Seattle rainy-day activities
November 4, 2006 – 11:39 pm1-7-07 Update: See this article in the Seattle Times for an exhaustive list of indoor play areas.
There’s nothing worse than a week (or more!) of rainy days, with nothing but the same stretching out ahead… so, I’m going to start compiling a list of places to go and things to do on rainy days to keep the kiddies (and you!) from going stir-crazy.
Zoomazium at Woodland Park Zoo
Price: Included in zoo admission (hint: get a zoo pass!)
Hours: 10am-4pm daily
The zoomazium is brand-new to the Woodland Park Zoo, and what a great addition! An all indoor play area… with a huge tree-house where kids can climb, play, and slide down… climbing rocks and caves, a nature exploration area, and even an area for toddlers. A trip here will keep CJ (our 3 year old) occupied for hours!
Pros: lots to do; lots of kids
Cons: on busy days, the quantity of screaming children can be overwhelming
1-30-07 Update: Here’s a link to a “Rainy Day Guide” for Woodland Park Zoo.
Covered play area at University Village
Price: free
Hours: 9:30am-9:00pm Mon-Sat; 11am-6pm Sun
University Village shopping area just rebuilt the toddler play area in the center of this outdoor mall. It’s fairly small, but just enough to keep the kids entertained in an outdoor (but dry!) environment. Has a small climbing structure with slide, bouncy riding toys, soft astro-turf, and is surrounded by excellent shopping, dining, and more!
Pros: fresh air; free; with shopping and coffee right next door for you!
Cons: the Hanna Andersen and Kids’ Club conveniently located right next to the play area might prove to be too tempting
Toddler Play Area at Greenlake Community Center
Price: $2/child for drop-in
Hours: 10am-7pm Mon-Fri; 10am-2:30pm Sat; closed Sunday
A big open space with lots of toys, including climbing structures, slides, playhouses, blocks, cars, play kitchen, and more.
Pros: Warm & dry; new toys and kids help keep your child entertained so that you can sit back with your book or laptop.
Cons: The flourescent lighting is slightly depressing!
Price: free
Hours: check website
Find the library closest to you and visit often. All have excellent children’s sections, with more than just books– check out stuffed animals, games, puzzles, and more. Also look for story time at most libraries on a weekly basis!
Pros: Introduce children early to the joys of the library.
Cons: The calm quiet environment may be too much for a toddler with excess pent-up energy
Price: $12.50 adult; $8.50 youth (6-12); $5.50 child (2-5); 2 and under free
Hours: 10am-5pm daily
Located on the downtown Seattle waterfront, the Seattle Aquarium is definitely worth a visit. Lots to see and do here.
Pros: Great for entertaining out-of-towners.
Cons: Note that most of the aquarium is quite dark, so it can be stressful to keep track of your children here when it’s crowded. Also, many of the aquariums are too high for small children, or those in strollers, to see into. Parking can be difficult on weekends.
Price: $10 adults, $7 juniors (3-7), more if you add an iMAX film
Hours: 10am-5pm weekdays; 10am-6pm weekends
There’s always a lot to do at the Science Center; pack a lunch and spend most of a day here! Or invest in a pass and drop in for just one exhibit at a time. Lots to do for all ages of children (fun and interesting for adults too!)
Pros: Always a hit with out-of-towners; lots to do
Cons: Parking downtown can be a pain (or expensive). Fairly pricey if you don’t stay for most of a day.
Price: $7.50 adults & children, $6.50 grandparents, babies under 1 free
Hours: 10am-5pm weekdays; 10am-6pm weekend
A museum designed just for kids… with many interactive exhibits that give kids hands-on experience with other cultures and ideas. If your wallet can handle it, consider combining a trip to The Children’s Museum with a stop at the Pacific Science Center for all-day fun.
Pros: Engaging for kids; can keep them occupied for a long time!
Cons: I hate to be the one to say it, but it’s getting pretty old & dingy… actually gave us adults the creeps the last time we were there! And all that hands-on learning always gives me the shivers during cold/flu season… and parking can be a hassle.
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