Things to Do in Seattle with Teens
A City That Clicks with Teens
Seattle offers an ideal blend of urban energy, natural beauty, and youth-focused attractions that make it a top destination for families traveling with teenagers. From high-tech experiences and outdoor adventures to pop culture museums and hidden gems, we’ve compiled the most exciting things to do in Seattle with teens to keep them engaged, entertained, and inspired.
Explore the Future at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Located next to the iconic Space Needle, MoPOP is a teen favorite. With exhibits dedicated to music, science fiction, video games, and horror films, this museum allows teens to dive into interactive displays that speak directly to their interests.
Popular exhibits include:
The Sound Lab, where teens can try out instruments in soundproof booths
Indie Game Revolution, featuring playable games and behind-the-scenes developer interviews
Fantasy: Worlds of Myth and Magic, perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and Lord of the Rings
Visit the Seattle Aquarium on the Waterfront
For teens who love marine life or are interested in biology, the Seattle Aquarium is both educational and fun. Located on Pier 59, this waterfront attraction includes:
A walk-through underwater dome
Touch tanks with sea stars and urchins
Regular feedings and diver shows featuring sea otters, seals, and giant octopuses
Ride to the Top of the Space Needle
The Space Needle remains Seattle’s most famous landmark for good reason. Teens will be wowed by the high-speed elevator ride and the 360-degree views of Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and the city skyline.
The Loupe, the world’s first rotating glass floor, gives teens the perfect photo opportunity for social media.
Chihuly Garden and Glass: A Visual Feast for Creative Teens
Adjacent to the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass offers stunning installations of blown-glass art. The vivid colors, surreal shapes, and dramatic lighting make this a must-see spot for artistic teens and Instagram lovers.
Don’t miss:
The Glasshouse, a 40-foot-tall structure filled with bright orange and red glass forms
The outdoor garden, where glass sculptures blend seamlessly with real plants
Pike Place Market: A Feast for the Senses
Pike Place Market isn’t just for foodies. It’s an immersive, sensory experience filled with street performers, quirky shops, and flying fish.
Teens will enjoy:
Sampling global snacks and drinks
Browsing vintage stores, comic book stalls, and handmade art stands
Visiting the original Starbucks store
For photo-lovers, the nearby Gum Wall in Post Alley is gross, colorful, and totally worth a quick snap.
Experience the Underground at Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
If your teen is a fan of ghost stories or history, the Seattle Underground Tour in Pioneer Square is a must-do. This guided walking tour takes you beneath the city’s sidewalks to discover the buried remnants of old Seattle, destroyed in the Great Fire of 1889.
Highlights include:
Tales of saloon culture, shady deals, and architectural oddities
Spooky vibes perfect for thrill-seeking teens
Shop and Skate at Seattle Center
The Seattle Center Armory offers shopping, food, and public events all year long. But for teens, the Skate Bowl near the International Fountain is the main draw. Pack a board or rent one nearby for a full afternoon of tricks and people-watching.
The Armory also hosts live performances, festivals, and seasonal events like Winterfest, which includes an indoor ice rink.
Discover Science in Action at the Pacific Science Center
If your teen is into hands-on experiments and high-tech exhibits, the Pacific Science Center is packed with interactive displays.
Teen-friendly favorites:
Virtual reality simulations
Planetarium shows
Laser Dome concerts synced to music by artists like Pink Floyd or Beyoncé
The butterfly house is another calming stop, with dozens of species flying freely around the tropical garden.
Catch a Game: Mariners, Seahawks, or Sounders
Seattle’s sports culture is electric. Depending on the season, take your teen to a Mariners baseball game at T-Mobile Park, a Seahawks NFL game at Lumen Field, or a Sounders soccer match.
Highlights include:
High-energy fan zones
Stadium food like garlic fries and bubble tea
Affordable upper deck seats with great views
Kayak or Paddleboard on Lake Union
For active teens who love being outdoors, Lake Union offers kayak and paddleboard rentals with views of downtown Seattle and the iconic houseboats (including the one from Sleepless in Seattle).
No experience? Many outfitters offer short lessons, and the lake’s calm waters are beginner friendly.
Visit during sunset for a golden view of the skyline.
Tour the Amazon Spheres
Tech-savvy teens will be intrigued by a visit to the Amazon Spheres, three futuristic glass domes housing a botanical jungle in the middle of the city. It’s like stepping into a science fiction movie.
While public access is limited to certain days, you can still explore nearby Amazon HQ buildings, public art installations, and visit Amazon Go, the cashier-less store that uses just your phone.
Take a Ride on the Seattle Great Wheel
Standing 175 feet tall on the Seattle waterfront, the Seattle Great Wheel offers panoramic views of the Puget Sound. The climate-controlled gondolas make it a great activity in any season.
For an upgraded experience, book the VIP gondola, which includes leather seats and a glass floor.
Explore the Fremont and Capitol Hill Neighborhoods
For older teens who want to feel a bit more independent, these neighborhoods offer trendy coffee shops, vintage boutiques, record stores, and murals around every corner.
Fremont highlights:
The quirky Fremont Troll under the bridge
Artisan markets and indie bookstores
Capitol Hill highlights:
A vibrant Asian food scene
Unique places like the Volunteer Park Conservatory and Elliott Bay Book Company
Hike Discovery Park or Take in Views from Kerry Park
Seattle isn’t all skyscrapers and coffee shops. If your teens need fresh air, take them on an urban hike.
Discovery Park offers over 500 acres of forest trails, cliffs, and beaches. It’s a great spot for spotting wildlife or having a quiet family moment.
Kerry Park is tiny but delivers the most iconic photo of the Seattle skyline, especially at dusk when the city lights up.
Conclusion
Seattle has something for every kind of teen—whether they’re into tech, sports, science, nature, or art. With its walkable neighborhoods, thrilling activities, and vibrant youth culture, it’s easy to keep your teens entertained and excited throughout your trip.
From interactive museums to kayaking on Lake Union, and from photo-worthy landmarks to underground ghost stories, Seattle makes for a fun, memorable destination for families traveling with teens. Plan ahead, pace your days, and let your teens lead the way as you explore this eclectic and energetic city.