Seattle Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Seattle
This itinerary balances exciting ticketed attractions with fantastic free activities, ensuring a memorable and budget-conscious weekend for families with children aged 3-12. We've prioritized interactive experiences and included practical details like age suitability, facilities, and transportation, along with tips for saving money on meals and admissions. Expect a mix of indoor and outdoor fun, perfect for any January weather.
Friday Evening - Holiday Show & Dinner Fun
Friday, January 2Pigeon Holiday Show
Catch 'The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!
' at Seattle Children's Theatre, a brand-new musical party featuring beloved Mo Willems characters like Elephant and Piggie. It's filled with catchy tunes, silly stories, and audience antics.
This musical is recommended for ages 5 and up, making it perfect for your 3-12 year olds. The running time is approximately 80 minutes with a brief intermission. Restrooms are available on-site, and the theatre is stroller-accessible. It's a fantastic way to extend the holiday cheer and create lasting memories. Consider bringing snacks for before or after the show. Showtimes are also available at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM if 4:30 PM doesn't fit your schedule.
The theatre is located in the Seattle Center area. Paid parking garages are available nearby, or consider public transit to the Seattle Center Monorail station or bus stops in the area. Youth 18 and under ride transit for free in Seattle.
Casual Pizza Dinner
Enjoy a budget-friendly and kid-approved dinner at MOD Pizza.
They offer made-to-order individual pizzas with fresh ingredients, allowing everyone to customize their meal.
MOD Pizza is a great option for families as each pizza is affordably priced, ensuring even picky eaters find something they like. They have high chairs available and a casual atmosphere. The 'super fast' service means less waiting for hungry kids. Consider sharing salads to keep costs down.
Located downtown, it's a short walk or quick public transit ride from Seattle Children's Theatre. Paid street parking or nearby garages are options if driving. Public transport is convenient for families with free rides for youth under 18.
Saturday - Winter Wonderland & Indoor Play
Saturday, January 3Museum Winter Fun
Dive into the festive 'Rainier Ridge' experience at the Seattle Children's Museum.
The entire museum transforms into a winter wonderland with activities like sock skating, a miniature sledding hill, winter crafts, and play vendors.
Rainier Ridge offers endless opportunities for winter play and is included with standard museum admission. Kids can spin on the sock skating rink, build snow people, balance on snowboards, and enjoy winter-themed stories. It's perfect for energetic kids of all ages. Restrooms and stroller access are excellent. The museum requires masks for ages 3+ on Sundays until noon, but check current policies for Saturday.
Located at Seattle Center, there's paid parking available in garages nearby. It's also easily accessible via Seattle Center Monorail or various bus routes. Youth 18 and under ride free on public transit.
Seattle Center Lunch
Enjoy a casual lunch at the Armory at Seattle Center.
This food hall offers a wide variety of affordable food options from different vendors, ensuring everyone in the family finds something they like.
The Armory is a convenient and budget-friendly lunch spot right next to the Children's Museum. It provides plenty of seating, restrooms, and a lively atmosphere. Kids will love choosing their own meals from diverse cuisines. This allows for quick, easy, and affordable dining without leaving the Seattle Center campus.
Already at Seattle Center from the Children's Museum visit. Very easy walk.
Indoor Play Fun
Head to PlayDate SEA, an 8,000-square-foot indoor playground with a three-story structure, interactive dance floors, climbing areas, and a dedicated toddler zone.
It's a fantastic place for kids to burn off energy, especially on a potentially rainy Seattle day.
Recommended for children up to 12 years, PlayDate SEA is a dream for energetic kids. Adults are free, but everyone needs socks! They have a cafe with food and drinks. Restrooms are available, and the facility is clean. It can get busy on weekends, so arriving mid-afternoon might be a good strategy.
Located in South Lake Union, it's a short drive from Seattle Center. Paid street parking can be limited, so consider rideshare or public transit if available to the area.
Family Dinner Delight
Enjoy an early family dinner at a kid-friendly restaurant like Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria, known for its delicious pizzas and welcoming atmosphere.
Tutta Bella offers a great dining experience for families with tasty pizzas that kids love. They typically have high chairs and a relaxed environment. Ordering a few different pizzas to share can be a fun and budget-friendly way to eat. Early dinner timing is perfect for winding down before bedtime.
Depending on the chosen location, parking will vary. The South Lake Union location would be close to PlayDate SEA. Public transit is also an option.
Sunday - Markets, Parks & Free Fun
Sunday, January 4Ballard Farmers Market
Explore the vibrant Ballard Farmers Market, Seattle's first year-round neighborhood farmers market.
Stroll through stalls offering fresh produce, local foods, and artisan goods. Enjoy the lively atmosphere with street performers and the chance to sample delicious treats.
The market is open rain or shine, making it a great Sunday morning outing. Kids will enjoy the sights, sounds, and possibly some samples. It’s perfect for picking up fresh snacks or ingredients for a simple family meal later. Restrooms are available in nearby businesses or public facilities. Stroller-friendly, but can get crowded.
Street parking is free on Sundays in Ballard. The market is also well-served by bus routes.
Discovery Park Play
Head to Discovery Park, Seattle's largest city park, and enjoy its updated playground.
It features multi-level climbing structures, a zip line, swings, and areas for different ages. After playtime, take an easy walk on one of the park's trails to enjoy the natural beauty and Puget Sound views.
The playground is designed for kids ages 2-12 with accessible features. It's surrounded by tall trees, offering some shade. The Visitor Center (open until 5 PM) has restrooms. It’s an ideal spot for kids to get some fresh air and burn off energy. Pack a light picnic or snacks.
Parking is available at the Visitor Center parking lot (can fill up on nice days). Alternatively, street parking near the park's east entrance is an option.
Kids Eat Free Dinner
Cap off the weekend with a budget-friendly dinner where kids eat free or nearly free.
Dickey's Barbecue Pit offers a free kid's meal (ages 12 and under) with a minimum $10 adult purchase on Sundays.
This is a great value for families, allowing for a delicious meal without breaking the bank. Always call ahead to confirm the 'kids eat free' deal at your chosen location, as participation and terms can vary. Early dinner timing helps maintain bedtimes for the upcoming school week.
Transportation will depend on the specific Dickey's location chosen. Most locations have ample parking.
This weekend itinerary for Seattle can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.