We just went for the first time this summer, and our favorite part of the entire trip was taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island. Being on the ferry was so fun, the 25 minute boat ride offered amazing views of the city skyline and Bainbridge island was a cute little town with lunch/dinner options close to the water. Such a great activity for all ages =) Enjoy your trip!

We just went for the first time this summer, and our favorite part of the entire trip was taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island. Being on the ferry was so fun, the 25 minute boat ride offered amazing views of the city skyline and Bainbridge island was a cute little town with lunch/dinner options close to the water. Such a great activity for all ages =) Enjoy your trip!

We just went for the first time this summer, and our favorite part of the entire trip was taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island. Being on the ferry was so fun, the 25 minute boat ride offered amazing views of the city skyline and Bainbridge island was a cute little town with lunch/dinner options close to the water. Such a great activity for all ages =) Enjoy your trip!

We just went for the first time this summer, and our favorite part of the entire trip was taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island. Being on the ferry was so fun, the 25 minute boat ride offered amazing views of the city skyline and Bainbridge island was a cute little town with lunch/dinner options close to the water. Such a great activity for all ages =) Enjoy your trip!

We just went for the first time this summer, and our favorite part of the entire trip was taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island. Being on the ferry was so fun, the 25 minute boat ride offered amazing views of the city skyline and Bainbridge island was a cute little town with lunch/dinner options close to the water. Such a great activity for all ages =) Enjoy your trip!

I lived in Capital Hill and loved going to Melrose Market & Oddfellows. While you there stop by Molly Moo’s for ice cream.

Go eat a sandwich (or anything) at Paseo. I long for it daily.

Seattle aquarium!!

Oh wait..I guess they reopened with a new owner. Hopefully it’s the same!

University Village is a fun stop! Din Tai Fung for great handmade dumplings (line is always long), Molly Moon is right below for dessert or Cupcake Royale across the way. There is a cute bronze turtle and frog fountain the kids can play in (bring towels) and a little enclosed play yard with a slide and little Tykes cars. You NEED to pick up a few Glassybaby votive holders in your signature colors! Seattle based business that helps support cancer research. Pasta & Co has excellent salads (Beecher’s Co.) Jonathan Adler is right there waiting for a look and Kids Club has great toys and clothes for the little ones – also Peek next door, Sole Food has great shoes and Village Maternity has kid and mom treasures. Ravenna Gardens is a cute garden shop curated with specialty items and is a treat for eyes just as the whole Village is this time of year with flowers everywhere!
Get yourself some Glassybabies!!!! Enjoy!

I second BainBridge island. A cute place to spend the day. Pike’s Place Market is another one of my favorites.

There are so many great/fun things to do and see with the kiddos, many of my suggestions are 3 year old approved!
Seattle Center just opened a new playground, combine that with the Children’s Museum, the huge fountain, Science Center, EMP, the mural stage (you may be lucky & there will be a free concert going on) you can pick and choose the fun.
I agree with taking a ferry. Somewhere, anywhere. There really is nothing like it!
The Center for Wooden Boats is a cool place where you can hop on a boat in Lake Union for free & tons of hands on activities for kids.
Depends on when you will be here, if it is during low tide the Seattle Aquarium sends staff out to local beaches and explore the beach and all the animals.
If you are interested, find a hiking trail and take a day trip to the mountains. Snoqualimie falls is beautiful but can be a bit crowded. Franklin Falls is a great alternative! Both were handled easily by kids.
Some food highlights for my family:
Of course, eat your way through the Market. Hit Beechers, Daily Dozen Doughnut Co., Market Spice, Rachel’s Ginger Beer, and Piroshki Piroshki.
Any Tom Douglas restaurant will not disappoint. Dahlia Lounge for Coconut Cream Pie and Serious Pie for pizza.
Head up to Ballard for a Paseo’s sandwich, Delancey for pizza, Walrus and the Carpenter for Oysters. There are many, many more cool things about Ballard as well!
My family friendly neighborhood is West Seattle. Alki Beach has amazing views of the city and a sand beach. Marination Mai Kai for tacos, the view, great drinks, and the outside eating area is AWESOME for kids. California Ave. has great shops and some of the best food around: Ma’ono for fried chicken, Bakery Nouveau, Husky Deli for Ice Cream, Fiddlehead for Brunch.
ENJOY!

