Guidebook for Seattle
Entertainment & Activities
This is the best mexican restaurant and you absolutely should order the Camarones Enchipotlados. Go early as it gets filled up fast.
62 locals recommend
Senor Moose Cafe
5242 Leary Avenue NorthwestThis is the best mexican restaurant and you absolutely should order the Camarones Enchipotlados. Go early as it gets filled up fast.
Love this place. I am not a big fan of donuts, but Might-O-Donuts is great. Easy to go to w/kids too.
19 locals recommend
Mighty-O Donuts Ballard
1555 NW Market StLove this place. I am not a big fan of donuts, but Might-O-Donuts is great. Easy to go to w/kids too.
We love the science center. Great on Sunday morning when they first open b/c the parking is free on the street and it is not that crowded.
271 locals recommend
Pacific Science Center
200 2nd Ave NWe love the science center. Great on Sunday morning when they first open b/c the parking is free on the street and it is not that crowded.
The Grocery Outlet is always an adventure, and I love that you never know what you might find. Great organic section. Kids love to go here.
16 locals recommend
Grocery Outlet Bargain Market
8700 15th Ave NWThe Grocery Outlet is always an adventure, and I love that you never know what you might find. Great organic section. Kids love to go here.
It took me a long, long time to go here but once I did I was hooked. The kids enjoy it and it is a cool toy store.
15 locals recommend
Snapdoodle Toys & Games
120 N 85th StIt took me a long, long time to go here but once I did I was hooked. The kids enjoy it and it is a cool toy store.
Tutta Bella is great. They have a nice happy hour that starts early (I think around 3, although not 100% sure) and it is packed with kids. We take our kids here all the time and they love it, and we love it. the pizza is good too.
65 locals recommend
Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria - Wallingford
4411 Stone Way NTutta Bella is great. They have a nice happy hour that starts early (I think around 3, although not 100% sure) and it is packed with kids. We take our kids here all the time and they love it, and we love it. the pizza is good too.
The Barking Dog Alehouse
705 NW 70th StFun place, super kid-friendly. Great atmosphere.
Our kids love to go here (and they always hope for one of those gigantic car carts that takes up the entire aisle). It is a quick walk from our house and great hours and customer service.
165 locals recommend
QFC
11100 Roosevelt Way NEOur kids love to go here (and they always hope for one of those gigantic car carts that takes up the entire aisle). It is a quick walk from our house and great hours and customer service.
Majestic Bay Theatres
2044 NW Market StVery crowded on weekends, awesome outdoor and indoor play area for children, food court and more!
625 locals recommend
Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Ave NVery crowded on weekends, awesome outdoor and indoor play area for children, food court and more!
Very crowded on weekends, great spot. Snorkeling Santa during the holiday season.
390 locals recommend
Seattle Aquarium
Very crowded on weekends, great spot. Snorkeling Santa during the holiday season.
Food Scene
The Hi-Life
5425 Russell Ave NWGreat place with nice happy hour and kid-friendly options.
I would say this is a good place to grab a drink or breakfast but do not let the train table deceive you. There was a time this place was relatively kid-friendly (until about 7 p.m.) but I would say this is not the case anymore. The food is not good, either.
28 locals recommend
Phinney Market Pub & Eatery
5918 Phinney Avenue NorthI would say this is a good place to grab a drink or breakfast but do not let the train table deceive you. There was a time this place was relatively kid-friendly (until about 7 p.m.) but I would say this is not the case anymore. The food is not good, either.
Amazing pizza! Super small so I would suggest arriving right when they open. While you can absolutely bring children I would advise an older child or one that does a really good job sitting still. For pizza with kids I think Tutta Bella is a better fit. Delancey is great date night place.
123 locals recommend
Delancey
1415 NW 70th StAmazing pizza! Super small so I would suggest arriving right when they open. While you can absolutely bring children I would advise an older child or one that does a really good job sitting still. For pizza with kids I think Tutta Bella is a better fit. Delancey is great date night place.
