Are you searching for things to do in Seattle? Located on the shores of Puget Sound, Seattle is renowned for its unique cultural scene, natural beauty, and abundant fun activities. Whether you’re a student, a traveler, a thrill-seeker, or a family, this all-inclusive guide offers things to do in Seattle, Washington, to suit your interests. We will guide you through the city’s vibrant cultural landscape, family-friendly things, sports, and unique attractions in Seattle. If any of these interests you, we invite you to explore the city with us today.
What to Do in Seattle?
🏛️Museums of aviation & transportation, history & heritage, maritime & military, and science & natural history
🖼️Art Galleries, Museums & Neighborhoods holding art activities
🎭Theaters & Live Music Venues
🧒Kid-friendly museums, attractions, and parks & playground
👪Family-friendly Seattle markets, places for family picnics, and theatres & venues
🏆Watch sports at Seattle sports venues & best sports bars in Seattle
🎉Thrilling, scary, & unique things to do in Seattle
Art & Culture Things to Do in Seattle
When it comes to what to do in Seattle for art lovers, the city offers various art exhibitions, musical performances, and cultural events, making it an ideal destination. The city boasts numerous distinguished museums, fine art galleries, theatres, and public art installations. Seattle is also home to renowned musicians such as Nirvana, Jimi Hendrix, and Pearl Jam, who contribute to its cultural and musical legacy. The following are the top Seattle attractions for culture and art lovers.
🏛️Museums in Seattle
#1 Aviation & Transportation Museums
🗹LeMay – America’s Car Museum 📍2702 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421
🗹The Museum of Flight 📍9404 E. Marginal Way South, Seattle, WA 98108-4097
#2 History & Heritage Museums
🗹Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center 📍4705 W Marginal Wy SW, Seattle, WA 98106
🗹Klondike Gold Rush NHP-Seattle 📍319 2nd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
🗹Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) 📍860 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
🗹National Nordic Museum 📍2655 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107
🗹Northwest African American Museum 📍2300 S Massachusetts St, Seattle, WA 98144
#3 Maritime & Military Museums
🗹Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum 📍3407 109th St SW, Everett, WA 98204
🗹Holocaust Center for Humanity 📍2045 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
#4 Science & Natural History Museums
🗹Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture 📍4303 Memorial Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98195
🗹Seattle Pinball Museum 📍508 Maynard Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
🗹Pacific Science Center 📍200 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
🖼️Art Galleries/ Museums in Seattle
#1 Seattle Art Museum (SAM) 📍1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
In addition to this downtown museum, SAM operates Seattle Asian Art Museum (📍1400 E Prospect St, Seattle, WA 98112) and Olympic Sculpture Park (📍2901 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121).
Closed from Mon. to Tues. and Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Wed. to Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free First Thur., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
#2 Frye Art Museum 📍704 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
Hours: Wed. to Sun., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thur. 11 a.m. 8 p.m. Admission is always free!
#3 Henry Art Gallery 📍15th Ave NE & University of Washington, NE 41st St, Seattle, WA 98195
Hours: Thurs., 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fri. to Sun., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed from Mon. to Wed. The last entry to the museum is 30 minutes before closing.
#4 Chihuly Garden and Glass 📍305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
Thurs.:10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Fri.: 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Satur.: 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sun.: 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Mon.: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tues.: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wed.: closed
#5 AMcE Creative Arts 📍612 19th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112
Hours: Thurs. to Sun., 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Wed. by appointment.
#6 A/NT Gallery 📍305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
Hours: Wed. to Sun., 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and closed from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
#7 Art X Contemporary 📍512 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
Hours: Tue. to Sat., 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and by appointment
#8 Neighborhoods Holding Special Monthly Art Walk Nights
Pioneer Square (First Thursdays) holds the city’s largest concentration of fine art galleries. Other neighborhoods offering art walk nights include Ballard, Capitol Hill, Georgetown, Phinney/Greenwood, and West Seattle neighborhoods.
🎭Music Venues in Seattle
The Seattle music scene is unparalleled, offering diverse musical genres that can be enjoyed on any given night. Regardless of your musical preferences, be they rock, hip-hop, jazz, or symphony, there is always a venue for you to find the best things to do in Seattle.