Hooray for Seattle! I have a huge list of all our favorite places here: http://www.allieseidel.com/blogformatrss/2014/12/10/favorite-places
Enjoy your trip!

We love living in Seattle! There is so much to do and see! I agree about the ferry ride to Bainbridge! You could also take a water taxi to West Seattle, if you are looking for a shorter boat ride, and eat outside at Marination (Hawaiian/Korean noshes) for yummy bowls and tacos a nice view looking back at the city.
Eats
Paseo – Cuban sandwiches…get the #1 or #2 and don’t think about anything else! (Fremont, Ballard CLOSED Sun/Mon)
Un Bien – The newest but still the best cuban sandwich, opened recently by the son of the original Paseo after they sold and basically IS Paseo. (Ballard) Tip, it’s a pink building but the sign still reads ‘Burger Hero’…it doesn’t matter though because you will know by the line.)
Ballard Pizza Co or Frelard Pizza Co – Big single slices or whole pizzas from Ethan Stowell (Fremont, Ballard) Tip – the Fremont location has a play space for kids!
Delancy – best pizza in the city, in my option (Ballard) more of a dinner spot
Uneeda Burger – burgers, shakes, outdoor seating… (Fremont)
The Fat Hen – Sweet brunch spot with delicious egg bakes! (Ballard)
Cafe Besula – Best pastries in town (Ballard)
Mamnoon – Beautiful middle eastern food. They have a walk up window for lunch orders (Capitol Hill)
Phinney Market – I always see lots of happy kids here – great lunch spot after Greenlake or the Zoo. Also close to A La Mode Pies (Greenwood/Phinney Ridge)
Sweets
Molly Moons – yummy ice cream, the honey lavender is my favorite! (Wallingford, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne)
Hot Cakes – gooey melty molten lava cakes and boozy milkshakes (Ballard)
Theo Chocolate – local chocolate factory with lots of samples in their tasting room, or sign up to take the chocolate tour for a behind the scenes look! $10 tour, lasts about 1 hr (Fremont)
A La Mode Pies – get the Mexican Chocolate Mouse Pie and don’t look back… (Phinney Ridge)
Drink
All the breweries are kid friendly and you can bring your own food! May favorites are Fremont Brewery (Fremont/Wallingford) and Rubens (Ballard)
Explore
Green Lake – lounge/swim by their little beaches (Greenwood)
Woodland Park Zoo – fun zoo in the city! (Fremont/Phinney)
Gasworks Park – bring a picnic and watch the Duck Dodge Sailboat race on Tuesday evenings! (Wallingford)
Volunteer Park/Asian Art Museum (Capitol Hill)
Seattle Art Museum Sculpture Park (Belltown)
Discovery Park – do the hike and end at the beach overlooking the Olympic Peninsula/mts (Magnolia)
Golden Gardens – bring your Paseo to this family friendly beach also overlooking the Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula. Has a big playground for kids and lots frozen treats at the food cart (Ballard)
Kerry Park – Tiny park with the iconic view of Mt Rainier and the Space Needle, and watch the ferries/cruise ships come in and out of Elliott Bay, etc…get your molly moons from the Queen Anne location and bring it here (Queen Anne)
Center for Wooden Boats – Sign up on Sunday morning for a free sailboat ride in Lake Union! (South Lake Union)
Fremont Market – quirky Sunday market full of local venders and oddities. Hit up Theo Chocolate before of after! (Fremont)
Ballard Market – focuses more on produce, meats and cheeses…stop in all the local boutiques surrounding the market – don’t miss Prism, Venue (all local artists) and Lucca (french, beautiful, apothecary and paper goods) (Ballard)
Melrose Market – just go 🙂 (Capitol Hill)
Have a lovely time!

