Planning: 3 days in Seattle - with 2 kids

[QF WP]

Flying into SEA on 5th July and there for 6th - 8th with the possibility of extending to 9th (as currently 2 nights planned for Everett 9th and 10th but hoping to only do one).

We had a chat with AFF/FT friends on the weekend about things to do there and I have read the previous thread in this Forum. Been looking at websites like this one: The 24 best things to do in Seattle with kids

So my thoughts are currently
- Pikes Place Market
- Seattle Centre (for Sky Needle and Science Centre)
- Gates Foundation Visitor Centre
- Pier 57

I want to do the Centurylink Field tour (as a long time Seahawks fan) and of course the Museum of Flight, but not sure any of my family will join me - they think I'm a bit geeky .

We are tossing up whether to stay out at SeaTac and get the light rail in/out each day as the overall cost will be cheaper than SEA hotels. Our kids are 8 and 11 and are okay to walk a bit. Looking at Hiltons, IHG or Hyatt properties (as Diamond with Hilton but base with the other two). Plus it might give me some airport views for some plane departures and arrivals.

 

[Denali]

Love Seattle, so many good memories there (my first OS trip as well). I see you mention Everett but no Boeing factory tour?

Pike Place Markets can get really crowded but for the totally gross for kids factor, swing left down Gum Alley. It disgusts me but kids like ewhh stuff. If you go after dusk, the Pike Place neon lighting is cool.

I also suggest taking the monorail from the centre to the Space Needle, kids might enjoy it. Theres also the Chiluly Garden & Glass (next to Space Needle) but go at dusk to get some cool photos of the glass with the space needle. Kids seem to enjoy the outdoor glass garden more.

Pioneer Square for some coffee and old buildings and check out some glass blowing artisan stores. Not far is a very quite corner zen garden space, there is a marker on the ground that the first UPS store was once there.

If you are a Hendrix fan, which my husband is, about 40mins from town is Jimi Hendrix grave and nearby is the newly open Jimi Hendrix park. We're not grave chases usually but this was important to hubby.

Oh and if the weather is clear, Gas Works Park and the Troll for the kids and get the kids to hunt for random artwork all over the place, Seattle has fantastic street art, you just have to notice it. Found a very cool light feature at Pike Place Markets, looked like the original ACDC singer next to a wall light feature.

Im team hotel in the city.

 

[get me outta here]

You mention the Seattle Centre which does offer so many things. Apart from those on your list there's also the big water spout. Take the kids swimmers etc as the kids were having a wonderful time playing under it. The water plays in synch with music. The kids sequels of delight were a delight. Also, pop into the Dale Chihuly Glass shop. There's a few random pix here: big water spout seattle centre - Google Search

 

[kermatu]

Going back a few years, but Seattle was the first US city I experienced, and as a tourist. I loved it. Very relaxed and friendly.

I would also suggest staying in the city. Cabs are pretty cheap though so staying a bit out of town shouldn't be a problem.

I utilised a city pass card for 2 or 3 days, which gave me access to a lot of sites (including Museum of Flight - absolute no-brainer for all of you to attend), the monorail and the space needle, as well as a harbour cruise. Not sure if it is still available - think it was the Go City Card.

There's plenty to do around the space needle. But the better views of the city are not from the needle but elsewhere. The Columbia Centre has a cheaper and better observation floor. If that appeals. (I did both).

My only other suggestion would be to take the family to a baseball game. Great family atmosphere and an evening game would be fun - even with zero interest or knowledge of baseball I reckon. The Mariners seem to be home and playing evening games on the 5th and 6th, and arvo games the next two days (but I wouldn't waste an afternoon at the baseball).

 

[QF WP]

@kermatu , we have a 4 night booking at the Hilton SeaTac as we get in at 5.20pm (from LAX). Uncertain as to how we're going to manage getting and loading the Light Rail passes and the time to get into the CBD with kids aged 8 and 11. We're thinking at least if they are in the nearby Hilton pool, my wife can observe them whilst I go and get the passes. For an average $220USD per night including breakfast (the joys of Honors Diamond might help with an upgrade), the ~30 mins into CBD every morning then onto parks/attractions is a seriously good deal.

We are looking at Embassy Suites Pioneer Square as an alternate, it's nearby to a light rail station, Amtrak (for our move onto Everett and beyond) as well as CenturyLink Field. But the cost is upwards of $357USD per night. Not sure I can justify that (unless I blow all my points for a couple of nights, tagged with a couple of paid nights)

I'll go and research the Go City card, sounds a good idea.

Interesting idea about the baseball - but I'm the only one with any interest in sport. A 4 hour long game for the atmosphere...well, I'll ask but I think I know the answer. They'd rather be in a pool...which both hotels have

 

[Denali]

My friend that travels to Seattle often stays at Homewood Suites by Hilton.