This is a great little restaurant about a 5-10 minute walk from the house. Nice little outdoor area, super kid-friendly, friendly atmosphere.
55 locals recommend
Ristorante Picolinos
6415 32nd Ave NWThis is a great little restaurant about a 5-10 minute walk from the house. Nice little outdoor area, super kid-friendly, friendly atmosphere.
Great sushi, outstanding beach time menu/happy hour. We go without kids (preferred) and with. It can get busy so go early if you can.
38 locals recommend
Billy Beach Sushi & Bar
5463 Leary Ave NWGreat sushi, outstanding beach time menu/happy hour. We go without kids (preferred) and with. It can get busy so go early if you can.
Great restaurant, kid-friendly with awesome gluten-free and vegan options. About a 10 minute drive from the house in wonderful Greenwood neighborhood.
24 locals recommend
RAZZíS PIZZERíA GREENWOOD
8523 Greenwood Ave NGreat restaurant, kid-friendly with awesome gluten-free and vegan options. About a 10 minute drive from the house in wonderful Greenwood neighborhood.
Tilth Restaurant
1411 N 45th StBrimmer & Heeltap
425 NW Market StGreat restaurant, but little. Make a reservation. Perfect for date night, about a 10-15 minute drive from the house. Nice place to have dinner and then take a walk around the lake. I would not take children here (maybe 1 older child...)
49 locals recommend
mkt.
2108 N 55th StGreat restaurant, but little. Make a reservation. Perfect for date night, about a 10-15 minute drive from the house. Nice place to have dinner and then take a walk around the lake. I would not take children here (maybe 1 older child...)
Frēlard Pizza Company
4010 Leary Way NWFun, great outdoor space, good pizza, great for families.
Joule
3506 Stone Way NVegan friends love this place, good vegan options and good overall restaurant with nice atmosphere. Nice brunch too. Reservations recommended.
7 locals recommend
Golden Beetle
Vegan friends love this place, good vegan options and good overall restaurant with nice atmosphere. Nice brunch too. Reservations recommended.
Five Guys
311 NE 103rd StCafe Besalu
5909 24th Ave NWAmazing - busy on weekends and expect a line.
Dick's Drive-In
115 Broadway EWell known burger spot - a must visit while in Seattle
Busy on weekends and warm summer days, but well worth the wait!
468 locals recommend
Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream
917 E Pine StBusy on weekends and warm summer days, but well worth the wait!
Mamnoon
1508 Melrose AvePoppy
622 Broadway E Great spot, good atmosphere, good food.
Capitol Hill is a food lover's dream neighborhood. Bar Cotto never disappoints!
35 locals recommend
Bar Cotto
1546 15th Ave Capitol Hill is a food lover's dream neighborhood. Bar Cotto never disappoints!
Great vegetarian thai restaurant - also location in University District.
19 locals recommend
Araya's Place
2808 East Madison StreetGreat vegetarian thai restaurant - also location in University District.
Bakery Nouveau
4737 California Ave SWPestle Rock
2305 NW Market StAn old favorite! Fremont offers plenty of good, inexpensive Thai restaurants.
25 locals recommend
Jai Thai Restaurant
3423 Fremont Ave NAn old favorite! Fremont offers plenty of good, inexpensive Thai restaurants.
Pono Ranch Restaurant & Bar
4502 Shilshole Ave NWFun spot, a little random in terms of location.
Skillet - Ballard
Good happy hour, great for all ages, child-friendly.
Giddy Up Burgers
4600 Leary Way NWPopular, fun spot, reservation may be needed. Not ideal for small children.
59 locals recommend
Staple & Fancy
4739 Ballard Ave NWPopular, fun spot, reservation may be needed. Not ideal for small children.
Porkchop & Co.