Since I’ve never been to Seattle I will say only one thing you should do.
Take pictures so we can see them, haha!
Have fun!
Alina
http://www.eclecticalu.blogspot.com

Walk onto the Bainbridge Ferry, get off and walk to Mora’s Ice cream (it’s amazing).
At the Seattle center, there’s an amazing new playground, science museum, space needle (stop at the cafe and get their space needle themed dessert. it’s touristy and overpriced, but awesome nonetheless), and the Chihuly museum which is small and colorful- kids seem to enjoy it. The cafe at the Chihuly museum is great, and there is a local favorite, Skillet in the food court next door.
Before or after the Seattle center ride the Monorail! downtown (there are only two stops on it) and the go to Pike Place. (get the mac n cheese at Beecher’s and the dried strawberries at the veggie vendor that’s smack dab in the middle of the market. Eating breakfast at the Crumpet shop just above the market (on 1st) and watching them make it is fun (get the ricotta and lemon curd).
Best bakeries: Cafe Nouveau on Capitol Hill (get the twice baked chocolate croissant) and Crumble and Flake (get anything). Mighty-O has amazing donuts (they were on the front page of the WSJ). Try the french toast.
Seattle is pretty low key in terms of dining, especially early on. Kids (and dogs) are welcome almost. The Whale Wins in Fremont and Mamnoon in Capitol hill are both unique and well worth trying. One of the best burgers in any city is at the Lunchbox Laboratory. Order the “burger of the Gods” with a Reeses shake.

Also Westward on Lake Union is new and totally cool, you can sit at a fire pit and ROAST MARSHMALLOWS, so obviously a win!

Ferry to Bainbridge! We always take visitors on the ferry (walk on) and then shop/eat on the island. We live in Tacoma and there is a lot to do down here too but Seattle will keep you plenty busy. We’ve had a beautiful rain free summer – it’s a bit dry but hopefully you’ll have nice enough weather to get some good views of Mt. Rainier.

Thrilled for this list! My hubby and I will be in Seattle for a few days in September with our then 7 month old and are looking for great places to eat with a baby and places to go!

I lived in Seattle for a long time and grew up in WA state before moving to Australia with my family last year. I miss it terribly!
The woodland park zoo on Phinney Ridge is great for kids, as well as the Pacific Science Center.
Please please please eat a piece of pie for me at A La Mode. It’s across from the zoo and utterly fantastic. I ate there so much when I was pregnant!
I also loved going to SAM and the library downtown. Good doses of art and culture at both locations!
Mostly, give that city a big smooch from me. There is so much to do and see there. It’s gorgeous!
Xoxo,
Laurel

Hi, Joy! I went to Seattle a few years ago. It’s absolutely GORGEOUS! Such a great place to travel with anyone, especially kids! (I was only about 8 or 9 when I went, which is why I say that!) I vaguely remember these spots but I am glad to recommend them.
-The Gum Wall (don’t know if it’s got an official name, but it is what the name says… a huge alleyway filled with people’s gum! I know, kind of gross… but the colors are so lovely and vibrant!
-The Space Needle… I know, it’s a big landmark in Seattle, but it’s TOTALLY worth the visit. There’s a restaurant with tons of yummy food (and a kids menu, or at least there was when I went!) oh – and it spins!! Obviously not that fast, we were there for about an hour, and only went around once or twice! The view is spectacular!!
-The Monorail. I LOVED traveling on the monorail! The view was so so cool. It’s totally something you must do! And I think Coco and Ruby would enjoy it! ;D
-Seattle Center. I loved Seattle Center. There is so much to do! I’m not sure if this is a seasonal thing, but there’s a zipline there which was tons of fun… also I believe the Chihuly Gardens are there, those are also a must-see 😉
Hope this helps! I am most definitely not an expert, I’ve only been there once, but at least it’s from a visitors perspective! Have so much fun!! can’t wait to see the pictures!!!!

