Seattle is famous for its outdoor beauty, but when drizzle (or heat) sets in, the city shines with plenty of family-friendly indoor fun. From learning through play at kid-focused museums to getting an up-close look at marine life at the Seattle Aquarium, here are some indoor activities in Seattle and beyond to keep kids entertained.

Tip: Always check individual attraction websites for hours, ticketing, and special programs.

At a Glance: Indoor Family Activities in Seattle

  • Seattle Children’s Museum: Interactive exhibits, creative play spaces, and hands-on learning.
  • Seattle Aquarium: Sea otters, touch tanks, and a new Ocean Pavilion reef habitat.
  • Space Needle: Indoor observation deck with sweeping views of Puget Sound.
  • Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): Music labs, hands-on exhibits, and pop culture experiences.
  • Woodland Park Zoo: Indoor animal habitats and the Zoomazium play area.
  • Pacific Science Center: IMAX theaters, butterfly house, and STEM exhibits.
  • Seattle Pinball Museum: Playable vintage pinball machines.
  • Chihuly Garden and Glass: Colorful glass sculptures and 40-foot-tall Glasshouse.
  • Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream: Beloved local scoop shop with creative flavors.
  • Fremont Vintage Mall: Retro finds and family-friendly treasure hunting.
  • Plus more indoor things to do with kids in the great Seattle area.

Indoor Activities in Seattle for Families

Play All Day at Seattle Children’s Museum

A child plays at the Seattle Children's Museum.
Courtesy of Seattle Children’s Museum

Great for: Hands-on learning, all ages and younger visitors

Let your little ones learn through play at the Seattle Children’s Museum. With loads of creative, hands-on exhibits and seasonal programming, kids will have plenty to keep them entertained. They can explore the power of air, climb through the Mountain Exhibit, craft a masterpiece in the Corner Workshop, discover the stories and art of Washington’s many tribal communities, and so much more. The Orca Cove’s sensory experiences are especially designed for the museum’s youngest visitors.

Also See: Explore Washington’s Kid-Friendly Museums

Make Marine Friends at the Seattle Aquarium

Families explore the Ocean Pavilion at the Seattle Aquarium, one of the top indoor things to do with kids in Seattle.
Courtesy of Seattle Aquarium

Great for: Animal lovers, all ages

Located on the downtown waterfront along Elliott Bay, the Seattle Aquarium offers immersive exhibits and marine-life encounters. See sea otters, seahorses, jellyfish, and the giant Pacific octopus, or explore tide-pool creatures at the Life on the Edge touch tanks.

The new Ocean Pavilion showcases a massive reef habitat with 3,500 animals and plants and nearly 30 species of coral. Don’t miss the interactive Coral Reef Encounter, where kids can crawl through vivid recreations of tropical ecosystems.

Also See: 10+ Washington Family Vacation Ideas

Get a Bird’s-Eye View at the Space Needle

A group of people visit the Space Needle in Seattle
Photo Credit: @ppoppo2/Visit Seattle

Great for: Cool views, all ages

One of Seattle’s most iconic landmarks, the Space Needle offers views that will wow kids and adults alike. Soaring 605 feet above the city, families can take in sweeping views of downtown, Puget Sound, and towering Mount Rainier from the glass-walled observation deck and rotating glass floor. Bonus: Chihuly Garden and Glass, another Seattle indoor attraction, is conveniently located right next door.

Also See: Cozy Winter Guide to Seattle

Discover Your Inner Musician at MoPOP

An aerial view of the colorful exterior of the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle
Photo Credit: Jie Liu Yidianzixun/Visit Seattle

Great for: Music and pop culture fans, tweens and teens, low-sensory opportunities

At MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture), families can rock out together and enjoy hands-on experiences. Record a track in the Sound Lab using real studio equipment and instruments, marvel at the collection of guitars in the permanent Guitar Gallery, or dive into horror films and the props that helped bring them to life. MoPOP also offers sensory-friendly mornings for adults and families who would like to experience the museum in low-sensory environment.

Also See: Fun Things to Do With Kids in Washington

Embrace Your Wild Side at Woodland Park Zoo

Great for: Animal lovers, all ages

While much of this Seattle zoo is outdoors, you’ll also find excellent indoor exhibits like the Tropical Rain Forest, which is home to jaguars, lemurs, frogs, snakes, and more. In addition to captivating animals, the zoo also boasts an indoor playground known as the Zoomazium. Here, little ones can get their energy out as they cross rope bridges and climb trees.

