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Fun Family Activities in Seattle to do Before Your Cruise

odysys_editor • June 9, 2021

Whether you’ve just flown into Seattle or drove in from elsewhere in Washington state, you’ll need to find ways to fill your day before you set sail on your cruise. It’s good to know you’ve come to the right place! Seattle is full of fun things to do that are suitable for all ages. From a bustling aquarium to a market full of unique items, we’ve gathered the top places to stop to fill up your day.

Under the Sea

See the sea creatures that will be swimming under your cruise ship at the Seattle Aquarium. Enjoy an abundance of different exhibits, holding big and small ocean life. See Puget Sound life in a 360 degree underwater dome. You’ll feel as if you’re right in the water as the sea life swims around you. For a bit more color, the Tropical Pacific exhibit holds a vibrant coral reef where you can spot pufferfish, triggerfish, and more! The Seattle Aquarium will not disappoint, and is a must during your time in Seattle.

A Rather Sticky Situation

Since 1991, Seattle’s iconic Gum Wall has been an ongoing attraction for visitors from all over. It started out by sticking a penny on the wall using gum, until all the pennies were removed creating the gum wall that it is today. Certainly a gum wall isn’t the most hygienic place to visit, but with its unique charm, you don’t want to miss it – but maybe at a distance. Located in Pike Place Market, capture some photos of the family with the colorful backdrop creating a special flare. This would be a fantastic start to your vacation, and definitely worth a Facebook post!

Spin Round and Round

Enjoy the amusement of a ferris wheel while viewing the Seattle waterfront high up in the sky. The Seattle Great Wheel is a tourist attraction, but for good reason. It’s a great way to have a little fun, while seeing the sights. As the largest ferris wheel on the west coast, the Seattle Great Wheel stands at 197 feet (60 meters) tall. The ride ranges from 10-20 minutes depending on how busy the day is, however, you will always experience three full rotations. So load up the family and head on over to the Seattle Great Wheel for an exciting ride.

See the Market

The Gum Wall isn’t all that’s located in Pike Place Market. Besides browsing the local shops and boutiques, there’s lots to do to keep everyone entertained. Feed Rachel the Piggy Bank, a 550 pound bronze pig located under the Market clock, with loose change and take a picture with her – proceeds go to social services in Pike Place Market. Visit the Giant Shoe Museum, a quirky place to see giant-sized shoes that have been collected by the museum owner over the years. The museum is carnival themed, and the idea is to insert a coin allowing curtains to part for you to see different styles of shoes. With this just being a snippet of what’s offered at Pike Place Market, there’s no doubt you will find more than enough things to do to fill your day.

Pay the Toll Troll

Adults and kids alike flock to marvel at the Fremont Troll. Located under Aurora Avenue Bridge, this 18-foot tall troll was built in 1990. Since then, it has been frequented by locals and visitors eager to snap a picture of the interesting creature. The troll looks as if it’s coming up from the ground, clutching a Volkswagen Beetle in its left hand. Make sure to plan a stop to see the Fremont Troll, as it is guaranteed to be a highlight for the whole family.

Where to Eat

It’s meal time and finding a place that’s both kid friendly and has tasty cuisine can be a bit tricky. Luckily, there are plenty of places to choose from that will be a hit for everyone. Head to Hard Rock Cafe , where the rock n’ roll decor and yummy food will bring both entertainment and full tummies. 13 Coins is a local establishment open 24/7, offering a menu full of variety. It opened in 1967 and has been a local favorite ever since. Another recommended eatery is Johnny Rockets. Known for their burgers and shakes, Johnny Rockets has the old diner feel that the whole family will love. With these restaurants in mind, you’ll have no problem finding a great place to sit and enjoy a lovely meal.

After a day experiencing Seattle’s local gems, head to Shafer Baillie Mansion before setting out on your cruise. The Tudor Revival home, built in 1914, has been transformed into an elegant inn with the historic charm preserved. Here you will find beautifully adorned guest rooms, each offering their own distinctive characteristics. Ensure your stay in Seattle exceeds your expectations by staying at Shafer Baillie Mansion.