Check out this blog post for some fun ideas!!! http://rubioswander.com/2015/06/10/being-savvy-in-seattle/

I just came from Seattle! I’ve always been a huge fan of SFO, but travelling to Seattle this year was a nice and pleasant surprise. I never knew there were so much places to see!
If you’re willing to go outside the city and do long drives, there are beautiful sceneries that are worth a look around Washington. Cherry picking in Yakima, Lavander Farms of Purple Haze (white chocolate lavander ice cream..it’s a spa in your mouth!! ), Picknicking in Mt. Rainier’s Sunrise Point 🙂
Nevertheless!! Hope you and your fam have fun!! 🙂

Trophy cupcake is in the u village, but there is a cupcake royale throughout the city. I second glassybaby! There’s also Anthropologie and land of nod at the U village. If you happen to be there on Tuesdays, they have village playdays for kids at 10 at rotating stores for kids (crafts or activity) and a discount card for some businesses there. Wednesday evenings they have an outdoor concert. Definitely check out Ballard, Fremont and Capitol Hill for shopping and dining! If you ever have a chance to go to San Juan islands, do so! Otherwise I also suggest Bainbridge island. Kid friendly spots are playdate SEA, Seattle children’s museum, and woodland park zoo. There’s a Sunday ice cream cruise on Lake union. I suggest any Ethan Stowell restaurant. Have a fabulous time!!

I think the best way to see Seattle is by the neighborhood. If you only have a couple days, maybe head out from the city-center and check out a few to see how different the character is of each:
West Seattle (I’m kinda partial) – Take the Water Taxi if you can – Bakery Nouveau for French pastries and coffee in the morning, Alki for the beach and low tide exploration or Lincoln Park for a city hike in forest and along Elliott Bay (bonus look for sea lions, seals, bald eagles, and river otters too), Marination Ma Kai for Hawaiian/Korean food truck-style eats or Buddha Ruksa for amazing Thai (their spicy garlic chicken or tofu is legendary). Music lovers must see Easy Street Records. It has an amazing local history and is a true neighborhood treasure.
Ballard – Stop by the Ballard Locks not only to see salmon runs in season but also to see nesting great blue herons, kingfishers, jellyfish, and sometimes seals – have a Red Mill burger for lunch at the Totem House just outside the Lock’s botanic park (excellent veggie burgers too) or stop by Bitterroot for BBQ and a generous happy hour. Golden Gardens Park is also a great place to explore during low tide or to watch the sunset with a bonfire.
Fremont – Say “Hi” to the Troll and the statue of Lennon, tour Theo’s Chocolates, have a beer at Odin or Fremont Brewing (or any of the plethora of craft breweries/distilleries/coffeehouses in Seattle…seriously!), visit Pie for pie, visit Old School Custard for custard.
The ferry ride to Bainbridge Island is totally worth it, and so is an Argosy Cruise if you’re shorter on time, feeling touristy, and just want to get some Seattle history and facts while touring the bay.
My suggestions barely scratch the surface of what there is to do in Seattle (and all its other unique neighborhoods too), but I would also give yourself time to just explore. Some of the best places in Seattle are just off the beaten path and really only known to locals.