Enjoy Movies and Science at the Pacific Science Center

10+ Indoor Activities in Seattle for Families
Photo Credit: Rachael Jones/Visit Seattle

Great for: STEM learning, all ages

Movies are larger than life at the Pacific Science Center. Don’t miss the six-story screen at the Boeing IMAX Theater or the 35-foot PACCAR IMAX. Afterward, explore exhibits like the Laser Dome, Tropical Butterfly House, and Salt Water Tidepools. It’s a full day of science and discovery under one roof.

Also See: Catch a Show at These Washington Theaters

Marvel at Art at Chihuly Garden and Glass

A mother and daughter visit Chihuly Garden and Class, one of Seattle's top indoor attractions.

Great for: Art lovers, tweens and teens

Adults and kids alike will be captivated when they step into the magical wonderland that is Chihuly Garden and Glass. Featuring the work of renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, you’ll find bright bursts of blown glass around every corner. Sign up for an audio tour to learn all about the exhibits. Don’t miss the Glasshouse, an indoor 40-foot-tall glass and steel structure that holds a 100-foot-long sculpture and offers views of the nearby Space Needle. 

Also See: Washington’s Glass Art Scene

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth at a Local Ice Cream Shop

A toddler sits on a table eating an ice cream cone while two other young boys stand next to her eating ice cream cones
Courtesy of Molly Moon’s Handmade Ice Cream

Great for: Sweet treats, all ages

There are quite a few delicious ice cream spots that have popped up in Seattle over the years. Frankie & Jo’s, Sweet Alchemy Ice Creamery, and and Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream all serve up tasty treats in classic and creative flavors. Stop into one of Molly Moon’s multiple locations for a scoop of mouthwatering salted caramel or mocha chip.

Find Hidden Treasures at Vintage Shops

A family - mom, dad, two young daughters, and grandmother - dress up in vintage clothes and sunglasses inside the Fremont Vintage Mall

Great for: Deal lovers, all ages

Head to Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood for vintage shopping that’s fun for the whole family. The Fremont Vintage Mall is packed full of quirky finds, from clothing and accessories to kids’ toys. Wander the maze of paths and delight in finding every member of the family something that matches their unique personality.

Steps from iconic Pike Place Market, which brims with stalls offering used books and other vintage items, sprawling Seattle Antiques Market has been in business in the same location since 1978, even appearing on Pawn Stars Do America. Its showrooms have something for everyone, whether you’re looking for estate jewelry or games. 

Also See: Explore Washington’s Antiquing Destinations

Put Your Reflexes to the Test at the Seattle Pinball Museum

Explore hands-on museums, an aquarium, and more with these indoor activities that are perfect for families.
Photo Credit: Alabastro Photography/Visit Seattle

Great for: Retro gaming, older kids (must be 7+)

The Seattle Pinball Museum is like an arcade and museum wrapped into one. This unique attraction is great for older kids and features more than 50 vintage pinball machines — including ones that date back to 1934. Each machine has its own theme, twists, turns, and challenges. The Attack from Mars, Toy Story 4, Star Wars Episode 1, and Guns N’ Roses pinball machines are just the beginning of the excitement. Admission includes free play on games exhibited.

Also See: More Family Trip Inspiration

Beyond Seattle: Nearby Indoor Activities For Families

Kids Discovery Museum, Bainbridge Island

Great for: Interactive play, all ages

Hop a 35-minute ferry from downtown Seattle to reach the Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu) on picturesque Bainbridge Island. Climbing walls, art stations, and toddler-friendly grocery setups make this island spot a perfect escape from the bustling city.

Kidsquest Children’s Museum, Bellevue

Great for: STEM learning, younger kids, low-sensory opportunities

The Kidsquest Children’s Museum in the heart of Bellevue invites kids to build, experiment, and create. Highlights include the Recycle Rebuild engineering exhibit, an Art Studio, and a two-story Atrium Climber where they can test their navigation skills.

Elevated Sportz Trampoline Park, Bothell

Great for: Active play, older kids (check age and height requirements)

Located just north of Seattle, Elevated Sportz Trampoline Park is the perfect way to get your kids moving during a rainy day. Reach new heights on 10,000 square feet of trampolines, feel like a spy in the laser maze, and navigate your way through the ninja course.

About the Author

Sarah Etinas is a full-time travel writer and avid adventurer who has written for dozens of publications including Time Out, Tripadvisor, and Insider. When she’s not writing, Sarah practices what she preaches by traveling to new destinations and hiking to beautiful waterfalls.