Kids outings in Seattle

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Connected to the upscale shopping mall that is Westlake Center in downtown Seattle, this classy hotel is an excellent choice for those with more discriminating tastes. Surrounding by Nordstrom, Macys and countless other shops and boutiques, you'll enjoy retreating to your stylish, comfortable room at the Mayflower after a day of spending, particularly if you stop in Oliver's downstairs for what's known as the best martini in Seattle.

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At Le Panier, the pastries are baked fresh each morning, including baguettes, butter croissants, palmiers, friands, and sables with chocolate and hazelnuts.

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Newly remodeled as of 2007, the Seattle Aquarium is one of the best attractions on the waterfront for kids. The exhibits start off with a bang when you walk in to see divers feeding the fish in an enormous tank near the entrance, and touching the starfish, sea cucumbers and anemones in the tide pools is fun for both kids and adults.

The overwhelming favorites seem to be the sea otters, who splash and float about in synchronized pairs, but the giant octopus is worth a peek as well!

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A Seattle tradition since 1938, this casual waterfront restaurant has a spectacular view of Elliott Bay. For more than 60 years, people have come here for fresh seafood and a good time. Wooden tables and chairs fill the large, open space. Choose from a selection that includes Oysters Rockefeller, Seafood Pasta, Dungeness Crab-Topped Prawns, clams, Bouillabaisse, the restaurant's famous clam chowder and more. A private dining room can accomodate up to 50 people.

Our Local Expert Says:

The fastest way to travel between Seattle Center and Downtown! The Monorail was built in 1962 for the World's Fair, and is operating daily on its one-mile track.

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The trip is brief, but the view and convenience can't be beat. The first monorail in the country links the Seattle Center (and Space Needle) to Westlake Center in the heart of downtown Seattle. The monorail is $2 to ride and runs every 10 minutes from both stations between 9:00am and 11:00pm, seven days a week.

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It's more than just the home of the Space Needle. Seattle Center's rides, games, restaurants and grounds span 74 acres; it's possible to spend an entire sight-seeing day right here. For the kids, it's a sure bet for entertainment, with everything from roller coasters to arcade games and mini-golf. There's also a children's museum and theatre in the Center House for a more educational experience. On a summer day, break out the bathing suits and splash around in the International Fountain (with plenty of grass for lying out and catching some rays as well).

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Seattle Center is one of the city's primary attractions, and since thousands of visitors come to enjoy all it has to offer, a visitor center was set up here to answer questions and supply information about the park, the buildings it houses and the events that take place here. You can also pick up maps and brochures on Seattle and adjacent areas, as well as get answers to your questions. The information center is open only during high season, May-September, but brochures are available year-round.

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Built for the 1962 World's Fair, this 605-foot towering structure may also rate as one of the nation's most recognized structures...and one of its most overrated tourist traps. The $22 adult day-and-night ticket is about as steep as the Needle itself, and one's wait in line will often exceed the time spent at the top. The views are free and just as impressive atop the Columbia Tower nearby on Fifth Avenue.

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Located inside the Experience Music Project, this is another pet project of Seattle's own billionaire nerd Paul Allen. Just as in EMP, this museum is packed with pop-culture icons, in this case from the world of science fiction. With displays of actual props and costumes from such historic sci-fi films and TV shows as Star Trek, Star Wars, Alien, Dr. Who, and Terminator, this place is an absolute must for devoted fans of one of literature's least-respected yet best-loved genres. The museum spends a lot of time chronicling the history of science fiction, including displays of 1930s and 1940s pulp fiction magazines. Other displays focus on the fans themselves (and the conventions they stage), as well as the connections to science. But, for most visitors, it's the movie props that are the real draw. From robots to jet packs to space suits and ray guns, it's all here.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the nicest parks in all of Seattle. Groves of old growth trees are clustered along the shores of Lake Washington.

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Located near Lake Washington, Seward Park sprawls over 300 acres, with paths for biking, trails for hiking and gardens for taking time to slow down and smell the roses. The park is also home to several playgrounds for the kids, beaches for those warm Seattle summer days, picnic zones, amphitheater and an art studio.

While you're there, visit the Environmental and Audubon Center near the entrance, often featuring fun activities and exhibits for families.

Our Local Expert Says:

The bar offers expertly balanced concoctions, order the caviar pie or the enormous crab cakes to start, the halibut and salmon are superb! The wine list is all Northwest and will give you the ideal introduction to the fabulous wines of our region.