I live in the Seattle area, but have by no means tried all there is to do/eat. What I have tried and loved is:
Food
– Portage Bay Cafe. Best eggs Benedict I have ever eaten! But what they’re really known for is their toppings bar where you can top your french toast or pancakes with fresh fruit, whipped cream and syrup. Yummy, and so fun! Apparently their gluten free bread (which they make into french toast) is amazing, and everything is local and organic. 🙂
– Lunchbox Laboratory. I love this place! I second the burger of the gods recommendation (it’s the best!), but what you really need to get are the tatchos. It’s tater tot nachos, with an amazingly creamy cheese sauce, green onion, bacon, and Satan’s tears (spicy ketchup). We get that on the side when we’re eating them with our girls. Also, their mac and cheese is to die for!
Red Mill Burgers – I just went here for the first time recently, but it was so yummy! The shakes are really good too! And, it’s right by Ballard Locks if you decide to go there.
– Dick’s Drive In. While Dick’s won’t win any gourmet awards, (although GQ magazine did call it a life-changing burger), there is something so good to me about their burgers, and Dick’s is so iconic to Seattle. Get a shake, a dick’s deluxe, and fries with tartar sauce on the side for dipping. It’s delicious!
-Delancy. I read the book before I went here, so it was extra fun seeing what I had read about. Apart from that, however, the food is just really good!
– Mee Sum Pastry Market in Pike Place Market. There are so many amazing places to go when you’re at the market, but this really is a gem. You’re going for the hom bows. I love the curry beef, and my husband loves the BBQ pork. The chicken is good too.
-The Pink Door. This is also in Pike Place Market. There is no sign, only a salmon pink colored door to let you know it’s the place, but it has great Italian food, and such fun decor. They also have live shows, although I’ve never been there for one.
Activities
The gum wall. Again, Pike Place. So gross, but so cool! You just have to see it.
-Seattle Aquarium. We love going here with our kids. There is so much for everyone to look at, and it doesn’t take too long to get through.
-Woodland Park Zoo. This is a trek for sure, which might be the only downside, but it is really fun with so much to see!
-Pacific Science Center. Lots of really cool science stuff to see/do here. My kids love it!
-Fremont. This is such a fun place to visit! The troll is definitely one of the highlights. I’ve never done the Theo’s chocolate tour but always wanted to. Their chocolate is oh so good!

All great suggestions…with your littles in tow, for a low-key afternoon head to Volunteer Park Cafe for a late brunch/early lunch, then to Volunteer Park for the wading pool, dahlia garden, Conservatory, and the Asian Art Museum. Lots of park space for the littles to run around and great views of the Needle. The Center for Wooden Boats will get your family out on the water which is really the heart of Seattle in summer!

Glassybaby!! Amazingly beautiful & visiting the hot shop is cool too! And you’ll donate to cancer….

I have never been to Seattle, but I have heard good things…especially when it comes to places to eat!
I really love this print so thank you for the reference. I need to get my hands on some of her work!
Rachel
http://rachelinflight.com

Eat Ellenos yogurt! It is magical.
Then save room in your itinerary to go back at least two more times for this yogurt.
Food:
Oddfellows Cafe
Volunteer Park Cafe for Brunch
Poppy Restaurant (you’ll love this place and the dessert plate!!)
Marination Ma Kai (great views)
Crumble and Flake Bakery (hands down best baked goods in the city- but no seating. They have filled to order Cream Puffs!!! Also get a Kouign Amann)
Trove
Revel
Hot cakes (then walk it off shopping on Ballard avenue)
Serious biscuit
To-Do:
-Bainbridge Ferry (walk-on) to Winslow (fare is free for passengers riding east)
-Ballard Locks and salmon ladder
-Sculpture Park (sunset!)
-Koolhaus’ Seattle Central Library (don’t bring the stroller because there are lots of escalators)
-Run around the Washington Park Arboretum (wear sneakers not pretty shoes)
– breathtaking view of Seattle that’s relatively unknown and not found on every postcard: Ella Bailey Park. There’s a playground. Bring a picnic.
Quintessential:
A Tom Douglas crab cake
Gas Works Park
Chihuly glass garden and museum
Fran’s chocolates (everybody gets the caramel- my ultimate favorite is the ganache stuffed fig. So simple so genius. You will not regret eating this thing)
Fremont Troll (photo op)
Eat some salmon
Leaving Seattle;
-walk the Kirkland waterfront on Lake Washington (for us, beats Greenlake any day)
-Snoqualmie Falls (eat at Lodge Attic)
Seattle Souvenirs:
Glassybaby
Tom Douglas “Rub with Love”
Market Spice Tea (cinnamon orange)
Avoid:
-underground tour (never!!!)
-Bringing a stroller to Pike Place Market
-The aquarium is okay- it’s really small and not nearly as impressive as Monterey. My kids (4 and 2) prefer the zoo.
-donuts here are LAME compared to what you have in L.A. Just warning you.