 

[kermatu]

@kermatu , we have a 4 night booking at the Hilton SeaTac as we get in at 5.20pm (from LAX). Uncertain as to how we're going to manage getting and loading the Light Rail passes and the time to get into the CBD with kids aged 8 and 11. We're thinking at least if they are in the nearby Hilton pool, my wife can observe them whilst I go and get the passes. For an average $220USD per night including breakfast (the joys of Honors Diamond might help with an upgrade), the ~30 mins into CBD every morning then onto parks/attractions is a seriously good deal.

We are looking at Embassy Suites Pioneer Square as an alternate, it's nearby to a light rail station, Amtrak (for our move onto Everett and beyond) as well as CenturyLink Field. But the cost is upwards of $357USD per night. Not sure I can justify that (unless I blow all my points for a couple of nights, tagged with a couple of paid nights)

I'll go and research the Go City card, sounds a good idea.

Interesting idea about the baseball - but I'm the only one with any interest in sport. A 4 hour long game for the atmosphere...well, I'll ask but I think I know the answer. They'd rather be in a pool...which both hotels have

I haven't researched current prices but would taxis be an alternative to the light rail? Would save some time and my recollection from years ago is they were reasonable even as a solo traveler then. The light rail and buses were good too though. You'll certainly see a greater cross-section of society on public transport.

If you can get ultra-cheap tickets for the baseball it's the kind of thing you could pop into for an hour just for the experience. I've been lucky to get baseball tickets for seats with a reasonable view (behind the plate although up high, or at an angle but mid-level) a few days out from an event for under $10 on stubhub.com At that price if the game is dull or not your cup of tea, easy to leave.

Just looked up the Go card and sadly is no longer sold. Replaced by the City Pass which is not as good value unless those particular sites appeal (which they may do). Here is info on the Go Card anyway: Go Seattle Card - Tourist Pass. It has a link to the Pass card as well. There might be better places to purchase from however.

 

[ckck]

I really enjoyed the Underground tour in Seattle UNDERGROUND TOUR located at Pioneer Square.

Also close by is another skyscraper, Smith Tower. Smith Tower – About

Another vote for going to the Baseball. Go Mariners!

I stayed in the city and appreciated the convenience.

If you are thinking about staying in Everett and are interested in planes you can stay at a hotel on Boeing Field. Hilton Garden Inn, Everett.

hths,

ckck

 

[QF WP]

My friend that travels to Seattle often stays at Homewood Suites by Hilton.

I reviewed both but neither came up with both of the must haves (have pool and be near light rail walking with children and bags) and be price appropriate.

 

[QF WP]

I haven't researched current prices but would taxis be an alternative to the light rail? Would save some time and my recollection from years ago is they were reasonable even as a solo traveler then. The light rail and buses were good too though. You'll certainly see a greater cross-section of society on public transport.

Another form of transport to add to our list and your last point is very valid - I want my kids to experience everything life has to offer and not just a limo to the hotel.

If you can get ultra-cheap tickets for the baseball it's the kind of thing you could pop into for an hour just for the experience. I've been lucky to get baseball tickets for seats with a reasonable view (behind the plate although up high, or at an angle but mid-level) a few days out from an event for under $10 on stubhub.com At that price if the game is dull or not your cup of tea, easy to leave.

Love that idea! Will have a look at the site

Just looked up the Go card and sadly is no longer sold. Replaced by the City Pass which is not as good value unless those particular sites appeal (which they may do). Here is info on the Go Card anyway: Go Seattle Card - Tourist Pass. It has a link to the Pass card as well. There might be better places to purchase from however.

Sadly the case sometimes but appreciate you responding to my thread with idea. Will check out the City Pass

 

[QF WP]

I really enjoyed the Underground tour in Seattle UNDERGROUND TOUR located at Pioneer Square.

Read about it but discounted for issues in reviews and cost

Also close by is another skyscraper, Smith Tower. Smith Tower – About

Another vote for going to the Baseball. Go Mariners!

I stayed in the city and appreciated the convenience.

If you are thinking about staying in Everett and are interested in planes you can stay at a hotel on Boeing Field. Hilton Garden Inn, Everett.

hths,

ckck

Whilst I’d love to stay there, the rest of my family won with a more centrally located Hilton brand closer to things they want to do whilst I’m off doing my Boeing Tour

 

[Denali]

I was going to suggest Stubhub, I was happy with our dealing with them.

Oh, and Ballard Lock ladder for the salmon run (check dates/info), kids might like that.

 

[QF WP]

Thanks @Denali saw the Ballard Lock - in about a week, will be sharing with the kids all oft the options we have short-listed and see which ones they want to do.