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A palette of soothing blues and greens reflect the colors of Puget Sound, visible through the front windows of this upscale diner next to Post Alley. Rows of colorful fishing lures encased in plastic separate booths for privacy, but the atmosphere is casual and festive. Chrome stools look into the kitchen, and a long bar encourages cocktails with camaraderie. Chef Davis's time in New Orleans informs such offerings as hominy cakes, gumbo and poutine. The lump Dungeness crab cake is one of the best in town, and desserts like Apple Pan Dowdy are worth the calories. Northwest wines, full bar.

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If you are hungry for something light and sweet, crepes (or French pancakes) are the snack for you. These wonderful thin round cakes are wrapped around luscious fruit fillings and then topped with a dollop of whipped cream. They are the specialty of this little creperie located in the Pike Place Market Arcade. Go there hungry because you might want to try a couple of flavors. Bring cash as credit cards are not accepted.

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New visitors would never guess the Woodland Park Zoo is over 100 years old, and one of the oldest on the west coast. The grounds, 92 acres in all, are well-kept and clean, allowing you to view almost 300 species of animals.

The zoo provides a home for 35 endangered and five threatened animal species. Its botanical collection includes 7,000 trees and more than 50,000 shrubs and herbs representing more than 1,000 species. There's also a food court, as well as seating area for those interested in packing a picnic lunch.

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No, this isn't the zoo, although the zoo is indeed smack in the middle of this park, which lives up to its name with 188 acres of towering deciduous forest and rolling lawns. It also offers tennis courts, playfields and picnic areas on its east side (near Green Lake), and shrubbery-shrouded meadows on its west side (on Phinney Avenue North). In the center, by one of the zoo entrances, is the park's beloved rose garden (5500 Phinney Ave North; +1 206 684 4863). The high-walled space is crammed with dozens of different hybrids, tea roses and climbers.

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Just a little north of Woodland Park Zoo, this retro burger joint is tiny and always hoppin' because everyone knows it does one of the best burgers in Seattle. Try the verde burger, made with Anaheim peppers for just the right amount of fire. Don't miss the onion rings. And don't come dressed in your finest attire -- burgers here are definitely multi-napkin affairs.

A second Red Mill Burgers is at 1613 W. Dravus St. (tel. 206/284-6363), which is midway between downtown Seattle and Ballard.

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This Ballard park on the Sound features a sandy coastline ideal for a summer day at the beach. Those looking for a little more activity will enjoy the forest hiking trails, and fishing enthusiasts can get the perfect catch on the pier or by taking their boat out on the water.

Golden Gardens is a great place for a family day out, with playgrounds for the kids and plenty of picnic areas.

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Located upstairs from Ray's Boathouse, this light, airy cafe attracts a young and lively crowd, more casually dressed than below. The panoramic view of Shilshole Bay is the only thing the restaurant and cafe share. On warm summer days, the best place to sit is on the terrace overlooking the bay. The gourmet pub grub includes vegetarian and salmon burgers, pasta with seafood, and Prawn and Scallop Saute. The extensive appetizer list is served until midnight. The full bar has over 20 microbrews on tap.

Description:

Connected to the upscale shopping mall that is Westlake Center in downtown Seattle, this classy hotel is an excellent choice for those with more discriminating tastes. Surrounding by Nordstrom, Macys and countless other shops and boutiques, you'll enjoy retreating to your stylish, comfortable room at the Mayflower after a day of spending, particularly if you stop in Oliver's downstairs for what's known as the best martini in Seattle.

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This West Seattle eatery plainly enjoys its mission of keeping retro atmosphere alive. Everything here is a reminder of a bygone era, not least the theatrically abrasive staff. The portions of meatloaf, the full turkey dinners and the burgers are cheap and enormous, so the only things you will need in abundance are nostalgia for yesteryear and space in your belly.

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Hidden away in the southern reaches of West Seattle, this park is, in many respects, the ultimate archetype of a Seattle park. Big but not too big, woodsy but not too densely forested, everything is just right. The beach is perfect for exploring, the meadows just right for Frisbee and the picnic areas nicely sheltered. And, Colman Pool (open only in the summer) lets you experience the salty waters of Puget Sound without the icy temperatures or the filth. If that doesn't provide waves enough, walk out of the park to the south and hop the ferryboat for a scenic 15-minute ride over to Vashon Island.