5451 Leary Ave NWRoyal Drummer
6420 24th Ave NWAbout a 5-10 minute walk from home - might be worth checking out!
Popular Brunch spot - several locations in the city.
88 locals recommend
Portage Bay Cafe - South Lake Union
391 Terry Ave NPopular Brunch spot - several locations in the city.
Popular spot, about a 15-20 minute walk/5 minute drive. Expect a wait on weekends.
57 locals recommend
Portage Bay Cafe - Ballard
2821 NW Market StPopular spot, about a 15-20 minute walk/5 minute drive. Expect a wait on weekends.
The Yard Cafe
8313 Greenwood Ave NMighty-O Donuts Greenlake
2110 N 55th StCupcake Royale offers several locations throughout the city, this is the closest one (about a 15 minute walk). Offering cupcakes, ice cream and coffee, Cupcake Royale never disappoints!
163 locals recommend
Cupcake Royale
1111 E Pike StCupcake Royale offers several locations throughout the city, this is the closest one (about a 15 minute walk). Offering cupcakes, ice cream and coffee, Cupcake Royale never disappoints!
Almost always a line, especially on weekends, Hot Cakes is a must while visiting Seattle. The salted carmel milk shake and molten lava cake is amazing. Seating can be limited.
98 locals recommend
Hot Cakes - Molten Chocolate Cakery
5427 Ballard Ave NWAlmost always a line, especially on weekends, Hot Cakes is a must while visiting Seattle. The salted carmel milk shake and molten lava cake is amazing. Seating can be limited.
There are several locations throughout the city, this is the closet to the home, about a 5 minute drive, 15-20 minute walk. Good for quick, inexpensive pizza.
104 locals recommend
MOD Pizza
6010 15th Ave NWThere are several locations throughout the city, this is the closet to the home, about a 5 minute drive, 15-20 minute walk. Good for quick, inexpensive pizza.
Patxi's Pizza Ballard
5323 Ballard Ave NWWe love pizza, Patxi's never disappoints.
The super-friendly, family-owned/run mexican restaurant is a must! There burritos are huge and it is great for all ages. Outdoor space in summer, kid-friendly and ample seating. They do have a small and congested parking lot, with some street parking nearby.
55 locals recommend
Gorditos
213 N 85th StThe super-friendly, family-owned/run mexican restaurant is a must! There burritos are huge and it is great for all ages. Outdoor space in summer, kid-friendly and ample seating. They do have a small and congested parking lot, with some street parking nearby.
Biscuit & Bean
5905 15th Avenue NorthwestPopular spot in Ballard, about a 15 minute walk/5 minute drive.
Arashi Ramen is great! Small, casual atmosphere, easy on the budget. Spicy Miso is a personal favorite.
26 locals recommend
Arashi Ramen
5401 20th Ave NWArashi Ramen is great! Small, casual atmosphere, easy on the budget. Spicy Miso is a personal favorite.
The Fat Hen
1418 NW 70th StNice little spot, great for breakfast or lunch. Can get crowded.
Good, budget friendly restaurant, about a 15 minute walk from the home. Friendly owner and family-operated!
15 locals recommend
Kimchi House
5809 24th Ave NWGood, budget friendly restaurant, about a 15 minute walk from the home. Friendly owner and family-operated!
La Isla
2320 NW Market StPopular spot, located across from Ballard High School, inexpensive mexican food.
31 locals recommend
el camion
5314 15th Avenue NorthwestPopular spot, located across from Ballard High School, inexpensive mexican food.
Toast Ballard
5615 24th Ave NWQuaint little spot, about a 15 minute walk from the house.
Mr. Gyros
5522 20th Ave NWScooter's has been around a long time, reasonable in price, good burger and milk shake spot. Quick and easy 15 minute walk from home with a small parking lot and some off-street parking available. Seating area inside is limited.
