Things To Do in Seattle

Seattle, Washington, is a vibrant city with a diverse range of attractions, activities, and events.
Tourists flock to this city every year for the Solstice Parade, Emerald City Comic-Con, and Hempfest, but it’s also a great place for a two- or three-day weekend getaway to watch your favorite concerts, theatrical performances, and sporting events. Find fun things to do and start planning your perfect trip. The best time to visit Seattle depends on what you’re looking to get out of your trip. However, generally speaking, the city’s peak tourist season is during the summer months, from June through August, thanks to the mild, sunny weather. Whatever you’re here for, here are the best and most fun things to do in Seattle right now. Enjoy your time in Seattle!

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Events: 891
  • George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
    Dec
    10
    2023
    5:30 PM
    Sun
    George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
    98109, 321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA, US
    Tickets
  • Seattle Kraken vs. Minnesota Wild
    Dec
    10
    2023
    6:00 PM
    Sun
    98109, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $90
    Tickets
  • MJ – The Musical
    Dec
    10
    2023
    6:30 PM
    Sun
    MJ – The Musical
    98101, 911 Pine St, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $83
    Tickets
  • CloZee
    Dec
    10
    2023
    8:00 PM
    Sun
    98134, 1700 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $52
    Tickets
  • Jeff Rosenstock
    Dec
    11
    2023
    8:00 PM
    Mon
    98101, 1426 1st Ave, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $41
    Tickets
  • Seattle Kraken vs. Florida Panthers
    Dec
    12
    2023
    7:00 PM
    Tue
    98109, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $72
    Tickets
  • MJ – The Musical
    Dec
    12
    2023
    7:30 PM
    Tue
    MJ – The Musical
    98101, 911 Pine St, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $84
    Tickets
  • Theatre Show
    Dec
    12
    2023
    8:00 PM
    Tue
    98107, 1932 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $52
    Tickets
  • Devendra Banhart
    Dec
    12
    2023
    8:00 PM
    Tue
    98105, 1303 NE 45th Street, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $46
    Tickets
  • MJ – The Musical
    Dec
    13
    2023
    7:30 PM
    Wed
    MJ – The Musical
    98101, 911 Pine St, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $137
    Tickets
  • Mariachi Sol De Mexico
    Dec
    13
    2023
    7:30 PM
    Wed
    98107, 1932 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $50
    Tickets
  • MJ – The Musical
    Dec
    14
    2023
    1:00 PM
    Thu
    MJ – The Musical
    98101, 911 Pine St, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $137
    Tickets
  • Joe Gatto
    Dec
    14
    2023
    7:00 PM
    Thu
    Joe Gatto
    98107, 1932 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $68
    Tickets
  • Seattle Kraken vs. Chicago Blackhawks
    Dec
    14
    2023
    7:00 PM
    Thu
    98109, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $151
    Tickets
  • MJ – The Musical
    Dec
    14
    2023
    7:30 PM
    Thu
    MJ – The Musical
    98101, 911 Pine St, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $137
    Tickets
  • Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. UConn Huskies
    Dec
    15
    2023
    3:30 AM
    Fri
    98109, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $263
    Tickets
  • George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
    Dec
    14
    2023
    7:30 PM
    Thu
    George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
    98109, 321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA, US
    Tickets
  • Neffex
    Dec
    15
    2023
    6:30 PM
    Fri
    98121, 2505 1st Ave, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $37
    Tickets
  • Jimmy Carr
    Dec
    15
    2023
    7:00 PM
    Fri
    98107, 1932 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $51
    Tickets
  • George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
    Dec
    15
    2023
    7:30 PM
    Fri
    George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
    98109, 321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA, US
    Tickets
  • MJ – The Musical
    Dec
    15
    2023
    8:00 PM
    Fri
    MJ – The Musical
    98101, 911 Pine St, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $137
    Tickets
  • MJ – The Musical
    Dec
    16
    2023
    2:00 PM
    Sat
    MJ – The Musical
    98101, 911 Pine St, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $137
    Tickets
  • George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
    Dec
    16
    2023
    2:00 PM
    Sat
    George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
    98109, 321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA, US
    Tickets
  • Maz Jobrani
    Dec
    16
    2023
    7:00 PM
    Sat
    98105, 1303 NE 45th Street, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $67
    Tickets
  • Seattle Kraken vs. Los Angeles Kings
    Dec
    16
    2023
    7:00 PM
    Sat
    98109, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $144
    Tickets
  • George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
    Dec
    16
    2023
    7:30 PM
    Sat
    George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
    98109, 321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA, US
    Tickets
  • Premium Tailgates Game Day Party: Seattle Seahawks vs. Philadelphia Eagles
    Dec
    17
    2023
    3:30 AM
    Sun
    Prices from $87
    Tickets
  • MJ – The Musical
    Dec
    16
    2023
    8:00 PM
    Sat
    MJ – The Musical
    98101, 911 Pine St, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $94
    Tickets
  • Apashe
    Dec
    16
    2023
    9:00 PM
    Sat
    98134, 1700 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $63
    Tickets
  • Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
    Dec
    16
    2023
    9:00 PM
    Sat
    Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
    98101, 1426 1st Ave, Seattle, WA, US
    Prices from $61
    Tickets
Show More

