4 Fun Things to do in the Seattle Area

There is quite a bit to see in Pike Place Market, which spans over 9 acres. Despite ups and downs since its establishment in 1907, the market is thriving. It’s not just a market, but an important part of the local community. Expect to find fresh produce, colorful flowers, fresh meats and fish, and hand-made crafts. My favorite thing about visiting in the fall were the rows upon rows of locally grown seasonal flowers. If I lived in the area I’m sure I would be buying flowers every week! When you visit, don’t forget to take a photo with official market mascot Rachel the Piggy Bank. Drop in some change to help support local programs run through the Pike Place Market Foundation. The organization offers social services within the market to help support the local neighbors and community. This includes the Food Access Program, which provides affordable access to local residents for fresh fruits and vegetables.  ​

Conveniently located in Seattle Center, the Chihuly Garden and Glass is easy to get to using  public transportation. From the Seattle market area, walk just a few blocks then catch the monorail from the Westlake Center Station to Seattle Center. During the short ride, I was thinking about how futuristic the monorail must have seemed when it was built back in 1962! The Seattle Center Station is also home to the iconic Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture (currently hosting Minecraft: The Exhibition between now and September 7, 2020), and the Pacific Science Center. Here’s a tip, if you plan to visit several of these attractions while in town, consider purchasing a Seattle CityPASS for attraction discounts. Or purchase a combo ticket with admission to Chihuly Garden and Glass along with the Space Needle Observation Deck, Admission is reduced for entry after 4 p.m.
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Just a few blocks away from the market lies the historic Smith Tower, the first skyscraper in Seattle.  When built in 1914, this 42 story building was considered the 4th largest building in the world. You can pay a fee for the ride up to the Observation deck to enjoy a 360-degree view of the city and Puget Sound. For some, it may be a better option rather than waiting in line for a view from the top of the Space Needle.  
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History buffs and kids—stop by the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park to pick up a Trail to Treasure Walking Map. During the summer months, there is a free tour of the area on select days. If you are comfortable roaming underground passages, consider taking Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour. I also learned after my visit that the Japanese American Remembrance Trail Map offers visitors an opportunity for an interesting urban hike.

The downtown area is also home to several family-friendly places worth exploring. Hear the fascinating stories from locals and learn more about the history of the area at the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum. It’s a true small-town gem. Admission to this former one room school house is free, and the exhibits tell the stories of the early days on the island. We were fortunate that our docent was my friend’s mom who grew up on Bainbridge Island. She was able to share first hand stories of life on the island as well as her personal experience as a Japanese American during World War II. If you aren’t familiar with that piece of history, over 115,000 people of Japanese ancestry nationwide (a majority American citizens) were relocated to internment camps during the war. This included the Japanese-American population residing on Bainbridge Island. Other exhibits in the museum share the history of the many people who called the island home along with important places like the Port Blakely lumber mill, dating back to the mid-1800’s. The kids scavenger hunt is a good way to engage young visitors, along with the small Fearless Music exhibit for teens. Another nearby spot that’s popular for young kids is the Kids Discovery Museum. As a family, we’ve always appreciated these smaller, hands-on play spaces that encourage free exploration and give younger kids a chance to run around and touch everything!  

If you have a car (or want to use public transportation), continue on to see the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, a national park unit of Minidoka National Historic Site. It’s located where the Eagledale ferry dock once stood; the spot where over 200 men, women and children boarded a ferry to Seattle and an unknown future. A further drive around the peninsula takes you to the charming, Norweigian town of Poulsbo. Check out the sweeping water views while you pick up coffee at the Poulsbohemian. Stop in Sluys Bakery for a pastry or some of their popular bread. Once you’ve fueled up, there are plenty of shops for browsing.