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Located one block from Alki Beach, this little museum houses a rotating series of exhibits that focuses on West Seattle, which has been called 'the birthplace of Seattle'. Incorporating fascinating artifacts and charming audio and video presentations, the exhibits strive to combine information on settlers and the native Duwamish and Suquamish tribes. The museum's ongoing oral history project provides a continuing flow of new stories. Events are held monthly for kids and special-interest groups. A donation of $2 for adults and $1 for children is the suggested admission price. A small gift shop keeps the same hours as the museum.

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Sitting along Alki Beach this is one of the best Greek pizza joints in town. Bright and airy inside with great views of Puget Sound, brighter and airier outside, with even better views of Puget Sound, the decor cannot be beat. It is the perfect place to just stretch out your feet and soak in the salty sea air. Thick crust pizza coated in feta, fresh spinach and olives, and enormous Greek salads that usually take a week to polish off are among the highlights.

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The brief drive outside the city is worth it to get a look at Wright planes, war planes, spy planes and more. The Great Hall features over twenty actual planes, including the man-powered Gossamer Albatross, an F-5 supersonic fighter and a Blackbird spy plane. The exhibits walk you through the history of flight, including everything from the Wright brothers to the mystery of Amelia Earhart, with artifacts, newspaper clippings and old video footage.

The kid's center is filled with interactive flight fun, but the real highlight is the simulated air-traffic control tower. As the museum is next to the Boeing airport, you'll watch real planes land and hear real-time transmissions as the pilots are guided in.

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Looking for a Cali beach town vibe in the Pacific Northwest? The Alki Beach isn't just a hotspot for getting some sun and surf, it gives visitor's a chance to explore the historic Alki Point, where the first settlers began what would become the city of Seattle. Alki beach is a great place for all of your favorite beach activities - swimming, sunning, biking, volleyball, grilling - and there are dozens of shops, cafes and restaurants to explore after you've soaked in enough sun. Be sure to check out the Alki Lighthouse and the miniature Statue of Liberty while you're there.

Our Local Expert Says:

Yum! Both the architecture of the space and the food are simply perfect. The old garage has been stripped to its original old growth wooden beams and steel supports, the entire back wall has been replaced with glass leading to a secluded deck for outdoor summer dining. Their trick is to keep the number of ingredients to a minimum and let them compliment each other and speak for themselves without the complication of undue competition. Their fettuccini tartufo is something I consistently recommend, their meat sampler is delicious, they offer grilled fennel and delicious salads to start, and you can order truffle oil as a side for any dish on the menu.

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Osteria la Spiga's new space is 4 times the size of its old one and more beautiful than ever. They offer an expanded menu, and an additional bar menu served until 1:30am. Enjoy your authentic italian meal while listening to live jazz music 4 nights a week. Dine on the patio, or let them host an event for you in the separate private room.

Description:

Connected to the upscale shopping mall that is Westlake Center in downtown Seattle, this classy hotel is an excellent choice for those with more discriminating tastes. Surrounding by Nordstrom, Macys and countless other shops and boutiques, you'll enjoy retreating to your stylish, comfortable room at the Mayflower after a day of spending, particularly if you stop in Oliver's downstairs for what's known as the best martini in Seattle.

Description:

Covering over 500 acres, Discovery Park provides visitors with views of the Sound, as well as both the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges. While not ideal for sunbathing, the protected tidal beaches are a wonderful rocky area for exploration, and perhaps sighting a sea lion or other interesting wildlife, making this both a fun and educational trip for children and adults.

Discovery Park is open every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and the visitor center is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The park is closed on major holidays.

Our Local Expert Says:

Volunteer Park was designed by the Olmstead brothers between 1904 and 1909 as a private playground for Seattle’s wealthy founding families living on Millionaire’s Row (14th Avenue). All 48 acres were integrated into the Olmstead design which includes a spectacular dahlia collection and flower gardens, an impressive tree collection, a system of macadam drives, lily ponds, a children’s wading pool and shelter, combination pergola, music pavilion and comfort station, and conservatory building - all completed by 1912.

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Built between 1904 and 1912, this park displays the Olmsted brothers' late-Victorian urban style of park design. Vistas of rolling lawns, carefully clumped shrubbery, tree-lined drives and carp ponds almost make you feel like you're strolling with top hat and cane in hand. The Kew Gardens-style glass conservatory, filled with humid tropical and arid desert environments, is free to all. Also visit the Seattle Asian Art Museum. Outside the museum sits Isamu Noguchi's stone sculpture "Black Sun," beloved of clambering children and tourists appreciative of its view of the Space Needle across the park's reservoir. At the southern end of the park stands a 75-foot brick water tower with a spiraling staircase and a 360-degree view of the Seattle area, from the Olympics to the Cascades. The view is a bit obstructed by the bars on the windows, but it's lovely in late afternoon sunlight. The park's name commemorates Seattleites who volunteered for the Spanish-American War.

