Free or low cost activities in Seattle.
Seattle is a fascinating city. It's one of the best places to enjoy the excitement of an urban area and the natural beauty of the great outdoors, and there are a number of free things to do. Seattle's stunning architecture, beautiful waterfront, and wide range of attractions have made it a very popular tourist spot. That means it can be quite a pricey trip, especially for families. Fortunately, Seattle has many interesting places to visit that are completely free or that are affordable. Keep reading to find out how your family can enjoy the splendid city of Seattle on a tight budget!
1. Browse the oddities for free at Ye Olde Curiosity Shop.
More than a century ago, Ye Olde Curiosity Shop opened its doors and began attracting crowds of inquisitive visitors. They were dazzled by incredible shrunken heads, larger-than-life whale vertebra, and mysterious mummies.
The eccentric collection has grown substantially over the years, from wonderfully weird additions to others that are downright bizarre. Taking in the wacky sights at the shop won't cost you a thing, but you might not be able to leave without a souvenir from this magical spot.
2. Travel to distant galaxies at Jacobsen Observatory.
Jacobsen Observatory is a breathtaking structure nestled on the beautiful grounds of the University of Washington. The UW Department of Astronomy welcomes guests to open houses at the observatory on select days from April-September. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the solar system and its many moons, stars, and planets. The 126-year old telescope offers visitors a magnificent view of the night sky. If you're lucky, you'll get a closer look at Saturn, Mars, Jupiter, and the moon.
3. Take in the beauty of nature at Washington Park Arboretum.
Take the family on a free nature expedition through the gorgeous greenery of the Washington Park Arboretum. The park boasts more than 230 acres of towering trees, stunning blooms, and marshy wetlands.
Visitors can enjoy a leisurely hike on the winding trails or rent a canoe (for a small fee) and set out to explore the waterfront. You're bound to spot some interesting wildlife along the way, like majestic blue herons and fuzzy baby ducklings.
4. Explore the nautical fun at The Center for Wooden Boats.
Spend the day wandering around The Center for Wooden Boats to discover fascinating knowledge about boating. Keep your eyes peeled for "Climb Aboard!" signs inviting visitors to get a closer look at the awesome vessels. Kids will love exploring the inside of the boats and imagining what it's like to sail on the high seas!
On Sundays, the whole family can embark on the "Sunday Public Sail." Enjoy a ride on a variety of boats, from schooners to steamboats to yachts. For very small fees that low income visitors or tourists can afford, kids can participate in activities like sailing a miniature yacht on the pond ($5) or building their very own toy boat ($3).
5. Watch their imaginations soar at Seattle Center.
Seattle Center is a vibrant hub of entertainment. Sure, a lot of the attractions can cost a pretty penny (shopping, dining, live theater, and sporting events) but there are also plenty of things to see and do for free at the center. There's something to peak everyone's interest at The Seattle Center, from beautiful fountains to exhilarating skate parks.
In the warm months, kids can splash around in the spray from the incredible International Fountain. A free great spot to visit any time of year is "Artists at Play." This innovative area was created by talented artists to encourage healthy and imaginative play for kids. They'll have a blast scaling the enormous climbing tower, zooming down the zig-zag tunnel slide, and creating a symphony on the sound swings.
Seattle Center is also home to numerous pieces of gorgeous art work in a variety of styles. Take an evening stroll through Kreielsheimer Promenade to take in the dazzling beauty of "Dreaming in Color," an art piece created from glowing, pulsing lights. Another piece you won't want to miss is "Bird Song Listening Station"--a sculpture that's a treat for the eyes and the ears. The kinetic sculpture uses sunlight and wind to power a recording of bird songs.
6. See impressive aircraft at the Museum of Flight.
Get ready for an exciting look at the unique commercial and military aircraft found at this very cool air and space museum. The whole family can get a closer look at more than 19 planes, including the first Air Force One, World War II bombers, and jet fighters from the Korean War.
Interested in exploring something beyond our friendly skies? Check out the space gallery for interactive, out-of-this-world exhibits. You can learn about the crew's adventures aboard the space shuttle and the innovative ideas that sparked the design of the shuttle. The Museum of Flight offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month.
7. Take a time out at Waterfall Garden Park.
This hidden gem is the perfect spot for a relaxing picnic. Kids will love exploring the area around the 22-foot waterfall, and parents will enjoy the magical atmosphere created by the beautiful greenery and rushing water. Waterfall Garden Park is also a fantastic place to capture some family photos.
8. Embrace the great outdoors for free at Discovery Park in Seattle.
If you're looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, visit the marvelous Discovery Park. The park consists of a wide range of natural beauty, including wetlands, meadows, forests, and sand dunes. This 534-acre park is the largest in Seattle, with breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains.
There are several hiking trails at Discovery Park, most of which are fairly easy and a perfect workout for little ones. After your hike around the park, be sure to stop by the play area for the kiddos. They can speed down a zip line, conquer a challenging climb, and enjoy a tree house escape built just for little ones. Take a closer look at the quaint lighthouse before you leave the park--it's a great photo spot.
Conclusion
Seattle has many interesting and unique sights that you won't find anywhere else. Gorgeous mountain ranges, rippling waters, and a vibrant downtown area all combine to create an exceptional atmosphere. The city offers numerous activities that won't cost an arm and a leg, so families can enjoy a memorable vacation without breaking the bank. Whether you're browsing the curious goods at a quirky, hole-in-the-wall shop or exploring the great outdoors at a stunning park, Seattle is sure to be an exciting experience for the whole family.
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