Washington state's largest city has a wealth of resources for parents seeking places to hold fun birthday or other types of parties for their children. In Seattle, they can take advantage not only of the city's outdoor areas and cultural attractions, they also can plan low-budget parties or splurge, giving kids a sports or entertainment adventure.
Parents can book parties at the city's Children's Museum, which features interactive exhibits and play areas. Parents can choose from two party packages. Amenities include all-day admission, use of the museum's party rooms, a t-shirt for the birthday kid or party host, paper plates and plastic utensils and a clean-up staff. Prices vary depending on the number of kids who attend. If you really want to splurge, you can also book the museum after hours and have the entire museum reserved for your child's celebration. Reservations can be made on the museum's website.
The Children's Museum, Seattle
305 Harrison Street
Seattle, WA 98109
206-441-1768
thechildrensmuseum.org
For a family friendly sporting event that can double as a party for your child, rent a suite at KeyArena during a Seattle Storm basketball game. The women's professional team is known for its kid's activities like the "Ride the Train" fourth-quarter timeout, where children in the audience rush onto the court to join a dancing line. Post-game, kids 16 and under can shoot free throws on the court. Players are also available for autographs after games.
KeyArena
305 Harrison Street
Seattle, WA 98109
206-684-7200
keyarena.com
Seattle's stunning landscape of mountains and water provides a great backdrop for a party in one of the 26 city-managed parks. Shelters with picnic tables can be rented at city parks through Seattle Parks and Recreation from April 1st to September 30. During other times of the year, the sheltered areas are first-come, first-serve. Many parks have indoor play areas, beaches, pools, courts, athletic fields, playgrounds and recreational boat rentals.
Seattle Parks and Recreation
100 Dexter Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
206-684-4075
seattle.gov
The Experience Music Project | Science Fiction Museum is a sprawling unconventional steel structure featuring interactive state-of-the art exhibits about popular music and science fiction. EMP|SFM has several areas available for private events like kid's birthday parties, from small lounges to an outdoor plaza. Kids can party and enjoy areas like the "On Stage" area where they can enjoy a simulation of playing in a band in a large arena. The museum takes photos of "bands" and makes them into posters for purchase.
EMP|SFM
325 5th Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
206-770-2700
www.empsfm.org