January 8, 2025
Looking to explore Seattle without emptying your wallet or wasting precious vacation time standing in line? The Seattle City Pass is here to save the day (and your sanity)! With discounts and line-skipping magic at some of the city's most iconic attractions, this pass is like a backstage pass to the Emerald City. In this article, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of the Seattle City Pass—how it works, what it gets you, and whether it's worth adding to your itinerary. We’ve also included some details on where to stay while you’re enjoying Seattle to complement your unforgettable trip. What is the Seattle City Pass? Who doesn’t love discounts? The Seattle City Pass is a ticket package that allows you to visit multiple popular attractions in Seattle at a discounted rate. The pass bundles admission to five major landmarks, providing significant savings compared to purchasing individual tickets for each one. But, these aren’t just any landmarks—they’re top Seattle sights! The City Pass is perfect for first-time visitors or anyone looking to explore a lot of the city's must-see destinations in a short amount of time. How Does the Seattle City Pass Work? Once you purchase the Seattle City Pass, you’ll receive access to a set of tickets for 5 various attractions of your choosing. You can choose to receive your tickets either as physical vouchers or digital tickets to be used on your smartphone. The pass offers the flexibility of visiting the attractions at your own pace, with tickets valid for nine consecutive days from the time of your first use. Seattle City Pass Attractions There are five main attractions included in the pass, and you can choose from several options for three of them, as two are automatically included: Space Needle (included) : No trip to Seattle is complete without seeing the iconic Space Needle, which is why this stop is already included in the pass. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the city, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier. Don’t forget your camera! Seattle Aquarium (included): This waterfront attraction is home to a variety of marine life like sea otters, seals, and an impressive collection of local fish. The aquarium is also included in the City Pass. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) or Chihuly Garden and Glass: The MoPOP celebrates pop culture including music, movies, and science fiction. The Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases stunning glass art set against the backdrop of the Space Needle. Seattle Art Museum (SAM) : The SAM provides a rich cultural experience with diverse exhibitions for art lovers or those with an appreciation for the finer things. Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour: The Argosy Harbor Tour takes you on a scenic boat ride through Elliott Bay for a unique view of Seattle’s skyline and waterfront. Pacific Science Center: This interactive science museum is great for families and science enthusiasts, offering hands-on learning, an IMAX theater, and a variety of exhibits. The Museum of Flight: Calling all aviation enthusiasts! The Museum of Flight is the largest independent, non-profit air and space museum in the world, with over 175 aircraft and spacecraft. Woodland Park Zoo: Woodland Park Zoo is a wildlife conservation organization and zoological garden worthy of a visit from tourists and locals. Sky View Observatory: An ideal first stop on your visit to the Emerald City, offering incredible Seattle views from above. What is the Seattle C3 Pass? For those looking for a smaller, customized experience, check out the Seattle C3 pass. This option creates a discounted pass to your top 3 attractions so you only pay for the places you really want to visit. This option is perfect for those visiting with limited time who want to make the most of their visit to Seattle. Benefits of the Seattle City Pass Cost Savings: Obviously one of the biggest advantages of purchasing the City Pass is the amazing savings. The pass provides around a 40% discount off the regular price of admission to the included attractions. Skip the Line: One of the biggest downsides to visiting popular attractions is the lines and crowds-but not with the Seattle City Pass! For some of Seattle's busiest attractions, the City Pass allows you to skip the regular ticket lines. This can save significant time, especially during peak tourist season. Flexibility: The City Pass in Seattle gives you flexibility in how you visit the attractions. You have nine days from the time you use your first ticket to visit the remaining attractions, which means you can explore at a relaxed pace without added stress. Convenience: Instead of carrying around multiple tickets or dealing with complicated booking systems, the City Pass consolidates your entry into one easy pass, reducing the hassle of planning your itinerary. Is the Seattle City Pass Worth It? For many visitors, the Seattle City Pass offers incredible value! If you plan to visit most of the major attractions included in the pass, it’s an economical choice that can save you both money and time. However, it’s important to consider your interests and itinerary. If you plan to visit only one or two of the included attractions or don’t have your itinerary quite figured out, purchasing individual tickets might be more cost-effective. The City Pass is best for those who are eager to experience a variety of Seattle’s top spots in a short period and want the convenience of bundled tickets. How to Buy the Seattle City Pass The Seattle City Pass can be purchased online or at select attractions around the city. When purchasing, you’ll select whether you want the physical or digital pass. You can also choose to start your visit right away or plan it for later. Tickets are valid for nine consecutive days, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the attractions at your leisure if something pops up. Insider’s Tip: The official City Pass website has options for other passes in popular cities like Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Orlando-so you can enjoy some savings wherever you go! Stay at Shafer Baillie Mansion The Seattle City Pass is an excellent way to make the most of your visit and experience the top things to do in Seattle. For those looking to further immerse themselves in the enchanting spirit of Seattle, we encourage you to check out the Shafer Baillie Mansion. This historic gem on Capitol Hill offers a quiet and enchanting bed and breakfast experience in a Tudor-Revival home. The mansion offers eight guest rooms and suites on the second and third floors, each with a private bath, plus spacious day rooms on the main floor. Grab the Seattle City Pass during your visit and complement your trip with a relaxing stay at a place rich in history and charm—the Shafer Baillie Mansion. Book Now
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