10 locals recommend
Scooter's Burgers
5802 24th Ave NWScooter's has been around a long time, reasonable in price, good burger and milk shake spot. Quick and easy 15 minute walk from home with a small parking lot and some off-street parking available. Seating area inside is limited.
The Other Coast Cafe
5315 Ballard Ave NWGreat for a sandwich on the go or to stay and eat.
Friendly staff, large space so never an issue to sit & eat, budget and family-friendly.
12 locals recommend
Pho Big Bowl
2248 NW Market StFriendly staff, large space so never an issue to sit & eat, budget and family-friendly.
Shiku Sushi
5310 Ballard Ave NWAnother favorite sushi spot, decent happy hour.
Jhanjay Vegetarian Thai Cuisine
2242 Northwest Market StreetAwesome vegetarian restaurant!
An old favorite of ours, we usually ordered in as the restaurant is not large.
53 locals recommend
Veraci Pizza
500 NW Market StAn old favorite of ours, we usually ordered in as the restaurant is not large.
Miro Tea
5405 Ballard Ave NWMoshi Moshi Sushi
5324 Ballard Ave NWAnother good sushi spot, decent happy hour, fun atmosphere!
Ray's Boathouse
6049 Seaview Ave NWStunning view, nice atmosphere, a local favorite.
Lighthouse Roasters
400 N 43rd StFavorite coffee spot!
Fun local spot with plenty of samples. Tours are popular and must be booked in advance. I believe they now offer a tour for children on weekends. It is in Fremont, which is fun, artsy neighborhood on the ship canal. The tours last about an hour and you will get plenty of samples. Check out the gift shop on your way out.
201 locals recommend
Theo Chocolate
3400 Phinney Ave NFun local spot with plenty of samples. Tours are popular and must be booked in advance. I believe they now offer a tour for children on weekends. It is in Fremont, which is fun, artsy neighborhood on the ship canal. The tours last about an hour and you will get plenty of samples. Check out the gift shop on your way out.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
1124 Pike StA coffee lovers must stop spot.
Shopping
We love Two Smiling Feet (there is also one in Ballard on Market) Never much of a wait and $30 reflexology massage = bargain. Buy the 5 pack and I think you get one free, well worth it if you plan to stay in Seattle for a while.
8 locals recommend
Two Smiling Feet
600 N 36th StWe love Two Smiling Feet (there is also one in Ballard on Market) Never much of a wait and $30 reflexology massage = bargain. Buy the 5 pack and I think you get one free, well worth it if you plan to stay in Seattle for a while.
Plenty of shops to explore including Anthropologie, Peek, J.Crew, Banana, Gap, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel and more. Din Tai Fung for dinner and ice cream at Molly Moons is a must! Make sure you put your name in when you arrive as the wait can be long. Small play area for kids that can get busy especially on weekends.
403 locals recommend
University Village
2623 NE University Village StPlenty of shops to explore including Anthropologie, Peek, J.Crew, Banana, Gap, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel and more. Din Tai Fung for dinner and ice cream at Molly Moons is a must! Make sure you put your name in when you arrive as the wait can be long. Small play area for kids that can get busy especially on weekends.
Mall is about a 10 minute drive from the home with decent play area for children. Shops include Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Macy's, JCPenny, and more. TJMAXX, Target, Best Buy, DSW all in the area. Red Robin, Chipotle and a variety of other restaurants nearby. Can be crowded on weekends.
9 locals recommend
Northeast Northgate Way
Northeast Northgate WayMall is about a 10 minute drive from the home with decent play area for children. Shops include Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Macy's, JCPenny, and more. TJMAXX, Target, Best Buy, DSW all in the area. Red Robin, Chipotle and a variety of other restaurants nearby. Can be crowded on weekends.
Fremont Sunday Street Market
3401 Evanston Ave NFun market to check out!
Small produce store we used to walk to all the time (15 minute walk, approx). Short 2 - 4 minute drive with small parking lot/ample off-street parking nearby. Love this place!
