Named after a chief of the Suquamish Native American tribe, Seattle serves as the largest city in the state of Washington. Each year, more than 8 million people visit the city, according to Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau. The city offers numerous attractions for these tourists and its more than 600,000 residents. Among these are indoor and outdoor activities that appeal to children of all ages, giving families something to do in Seattle year round.
The non-profit organization Giant Magnet organizes the Seattle International Children's Festival each year. The even began in 1986. More than 30,000 people attend the festival each year to enjoy the activities.
The Seattle International Children's Festival consists of a variety of theatrical, musical and dance performance for children. Performers come from throughout the United States and from places around the world, such as China, the United Kingdom and Ecuador. The festival also features games and learning exhibits for children. Past activities have included hula hooping and fitness games.
The Seattle International Children's Festival runs for five days every May. The event is typically held at Seattle Center, northwest of the city's downtown area. The exhibits at the festival are free, but performances require the purchase of tickets. The nearest parking for the festival is in the 1st Avenue North Garage, a pay facility.
The Seattle Children's Theatre is on Thomas Street in Seattle Center. The theater opened in 1975. As of November 2010, the group was the second-largest resident theatre intended for kids in North America, according to the theater's website.
The theater produces around seven musical and dramatic productions annually. Catering to families, the theatre has cry rooms at the rear that allow parents to remove crying babies and toddlers while still listening to the show. For elementary and secondary school students, the theater offers one-day workshops, weekly classes and summer camps in creative movement and acting.
The schedule for Seattle Children's Theatre performance and classes varies. Advanced ticket purchases are recommended to ensure availability. Parents must register kids ahead of time for classes at the theatre. The nearest parking garage is the 1st Avenue North Garage.
The Woodland Park Zoo is on North 50th Street near Freemont Avenue North in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle. The City of Seattle purchased the zoo from a local animal collector on December 28, 1899. The kids' attraction held "Zagat" ratings of "extraordinary to perfection" for its appeal and "very good to excellent" for its facilities and service as of November 2010.
The zoo covers 92 acres of ground and serve as home to more than 1,100 animals from more than 290 different species. At the Family Farm and Animal Contact area, kids can interact with a variety of domesticated farm animals like donkeys and sheep. The Zoomasium indoor playground is also available for toddlers and children 8 years of age and under.
The Woodland Park Zoo is open seven days per week, year round with the exception of Christmas Day. General admission ticket prices vary throughout the year with discounts from October 1 through April 30 annually. Children, individuals with disabilities and senior citizens receive discounted rates. Wheelchairs and strollers are available to rent. The zoo offers on-site parking in a pay lot.
