Seattle
Jun 6th, 2023, 05:52 PM
#1
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Seattle
My daughter, husband and 2 kids are visiting Seattle for 4 days. What area would you recommend they stay. I think they may possibly want to go to Olympic National Park 1 day and of course visit Pikes Markey and Space Needle in Seattle. The kids are 6 and 8. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Will they want a car or is it best to go by ferry?
Jun 7th, 2023, 07:06 AM
#2
Olympic NP is NOT a day trip from Seattle; one really needs at least three days even for a minimal visit, because it takes at least half a day to get there, and the main destinations in the park are located on the edge of the park, hours (of boring driving) from each other.
When are they coming? Seattle hotels during the summer Alaska cruise season are very expensive, and if staying downtown, parking a car is even more so.
I'd start by going through Fodor's guide to Seattle, here: Seattle Travel Guide - Expert Picks for your Vacation | Fodor’s Travel (fodors.com) . While not as comprehensive as some, it's a decent overview of the city and some of the highlights for first time visitors. The main attractions - Pike Place market (no "s") and Space Needle, etc., can become very crowded and congested in the summer. For kids, Seattle's zoo is an excellent destination, or a couple of the museums, especially the Museum of Flight (yes, even for kids) can be very enjoyable. Take a ferry ride or ride the West Seattle Water Taxi for great views, enjoy some parks like Gasworks. If you're coming after early July and want to rent a car for a day trip to a national park, Mount Rainier is around a 2 1/2 hour drive from Seattle (DON'T go on weekends - throngs of people) and can be enjoyable for kids, as long as they're not too antsy in the car.
But let us know when, something about the budget, and we can be of more help.
When are they coming? Seattle hotels during the summer Alaska cruise season are very expensive, and if staying downtown, parking a car is even more so.
I'd start by going through Fodor's guide to Seattle, here: Seattle Travel Guide - Expert Picks for your Vacation | Fodor’s Travel (fodors.com) . While not as comprehensive as some, it's a decent overview of the city and some of the highlights for first time visitors. The main attractions - Pike Place market (no "s") and Space Needle, etc., can become very crowded and congested in the summer. For kids, Seattle's zoo is an excellent destination, or a couple of the museums, especially the Museum of Flight (yes, even for kids) can be very enjoyable. Take a ferry ride or ride the West Seattle Water Taxi for great views, enjoy some parks like Gasworks. If you're coming after early July and want to rent a car for a day trip to a national park, Mount Rainier is around a 2 1/2 hour drive from Seattle (DON'T go on weekends - throngs of people) and can be enjoyable for kids, as long as they're not too antsy in the car.
But let us know when, something about the budget, and we can be of more help.
Jun 7th, 2023, 10:24 AM
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The kids might enjoy riding the steam train in Snoqualmie (30 min. east), the Seattle Great Wheel, the Monorail, and the Seattle Ice Cream Cruise. Eat fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant such as Marination Ma Kai in West Seattle with its fantastic views of the Seattle skyline.
Last edited by PrairieHikerI; Jun 7th, 2023 at 10:39 AM.
Jun 9th, 2023, 09:38 AM
#4
Most convenient area for tourists to stay is in downtown Seattle. But hotels do not come cheap there. With two kids I think a rental car would be easiest, but again the rental and parking at a hotel are not inexpensive.
ONP is a huge national park and a long drive from Seattle. There are other places I'd recommend that are closer and easier (Bainbridge Island, Whidbey Island, Mt Rainier).
Pike Place Market, Space Needle are highlights. Also downtown there's Pioneer Square historic district, Olympic Sculpture Park, MoPop, Chihuly Glass, Seattle Art Museum, the Big Wheel (ferris wheel on the waterfront), the waterfront, an Aquarium. With a car they could add various city parks like Discover Park, Seward Park, the Arboretum and Japanese Garden, Volunteer Park, etc.
ONP is a huge national park and a long drive from Seattle. There are other places I'd recommend that are closer and easier (Bainbridge Island, Whidbey Island, Mt Rainier).
Pike Place Market, Space Needle are highlights. Also downtown there's Pioneer Square historic district, Olympic Sculpture Park, MoPop, Chihuly Glass, Seattle Art Museum, the Big Wheel (ferris wheel on the waterfront), the waterfront, an Aquarium. With a car they could add various city parks like Discover Park, Seward Park, the Arboretum and Japanese Garden, Volunteer Park, etc.