18 locals recommend
Top Banana
6501 15th Ave NWSmall produce store we used to walk to all the time (15 minute walk, approx). Short 2 - 4 minute drive with small parking lot/ample off-street parking nearby. Love this place!
Costco Wholesale
8629 120th Ave NECostco is about a 25 minute drive from the home.
Fun little boutique on Phinney Ave, another popular area with restaurants and boutique shops.
Frock Boutique
6500 Phinney Avenue NorthFun little boutique on Phinney Ave, another popular area with restaurants and boutique shops.
Pacific Place
600 Pine StParks & Nature
Discovery Park
3801 Discovery Park BlvdCarkeek Park
950 NW Carkeek Park RdKirke Park
7028 9th Ave NWWebster Park
3025 NW 68th StSalmon Bay Park
2001 NW Canoe PlGas Works Park
2101 N Northlake WayFun park for all ages to enjoy!
Kerry Park
211 W Highland DrNice view park with fun playground for kids!
Green Lake is a must visit while in Seattle - path along the lake offers one side for walking/running & the other side for bike riding. Park offers playground and wading pool on warm days (note: both spaces often very busy). Popular year-round plan additional time to park on warm summer days.
624 locals recommend
Green Lake
Green Lake is a must visit while in Seattle - path along the lake offers one side for walking/running & the other side for bike riding. Park offers playground and wading pool on warm days (note: both spaces often very busy). Popular year-round plan additional time to park on warm summer days.
Really nice park that offers just about everything - playground, ample outdoor area to roam, wading area and Arena Sports with fantastic bounce house and indoor play options nearby.
159 locals recommend
Warren G. Magnuson Park
7400 Sand Point Way NEReally nice park that offers just about everything - playground, ample outdoor area to roam, wading area and Arena Sports with fantastic bounce house and indoor play options nearby.
Open July - Labor Day Wed - Sun (please double check prior to trip).
Take a free ferry ride to Jetty Island, a 2 mile long, half-mile wide artificially made island.
23 locals recommend
Jetty Island
Open July - Labor Day Wed - Sun (please double check prior to trip).
Take a free ferry ride to Jetty Island, a 2 mile long, half-mile wide artificially made island.
Awesome park, great for all ages, public beach, rare in Seattle! It is very popular public beach in the summer so parking may be a challenge (you may walk from the home but plan a 30-45 minute walk)
728 locals recommend
Golden Gardens Park
8498 Seaview Pl NWAwesome park, great for all ages, public beach, rare in Seattle! It is very popular public beach in the summer so parking may be a challenge (you may walk from the home but plan a 30-45 minute walk)
When you tire of Golden Gardens, this may be worth the 25 minute drive, as this is one of the two beaches to go to in Seattle.
865 locals recommend
Alki Beach
When you tire of Golden Gardens, this may be worth the 25 minute drive, as this is one of the two beaches to go to in Seattle.
Essentials
Trader Joe's
1700 E Madison StUwajimaya
600 5th Ave SWorth the trip to the International District!
Extremely popular with locals, can get crowded on weekends. Market is about a 5 minute drive (ample parking in lot provided) or a 20 minute walk.
149 locals recommend
Ballard Market
1400 NW 56th StExtremely popular with locals, can get crowded on weekends. Market is about a 5 minute drive (ample parking in lot provided) or a 20 minute walk.
Sightseeing
Fremont Troll
Troll Avenue NorthFun to take a peek!
State Capitol Building [nb] station
Pike Place Market
1531 Western AveSeattle Waterfront
Several businesses call SLU 'home' and include Amazon, Fred Hutch, Microsoft, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. For fun check out the SLU Discovery Center, Center for Wooden Boats, Museum of History and Industry, spray park - one of the newest and coolest neighborhoods in Seattle.
