# Family activities in Seattle & Surrounding area in July **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 10, 2022, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-activities-in-seattle-surrounding-area-in-july/965982 "2022-06-10T15:13:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2022, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-activities-in-seattle-surrounding-area-in-july/965982/1 "2022-06-10T15:13:49Z")
My family and I are going to spend a few days in Seattle after a tour in Alaska next month, so I’m curious what sort of family friendly stuff there is (read: won’t bore 8 and 10 year old boys) around there. The boys like natural history type stuff, military/aviation/naval type stuff primarily. The Boeing Museum of Flight is already on the list, and so is the Olympic Natl. Park or Mt. Rainier Natl Park. We figure we’ll see Pike Place Market, Seattle Center and Space Needle in downtown Seattle as well. What other things are there that might be fun that aren’t in every big city? (no zoos, for example). ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2022, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-activities-in-seattle-surrounding-area-in-july/965982/2 "2022-06-10T15:25:53Z")
When I went to Seattle I enjoyed the [Underground Seattle](http://www.undergroundtour.com/) immensely! I took @needscoffee with me, who is a native Seattlite, and IIRC she enjoyed it as well. I also enjoyed the [Pacific Science Center](https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/), namely the butterfly house, but it looks like it’s currently closed. But it’s re-opening in July so perhaps you will be there at the right time. ---
**Author:** ![China\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2022, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-activities-in-seattle-surrounding-area-in-july/965982/3 "2022-06-10T15:52:44Z")
The Woodland Park Zoo is pretty cool. I wouldn’t scratch that off the list. It was the first zoo in the US to take animals out of cages. Certainly, there are barriers, but it’s been curated to at least give the impression of animals together. For example, The wolf packs appears to be mixed in with the elk, when in fact these is a “hidden” fence separating the two. Note: Olympic and Rainer national parks are not close. I wouldn’t recommend either as a day trip. Keep in mind summer traffic can be horrendous, especially if trying to get back from the Olympics after about 10am on a Sunday. ---
**Author:** ![Lancia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lancia/32/17174_2.png) [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2022, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-activities-in-seattle-surrounding-area-in-july/965982/4 "2022-06-10T15:58:22Z")
There’s also the LeMay car museum in Tacoma. There’s actually two of them, both open to the public. On display at the family museum (among many other unique vehicles) is an original Tucker Torpedo. ---
**Author:** ![Ponch8](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponch8/32/9883_2.png) [@Ponch8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponch8)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2022, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-activities-in-seattle-surrounding-area-in-july/965982/5 "2022-06-10T16:02:16Z")
They may also enjoy a tour of the Boeing factory in Everett, about 25 miles north of the city. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2022, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-activities-in-seattle-surrounding-area-in-july/965982/6 "2022-06-10T16:08:47Z")
Hard to believe, but the locks are really cool and a popular tourist activity. In July you might see salmon in the fish ladder too [https://ballardlocks.org/](https://ballardlocks.org/) ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2022, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-activities-in-seattle-surrounding-area-in-july/965982/7 "2022-06-10T16:58:35Z")
> [@China\_Guy](#): > > Note: Olympic and Rainer national parks are not close. Echoing this. My parents retired in Port Angeles, WA - wonderful area and right next to the ONP, but it takes a good 3 hours driving to get there from Seattle. You’d be spending 6+ hours driving, plus whatever time you could squeeze in the park itself. It’s like someone visiting San Francisco and thinking a day trip to Yosemite is possible. It is, but not advisable. Better to focus your time and attention on stuff closer/in town. The [Museum of Flight](https://www.museumofflight.org/) is a good option. Edit: We just completed a tour of Alaska via the railroad - pretty awesome! ---
**Author:** ![Slithy\_Tove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slithy_tove/32/18248_2.png) [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2022, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-activities-in-seattle-surrounding-area-in-july/965982/8 "2022-06-10T17:01:07Z")
Some of Puget Sound’s most underwhelming distractions: [Flaming Geyser State Park](https://www.parks.wa.gov/504/Flaming-Geyser) A nice enough patch of pretty Washington, with a meh vent of natural gas. You’ll never look at your gas range the same. Actually you will, since the flames are pretty much identical. [The B&I public market in Tacoma](http://bnishopping.com/) Sadly, not as seedy as in years past, but still a maze of add-one and lean-toos, America’s answer to an Arab _souk._ [Gig Harbor History Museum](https://harborhistorymuseum.org/) Memorable for an exhibit of a long-forgotten “find the most spherical rock on the beach contest” held by civic leaders determined to come up with something, anything to dissuade the people from suicide during the dreary winter mists. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2022, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-activities-in-seattle-surrounding-area-in-july/965982/9 "2022-06-10T17:54:28Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > When I went to Seattle I enjoyed the [Underground Seattle](http://www.undergroundtour.com/) immensely! My wife and I both really enjoyed this tour as well! We thought the Seattle Aquarium was a fun place to visit too. If you plan to go, call figure out when feeding times are. > **[Seattle Aquarium](https://www.seattleaquarium.org/)** > > The Seattle Aquarium offers fun, exciting ways to discover more about the amazing Puget Sound and our world’s one big ocean. Join us in our mission: Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment. ---
