike Place Market, there are tons of things to do with your family, especially if you are visiting Seattle with your kids. Open year-round, Pike Place Market has hundreds of shops and tens of restaurants. However, if you want kid-friendly activities, check out Rachel the Piggy Bank, The Giant Shoe Museum, or even Elvis the Fortune Teller. 

First off, Rachel the Piggy Bank is an excellent option for sightseeing. But be sure to bring your change so you can drop a few coins inside for good luck! To find Rachel the Piggy Bank, go to the Public Market Clock on the corner of Pike Place. Meanwhile, if you want your fortune told, you can go to the lower level of the main Market to find Elvis the Fortune Teller. And lastly, if you are looking for some laughs, go to level 4 and check out The Giant Shoe Museum!

Pier 62 – Waterfront Park

Another great activity for you and your family would be going to Waterfront Park. Whether you want to go on the boardwalk, watch a live performance, or take a family stroll, Pier 62 is an excellent choice. Right next to Pier 62, you can also check out the Seattle Aquarium and the many restaurants surrounding the Pier. So, by checking out Pier 62, you will have an entire day of activities planned – from start to finish. 

Or, if you want to have a more active day on the Pier, you can take bikes or scooters and enjoy the picturesque views. Regardless of what activities your family chooses, you will love Pier 62. It is one of the best waterfront activities in Seattle!

Wings Over Washington

Also on the Seattle Waterfront is Wings Over Washington. Take a ride and enjoy Washington’s scenic views through an aerial adventure. Whether you want to see waterfalls, mountains, or wildlife, through this 3-D experience, your entire family can see Washington from their seats. At this fantastic attraction, you and your children can see, hear, and smell all of Washington’s best landscapes, including the Olympic National Forest, the San Juan Islands, Mt. Rainerier, and the Northern Cascades. And these are not all of them! If you want an engaging and ground-breaking experience – go to Wings Over Washington. 

South Lake Union Park

Next, if the weather is good, consider going to South Lake Union Park, a popular destination for families and tourists. The park is safe and easy to get to. Located next to the Museum of History and Industry, you can take your family to the park and more! So, to spend a day in the water, go to South Lake Union Park. The park also has space for picnicking, benches, and dining areas – so bring a lunch and relax. Whether you want to dock your boat, go for a swim, or take your kids to Splash Park, you will have options.

Seattle’s Tall Ship

Seattle’s Tall Ship, also known as the Bay Lady, evokes the romance of traditional sailing. She was built in the tradition of a 19th-century merchant vessel and we will work together to set the sails, turn off the engine, and sail off into an age of cannon fire and sunsets behind the untouched mountain ranges of the Puget Sound.

Today, The Bay Lady is a popular attraction in Seattle, and visitors can cruise on the ship to enjoy a family fun day. Enjoy the Seattle Waterfront and learn more about our sailing’s rich history. Bay Lady is a gaff-rigged schooner that was purpose-built for the passenger trade. The love and attention of the craftspeople who built her resound in her hull to this day. She features American Ash, Honduran Mohagony, and Brazilian Rosewood all varnished to perfection. With a massive 80-foot mast and a cloud of 2500 square feet of sail area, she sails nicely in even a gentle breeze. The Bay Lady is 85 feet long making it the largest public sailing vessel in Seattle. With her high railing and comfortable seating, she is spacious and comfortable. Families looking to visit Seattle can take a variety of cruises on Seattle’s Tall Ship.

The ship offers public cruises, private charters, and educational programs for schools and youth groups. Visitors can experience 1800’s life on a tall ship during one of our public cruises. 

Overall, taking your kids to see Seattle’s Tall Ship is a unique and exciting experience they will never forget. Whether you’re interested in history or sailing or want to experience something new, this is a must-see when visiting Seattle.

When to Visit Seattle’s Waterfront? 

Remember, when visiting Seattle, weather can be an important factor. Therefore, we will tell you when the best time of year is to visit the waterfront. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons and what to expect:

Spring (March-May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Seattle’s waterfront, with cherry blossoms and other flowers in bloom. The weather is mild and often sunny, making it a great time to stroll along the waterfront or visit one of the many parks. Spring is also the start of whale watching season, as gray whales migrate past the city’s shores.

Summer (June-August): Summer is the peak season for visitors to Seattle’s waterfront. The weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and whale watching. The Great Wheel and other attractions are also open late evening, offering a vibrant nightlife.

Fall (September-November): Fall is a great time to visit Seattle’s waterfront if you’re looking for smaller crowds and cooler weather. The leaves on the trees start to change color, and the city comes alive with fall festivals and events. Salmonets begin to return to the city’s rivers in September, making it an excellent time for fishing and viewing.

Winter (December-February): Seattle is chilly and rainy, but it’s still a great time to visit the waterfront. The holiday season brings festive decorations and events, including the Christmas ships parade on Lake Union. The Seattle Aquarium and other indoor attractions are open year-round, providing a warm and dry place to explore.

Overall, Seattle’s waterfront has something to offer visitors year-round. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, indoor attractions, or seasonal events, there’s always something to see and do on the Seattle waterfront. Check back in here, at Seattle’s Tall Ship, to find all of the best activities to do with your family in Seattle!

 

Works Cited: 

https://thewanderingdaughter.com/water-activities-in-seattle/

https://tinybeans.com/seattle/pike-place-market-seattle-with-kids/

 https://www.wingsoverwa.com/ 

https://waterfrontparkseattle.org/

https://www.seattle.gov/parks/allparks/lake-union-park