#1 Theaters in Seattle
🗹WaMu Theater 📍800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
🗹Paramount Theatre 📍911 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101
🗹Moore Theatre 📍1932 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
🗹Neptune Theatre 📍1303 NE 45th St, Seattle, WA 98105
🗹Benaroya Hall 📍200 University St, Seattle, WA 98101
#2 Live Music Venues
🗹Climate Pledge Arena 📍334 1st Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
🗹El Corazón 📍109 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98109
🗹Fremont Abbey Arts Center 📍4272 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
🗹Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley 📍2033 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
🗹The Triple Door 📍216 Union St, Seattle, WA 98101
🗹Neumos 📍925 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122
🗹The Showbox 📍1426 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
🗹The Crocodile 📍2505 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
🗹Climate Pledge Arena 📍334 1st Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
Family & Kid Things to Do in Seattle
If you are with your family, there are things to do in Seattle with kids that are conducive to family outings and activities. These include kid-friendly museums, aquariums, zoos, parks, and family-friendly attractions. If you seek Seattle things to do with kids and families where all members can enjoy themselves, please consider the options below.
🧒Things to Do in Seattle with Kids
#1 Kid-friendly Museums & Attractions
🗹Museum of Pop Culture 📍325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
🗹Seattle Pinball Museum 📍508 Maynard Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
🗹Seattle Children’s Museum 📍305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
🗹Pacific Science Center 📍200 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
🗹The Museum of Flight 📍9404 East Marginal Way S. Seattle, WA 98108
🗹Woodland Park Zoo 📍 1000 N 50th St, Seattle, WA 98103
🗹Seattle Aquarium 📍1483 Alaskan Way Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101
#2 Kid-friendly Parks & Playground
🗹”Artists At Play” Playground 📍305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
🗹Carkeek Park Playground 📍950 NW Carkeek Park Rd, Seattle, WA 98177
🗹Meridian Playground 📍4920 Meridian Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
🗹Alki Playground and Whale Tail Park 📍5817 SW Lander St, Seattle, WA 98116
👪Things to Do in Seattle with Whole Family
#1 Family-friendly Seattle Markets
🗹University Village 📍2623 NE University Village St, Seattle, WA 98105
🗹Pike Place Market 📍1531 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
🗹Ballard Farmers Market 📍5345 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
🗹University District Farmers Market 📍5031 University Wy NE, Seattle, WA 98105
🗹West Seattle Farmers Market 📍Cnr SW Alaska St &, California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
#2 Places for Family Picnics
🗹Golden Gardens Park 📍8498 Seaview Pl NW, Seattle, WA 98117
🗹Ballard Locks 📍3015 NW 54th St, Seattle, WA 98107
🗹Carkeek Park 📍950 NW Carkeek Park Rd, Seattle, WA 98177
🗹Ella Bailey Park 📍2601 W Smith St, Seattle, WA 98199
🗹Volunteer Park 📍1247 15th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112
🗹Lincoln Park 📍8011 Fauntleroy Wy SW, Seattle, WA 98136
🗹Warren G. Magnuson Park 📍7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115
🗹Discovery Park 📍Seattle, WA 98199
#3 Family-friendly Theatres & Venues
🗹Seattle Children’s Theatre 📍201 Thomas St, Seattle, WA 98109
🗹Pacific Northwest Ballet 📍301 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109
🗹Seattle Symphony 📍200 University St, Seattle, WA 98101
Fun & Unique Things to Do in Seattle
🏆Watch Sports in Seattle
Whether you are a soccer, baseball, or basketball enthusiast, there is a wide range of unique things to do in Seattle for sports lovers. Seattle is home to several professional sports teams, contributing to its reputation as a major sports city. In addition to its major professional sports teams, Seattle is home to various collegiate teams, including those of the University of Washington, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, and Washington State University. The city boasts world-class sports facilities, offering premier venues for spectators to enjoy sporting events. The following are events and the best places to visit in Seattle to watch electrifying sports.
