Wet feet can really bring you down on a dreary day. It’s easy to just snuggle up on the couch, sip some hot cocoa and wait for the sun to show up.
We don’t really have that option in Seattle.
Some say that it rains 9 months out of the year. I don’t know if that’s actually true, but we do have our fair share of drizzles and storms rolling through.
I can’t really stay at home with a toddler and baby for 9 months, so I have to get creative and find indoor spaces to go out and explore when cabin fever sets in. There is no end of things to do in Seattle when it rains, but finding things to do with kids every day can get tedious. Whether you head inside or out though, you can get everyone out, inhale some fresh air, and meet a few friends, while also staying dry and warm.
There are loads of things to do on a rainy day in Seattle with kids at indoor kid zones and funapoloozas, but I want something that gets me excited and out the door as well.
Volunteer Park Conservatory
The flowers may be enjoying their little bath, but I need a little break from puddles and wet pants. Hop over to the Volunteer Park Conservatory. Shed your coat and soak in the green house humidity. Sit on a bench while you watch the kids run around. Go on a scavenger hunt for prickly beasts, waterfalls and a lemon tree. Round out your trip with a short latte at the Volunteer Park Café.
Pacific Science Center Butterfly room
If it’s cold and raining, as most of winter seems to be in Seattle, make your way to the Butterfly Room at Seattle’s science museum. Oh sure you could play in the toddler area and hang out with the dinosaurs, but when I need to put a smile on my face after I haven’t seen the sun in over a week I like to be reminded that there is beauty still flourishing somewhere in the city.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Seattle’s latest museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass is a color explosion sure to dazzle your eyes and chase away those rainy day blues. This museum should be on your list of things to do in Seattle when it rains, and even when it doesn’t, every single time. Grab your kid’s hand and saunter through a forest of glass.
Tell the tale of Dek the Pirate (or whatever your child’s name is) as he heroically sailed the mirror black sea in a boat filled with fragile bubbles. All will gasp in astonishment as they learn that Dek didn’t break a single one as he battled the sea serpent and rescued the mommy from certain death.
Seattle Central Library
Why not wrap yourself in adventure when the weather threatens to drown you in misery? Books can transport you to a sunny beach, a far off land filled with dragons and knights, or down a dark hole as you follow the white rabbit to a tea party filled with delicious treats. The Seattle Central Library holds 362,987 square feet of spirit lifting tales, but if you aren’t in the mood to read you can still marvel at this architectural wonder designed by Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Prince-Ramus. This building is on every list of things to do in Seattle on a rainy day out there and for good reason.
Seattle Aquarium
If the zoo has turned into a river of floating animals you can always head downtown to the aquarium where the animals actually float. Stroke a starfish, ogle a few jellyfish and wave at our (not so tiny anymore) baby otter. She’s quite the looker I hear.
Pike Place Market
Two words- comfort food. Rain always makes me want to snuggle up with a hot beverage and some sort of pastry. If we need a break from the house the kids and I head down to the market for crumpets, fresh donuts, croissants, macarons, a little fresh fruit, cheese and any number of other goodies we can sample along the way.
Head to the Seattle Mountains
If it’s raining in Seattle, remember, it’s usually snowing in the mountains. There are plenty of things to do in Seattle, but even more fun outside of the city. Why not head east into the Cascades to build a snowman, do a little sledding or hit the slopes. Ski lessons start at 3 years old on many mountains!
Seattle Planning Guide
Hotels in Seattle
- Inn at the Market: Top rated hotel right by iconic Pike Place Market. Free Wi-Fi, breakfast available.
- The Maxwell Hotel: Free Wi-Fi, bicycle rentals available, pool, pet-friendly
- The State Hotel: Family friendly (children activities on site), pet-friendly, free Wi-Fi
Looking for more? Search for a great deal on Expedia.com!
Pike Place Market would be 1st on my list. To be honest – any place with good food would be 1st on my list. 😀