 

[Lynda2475]

Last trip to Seattle I stayed at Hotel Max (620 Stewart Street, Seattle) boutique hotel, easy walk to everything downtown and a quick monorail ride up to the space needle.

I did a couple of food tours with these guys: Savor Seattle Food Tours - Taste Seattle's Best Food a great way to sample several cusines - and no need to eat again afterwards.

If you have time a day trip up to Mount Rainier is fun, provided there are clear skies.

 

[amaroo]

Have been trying to get to Seattle for as long as I can remember ..... look forward to your TR!

 

[Denali]

I'm reminded we stayed at the Mayflower or something like that but we could see the Westin from our room... during some sort of Anime convention.

Looked outside our window and saw young women wearing pink hello kitty maid outfits and horse and mouse heads in their rooms.... strange.

 

[QF WP]

Have been trying to get to Seattle for as long as I can remember ..... look forward to your TR!

It's been a while since I did one - Hmmm, will have to use Notes on my iPad as I'm not going to be taking my laptop

 

[Bundy Bear]

Having just been to Seattle a few things I would consider.

Its good idea to stay near the airport on your first night not sure if I would stay near the airport for more nights.
Museum of flight yes do that, for you that could take all day.
Underground tour is worth a 2nd look, done it twice over 19 years.
Klondike museum one we found that was good.
Smith tower was interesting but partly because it had a bar at the top, view are awesome.
Gates foundation thing was a waste of time, maybe interesting to some people but I wouldn't plan on it.
Museum of pop would be good to do that, missed it this time.
Another interesting trip would be a ferry to Bainbridge Island.
Pike Market I thought was boring.
Boeing museum or what ever they call it wasn't much fun, a stop via the museum shop it worth a look, leave room in your bag for purchases.
The Boeing tour you have to book, I have done it once and then a Flyertalk one in 2010 was brilliant, unlikely do a regular tour again.
I think of more later.

 

[TheRealTMA]

I really enjoyed the Underground tour in Seattle UNDERGROUND TOUR located at Pioneer Square.

Also close by is another skyscraper, Smith Tower. Smith Tower – About

Another vote for going to the Baseball. Go Mariners!

I stayed in the city and appreciated the convenience.

If you are thinking about staying in Everett and are interested in planes you can stay at a hotel on Boeing Field. Hilton Garden Inn, Everett.

hths,

ckck

Second that. We did the underground tour and it was very good.

Find some time to spend an hour at the Shuckers (Oyster bar) in the Fairmont downtown. Happy hour for oysters 3-5 as I remember?
Seattle Seafood Restaurant - Shuckers Oyster Bar in Seattle - Fairmont Olympic

 

[QF WP]

Having just been to Seattle a few things I would consider.

Its good idea to stay near the airport on your first night not sure if I would stay near the airport for more nights.
Museum of flight yes do that, for you that could take all day.
Underground tour is worth a 2nd look, done it twice over 19 years.
Klondike museum one we found that was good.
Smith tower was interesting but partly because it had a bar at the top, view are awesome.
Gates foundation thing was a waste of time, maybe interesting to some people but I wouldn't plan on it.
Museum of pop would be good to do that, missed it this time.
Another interesting trip would be a ferry to Bainbridge Island.
Pike Market I thought was boring.
Boeing museum or what ever they call it wasn't much fun, a stop via the museum shop it worth a look, leave room in your bag for purchases.
The Boeing tour you have to book, I have done it once and then a Flyertalk one in 2010 was brilliant, unlikely do a regular tour again.
I think of more later.

Was waiting for your response .

Had made a 4 night booking in for the Hilton SeaTac (as we arrive at 5:20pm) for ~$225 USD per night as our fall back and been researching all the others in the Hilton chain. Must have's are a pool (for us all) and close to light rail (our transport of choice), with a price that I don't have to re-mortgage my house.

Whittled it down to 4 with the best being Embassy Suites Pioneer Square. Only have 114K Hilton points available (enough for maybe 1 night) and the $$ per night have had me reaching for my loan application form. Been watching rates creep up and now $350+ and unable to find 3 night in a suitable room (to sleep 4) as we need Suites (1 or 2 bed) with 2 Queens. Mrs QF WP is also dead against property hopping - she knows about mattress runs and my predilections

Thanks for the update on things to do. Museum of Flight booked (me only) for the Sunday, including Runway Tour. Smith Tower and Bainbridge Island Ferry - will add them to the short list.

Booked the Hampton Inn @ Everett CBD and Boeing Tour for me in the afternoon. Was temped to book the Garden Inn, but there probably would be nothing for Mrs QF WP and kids to do - whereas there are things in Everett that I have already earmarked. Also on the plus side, Hertz is around the block from the Hampton Inn (as we are picking up hire car and I'm driving to our mutual friends in Blaine, then across to Spokane).