Best & Fun Things To Do

Seattle offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the best and most fun things to do in Seattle:

 

  • Boeing Factory Tour in Everett: Take a tour of the world’s largest building by volume and see where some of the biggest commercial airplanes are made.
  • Chihuly Garden and Glass: A stunning exhibition of Dale Chihuly’s vibrant, intricate glass sculptures. The glasshouse and garden installations are particularly beautiful.
  • Experience the Space Needle: This iconic structure offers panoramic views of the city. You can also dine in the revolving restaurant at the top.
  • Explore the neighborhoods: Each neighborhood in Seattle has its unique vibe. Spend time in Ballard for its Nordic heritage and breweries, Capitol Hill for its nightlife, or Queen Anne for its beautiful houses and views.
  • Explore the Seattle Art Museum: The museum hosts a variety of artworks from different periods and regions, including contemporary
  • The ferry ride to Bainbridge Island: The ferry ride offers some of the best views of the city and Puget Sound. Once on Bainbridge Island, you can enjoy local art, food, and wine.
  • Fremont Troll Hunt: Go in search of the famous Fremont Troll that lurks under the Aurora Bridge. While you’re in the neighborhood, check out the Fremont Sunday Market.
  • Gas Works Park: Once a gasification plant, it has now been converted into a unique public park. It provides beautiful views of the Seattle skyline and Lake Union.
  • Georgetown Trailer Park Mall: A quirky collection of vintage trailers selling all manner of eclectic items, from clothing and jewelry to art and furniture.
  • Kayaking or Paddle Boarding on Lake Union: Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the lake. You might even see some houseboats, including the one from “Sleepless in Seattle”.
  • Living Computer Museum: Play with old computers and video game systems, and learn about the history of computing.
  • Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): Check out the exhibits on music, sci-fi, and pop culture, including memorabilia from famous musicians and interactive music experiences.
  • Outdoor Movies and Concerts: During summer, you can catch outdoor movies and concerts at various parks and venues around the city.
  • Pike Place Market: A historic, bustling market with a wide variety of vendors. You’ll find everything from fresh produce and flowers to artisan crafts and antiques. Be sure to watch the fishmongers at Pike Place Fish Market toss fish to each other in a long-standing tradition.
  • Ride the Ducks of Seattle: An amphibious tour of Seattle by land and water on a World War II amphibious landing craft.
  • Savor Seattle Food Tours: Join a guided walking tour to taste your way through the city and learn about Seattle’s culinary scene.
  • Seattle Art Museum (SAM): Home to a diverse collection of artwork from around the world. It features contemporary, Indigenous, American, Asian, African, Oceanic, European, Islamic, and Australian Aboriginal art.
  • Seattle Great Wheel: Take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel on the waterfront for an amazing view of the city and Elliott Bay.
  • Seattle Underground Tour: Explore the subterranean sidewalks and old storefronts from the city’s early days in Pioneer Square.
  • Space Needle: Visiting the Space Needle is an essential Seattle experience. Take an elevator ride up to the observation deck for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, Puget Sound, and surrounding mountains.
  • The Seattle Center: A cultural complex that includes several attractions, including the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Pacific Science Center, and MoPOP.
  • The Underground Tour: A fascinating tour of the city’s old underground passages in Pioneer Square, providing a unique perspective on Seattle’s history.
  • Wine Tasting in Woodinville: Just a short drive from Seattle, you can visit Woodinville to taste Washington wines at over 100 wineries and tasting rooms.

Remember, depending on the time of your visit, some attractions may be temporarily closed, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead. Enjoy your time in Seattle!