#1 Seattle Sports Venues
Baseball: T-Mobile Park 📍1250 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
Football and Soccer: Lumen Field 📍800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
Hockey and Basketball: Climate Pledge Arena 📍334 1st Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
Rugby: Starfire Sports 📍14800 Starfire Way, Tukwila, WA 98188
#2 Best Sports Bars In Seattle
🗹Vindicktive Bar and Wings 📍2322 1st Ave Seattle, WA 98121
🗹Rookies Sports Bar and Grill 📍3820 S Ferdinand St, Seattle, WA 98118
🗹Local Public Eatery 📍404 Terry Ave N Seattle, WA 98109
🗹Rough & Tumble Pub 📍5309 22nd Ave NW Seattle, WA 98107
🗹Petoskey’s 📍125 N 36th St Seattle, WA 98103
🗹The Westy 📍7908 35th Ave SW Seattle, Seattle 98126
🗹Slim Goody 📍5411 Ballard Ave NW Seattle, Washington 98107
🗹The Roanoke 📍2409 10th Ave E Seattle, WA 98102
🗹Buckley’s In Belltown 📍2331 2nd Ave Seattle, WA 98121
🗹Queen Anne Beerhall 📍203 W Thomas St Seattle, WA 98119
🗹Rhein Haus 📍912 12th Ave Seattle, WA 98122
🎉Unique Things to Do in Seattle
Think traditional attractions are too commonplace? You can find unusual things to do in Seattle that go beyond the conventional. From thrilling and scary attractions to fairytale-themed ones, there are unique experiences to be had. These attractions are just a few of the many fun activities Seattle has to offer, and they provide a chance to experience the city’s charm in a new light.
#1 Fremont Troll 📍North 36th Street, Troll Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
A colossal troll spotted beneath one of Seattle’s most historic bridges.
#2 Seattle Underground 📍614 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
A guided walking tour of the historic city center, traversing the subterranean streets of Seattle.
#3 Ye Olde Curiosity Shop 📍Pier 54, 1001 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA 98104
This 100-year-old establishment is a purveyor of curiosities, curios, and kitsch, featuring mummies, shrunken heads, and a Fiji Mermaid.
#4 Kubota Garden 📍9817 55th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
This semi-secret garden in south Seattle is like a traditional Japanese garden, but with plants from the Pacific Northwest.
#5 Steve's Weird House 📍Private residence, Seattle, Washington, 98104
The residence is brimming with a variety of unique items.
#6 The Red Hall at Seattle's Central Library 📍1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
The Central Library of Seattle is a distinguished architectural landmark that stands out for its modern design.
#7 Gum Wall 📍1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
A wall of chewing gum moonlights as collective art, gross but unique.
#8 Ballyhoo Curiosity Shop 📍5445 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
This Seattle store is packed with all kinds of interesting creatures and creations.
#9 Ghost tour 📍99 Union St, Seattle, WA 98101
This tour is one of the unique activities in Seattle. The Seattle Terrors Haunted Dark History Walking Ghost Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s haunted history, including its haunted streets, morgues, cemeteries, and theaters.
#10 Hats ‘n’ Boots Park 📍6427 Carleton Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108
A visit to Hats ‘n’ Boots Park is not only one of the most unique Seattle experiences, it’s also an excellent location for photography. The sculpture has gained significant popularity, even attracting Elvis Presley.
Conclusion
As the vibrant Emerald City, there are always things to do in Seattle that cater to the diverse interests of individuals. From cultural exploration to family-friendly entertainment, sports to iconic attractions, the city provides comprehensive experiences as silhouettes of the world’s cultures. Seattle’s rich cultural scene is a haven for art and history enthusiasts, offering world-class museums and live performances at iconic venues for music lovers. There are many things to do in Seattle with kids and the whole family, offering a range of attractions that entertain and educate children of all ages and locations for families to enjoy together. You can discover professional and collegiate sports, unique and unusual attractions, and many fun activities in Seattle that you will never experience elsewhere. Whether you are a local, a student, or a tourist, there are always new and exciting things to do in Seattle waiting for you to discover.
FAQ
What are things to do in Seattle for young adults?
For young adults, there are tons of things to do in Seattle. For example, you can attend Seattle’s frequent festivals, such as the Holiday Pop-Up Party, or hike in the Cascades Mountains for great views and exercise. You can also catch a show at the Paramount Theatre or enjoy the nightlife at one of the many bars in Seattle.
What are unique things to do in Seattle?
You can find many things to do in Seattle for a unique experience, including the “Underground Tour,” which provides a deeper understanding of the city’s history, the Ghosts of Horror Historical Walking Tour, which offers an exhilarating experience, and a fairytale sleepover in a treehouse. You can join a world of lights, entertainment, and holiday cheer at the Winterfest.
What are free things to do in Seattle?
People on a tight budget can still find things to do in Seattle. Prominent locations for free include Pioneer Square, Pike Place Market, Seattle Great Wheel, Seward Park, Olympic Sculpture Park, and numerous museums that provide opportunities to experience Seattle’s beauty, history, and entertainment.