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Situated in north Seattle on the water, Discovery Park offers a variety of terrain, from beach front to forests to open prairies. Trails dissect the park and the Nature Center is a fabulous hands on educational experience for kids of all ages.

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With eleven exhibits and 22,000 sq feet of space, this museum is the ideal place to let the little ones crawl around and explore. Features include a toddler "Discovery Bay," a global village, a kid-sized art studio, and Go Figure! - a Microsoft-sponsored exhibit that allows kids to jump inside their favorite storybooks.

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This is an example of urban renewal at its best. Take an old gas-processing plant that has outlived its usefulness, and transform it into something everyone can enjoy. Located on the north shore of Lake Union (opposite downtown), the park has excellent water views and a spectacular, unobstructed view of the city skyline. It is a popular spot for concerts, bikers, kite flyers, families on picnics and just about everyone else. This is also a prime spot from which to view the Fireworks on the Fourth of July.

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One of the aspects of Seattle's community personality in which its residents take the most pride is its concern for environmental matters. That certainly plays out at this garden, which is a workshop for kids who want to learn how to grow and care for their own gardens. Run by the Seattle Tilth Demonstration Gardens, the garden offers workshops with fun names like "Zoom, Zoom Zucchini" and "Bugs & Blooms." Classes vary in length and price.

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Recently redesigned, Cal Anderson Park includes a fountain, texture pool, and reflecting pool; promenade paths, landscaping, a shelterhouse, plaza, children's play area, wading pool and lighted sports field. This open park invites walking, sitting, reading, contemplation, informal sports in the meadow and organized sports on the athletic field. Walkers: the circumference of the park on the sidewalks, including Bobby Morris Playfield, is 3,325 lineal feet, or about 2/3 of a mile. An interior loop on gravel paths, using the old concrete gatehouse as the most southern edge and passing the cone water feature to the north, is 1,700 lineal feet, or about 1/3 of a mile.

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Set on the shore of Portage Bay, which lies between Lake Union and Lake Washington, this casual Mexican restaurant is a hit with college students from the adjacent University of Washington. Consequently, there's often a line out the door as customers wait to give their orders at the counter. The menu is limited to tacos, Mexican-style sandwiches, empanadas, quesadillas, and, at dinner, a handful of more substantial entrees. It's hard to go wrong, but I especially recommend the tacos, which come three to an order. Try the grilled halibut or yam versions, both of which are topped with a delicious avocado sauce. Add a couple of sides -- cranberry slaw, pineapple-jicama salsa, or creamy chile potatoes -- for a filling and inexpensive meal. Agua Verde also serves pretty good margaritas and rents kayaks for $15 to $18 per hour.

Our Local Expert Says:

Located in a repurposed house in Wallingford, all the food is locally produced and organically delicious!

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Chef Maria Hines proves that you can be a good steward of the earth and still delight your palate. Entering the old craftsman bungalow with a rocking chair porch feels like going to a friend's house for dinner. The décor is sparse, but original leaded glass windows, a brick fireplace and painted green chairs add to its inherent charm. Using only locally sourced and organic ingredients, menu items change seasonally. Try the mini duck burgers with homemade ketchup and mission fig at dinner or weekend brunch. A chalkboard highlights artisanal cheese selections, and the extensive wine list features several eco-friendly choices.

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Although this little cafe is in the heart of the Pike Place Market neighborhood, it's a world away from the market madness. I like to duck in here for lunch and escape the shuffling crowds. What a relief -- so civilized, so very French. Most people leave this dark, cozy place feeling that they've discovered some secret hideaway. The menu changes with the seasons, and the daily prix-fixe meal is a good deal. The cafe also doubles as a wine bar.

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The Anthony's chain has several outposts around the Seattle area, but this complex is the most convenient and versatile. It has not only an upper-end, stylish seafood restaurant with good waterfront views, but also a moderately priced casual restaurant and a walk-up counter. The bold contemporary styling and abundance of art glass set Anthony's apart from most waterfront restaurants. The upscale crowd heads upstairs for Asian- and Southwestern-inspired seafood dishes, while the more cost-conscious stay downstairs at the Bell Street Diner, where meals are much easier on the wallet (though far less creative). For the higher prices, you get better views. In summer the decks are the place to be. You can save money with the $19 four-course sunset dinners that are served Monday through Friday between 4 and 6pm.