depends if you have a car , Ballard is Scandinavian town . lots to enjoy a few miles from city center and Poulsbo is also Scandinavian but requires a beautiful ferry ride and a about 5 miles after ferry. if your here for long enough I would recommend go to the Ocean around a 100 miles west but so worth it (Ocean Shores)
.there is Seattle Center which you can go on the monorail from Westlake Center ,go up the Space Needle there .Our Woodland Park Zoo is awesome with two gorilla group families not far from Ballard ..Pike Place market is a favorite ,wear your walking shoes and explore the WHOLE place ,find the SHY Giant for the most delicious frozen yogurt cones ,Seattle is beautiful and so is all of Washington State enjoy

Bainbridge also has a great small children’s museum (KidiMu). We frequently take a day trip out there to go to the museum and wander around.

Definitely check out the olympic sculpture park and Myrtle Edwards Park. Seattle Deli or Saigon Deli for cheap amazing vietnamese sandwiches. Take a boat ride to San Juan (Friday Harbor). Kayaking at Lake Union or ice cream boat cruise on Lake Union (nothing fancy, but fun narrated tour of all the house boat!) Ballard sunday farmer’s market is yummy and fun for the kids! Hiroki (Wallingford/Tangletown) has amazing green tea tiramisu, any pastries are amazing at Crumble and Flake, Mighty-Os have the best donuts (compared to Top Pot), and Ellenos Greek Yogurt is insane! Amazing coffee at Milstead Co., Herkimer, and Cafe Ladro. Check out totokaelo and bella umbrella!

My fav places to eat:
-the crumpet shop
-stateside (Vietnamese)
– Sitka &spruce inside a cute little market hall
Must shop at Edie’s for great shoes
Must see: chihuly museum
Family fun: duck tours

Oh and check out:
http://www.elephantineblog.com/a-guide-to-seattle.html

Yep, they reopened. But Lorenzo Lorenzo (the original owner) just opened Un Bien in Ballard– basically Paseo II! <3

Seattle is all about it’s neighborhoods, you can basically pass on downtown all together!
The Ballard Farmers Market on Sundays is Seattle’s best market, and be sure to check out the shops on Ballard Ave. as well!
While you’re on that side of town, head to Golden Gardens Park for sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains and salt water for the kids to play in!

I have to represent The South side! You can have a wonderful family day in the Columbia City/ Seward Park area. First get some breakfast at Columbia City bakery, then Go to Seward Park on a clear day and you get a picture frame view of Mt Ranier. You can also have a nice 2.7 mile walk around the paved loop which gives you a nice view of Seattle and Lake Washington. After that I’d grab a bite to eat and choose depending on what country you want to visit that day: Rainier BBQ for finger lickin Vietnamese ribs, La Teranga for homemade Senagalese, or Tutta Bella for olive oil and pistachio based pizzas. Grab desert At Full Tilt which is mainly fun for the nostalgic feel of pinball, music, and ice cream. This is my perfect south Seattle day! Welcome welcome 🙂

Un Bien is the NEW Paseo – it’s the original owner’s son I believe. Same great sammies! Messiest and best.

Someone bought the name and the restaurant, but if you want the great sandwich, go to Un Bien. It’s a good one!