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Nine Rain or Shine Indoor Activities in Seattle, WA

odysys_admin • December 22, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

When one thinks of Seattle, Washington some of the first things that may come to mind might be the iconic Space Needle, delicious Pacific seafood, or perhaps even steaming cups of heavenly coffee. Another person may think of the Seattle Seahawks, the famous gum wall, or the vast amounts of precipitation that fall upon the Pacific Northwest.

During this time of year, the clouds and rain that follow can potentially put a dampener on one’s sightseeing plans. Many brave the weather, come what may, but if you do not particularly care for a (quite literal) rain on your parade, what else is there to do? We put together a list of nine different fun indoor activities to take part in during your stay in Seattle, Washington. We also offer comfortable lodging nearby on Capitol Hill, Seattle at our famous Shafer Baillie Mansion, and we would love to offer you more tips to make your stay here as pleasant as possible!

Art:

Chihuly Garden and Glass
The Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition is a must-see for everyone visiting Seattle, no matter what the weather may bring. The exhibition is located next to the Space Needle, so visiting both of these iconic places is a breeze! The building contains eight Chihuly glass galleries, a beautiful 40-ft tall Glasshouse, an explosively gorgeous garden filled with glass art and flowers, and a theater depicting videos and presentations related to the art of glass blowing.

Address : 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
Hours : Sunday-Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday-Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
The Seattle Art Museum, or SAM for short, is well-known for its world culture displays. Their permanent collection spans the course of history and contains over 25,000 pieces of art! Currently, one of their temporary exhibitions, Peacock in the Desert: The Royal Arts of Jodhpur, India , is on display until January 21, 2019. If you missed it, check out our blog about this display and the SAM here.

Address : 1300 First Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Hours :
Monday-Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5 PM
Thursday: 10 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday-Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Frye Art Museum
The Frye Art Museum is a free must-see item on the list. The Museum is well-known for its 19th and 20th century German and American paintings, spanning a collection of over 200 such paintings. The Museum also features many fascinating rotating exhibits from all over the world. One current exhibit is the Frye Salon , a collection of 22 paintings hung close together across a wall, also known as salon-style hanging. The Museum also features a wonderful little gift shop and cafe.

Address : 704 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
Hours : Monday: Closed
Tuesday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 Am – 7:00 PM

Music:

If the performing arts are more to your liking, then venues such as the Showbox , The Triple Door , Pacific Northwest Ballet , and The 5th Avenue feature wonderful performances on a daily basis! The Showbox and Triple Door generally feature a plethora of musical artists and provide a night of fun, food, and drink along with a show! The Pacific Northwest Ballet is a highly regarded ballet school that will soon be featuring such ballets as The Sleeping Beauty (February 1-10, 2019) and Pinocchio (March 17, 23, 2019).

The 5th Avenue Theatre provides an elegant setting for the art of musicals and Broadway. They are currently featuring Annie until December 30, 2018, and will be performing the Sing-a-long Sound of Music from January 4-6, 2019, Rock of Ages from February 1-24, 2019, and Marie: A New Musical from March 22-April 14, 2019. Stay up to date on all these wonderful venues and get the best out of the performing arts during your stay here!

Science:

Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium features a large plethora of unique underwater creatures, fabulous fish, merry mammals, and cute cephalopods. One can expect to see everything from playful otter pups to puffin birds to spiny starfish. On the weekends the Aquarium features diver shows, Story Time at the Family Activity Center, and daily Pacific Giant Octopus feeds! This Aquarium is not to be passed up for any lovers of science and nature!

Address : 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101
Hours : 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily

Pacific Science Center
The Pacific Science Center (PacSci) specializes in scientific fun for the whole family! The PacSci features exhibits and experiences such as a Tropical Butterfly House that is open year-round with new butterflies introduced weekly, a special VR experience, Living Exhibits featuring live animals and plants, the Tinker Tank for daily engineering challenges, Science On a Sphere that details the marvels of our planet, and more! The Portal to Current Research exhibit features local scientists’ research and changes its content throughout the year. The Center also features a Planetarium with free shows every day (with price of admission) and a cafe to satisfy your nutritional needs.

Address : 200 Second Ave. North, Seattle, WA 98109
Hours : Monday-Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Weekends & Holidays : 10:00 AM – 6:00PM

These are only a few things that Seattle, Washington has to offer on a cloudy winter day. Of course, another option that many prefer is to cozy up in bed with a soft blanket and exciting novel next to a warm fireplace! If that’s the case, make sure to book a stay with us at Shafer Baillie Mansion on Capitol Hill, Seattle for such a trip! What’s your preferred activity on a cold, rainy day? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

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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