Seattle during the summer is *chef's kiss* (and if this website supported emojis you know exactly the one I would post). It's stunning. The weather is typically milder than other parts of the US and everyone gets to spend time outside. For families living in the area, you're probably wondering what's the best family summer activity to partake in, that won't break the bank. Look no further because these are some things I did with my own niece and nephew when they visited me from India this year.
(Please note: Some of these activities are *free* for kids and youth below certain ages.)
Bonus: Currently, there is a free waterfront shuttle that goes between most of these spots at 15-minute intervals between now and September 1, 2025. Here is the link to all the spots.
Photos made on film when I first moved to Seattle in 2012
A 120 film photo of the construction to build a tunnel which would then replace the Alaska Way Viaduct. This area now has the new Waterfront Park in Seattle WA (2012)
A 120 film photo of the Space Needle. Seattle WA in 2012
A 120 film photo of a mother with her kids at the Seattle Center in 2012
Ride the seattle-bremerton ferry
Taking the Washington State Ferry is one of the highlights of any visit to the Seattle area. The Seattle-Bremerton ferry takes about 1 hour and you get to enjoy a cruise ship experience at a small cost. If you walk on as a passenger, there is no wait time for you. Kids and youth below 18 all ride free as walk-on passengers but everyone will need tickets to purchase at the window. Senior citizens pay a discounted fee. You can park your car in downtown Seattle where there is plenty of paid parking. Once you get on the ferry, you can sit inside in the passenger deck or go stand outside at the upper deck and enjoy the breeze and sweeping views of the Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, Mt Rainier, the Seattle Waterfront and the Seattle skyline (yes, with the Space Needle too!). There is also coffee, popcorn and beer in the concession area. It's such a treat.
If you prefer a shorter ferry ride which isn't too far from downtown Seattle, you can take the Edmonds-Kingston ferry or the Mukilteo-Clinton ferry. All the ferry schedules can be viewed here.
Directions: From Seattle: 801 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98104
From Bremerton: 10 Washington Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337
Visit the new seattle waterfront park
The Waterfront Park which replace the Alaska Way Viaduct in Seattle, is one of the city's newest and already beloved new addition. If you make a trip to Pike Place Market, this can be your next stop for lunch and play with your kids. It is primarily a communal space, connecting the hustle of the city to the slower pace of the waterfront with music, art, culture and nature. There are elevators for accessibility and also plenty of ramps making it easy for strollers and wheelchairs to access all the levels of the park. The parts I loved the most were the community steps, the native plants and the indigenous art. There are plenty of *FREE* family-friendly events at the park and you can check out all the information for the summer on their events page.
Directions: 1401 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98101
Ride the monorail
The monorail is a ticketed transit service that runs from Westlake Center to the Seattle Center. It's part of this growing city's DNA, coming to life in 1962 (read the Monorail's history here). I cannot recommend it enough! Riding the car feels like you're in a video game, gliding in between the building, as the city traffic moves on beneath you. If you're lucky, you get to sit right in front next to the driver.
Kids under 5 ride free and kids 6-18 are charged half the full fare price for a roundtrip. ORCA cards are also accepted. Check here for all up-to-date fares for adults and kids.
Directions: Westlake Center (third floor): 1601 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Seattle Center: 370 Thomas St #200, Seattle, WA 98109
Splash around at the Seattle Center's international fountain
Warm summer days are the best time to go to the Seattle Center's International Fountain with the kids. After you've visited all the sites around the Space Needle, the fountain is an amazing place to have lunch and splash around for a little while to beat the heat. Right outside the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop), there is an amazing playground, which I highly recommend checking out before you go over to the fountain. I think it's a great idea to expose little kids to art and culture the city has to offer but at the end of the day, spots like the fountain are a great reward.
Directions: 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
bookworms visit the central Seattle public library
The Seattle Public Library Building in downtown is a landmark because of the architecture of the building. It's also so much fun to explore the little reading areas throughout the building. If you need a spot to decompress after all the tourism you're doing, this is a great place to grab a book, take a seat and relax for a little while before you head out again.
Directions: 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle, WA 98104
All about your seaTTLE FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
If you're a family local to the Seattle area or visiting from out of state or the country, I'm open to working with you at any of these above locations. Contact me here for more information.
EGD Photography is located outside Seattle, WA in Everett, WA. Edlyn G D'Souza is the friendly face behind the family, maternity and newborn and senior photography business. Edlyn works with families in Seattle, Everett, Edmonds, Bothell, Mukilteo, Lynnwood and most surrounding areas in Snohomish and King County WA. She brings a calm and curious nature to every photo session.
