Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center
Pier 66
2205 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98121
206-374-4000

The center has four galleries with more than 40 interactive exhibits that explore Seattle's waterfront heritage. The entryway looks through glass onto the pier and the Sound. The next gallery shows the many ways that Puget Sound is used by freighters, ferries, ships and boats. A virtual kayak journey follows. The Harvesting the Sea gallery explores the world of commercial fishing. An outdoor observation deck on the 5th floor provides panoramic views of Elliott Sound, the waterfront and the Seattle skyline.

Seattle Aquarium
Pier 59
1483 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98101
206-386-4300

The salmon ladder at the Seattle Aquarium offers a bottoms-up view Home to sea otters, harbor seals, jellyfish, nautilus, diving seabirds and 366 species of fish, the Seattle Aquarium on Pier 59 offers an up-close look at Northwest sea life. A highlight is "Sound to Mountains: A Watershed Journey," which recreates an interactive watershed and educates viewers as to the importance to salmon of functioning watersheds. This aquarium offers a compact collection of marine exhibits, including sea lions, sea otters and an enlightening depiction of Puget Sound's intertidal life and salmon runs.

Woodland Park Zoo
601 North 59th Street
Seattle, WA 98103
206-684-4800

In Seattle's city zoo, the elephants inhabit a state-of-the-art habitat (funded by voter bonds at US$1 million per elephant). The newest exhibits are the Asian Trail of Vines and a 6-acre/2.4-hectare Northern Trails exhibit with bald eagles, bears, otters and snowy owls. There's also a penguin area

Seattle Center
305 Harrison Street
Seattle, WA 98109
206-684-7240

The 1962 World's Fair, also known as the 'Century 21 Exposition', brought in over 9 million visitors from around the world for a glimpse of Tomorrow, Seattle-style. What remains of the futuristic enclave of exhibition halls, arenas and public spaces is today called the Seattle Center. The center hosts more than 1,500 events every year. The grounds are home to dance, theater, opera, museums and Key Arena.
Space Needle
400 Broad Street
Seattle, WA 98109
206-905-2111

The Space Needle is a 600ft (180m) rocket styled observation station and restaurant. After the 41 second zip up its elevators to the top, visitors are treated to breathtaking 360° views. The top of the 605-foot Space Needle is the best place to orient yourself to the city and its surroundings.

Observation Towers
Columbia Center
701 Fifth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
206-386-5151

The observation tower offers a dramatic view from the 73rd floor. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays; the cost is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children. However, the best free view in the city may be from the 108-step climb to the top of the old water tower in Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill. Open daily.

Pacific Science Center
200 Second Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
206-443-2001

The Pacific Science Center has hands-on exhibits for children, an impressive new Boeing IMAX Theater and a gift shop. It also houses the Willard W. Smith Planetarium, with ever-changing shows on such subjects as dinosaurs, space exploration and Alaska. In the museum's Science Playground, you can play tic-tac-toe with a robot or virtual basketball. The IMAX Theater has hourly screenings. Laser light shows at the Boeing Spacearium feature music from artists ranging from Sinatra to Hendrix. Shows run throughout the day (midnight show on Saturdays).

Fun Forest Amusement Park
305 Harrison Street
Seattle, WA 98109
206-728-1585

Fun Forest Amusement Park-Located at the Seattle Center, this modest amusement park has rides geared toward children, bumper cars and miniature golf. It is located on the north end of downtown, at the foot of Queen Anne Hill. 

The Children's Museum
305 Harrison Street
Seattle, WA 98109
206-441-1768

The Center has exhibits and hands-on activities for the whole family. Check out "Mountain Forest," which describes and shows the flora and fauna of the Pacific Northwest, and "Discovery Bay," an infant/toddler area designed to exercise motor skills.

Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame
325 5th Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
206-770-2700

Interactive out-of-this world journey into the world of science fiction the whole family will enjoy!

Ride the Ducks of Seattle
5th Ave and Broad Street
Seattle, WA 98109
206-441-DUCK

Tour the city of Seattle by land and water all in the same vehicle!

Seattle Bug Safari
1501 Western Avenue Suite 304
Seattle, WA 98101
206-285-2847

Bug zoo where families of all ages will experience exotic insects in a fun and educational journey through their natural habitats!

Gas Works Park
2101 North Northlake Way
Seattle, WA 98103
206-684-4075

Offers a play area with play barn, big hill for kite flying, a sundial, and a panoramic view of the city.

Alki Beach Park
1702 Alki Avenue SW
Seattle, WA 98109
206-684-4075

Long beach strip perfect for a warm summer day offering beach activities including picnic tables, bathhouse, and restrooms.