Also called the Ballard Locks, the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks were built to move boats from sea level up to the level of Lake Union. Check out the surrounding botanical garden and the semi-enclosed viewing area of the fish ladder, where salmon and steelhead move upstream.

With its new building, this natural history museum got a lot more fun—and includes hands-on exhibits with dress-up. Windows between the public and private areas of the museum give a hands-on look at what scientists are up to behind the scenes. Plus, it’s the only place to see real dinosaur fossils in the state, including one of the best-preserved T.rex skulls in the world.

Conveniently located in the heart of Seattle, Volunteer Park is home to a conservatory, the Seattle Asian Art Museum, a well-maintained playground, and one of the city’s largest wading pools.

You should also check out the Water Tower—the highest point on Capitol Hill—where older kids can climb 107 stairs and take in 360-degree views of Seattle.

The Center for Wooden Boats calls itself a living museum, and it’s easy to see why. Kids and adults can touch, build, sail, and learn about classic wooden sail- and rowboats.

Rent a rowboat or pedal boat—no boating experience required—or, if you have experience, explore South Lake Union in a canoe, kayak, or sailboat.

It’s not just The Nutcracker, although that’s a popular wintertime attraction for kiddos. Pacific Northwest Ballet has magical programming all year long, with performances like Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast.

Also located at the Seattle Center, just outside of the MoPOP, this music-themed playground has tons of innovative equipment and lets kids run free.

There’s a separate toddler area, an ADA-accessible swing, a 35-foot climbing tower, and an extra-long tube slide.

If your kid loves trains and transportation, hop on the Seattle Monorail at the Westlake Center. You’ll get to ride above the city streets, trains run every 10 minutes, and it can be an easy way to get over to the Seattle Center. (Plus, there’s plenty of seating in the front so your kiddos can pretend they’re driving the train.)

We have a soft spot for children’s museums—we also included them in our San Francisco, Miami, and New Orleans maps—and the Seattle Children’s Museum is a great option when rain forces you inside.

From barely crawling to school-aged children, kids can explore physics in COG City, sculpt a masterpiece in the art studio, or pretend to be an optometrist in the eye clinic.

Another awesome attraction in the Seattle Center, the Children’s Theatre offers budding drama lovers the chance to see performances tailored just to them.

Check the calendar for specific events, and don’t miss the organization’s drama school and summer camps.

The Seattle Art Museum offers family workshops and festivals as well as summer art camps, but for everyday fun, we love the Olympic Sculpture Park. Kids will have a great time checking out this free 9-acre park, which is located on a reinvigorated part of the Seattle waterfront.

Pro tip: Give the kids a camera and them take photos of their favorite sculptures. Want even more outdoor art fun? Check out 13 other gorgeous sculpture parks around the United States.

The kids’ section of this Seattle institution includes a castle-shaped reading fort, encouraging some fun, silent reading time while you browse the stacks.

Sure, Pike Place Market might be a bit touristy, but there’s a reason everyone who visits Seattle hits this spot. Kids will love the samples of sweets—try Sweetie’s Candy and Daily Dozen Donut Co.—the Gum Wall in Post Alley, and Golden Age Collectibles for comic books and action figures.

We love libraries both for their architecture and the books inside, and the main branch of the Seattle Library system is a gem.

Located downtown in an award-winning modern building, Seattle’s central library offers top-notch views on the 10th floor—plus you get to take a chartreuse escalator!—loads of public art; and fun, technology-filled rooms geared toward children and teens.

Whether or not it’s sunny outside—the gondolas are fully enclosed—kids love the Seattle ferris wheel, conveniently located at Pier 57. It’s also a good choice at night for city views and lots of colorful lights.

Open since 2010, the Seattle Pinball Museum has over 50 games included in the price of admission.

Kids need to be seven years old or older to play, and you’ll find vintage sodas, snacks, and craft beers available.

In this museum that explores the past and future of tech, the whole family can learn to make video games, experience augmented reality, hang out in a 1980s arcade, and play with robots.

Hop on a King County water taxi from downtown to Alki Beach and get ready for 2.5 miles of kid heaven.

Some areas are sandy, others a bit pebbly, but children will love the water, tide pools, and the other places to play. Plus, there are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants around, along with one of the city’s best playgrounds at nearby Whale Tail Park.

Even in less beach-friendly weather, littles will enjoy plenty of local wildlife and exploration.

Share your love of music with your little one at this record store, coffee bar, and diner. Grab something to eat—there’s a plethora of music-themed brunch options—and browse the racks with the kiddos in tow.

Is there a better combination than ice cream and arcade games? Full Tilt’s several locations—including the flagship White Center shop—offer both, plus well-deserved beers for any of-age people in the crew.