**Author:** ![Lancia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lancia/32/17174_2.png) [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2022, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-activities-in-seattle-surrounding-area-in-july/965982/10 "2022-06-10T18:03:27Z")
> [@snowthx](#): > > Edit: We just completed a tour of Alaska via the railroad - pretty awesome! My wife and I have contenplated doing this same thing in the next few years. Do you mind if I PM you and pick your head a bit about details? ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2022, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-activities-in-seattle-surrounding-area-in-july/965982/11 "2022-06-11T22:04:22Z")
Anyone know anything about the Kitsap Naval Base/Puget Sound Naval Shipyard museums or tours? My older son would probably spontaneously combust if he could see real Navy ships up close and personal. ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2022, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-activities-in-seattle-surrounding-area-in-july/965982/12 "2022-06-11T23:01:46Z")
IIRC the Fremont Troll and the Archie McPhee store are in the same general area. The kids would probably get a kick out of both. ---
**Author:** ![Slithy\_Tove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slithy_tove/32/18248_2.png) [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2022, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-activities-in-seattle-surrounding-area-in-july/965982/13 "2022-06-11T23:07:14Z")
[Don’t rule out the Seattle Japanese Gardens](https://www.seattlejapanesegarden.org/) just because it’s isn’t a boisterous boy zone. It’s a great place for a family walk. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2022, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-activities-in-seattle-surrounding-area-in-july/965982/14 "2022-06-11T23:12:02Z")
> [@bump](#): > > Anyone know anything about the Kitsap Naval Base/Puget Sound Naval Shipyard museums or tours? I _highly_ recommend the tour of the frigate USS Turner Joy. And you get to take the Bremerton ferry from Seattle to get there. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2022, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-activities-in-seattle-surrounding-area-in-july/965982/15 "2022-06-12T01:46:30Z")
The boys will love that- both the ship tour and the ferry ride! ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2022, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-activities-in-seattle-surrounding-area-in-july/965982/16 "2022-06-12T01:56:56Z")
Don’t forget to eat a bag of Dick’s! [![](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/10/6e/f3/bd/deluxe-burger-chocolate.jpg) ](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/10/6e/f3/bd/deluxe-burger-chocolate.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Joeu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/joeu/32/2911_2.png) [@Joeu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joeu)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2022, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-activities-in-seattle-surrounding-area-in-july/965982/17 "2022-06-12T14:30:08Z")
I don’t know Seattle well at all, but as a visitor, I love the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (housed in the Museum of Popular Culture). > **[Infinite Worlds of Science Fiction | MoPOP](https://www.mopop.org//exhibitions-plus-events/exhibitions/infinite-worlds-of-science-fiction/)** > > Infinite Worlds of Science Fiction invites you to experience the incredible range of storytelling found in science fiction. Maybe more fun for long-time fans than the youngsters, but there’s enough for them, too, I think. It’s not huge, so won’t take up too much time. It’s in a great Frank Gehry building, too. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-activities-in-seattle-surrounding-area-in-july/965982/18 "2022-07-26T20:38:31Z")
They were surprisingly cool, both the locks themselves as well as the salmon ladder, especially since the sockeye had started running shortly beforehand- you could see them in the river itself, as well as in the ladder. We also went whale-watching out of Edmonds- that was _cool_. We saw a pod of transient orcas hunting and playing, and we saw a mother/kid pair of humpback whales, as well as a whole bunch of seals and other sea life. We took a day trip to Portland and visited my wife’s cousin- the [OMSI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregon_Museum_of_Science_and_Industry) was pretty cool, and the Cold War submarine they have moored there put on the best ship tour I’ve ever had. > [@needscoffee](#): > > I _highly_ recommend the tour of the frigate USS Turner Joy. And you get to take the Bremerton ferry from Seattle to get there. We also went to Bremerton and saw the Turner Joy and the Puget Sound Naval Museum. Both were cool. Ferry ride back was fun too! > [@Smapti](#): > > Don’t forget to eat a bag of Dick’s! We did… I wish we’d known the hamburgers are so tiny- we’d have bought a couple each for the adults. > [@snowthx](#): > > Edit: We just completed a tour of Alaska via the railroad - pretty awesome! Alaska was amazing. Like nowhere else I’ve ever been; still has a sort of frontier feeling you don’t get in the US or Europe. And just _different_. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-activities-in-seattle-surrounding-area-in-july/965982/19 "2022-07-27T01:00:44Z")
> [@bump](#): > > We also went whale-watching out of Edmonds- that was _cool_. We saw a pod of transient orcas hunting and playing, and we saw a mother/kid pair of humpback whales, as well as a whole bunch of seals and other sea life. That was unusually lucky, unless they went to to the San Juans (which maybe they did) Sounds like a great trip. I feel lucky to live in this region. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-activities-in-seattle-surrounding-area-in-july/965982/20 "2022-07-27T14:41:06Z")
We put out of Edmonds ([Puget Sound Express](https://www.pugetsoundexpress.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwxIOXBhCrARIsAL1QFCYMz1BAiSUQZItr4qqy1wiOjGRQmfNU0NZuA14OyBud-HteS2XRyB0aAvdJEALw_wcB)- highly recommend them!), and caught the orcas right near the Point Wilson Lighthouse- like maybe 300 meters offshore from there. We caught the humpbacks in the same general vicinity- maybe a kilometer or two northwest (as best I can tell from my pictures’ location tags). It was very cool- the boat we were on was some sort of 40 knot semi-hydrofoil catamaran, and they had naturalists on board who explained the differences between transient and resident orcas, how they behave, what they eat, how they’re identified, etc… And the same for the humpbacks.