5 Kid-Friendly Museums in Seattle and How to Visit

From the Pacific Science Center to MoPop, here's where to spend your time.

2 min read•Apr 29, 2019•By Nicole Zimmerman

Inside one of Seattle's kid-friendly museums

Hi, I'm Nicole!

Nicole R. Zimmerman, born in São Paulo, Brazil and raised (mostly) in Northern California, is a queer Bay Area–based travel journalist, copywriter, and essayist. Nicole has written for Viator/Tripadvisor, Hipcamp, TripSavvy, Grove Collaborative, Insider, and the Los Angeles Times. Her work appears in anthologies such as The Best Women’s Travel Writing and in numerous literary journals including Creative Nonfiction and The Rumpus.

Seattle’s family-friendly museums cater to kids of all ages, including the young at heart, whether your focus is on the arts and sciences or your interests range from aviation to popular culture. Book admission tickets, combine attractions with a Seattle City Pass, or go sightseeing with a guide. Here are our top recommendations.

Why you are seeing these recommendations

Seattle Children’s Museum

Outside Seattle Children's Museum. | Photo Credit: Chamomile_Olya / Shutterstock

For arts and crafts.

Rainy days in Seattle are well-spent at this museum geared toward young children from 10 months to 10 years of age. Kids can get messy with painting and clay at the Imagination Studio, build in the Construction Zone, explore the world at the Global Village, explore STEM-based activities in Cog City, and much more. Visit the Seattle Children’s Museum on a family-oriented tour of Seattle.

Pacific Science Center

Pacific Science Center in summer. | Photo Credit: CineCam / Shutterstock

For conducting experiments.

Budding scientists will enjoy exhibits where they can conduct their own experiments under the guidance of real-life researchers. From tropical butterflies to robotic dinosaurs to marine life, there’s much to learn about at this complex, which includes two IMAX theaters, a laser dome, and a planetarium. Top off your visit with a stop at the nearby Space Needle.

Visit Pacific Science Center

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop)

Fun MoPop. | Photo Credit: Sergi Fingurnyi / Shutterstock

For superheroes, bands, and TV series.

Formerly named the EMP (Experience Music Project), the Frank Gehry–designed museum at Seattle Center boasts a whimsical exterior constructed of colorful, curved metal. Special and traveling exhibits on pop culture topics—from comic book superheroes and the Star Trek TV series to Seattle garage bands the likes of Nirvana and Pearl Jam—will delight children, teens, and adults alike.

Visit Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop)

The Museum of Flight

Inside the Museum of Flight. | Photo Credit: Norman Ong / Shutterstock

For aviation and space lovers.

Anyone with an interest in aviation or space exploration will find plenty here to satisfy their curiosity. The Museum of Flight’s claim to fame is being the largest private air-and-space museum in the world. Little ones can wave from the cockpit of a Boeing 737, get up close to a full-scale NASA Space Shuttle Trainer, and watch a 3D film to learn more about the past and future of flying.

Visit The Museum of Flight

Museum of Glass (Tacoma)

The Museum of Glass is a short drive from the city. | Photo Credit: ApinBen4289 / Shutterstock

For glass art.

This family-friendly venue is located in Tacoma, about a 30-minute drive from Seattle. Discover the interactive process of making glass art during a live demonstration at the Hot Shop; marvel at glassworks in the traveling exhibits and permanent collections; and visit the Education Studio to try your hand at glassmaking. Glass-fusing workshops are available on-site for burgeoning young artists.