Woodland Park Zoo is an educationally interactive place with lots to see and do with kids. Its 92 acres set out a broad range of biomes to explore, with over 300 species of animals in their natural habitats. The zoo offers shows and exhibits as well as hands-on interaction with animals. Special exhibits include underwater viewing of penguins, a raptor show, Australian willawong birds, tropical rain and temperate forests, an African savanna and village, an Alaskan northern trail habitat, and a bug zone. Entrance tickets are more expensive from May 1 to September 30; from October 1 to April 30 the cost drops. Children 2 and under are free year-round.
Seattle averages 38 inches of rain a year, with over 200 cloudy days. Even in the drier months from April to September, it's always good to have indoor options for kids when visiting Seattle. Check out the Seattle Aquarium where families can see local varieties of otters, harbor seals, and the giant Pacific octopus. Kids will especially enjoy the aquarium's discovery lab where they can touch live rockfish, sea stars, and plankton.
First time visitors to Seattle should take in a visit to the famed, 605-foot tall Space Needle located in the Seattle Center, north of downtown. Buy a ticket to ride the elevator to the observation deck at the top for a panoramic view of the city (children age 3 and under are free). On a clear day you can see Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, snow-capped Mt. Rainer, and the Cascade foothills. The Space Needle was created for the 1962 World's Fair, and shops, fountains, and an IMAX theater are nearby. Kids will love riding to the Space Needle on Seattle's monorail.
For a different perspective, take the family on a boat ride from downtown Seattle to West Seattle on the King County Water Taxi. Meet at Pier 50 and board the Rachel Marie, a 77-foot catamaran that has capacity for 150 passengers and a three-man crew. The cost in 2011 is $3.50 for adults; kids age 5 and under travel free. The boat crosses between Seacrest Park and downtown Seattle in approximately 10 minutes. In West Seattle, stroll along the waterfront, have lunch, and see the city from an alternate viewpoint.