Things To Do With Kids

Seattle is a very family-friendly city with a plethora of activities and attractions for kids of all ages. Here are some suggestions:

 

  1. Pacific Science Center: This interactive science museum located at the Seattle Center offers a wide variety of exhibits that are both fun and educational. Kids will especially love the butterfly house and planetarium.
  2. Seattle Aquarium: Located on the waterfront, the aquarium offers a close-up look at a variety of marine life. The touch pools and daily diver shows are particularly popular with kids.
  3. Woodland Park Zoo: This award-winning zoo is known for its naturalistic habitats and a wide variety of animals. It also has a petting zoo and playground.
  4. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): Kids will love the interactive exhibits at MoPOP, which focus on music, science fiction, and pop culture.
  5. Seattle Children’s Museum: Also located in the Seattle Center, this museum is designed for kids 10 and under and offers a variety of interactive exhibits that encourage learning through play.
  6. Pike Place Market: While it might seem more adult-oriented, kids will love watching the fishmongers toss fish, visiting the gum wall, and sampling some of the market’s delicious offerings.
  7. Seattle Great Wheel: Take a ride on this giant Ferris wheel on the waterfront for a fun and unique view of the city.
  8. Ride the Ducks of Seattle: These entertaining and informative tours take place on amphibious vehicles, providing a unique way to see the city by both land and water.
  9. The Museum of Flight: As one of the largest air and space museums in the world, this attraction is a must for any aspiring pilots or astronauts.
  10. Green Lake Park: Rent a paddle boat, go swimming in the summer, or just take a leisurely walk around the lake. There are also several playgrounds in the park.
  11. Gas Works Park: With its large play barn and unique structures, this park is a hit with kids. You can also fly kites and enjoy a picnic with a view of Lake Union.
  12. Olympic Sculpture Park: Free to enter, this park combines nature, art, and incredible views. It’s a great place for a family stroll.

Remember, depending on the time of your visit, some attractions may be temporarily closed, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead. Enjoy your time in Seattle!

Free Things To Do

There are several free things to do in Seattle that you may enjoy:

 

  1. Pike Place Market: One of the oldest continuously operating farmers’ markets in the United States, it offers fantastic views of Elliott Bay. It’s a great place to explore local artisanal goods, products, and flowers, even if you’re just window shopping.
  2. Washington Park Arboretum: Managed by the University of Washington and the City of Seattle, this beautiful park offers miles of free walking trails through plant collections.
  3. Frye Art Museum: This museum has a strong collection of 19th-century paintings and always offers free admission.
  4. Gas Works Park: An old gasification plant converted into a park, this space offers unique structures, great views of the city, and a wonderful place for picnicking.
  5. Olympic Sculpture Park: Part of the Seattle Art Museum, this free park displays a variety of modern and contemporary sculptures and offers stunning views of Puget Sound.
  6. Golden Gardens Park: This is a beautiful park on Puget Sound with a fantastic view of the Olympic Mountains. You can have a beach day, have a picnic, or just enjoy the sunset.
  7. Fremont Troll: This is an interactive public sculpture under the north end of the George Washington Memorial Bridge (also known as the Aurora Bridge). It’s quirky and photo-worthy.
  8. The Center for Wooden Boats: This is a maritime museum where admission is always free. They have a collection of historically significant wooden boats you can look at.
  9. Volunteer Park: Located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, the park is home to the Volunteer Park Conservatory and the Seattle Asian Art Museum. The park itself is free and great for a relaxing day.
  10. Green Lake Park: The park’s lake is circled by a 2.8-mile path for walkers, runners, skaters, and bikers. There’s also a play area for kids, sports courts, and fields.
  11. Kerry Park: Located on Queen Anne Hill, it offers one of the most iconic views of Seattle Skyline and Mt. Rainier.

Remember that although these activities do not have an admission fee, there may be costs for things like parking, food, and souvenirs.

Things to Do in Downtown Seattle

There are a multitude of interesting and fun activities to do in Downtown Seattle. Here are some:

  1. Pike Place Market: This is one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers’ markets in the United States, renowned for its fresh produce, delicious food, and unique crafts.
  2. Space Needle: One of the most iconic landmarks of Seattle, offering a fantastic 360-degree view of the city, including views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, and the beautiful Seattle skyline.
  3. Seattle Art Museum: Known as SAM, this museum has a vast collection of artworks from around the world.
  4. Seattle Aquarium: Located on the waterfront, the aquarium is a great place to learn about the marine life of the Pacific Northwest.
  5. Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): Formerly known as the EMP Museum, this non-profit museum is dedicated to contemporary popular culture, including music, science fiction, and pop culture.
  6. Chihuly Garden and Glass: This exhibit in the Seattle Center showcases the studio glass of Dale Chihuly.
  7. The Seattle Great Wheel: One of the biggest Ferris wheels in the US, offering fantastic views of the city, Puget Sound, and beyond.
  8. Pioneer Square: It’s the city’s oldest neighborhood, filled with Renaissance revival and Richardsonian Romanesque architecture.
  9. Olympic Sculpture Park: This outdoor sculpture park is run by the Seattle Art Museum and is free and open to the public.
  10. Shopping: Downtown Seattle has many shopping opportunities, including Pacific Place and Westlake Center.

Enjoy your visit to Seattle!

Seattle, Washington

Seattle, Washington