149 locals recommend
South Lake Union
Several businesses call SLU 'home' and include Amazon, Fred Hutch, Microsoft, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. For fun check out the SLU Discovery Center, Center for Wooden Boats, Museum of History and Industry, spray park - one of the newest and coolest neighborhoods in Seattle.
Market Street and Ballard Avenue offer plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars. The Farmer's Market is a must-see on Sunday (popular and can be very crowded).
261 locals recommend
Ballard
Market Street and Ballard Avenue offer plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars. The Farmer's Market is a must-see on Sunday (popular and can be very crowded).
Perfect for all ages - watch the boats go through the locks, see the visiter center, relax on the lawn, walk the gardens, and see the fish ladder when the salmon are running! A must see.
774 locals recommend
Ballard (Hiram M. Chittenden) Locks
3015 NW 54th StPerfect for all ages - watch the boats go through the locks, see the visiter center, relax on the lawn, walk the gardens, and see the fish ladder when the salmon are running! A must see.
Uwajimaya Grocery, Hot Pot, lots of great Asian spots, the train station and two sport's stadiums. International District is about 20 minutes away by car.
200 locals recommend
Seattle Chinatown-International District
Uwajimaya Grocery, Hot Pot, lots of great Asian spots, the train station and two sport's stadiums. International District is about 20 minutes away by car.
Bainbridge Island is a ferry ride away, ideal for walking onto the ferry. The 35 minute ride is beautiful and relaxing. The quaint little town with restaurants, shops, etc. is a short walk from the terminal.
138 locals recommend
Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island is a ferry ride away, ideal for walking onto the ferry. The 35 minute ride is beautiful and relaxing. The quaint little town with restaurants, shops, etc. is a short walk from the terminal.
Eclectic, artsy neighborhood a short 10 minute drive way. Fun for all ages. Think hippie meets yuppie with well known solstice parade (annual) Lenin statue and troll under bridge. Theo's chocolate factory. Free samples and tours (reserve). A variety of restaurants to choose from, budget friendly to upscale.
251 locals recommend
Fremont
Eclectic, artsy neighborhood a short 10 minute drive way. Fun for all ages. Think hippie meets yuppie with well known solstice parade (annual) Lenin statue and troll under bridge. Theo's chocolate factory. Free samples and tours (reserve). A variety of restaurants to choose from, budget friendly to upscale.
Hip, trendy and fun. Beautiful homes, Volunteer Park is a must. Too many great bars, restaurants, shops to name.
344 locals recommend
Capitol Hill
Hip, trendy and fun. Beautiful homes, Volunteer Park is a must. Too many great bars, restaurants, shops to name.
Built for the 1962 World's Fair, the Seattle Center offers something for everyone. Pacific Science Center, Chihuly Garden, the EMP Museum, the Space Needle, The Seattle Children's Museum and Theatre and more. Free street parking on Sundays (arrive early!)
362 locals recommend
Seattle Center
305 Harrison StBuilt for the 1962 World's Fair, the Seattle Center offers something for everyone. Pacific Science Center, Chihuly Garden, the EMP Museum, the Space Needle, The Seattle Children's Museum and Theatre and more. Free street parking on Sundays (arrive early!)
Olympic Sculpture Park is nine acres of outdoor artwork, gardens, a fountain and beach access. It's available 365 days per year (just one indoor pavilion is closed some holidays). It's free. It's fun for all ages and a must-see.
653 locals recommend
Olympic Sculpture Park
2901 Western AveOlympic Sculpture Park is nine acres of outdoor artwork, gardens, a fountain and beach access. It's available 365 days per year (just one indoor pavilion is closed some holidays). It's free. It's fun for all ages and a must-see.
Arts & Culture
Seattle Children's Theatre
201 Thomas StThe Museum of Flight
9404 E Marginal Way SBy far the best Children's Museum we have ever been to.
67 locals recommend
Hands On Children's Museum
414 Jefferson St NEBy far the best Children's Museum we have ever been to.